"It's way better 'cause I was at my prison yard, I'm seeing guys getting stabbed, get jumped, get beat up, the cops treat us like sh**. But here, we get better treatment, right? They talk to us like humans...
"We're underpaid, but we got a job. You feel me? And then, the community comes out and shows us all kinds of love. We never received that growing up, never received that kind of love, that kind of recognition for anything we've done."
-Anonymous incarcerated firefighter interviewed by LA livestreamer HasanAbi on Sunday night
So, so much needs to change. Lots of people are talking right now about the role of incarcerated firefighters in LA.
Prisoners, disproportionately poor and people of color, have been mobilized to fight fires in the US since WWII. (Smithsonian) It is both a strikingly exploitive part (paid $5-$30 per very dangerous 24 hour day) of the socio-economic system we have built around fire, and widely seen as one of the best jobs in the generally dystopian US prison labor system. (ACLU)
For some, this leads to good jobs in fire after release; see an organization called The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, for example. Relatedly, check out this insightful blog post several years ago about firefighting as an amazing practice of collaboration that the business world would be well served to learn from (not as a poorly used metaphor for haphazard work).
Ultimately, these LA fires are prompting conversations about expanding our scope of consideration: including the perspectives of incarcerated firefighters, the neglected lessons of history (see this 1962 LAPD documentary about the Bel Air Conflagration, also started by Santa Ana wins at the dense urban interface of LA), and more.
Expanding our maps of who, what, and when matters is one of the ways we can respond to disaster in a way that makes us stronger and more resilient for the future.
-Marshall Kirkpatrick
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A Visual of the Day
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Visual of the Day
Mysterious Beach Pollution
The Guardian reports on a concerning pattern of unidentified "grease balls" washing up on Sydney's northern beaches, forcing closures at multiple locations and echoing similar incidents from late 2024. This photo shows a cross-section of one of these marble-sized debris balls found at Manly Beach, which environmental authorities have linked to previous cases containing fatty acids and petroleum hydrocarbons, highlighting ongoing concerns about waste management and ocean pollution along Australia's eastern coastline.
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (15 stories) - PFAS contamination crisis in US farmland, while Nobel laureates push for food security solutions; AgriCapture launches major rice carbon credits; Formo secures $36M for alt-dairy; global coffee prices spike amid extreme weather
Carbon (10 stories) - Equinor's CO2 storage shortfall at Sleipner, new carbon-storing building materials research, and Woodcache PBC's biochar initiatives highlight storage challenges amid record global temperatures
Circular (2 stories) - Food waste prevention policies needed as UC Davis/ReFED study shows recycling falls short; Li-Cycle advances battery recycling with new share offering
Ecosystems (14 stories) - Antarctic ice melt-volcano link discovered; IUCN reports 25% freshwater species extinction risk; San Rafael and Chuckwalla protected areas expanded; Marineland beluga deaths continue; illegal lynx release in Cairngorms
Efficiency (10 stories) - State initiatives in CA, MD, and NY fund building electrification; DOE grants $11.6M for efficiency projects; data center power consumption concerns grow amid AI expansion; Vancouver showcases thermal networks; Brazil targets shower upgrades
Finance (15 stories) - Peace Renewable Energy Credits, HeavyFinance's €3.62M raise, BlackRock's NZAM exit, Apollo's $3B clean energy fund, and Schroders' £5.2B sustainable mandate highlight volatile climate finance landscape
Grid (15 stories) - DOE grants $2.5B for grid upgrades including Texas transmission line, while Hydrostor secures $1.76B for California storage and PJM reforms could unlock 26GW capacity; ABB acquires Lumin for smart load management as MISO and Texas face mounting grid pressures
Indigenous (15 stories) - Indigenous-led conservation spans Bolivia's 500,889-acre Pando reserve, Kenya's communal lands, Brazil's Krahô territory, Alaska's Utqiagvik whaling practices, and Australia's clean energy partnerships, while fire management unites Native knowledge with modern practices across California and global networks
Industry (8 stories) - SSAB exits Mississippi green steel plans as global H2 production lags; Leadmicro advances TOPCon solar tech; WA funds steel and battery initiatives amid US-Mexico toxic waste concerns
Policy (57 stories) - Environmental justice advocates block fossil fuel fast-track bill, while El Salvador lifts mining ban and CJA names KD Chavez as Executive Director; EPA issues methane rules as White House secures $74bn climate funding amid Trump policy threats
Renewables (30 stories) - Global energy leaders target 530GW renewable growth as UAE plans 5GW solar facility, while Denver Federal Center, Meta, Shell, and Amazon advance major clean energy projects; TOPCon solar tech gains market share as Jupiter International and Roltec expand manufacturing
Transport (23 stories) - GOGO's Uganda e-motorcycle success, BYD outpacing Tesla in Q4, GM/EVgo's 2,850 charger rollout, while Škoda Enyaq hits 350-mile range and Aptera debuts solar EV at CES 2024
Agriculture
PFAS contamination crisis in US farmland, while Nobel laureates push for food security solutions; AgriCapture launches major rice carbon credits; Formo secures $36M for alt-dairy; global coffee prices spike amid extreme weather
‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge may taint nearly 70 million farmland acres (EWG) - Sewage sludge used as fertilizer may have contaminated nearly 70 million acres of American farmland with PFAS chemicals, industry data shows.
Nobel prize winners call for urgent ‘moonshot’ effort to avert global hunger catastrophe (The Guardian) - Over 150 Nobel and World Food Prize laureates have urged immediate research action to increase food production ahead of a looming 2050 global hunger crisis.
‘We are crying for rain’: Suriname’s villages go hungry as drought bites (The Guardian) - Severe drought has left 40,000 people across 52 Surinamese villages facing hunger and water shortages as rivers hit record lows, disrupting vital transportation networks.
Will Oregon become the 13th state to save the bees? (Environment America) - Oregon lawmakers weigh joining 12 other states in limiting neonicotinoid pesticides, as bee populations continue declining under current regulations that vary from outright bans to restricted-use policies.
AgriCapture and Artemeter form strategic partnership in carbon markets (AgriCapture) - Carbon credit firms AgriCapture and Artemeter have partnered to deliver 30,000 metric tons of carbon credits through America's largest rice methane reduction project across five states.
Guest article: How extreme weather is shaping the future of coffee (AgFundNews) - Global coffee prices surge as extreme weather in Brazil and Vietnam pushes Arabica to 50-year highs and Robusta up 93%, threatening worldwide supplies amid rising demand.
EPA report confirms PFAS in food from tainted sludge on crop fields (EWG) - Federal study reveals millions of U.S. farmland acres contain PFAS chemicals from sewage sludge fertilizers, threatening food supplies and public health.
Chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizer used on farms pose cancer risk, EPA says (The Guardian) - Federal regulators warn that PFAS chemicals found in sewage sludge fertilizers on farmland pose significant cancer risks to consumers who regularly eat products from treated fields.
Plantopia turns to sprouted oats for cost-effective production of animal-free dairy (AgFunderNews) - Israeli startup Plantopia aims to produce animal-free dairy proteins using sprouted oats, with pilot-scale casein production slated for late 2025.
The Fate Of Our Food Systems Is Wrapped Up In Climate Change & Plant Nutrition (CleanTechnica) - Rising carbon dioxide levels have spurred 30% more plant growth globally while depleting vital nutrients in crops, posing risks to food security worldwide.
Formo secures $36m in venture debt funding to scale animal-free fermentation platform (AgFunderNews) - Berlin-based Formo has secured $36M in venture debt from the European Investment Bank to scale production of koji-based cheese alternatives and precision-fermented dairy proteins.
Remove subsidies to solve India’s fertilizer-overuse problem (Nature) - Direct payments to farmers could replace India's $14 billion fertilizer subsidies to manufacturers, as policymakers seek solutions to excessive chemical use in agriculture.
Sifting Through the 2024 Spending Deal, and Looking Ahead to 2025 (NSAC) - Congress approved a $30 billion relief package extending the Farm Bill through 2025, allocating $20 billion for disaster aid and $10 billion to commodity farmers.
Forgotten Minerals #2: Caliche (Ed Conway) - Chile extracts 720,000 tonnes of caliche yearly for nitrogen fertilizer, persisting with traditional mining despite synthetic alternatives from the Haber-Bosch process.
Cameroon aims to double cacao, coffee production, yet also save forests (Mongabay) - Cameroon has secured $60 million to double its cacao and coffee output while pledging to protect forests, following the loss of 204,000 hectares in 2023.
Carbon
Equinor's CO2 storage shortfall at Sleipner, new carbon-storing building materials research, and Woodcache PBC's biochar initiatives highlight storage challenges amid record global temperatures
The World’s Northernmost Coal Mine Closing Is Good News… Right? (Atmos) - Norway's closure of its last Arctic coal mine raises geopolitical tensions, as the Svalbard community fears increased Russian presence in the strategic northern region.
The World’s Northernmost Coal Mine Closing Is Good News… Right? (Atmos) - Norway's closure of its last Arctic coal mine raises geopolitical tensions, as the Svalbard community fears increased Russian presence in the strategic northern region.
Global temperature in 2024 hits record 1.55°C over pre-industrial level (Mongabay) - Global temperatures soared to 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024, breaching the critical 1.5°C threshold for the first time with record-breaking readings across all six months from January to June.
Building materials designed to store CO2 could be the key to meeting global climate targets (Anthropocene Magazine) - Carbon-storing alternatives to conventional building materials could capture 16.6 gigatons of CO2 yearly through specialized versions of concrete, brick, asphalt, plastic, and wood.
Exclusive: Norway’s Equinor Forced to Withdraw Key Carbon Capture Claim (DeSmog) - Norwegian energy giant Equinor has withdrawn claims of storing 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually at Sleipner after data revealed actual storage was just 106,000 tonnes in 2023.
The Forest Solutions (EnergyCentral) - Global reforestation and afforestation efforts could offset 25% of carbon emissions while providing vital ecosystem benefits, according to new research examining carbon financing strategies.
Optera and VECKTA Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Corporate Decarbonization (Optera) - Two leading energy solutions firms join forces to help companies cut emissions through integrated software that combines carbon tracking with renewable deployment strategies.
Study shows hot leaves can’t catch carbon from the air. It’s bad news for rainforests – and Earth (The Conversation) - Tropical rainforest leaves show a 35% drop in photosynthesis when heated by 4°C, suggesting forests may lose their vital role in absorbing Earth's carbon emissions.
2025 Carbon Removal Challenge Alumni Webinar! (OpenAir Collective) - Former finalists share insights and guidance for carbon capture project development during upcoming webinar panel ahead of 2025 competition.
This Is CDR: Woodcache PBC - Transforming Wood Waste Into Carbon Removals (This Is CDR) - Harvard MBA graduate Serge Bushman leads Woodcache PBC in converting forest waste and biomass into biochar and engineered wood products for carbon storage.
Circular
Food waste prevention policies needed as UC Davis/ReFED study shows recycling falls short; Li-Cycle advances battery recycling with new share offering
Food waste reduction targets ‘out of reach’ without major changes to state-level policy, say UC Davis, ReFED (AgFunderNews) - New research reveals US goals to halve food waste by 2030 remain unachievable unless states pivot from recycling toward prevention-focused policies, according to findings from UC Davis and ReFED.
Li-Cycle Announces Launch of Proposed Underwritten Public Offering (Li-Cycle) - Battery recycling firm Li-Cycle launches public offering of shares and warrants, with Aegis Capital Corp. managing the capital-raising initiative as sole book-runner.
Ecosystems
Antarctic ice melt-volcano link discovered; IUCN reports 25% freshwater species extinction risk; San Rafael and Chuckwalla protected areas expanded; Marineland beluga deaths continue; illegal lynx release in Cairngorms
Melting Glaciers In Antarctica May Encourage More Volcanic Activity (CleanTechnica) - Scientists warn that reduced pressure from melting Antarctic ice sheets could unleash more volcanic eruptions, potentially accelerating further ice loss across the continent.
Atlantis Press (Atlantis Press) - Scientists develop advanced forest fire monitoring system that combines multi-sensor fusion and 4G networks to provide early warnings and assess fire danger levels.
1 in 4 freshwater species worldwide at risk of extinction: Study (Mongabay) - One in four freshwater species globally face extinction, with East Africa, South America and South Asia showing the highest risks, according to new IUCN Red List data.
‘Assume the worst’: fears rise that LA drinking water could be contaminated (The Guardian) - Officials warn millions of Los Angeles residents not to drink tap water amid fears that wildfires could contaminate water systems with toxic chemicals from burning infrastructure.
Know Your Insects & Save Them, Too: The North American Giant Stag Beetle (CleanTechnica) - First-ever footage of North American Giant Stag Beetles battling emerges, as experts emphasize dead wood's vital importance to the species' survival.
Property developers installing as few as half of promised ecological features – new report (The Conversation) - Property developers across Britain are installing just 53% of pledged ecological features in new developments - and only 34% when excluding street trees - a new audit of 42 sites reveals.
News spotlight: A quarter of freshwater species face extinction, study finds (Conservation International) - Global freshwater ecosystems, home to 10% of Earth's species in less than 1% of surface area, face crisis as dams, farms, pollution and invasive species threaten 25% with extinction.
New protection announced for the endangered Chiquitania dry tropical forest: Expansion of the San Rafael municipal protected area (Andes Amazon Fund) - Bolivia has expanded the San Rafael protected area by 725,664 acres to shield the endangered Chiquitano dry tropical forest from deforestation and fires.
New protection announced for the endangered Chiquitania dry tropical forest: Expansion of the San Rafael municipal protected area (Andes Amazon Fund) - Bolivia has expanded the San Rafael protected area by 725,664 acres to shield the endangered Chiquitano dry tropical forest from deforestation and fires.
Our Newest National Monuments, Public Lands, and What’s at Stake (LCV) - President Biden's designation of California's Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands monuments brings his conservation total to 15 protected sites and 674 million acres of preserved lands and waters.
Two Sydney beaches still closed after mystery debris ‘grease balls’ washed ashore (The Guardian) - Two Sydney beaches remain shut after authorities investigate mysterious marble-sized "grease balls" that forced nine beaches to close when they washed ashore.
Five years, multiple deaths: what is happening at the home of the last captive whales in Canada? (The Guardian) - Five beluga deaths at Ontario's Marineland in 2024 add to the park's toll of over 20 whale and dolphin fatalities since 2019, raising concerns about Canada's last captive cetaceans.
AZ & USFS Struggle To Balance Protecting Nature & Letting People Enjoy It (CleanTechnica) - Surging post-pandemic tourism and infrastructure upgrades have intensified Arizona and US Forest Service efforts to balance preservation with rising outdoor recreation demands.
Lynx in Scotland: why illegal attempts to reintroduce lost species are surprisingly common (The Conversation) - Unauthorized release of four lynx in Scotland's Cairngorms reflects a growing trend of illegal species reintroductions across Europe, including numerous cases of unsanctioned beaver releases.
Efficiency
State initiatives in CA, MD, and NY fund building electrification; DOE grants $11.6M for efficiency projects; data center power consumption concerns grow amid AI expansion; Vancouver showcases thermal networks; Brazil targets shower upgrades
California Governor’s budget proposal maintains over $500 million for equitable building decarbonization (Building Decarb Coalition) - California's Governor proposes maintaining $500 million for building decarbonization efforts while adding $2 million to fund neighborhood-scale clean energy pilot projects.
Maryland Advances Building Decarbonization into 2025 (Building Decarb Central) - Maryland's governor signs executive orders requiring state building electrification and heat equipment standards, aiming to slash building emissions 20% by 2030.
AI and electricity: Are data centres the new aluminium smelters of demand – and how will we power them? (RenewEconomy) - Global data centres could match aluminium smelting's power demands by 2030, consuming 1,500 TWh annually as AI drives rapid expansion despite efficiency gains.
U.S. Department of Energy Awards $11 Million to 49 State, Local, and Tribal Governments to Support Community Energy Projects (CleanTechnica) - The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $11.6 million to help 49 state, local, and tribal governments implement energy efficiency projects through the EECBG Program.
Brazil: How to reduce emissions - 3 solutions! (Energy Central) - Brazil could slash emissions by tackling power theft, eliminating political energy projects, and swapping 30 million instant showers for thermal storage systems, experts say.
Building Decarbonization Could Push Out Low-Income Renters. A San Francisco Program Hopes to Prevent That (InsideClimateNews) - San Francisco's new program funds building decarbonization for low-income rental properties while protecting tenants from displacement.
A Visit to the Future of Energy: BDC Leads Tour to Vancouver to Study Thermal Energy Networks (Building Decarbonization Coalition) - A delegation led by BDC toured Vancouver's thermal energy networks, which serve millions of square feet using waste heat recovery and geothermal systems.
Could Keir Starmer’s AI dream derail his own green energy promise? (The Guardian) - Labour's ambitious AI expansion plan, targeting a 2,000% boost in computing power by 2030, risks undermining Britain's clean energy goals due to data centers' enormous power consumption.
New York Gov. Hochul’s Bright Idea: $1 Billion for Climate Investment (Advanced Energy United) - Governor Hochul unveiled a $1 billion climate initiative targeting home retrofits and heat pump installations during her 2025 State of the State address.
8 Effective Approaches & Solutions For Electrifying Your Home (CleanTechnica) - Energy experts outline eight essential steps for home electrification, from audits and insulation to solar panels and EV charging, with guidance on implementation and current incentives.
Finance
Peace Renewable Energy Credits, HeavyFinance's €3.62M raise, BlackRock's NZAM exit, Apollo's $3B clean energy fund, and Schroders' £5.2B sustainable mandate highlight volatile climate finance landscape
An opportunity for new climate finance innovations to expand energy access in fragile countries (Energy Peace Partners) - New research examines how Peace Renewable Energy Credits could attract diverse investors, including philanthropies and venture capitalists, to fund clean energy projects in conflict-affected nations.
Portfolio Performance Review (December 2024) (HeavyFinance) - Agricultural lending platform HeavyFinance secured 3.62M EUR in December investments, funding 86 farmer loans while maintaining a 74.8% on-time repayment rate.
Cerea and Demeter: Agreement Signed with a View to Merge (Demeter-IM) - French investment firms Cerea Partners and Demeter Investment Managers will merge to create Demea Invest, uniting their agri-food and energy transition expertise under one banner.
Net Zero Investor Coalition Hits Pause After BlackRock Exit (ESGToday) - Asset management coalition NZAM halts operations as BlackRock, which managed $9.1 trillion in assets, exits due to U.S. political and regulatory pressures.
Nobody’s insurance rates are safe from climate change (Yale Climate Connections) - Rising extreme weather events linked to climate change have triggered soaring insurance rates and coverage withdrawals across America, with property damages forcing widespread market instability.
Vacancy: Data analyst (Carbon Brief) - Leading climate journalism outlet seeks data analyst with Python/R expertise to examine energy trends, offering hybrid work and competitive pay.
Vacancy: Data analyst (Carbon Brief) - Leading climate journalism outlet seeks data analyst with Python/R expertise to examine energy trends, offering hybrid work and competitive pay.
NatureMetrics Raises $25 Million to Scale Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Platform (ESGToday) - UK-based biotech firm NatureMetrics has secured $25 million in Series B funding to expand its DNA-based biodiversity monitoring platform for corporate environmental reporting.
Apollo, Standard Chartered Launch $3 Billion Energy Transition Financing Partnership (ESGToday) - Apollo and Standard Chartered will deploy $3 billion in clean energy financing through Apollo's ACT Capital and Apterra platform.
The Great ESG Retreat (Heatmap News) - U.S. financial giants are abandoning their climate pledges following Republican pushback and Trump's win at the polls.
LS Power Donates to Los Angeles Wildfires (LS Power) - Energy giant LS Power commits $50,000 to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts, including $40,000 in direct aid and $10,000 in employee donation matching through various organizations.
Earth-positive 2025 (CDP) - Global environmental watchdog CDP pledges to drive Earth-positive decisions through data transparency and corporate partnerships, targeting 21,000 companies worth $27 trillion by 2025.
Philanthropic foundations must step in to shield science from Trump’s cuts (Nature) - Private foundations are being called upon to protect billions in US science funding, as the White House signals cuts to research on infectious diseases, inequality and climate change.
Schroders Wins $6.3 Billion Sustainable Investing Mandate from SJP (ESGToday) - Investment manager Schroders secures £5.2B ($6.3B) mandate from St. James's Place to manage their Sustainable & Responsible Equity fund under FCA's new sustainability requirements.
ERM Acquires Newfields’ Environmental Division (ESGToday) - Global sustainability consultancy ERM expands its capabilities with the acquisition of NewFields' Environmental Division, adding 110 experts in remediation and risk assessment.
Grid
DOE grants $2.5B for grid upgrades including Texas transmission line, while Hydrostor secures $1.76B for California storage and PJM reforms could unlock 26GW capacity; ABB acquires Lumin for smart load management as MISO and Texas face mounting grid pressures
Compressed air storage pioneer secures billion-dollar loan to deliver 8 hours back-up to California grid (RenewEconomy) - Canadian firm Hydrostor has secured a $1.76B US government loan for a 500MW/4GWh compressed air storage project that will provide 8-hour grid backup in California.
US Building a Better Grid Awards | January 2025 (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy has allocated $2.5 billion for grid upgrades, including $360 million for a high-voltage transmission line linking Texas to the southeastern United States.
Wildfires are too much for municipal water systems. In Los Angeles, firefighters tried anyway. (High Country News) - Los Angeles firefighters battled depleted tanks and low hydrant pressure as inadequate municipal water systems failed to protect 12,000 structures from destruction during recent wildfires.
PJM’s proposal to unlock unused interconnection capacity gains broad support (Utility Dive) - Grid operator PJM's proposal to revise interconnection rules could unlock 26 GW of unused capacity for its July 2025 auction, drawing broad industry backing.
US battery market faces possible ‘significant tariff impacts’: Clean Energy Associates (Utility Dive) - Chinese battery imports could face combined tariffs up to 150%, potentially raising 5-MWh system prices 8% by 2028 despite falling lithium costs, according to U.S. trade proposals.
Replacing fossil fuel-fired ‘peaker plants’ can help Massachusetts meet climate goals, according to new report (CommonWealth Beacon) - New report identifies six Massachusetts fossil fuel peaker plants as prime targets for clean energy conversion, potentially reducing emissions in disadvantaged areas while advancing state's 2050 net-zero goals.
ABB Acquires Lumin, Expanding Residential Energy Management Portfolio (PowerMag) - Global technology firm ABB has acquired U.S.-based Lumin, enhancing its residential energy portfolio with smart load management and behind-the-meter consumption technology for North American homes.
Estonia Choosing Site for Nuclear Power Plant With GE Hitachi Reactors (POWER) - Estonia's Fermi Energia has initiated site selection for the nation's first nuclear facility, planning to deploy two GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors by 2035.
In a major reversal, the World Bank is backing mega dams (Climate Change News) - The World Bank has approved $6.3 billion for Tajikistan's Rogun Dam, ending its ten-year opposition to large hydroelectric projects.
STATEMENT: Biden issues executive order to fast-track data centers for AI (Environment America) - President Biden's order accelerates data center construction on federal land, requiring developers to fund infrastructure and match 100% of energy consumption with clean power sources.
“Speed and scale”: Biden signs landmark executive order to accelerate AI, clean energy infrastructure (Renewable Energy World) - President Biden's executive order mandates federal land leases for gigawatt-scale AI data centers powered by clean energy, with expedited transmission development across Department of Energy and Military sites.
Idaho utility adding biggest battery in the state to enhance resiliency (Renewable Energy World) - Idaho Power's new 200MW/800MWh battery system, contracted to Prevalon Energy and slated for 2026, will be the state's largest energy storage facility.
Solutions for a Very Fragile Grid (EnergyCentral) - Texas's power grid requires urgent upgrades to smart controls and load management systems as surging population growth and commercial expansion threaten stability beyond current generation capacity.
PJM all over again? Changes at MISO signal potential for high prices at upcoming capacity auction (RenewableEnergyWorld) - MISO's upcoming 2025 capacity auction could see higher prices amid tighter reliability standards, enhanced testing protocols, and reduced capacity accreditation ratios.
First of Several LNG-Fueled Power Plants Comes Online in Vietnam (POWER) - Vietnam's first LNG-powered facility has begun operations at PetroVietnam's 812-MW Nhon Trach Unit 3 plant near Ho Chi Minh City.
Indigenous
Indigenous-led conservation spans Bolivia's 500,889-acre Pando reserve, Kenya's communal lands, Brazil's Krahô territory, Alaska's Utqiagvik whaling practices, and Australia's clean energy partnerships, while fire management unites Native knowledge with modern practices across California and global networks
In Bolivia’s Amazon, declaration of the Lagos de San Pedro Municipal Conservation Area is a Key Step Towards Conservation and Sustainable Development (Andes Amazon Fund) - Bolivia has established a 500,889-acre conservation area in Pando department, safeguarding biodiversity while supporting Indigenous communities' sustainable resource management.
In Africa, Local Communities Protect More Wildlife Than Do Parks (Yale E360) - Community-managed conservancies across Africa now protect more wildlife than state parks, with Kenya reporting 65 percent of its large mammals living in communal lands.
Krahô women lead Indigenous guard to protect territory in Brazil (Mongabay) - Thirteen Indigenous women have formed Brazil's first female-led surveillance group to protect 303,000 hectares of Krahô territory from illegal logging, hunting and agricultural encroachment in Tocantins state.
2024 Highlights from the Red Natural History Fellows (The Natural History Museum) - Research by Red Natural History Fellows in 2024 focused on Indigenous knowledge, climate justice, and institutional changes within environmental science and activism.
Film release! A new film about sea ice and whaling by Kim and Lloyd Pikok now online! (Arctic AOK) - A new documentary by Kim and Lloyd Pikok examines traditional whaling and sea ice practices in Utqiagvik, Alaska.
Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries unite in California's first Spanish-language prescribed burn training, captured in the film "Voces del Fuego."
Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Local tribes and scientists unite in Lake County, California, combining traditional Pomo knowledge with modern research to protect Clear Lake's watershed and reduce wildfire risks.
Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Interactive narratives delve into wilderness fire management, Texas wildfire resilience, and Fire Learning Network partnerships through three new StoryMaps.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Network marks decade-long milestone with 680-plus published stories from global practitioners, researchers and indigenous communities sharing wildfire resilience strategies.
Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Fire-prone communities in Trinity County are embracing prescribed burn initiatives through trauma-informed workshops, strategic facilitation, and sustained follow-up efforts, reports The Watershed Center.
Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana agencies and landowners have united to conduct a 1,300-acre prescribed burn in Mill Gulch, aiming to protect sagebrush habitat and reduce wildfire threats.
The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Despite mounting health risks and losses in 2024, fire leader Lenya Quinn-Davidson emphasizes the vital role of human connection and hospitality within fire management culture.
2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for the Fire Networks (Fire Networks) - Fire management training expanded across eight U.S. states and three countries through 19 prescribed fire exchanges, bolstering community wildfire resilience and Indigenous partnerships.
The pace is building (First Nations Clean Energy Network) - Indigenous communities across Australia have secured equity partnerships in 18 clean energy projects, ensuring shared ownership and economic benefits from renewable developments.
Turn problems into solutions for culture and agriculture across Australia and the Americas, Anthony James says (Mongabay) - Indigenous and settler communities across Australia are transforming invasive donkeys into land management tools, while strengthening cultural bonds and advancing sustainable agriculture practices.
Industry
SSAB exits Mississippi green steel plans as global H2 production lags; Leadmicro advances TOPCon solar tech; WA funds steel and battery initiatives amid US-Mexico toxic waste concerns
SSAB quietly pulls out of $500M green steel award negotiations (Canary Media) - Swedish steelmaker SSAB has withdrawn from $500M federal funding talks aimed at building a hydrogen-based green steel facility in Mississippi.
Leadmicro Addressing UVID Challenges With Production Equipment (TaiyangNews) - Chinese equipment maker Leadmicro's 5th generation PECVD ToxPoly technology simplifies TOPCon solar cell production while tackling UV degradation issues through enhanced processing methods.
Leadmicro Addressing UVID Challenges With Production Equipment (TaiyangNews) - Chinese equipment maker Leadmicro's 5th generation PECVD ToxPoly technology simplifies TOPCon solar cell production while tackling UV degradation issues through enhanced processing methods.
Revealed: US hazardous waste is sent to Mexico – where a ‘toxic cocktail’ of pollution emerges (The Guardian) - Testing near Mexico's Zinc Nacional plant, which receives 200,000 tons of US steel waste yearly, shows lead, arsenic and cadmium levels up to 1,760 times above US safety limits.
Green hydrogen: Big gaps between ambition and implementation (ScienceDaily) - Global green hydrogen production fell drastically short of targets, with just 7% of planned capacity achieved in 2023 due to high costs and weak market demand.
Surviving fire but not the toxins as modern homes, full of plastic, burn (Mongabay) - Toxic chemicals released from burning plastics and synthetic materials in modern homes are making structures uninhabitable, even when they survive fires structurally intact.
Behind Brimstone: Marcelo De Oliveira, Vice President of Material Science & Geology (Brimstone) - Brazilian geologist Marcelo De Oliveira has spearheaded Brimstone's decarbonized cement development since 2020, serving as the company's first employee and now leading its material science and geology teams.
Greener steel, lithium and graphite the focus in new state government funding round (RenewEconomy) - Western Australia commits $34 million to three decarbonization initiatives targeting cleaner steel production and battery materials manufacturing.
Policy
Environmental justice advocates block fossil fuel fast-track bill, while El Salvador lifts mining ban and CJA names KD Chavez as Executive Director; EPA issues methane rules as White House secures $74bn climate funding amid Trump policy threats
EJ Movement Defeats the Energy Permitting Reform Act (Climate Justice Alliance) - Environmental justice advocates successfully blocked legislation that would have fast-tracked fossil fuel projects and weakened environmental safeguards across the United States.
El Salvador reverses landmark mining ban, setting up clash with activists (Mongabay) - El Salvador's lawmakers have overturned a six-year mining prohibition, granting the state 51% ownership of future projects despite environmental fears and public protests.
CJA Welcomes New Executive Director (Climate Justice Alliance) - Climate justice advocate KD Chavez has been named Executive Director of CJA, bringing expertise in intersectional movements and Just Transition initiatives.
LA fires: Why fast wildfires and those started by human activities are more destructive and harder to contain (The Conversation) - Human-caused wildfires are 25% more destructive than natural fires, as climate shifts and dense fuel buildup create extreme conditions for rapid spread across California's landscape.
Dangerous winds expected to amplify California wildfires as death toll hits 24 (The Guardian) - Deadly California wildfires have killed 24 near Los Angeles, with officials warning of incoming 70mph Santa Ana winds that could worsen the $150bn catastrophe.
Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – January 13, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - Federal environmental initiatives receive $12.5 billion in new funding opportunities, as agencies prepare contingency plans for potential policy shifts after the 2024 election.
Is Your State Making Big Oil Polluters Pay For Their Toxic Waste? (CleanTechnica) - New York joins California in requiring major oil companies to pay $3 billion annually over 25 years to cover climate damage costs.
Did you know that your voice can actually change the "climate denial" narrative? (ACE) - A Florida youth activist reports that personal conversations have proven effective at shifting climate denial attitudes across her state.
Air pollution and brain damage: what the science says (Nature) - Scientists report air pollution exposure heightens risks of dementia, depression, anxiety and psychosis, with brain damage detected even at levels once deemed acceptable.
Trump’s Offshore Wind Ban Is Coming, Congressman Says (Heatmap News) - A Trump administration executive order could impose a six-month ban on East Coast offshore wind development if the former president wins in 2024, Rep. Jeff Van Drew revealed.
LA fires forecast to be costliest blaze in US history with estimate of over $200bn in losses (The Guardian) - Los Angeles wildfires have claimed 24 lives and razed 12,000 structures, with experts projecting unprecedented losses between $200-275 billion as strong winds threaten further devastation.
LA fires forecast to be costliest blaze in US history with estimate of over $200bn in losses (The Guardian) - Los Angeles wildfires have claimed 24 lives and razed 12,000 structures, with experts projecting unprecedented losses between $200-275 billion as strong winds threaten further devastation.
The LA Fires: A Moment for Reflection and Action (Terra.do) - Amid warnings of climate change-driven extreme weather, Southern California wildfires have forced 100,000 evacuations and destroyed more than 1,000 buildings.
Biden urges Congress to ‘step up’ on California aid as LA warned of ‘explosive fire growth’ – as it happened (The Guardian) - President Biden demands emergency funding after California wildfires kill 24 and cause $250bn in damages, while Los Angeles braces for severe fire conditions.
We Love L.A. (ThirdAct.org) - Nearly 200,000 Angelenos face evacuation orders as multiple wildfires sweep through Los Angeles, sparking community response efforts and underscoring climate change's urban impact.
We Love L.A. (ThirdAct.org) - Amid raging wildfires across Los Angeles, nearly 200,000 residents face evacuation as community groups mobilize aid for displaced families while highlighting climate change's role in the crisis.
No respite for storm-hit Mayotte, southeast Africa as new cyclone bears down (Mongabay) - After killing three in Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi now threatens Mayotte, Comoros, and Mozambique with severe flooding, mere weeks after Cyclone Chido's December devastation.
Biden orders Energy, Defense departments to lease sites for AI data centers, clean energy generation (Utility Dive) - The White House directed federal agencies to fast-track leasing of government sites for AI data centers that must use clean power, aiming to build gigawatt-scale facilities.
What it’s like to be an incarcerated firefighter (High Country News) - Nearly 900 incarcerated firefighters battle L.A. County wildfires for $1 hourly plus $10.24 daily, while former inmate Eddie Herrera Jr. earned just $56 monthly as an institutional firefighter.
Indonesian scientist under fire for revealing extent of illegal tin mining (Mongabay) - Indonesian environmental forensics expert faces legal threats after revealing illegal tin mining operations caused $16.6 billion in environmental damages across the nation.
Now more than ever: The business case for strong methane regulations (EDF+Business) - New EPA methane rules could help U.S. oil and gas companies maintain global competitiveness while cutting emissions cost-effectively as worldwide demand for cleaner energy grows.
How a Maryland county tried to sway a Delaware vote on offshore wind (Energy News Network) - Maryland's Worcester County and Ocean City spent £200,000 attempting to sway Sussex County, Delaware's vote against a proposed offshore wind farm substation.
Biden Trump-proofs $74bn in climate funding but $20bn remains vulnerable (The Guardian) - The White House has secured $74bn in climate funding ahead of the next presidency, though $20bn remains at risk of potential rollback should Trump return to office.
Joe Biden signs executive order to speed AI data center construction (The Verge) - President Biden's executive order enables AI data center construction on federal land, mandating companies invest in clean energy and use American semiconductors.
Trump's pick for Energy Secretary spells very bad news for US climate policy (BusinessGreen) - Trump's nomination of fracking CEO Chris Wright, a known climate skeptic, to lead the Department of Energy signals a stark reversal in America's environmental agenda.
Take action: LNG is NOT in the public interest! (PSR) - Department of Energy findings reveal LNG exports pose significant risks to climate, economy, health, and environmental justice, prompting public comment period until February 2025.
The Offshore Wind Ban Is Coming (Heatmap News) - Trump allies plan to block East Coast offshore wind projects through executive action, with Congressman Van Drew signaling broader anti-wind policies ahead.
View from Washington (5): An essay on Trump 2.0 and climate politics. (Energy Central) - Trump's team signals sweeping reversals of Biden's climate agenda amid GOP rifts over spending plans and disputed cabinet picks.
Bid to end export credit help for oil and gas fails, with Korea and Türkiye opposed (Climate Home News) - OECD talks to end export credit support for overseas oil and gas projects collapsed after South Korea and Turkey opposed the measure, ahead of Trump's presidency.
Trump’s Cabinet Nominees Have Reckless and Dangerous Agendas (Moms Clean Air Force) - Trump nominees Lee Zeldin and Russell Vought draw fierce opposition over their climate denial stances and proposals to reduce EPA and OMB environmental safeguards.
Community Power Coalition Symposium: Highlights and Takeaways (MCE Clean Energy) - Bay Area's inaugural Community Power Coalition Symposium brought together 62 representatives from 35 organizations to explore climate equity and clean energy solutions.
Washington Policy Updates (Building Decarb Central) - Legal battles intensify as Washington state's voter-backed Initiative 2066, which prohibits government advocacy for building decarbonization, jeopardizes existing heat pump and construction regulations.
Tell Governor Newsom and state leaders: Eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and prioritize climate investments (The Climate Center) - California slashes $273M from climate initiatives while preserving oil and gas tax breaks, even as wildfires rage through Los Angeles.
Billions more out the door: How much IRA clean energy funding is left? (Renewable Energy World) - The Biden administration is racing to distribute $20 billion in clean energy funding before potential political shifts could jeopardize unallocated resources.
Tory Net Zero Chief Calls for Climate Deniers to Vet UK Energy Policies (DeSmog) - Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has invited Net Zero Watch climate skeptics to review the government's renewable energy cost analysis, sparking controversy among environmental groups.
Beyond infrastructure: Building a supportive community and policy environment (Acadia Center) - New England must streamline permitting and boost community engagement across more than 1,300 municipalities to meet its 2050 clean energy targets.
The Guardian view on chemical pollution: the UK can’t ignore the risks from PFAS | Editorial (The Guardian) - UK officials face urgent calls to regulate PFAS chemicals despite industry pushback, as data reveals 10,000 contaminated sites and escalating cleanup expenses across the nation.
United Women in Faith Laments Over the Wildfires in California (United Women in Faith) - Faith-based women's group calls for donations to UMCOR's disaster fund as California wildfires threaten vulnerable communities amid growing climate concerns.
Examining final rules for clean hydrogen tax credit (PV Magazine USA) - Federal officials extend clean hydrogen tax credit rules through 2030, keeping emissions at 4kg CO2e/kg while finalizing electrolyzer operation guidelines.
Los Angeles Fires Are Exacerbating the City’s Housing Crisis (Inside Climate News) - Rental prices in Los Angeles have soared up to 86% above the emergency cap of 10% as wildfires intensify the city's housing crisis, forcing thousands from their homes.
Statement in Response to Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address (Building Decarbonization Coalition) - Coalition Director Lisa Dix backs Governor Hochul's vision to transform New York's buildings through the HEAT Act, aiming to boost clean energy employment statewide.
Governor Hochul Delays Cap-and-Invest Program, Withholding Billions in Benefits as Climate Targets Slip Further Out of Reach (EDF) - Governor Hochul's delay of New York's cap-and-invest climate program postpones $8.4 billion in household savings while pushing state emissions targets further from reach.
Accelerating the Clean Energy Future: Insights from SEPA’s 2024 Snapshot Series (SEPA) - New data-driven briefs reveal six critical areas shaping America's clean energy transition, including resilience, transportation, and energy equity, according to SEPA's 2024 analysis.
The Dark Cloud Hanging Over Vought Confirmation Hearings (Environmental Protection Network) - Trump's OMB nominee Russell Vought faces intense Senate questioning after declaring intentions to "traumatize" EPA employees and cast them as "villains" in his confirmation bid.
The Five Feet That Could Prevent the Next Palisades Fire (Heatmap News) - California's stalled fire safety law, requiring 5-foot ember-resistant zones around homes, remains unenforced three years after passage amid cost concerns and political pushback.
What’s next for climate (198 Methods) - Climate activists mobilize thousands for January 21st virtual rally, aiming to counter Trump-era environmental policies through coordinated mass action.
Scenic Hudson Statement on Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Address (Scenic Hudson) - Governor Hochul's State address commits $1 billion towards renewable energy, toxic site cleanup and faster land conservation across New York State.
LCV Statement on Data Center Executive Order (LCV) - The White House has ordered data centers to shift toward renewable energy sources while requiring environmental assessments to protect local communities.
Fossil fuels caused the LA wildfires. Make them pay. (198 Methods) - Amid $50 billion in damages from Los Angeles wildfires, advocates demand new legislation forcing fossil fuel companies to fund climate disaster recovery costs.
Nationals take nuclear pitch to coal-rich Hunter region as energy dominates early campaigning (RenewEconomy) - Opposition leaders pitch nuclear reactor plan for former Liddell coal plant site in Hunter Valley, as energy policy takes centre stage in federal election campaign.
Chris Wright: Trump’s pick for Energy Secretary is a longtime member of Charles Koch’s political donor network (EnergyandPolicy.org) - Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright, Trump's Energy Secretary pick, evolved from Trump critic to major supporter, donating $458,000 to his 2024 campaign while maintaining ties to Koch's donor network.
Pierre Poilievre Met With Denier-Backed UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch (DeSmog) - Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre met with UK's Kemi Badenoch, who shares his climate skepticism and enjoys support from net-zero policy opponents.
LA braces for more fire evacuations as experts warn of new ‘dangerous weather situation’ (The Guardian) - Los Angeles residents face fresh evacuation orders as 75mph Santa Ana winds fuel extreme fire risks, with 25 dead and damages soaring to $250bn in America's potentially costliest blaze.
Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - US Forest Service launches $200 million grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to mitigate wildfire risks through February 2025.
Energy Facility Siting Council to Meet January 17, 2025 (Oregon.gov) - Oregon's Energy Facility Siting Council will convene in Salem to address gas storage amendments and 2025 priorities, with both in-person and virtual attendance available.
LCV Statement on Senate Confirmation Hearing of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense (LCV) - Military nominee Pete Hegseth faces strong opposition from environmental advocates, who question his qualifications and conduct amid politicization concerns.
Climate activists who target artworks ‘using Suffragette tactics’, says artist (The Guardian) - Climate activists' symbolic attacks on protected artworks mirror historic Suffragette methods, says artist Alex Margo Arden, who explores these protests in her new London exhibition.
Renewables
Global energy leaders target 530GW renewable growth as UAE plans 5GW solar facility, while Denver Federal Center, Meta, Shell, and Amazon advance major clean energy projects; TOPCon solar tech gains market share as Jupiter International and Roltec expand manufacturing
Ameresco to Deliver Energy Resiliency and Net-Zero Solutions at U.S. General Services Administration’s Denver Federal Center (Ameresco) - Energy firm wins $183M contract to install 14.4MW solar and geothermal systems at Denver Federal Center, targeting 51% grid energy reduction and net-zero status by 2045.
Energy Leaders Convene at IRENA Assembly to Turbo-Charge Energy Transition in 2025 (IRENA) - Global energy leaders from 140 nations gather to tackle the renewable transition, focusing on 530GW capacity growth and the $3.8 trillion yearly investment required by 2030.
Peter Dutton’s “always on” nuclear power is about as reliable as wind and solar – during a renewables drought (RenewEconomy) - Modern nuclear plants match wind and solar reliability at 50-60% output during renewable droughts, according to new analysis.
Gina Rinehart-backed, geothermal powered “pit to battery” project marks key milestone (RenewEconomy) - Australian-backed Vulcan Energy has produced Europe's first geothermally-powered battery-grade lithium, aiming to supply 24,000 tonnes annually for 500,000 electric vehicles.
Australian researchers hope to put fresh spin on next-gen vertical wind turbines (RenewEconomy) - Australian researchers aim to test a 6kW vertical axis wind turbine in South Australia, seeking solutions for urban and offshore wind power challenges.
$19 Million to Expand Regional Geothermal Data in USA (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy has launched a $19 million initiative to establish regional partnerships for collecting and sharing geothermal data throughout the United States.
ISC Konstanz Bets On nPV Becoming ‘Emperor’ Of Energy Markets (TaiyangNews) - German research institute forecasts n-type solar modules will control energy markets by 2027, reaching 25% efficiency while driving costs under $0.01/kWh.
UPNEDA Launches 1.37 GW Solar PV Projects Tender (TaiyangNews) - Uttar Pradesh's energy authority has launched a 1.37 GW solar tender spanning 5,508 acres in Jhansi district, allowing developers to select their power buyers.
UPNEDA Launches 1.37 GW Solar PV Projects Tender (TaiyangNews) - Uttar Pradesh's energy authority has launched a 1.37 GW solar tender spanning 5,508 acres in Jhansi district, allowing developers to select their power buyers.
Does a broad expansion of nuclear energy make sense? (DW) - Nuclear energy's future remains uncertain as rising costs and decade-long construction periods clash with cheaper, quicker-to-deploy renewables, despite backing from tech leaders.
Max Harris: 'We have all the ingredients to produce many energy transition unicorns in the UK' (BusinessGreen) - UK's floating offshore wind sector could spawn multiple billion-pound clean energy firms, according to Associated British Ports' strategy chief Max Harris.
Europe’s Only Solar Glass Manufacturer Cuts Down Staff Work Time (TaiyangNews) - Europe's sole solar glass producer GMB has reduced employee hours after demand plummeted to 40% capacity, driven by Chinese competition and insufficient EU trade safeguards.
Roltec Building 50 MW CIGS Solar Module Production Factory In Poland (TaiyangNews) - Polish firm Roltec has launched construction of a 50 MW CIGS solar module factory in Wrocław, backed by PLN 3 million in state funding, promising 15% higher yields than silicon panels.
Roltec Building 50 MW CIGS Solar Module Production Factory In Poland (TaiyangNews) - Polish firm Roltec has launched construction of a 50 MW CIGS solar module factory in Wrocław, backed by PLN 3 million in state funding, promising 15% higher yields than silicon panels.
Solar Cell Technology Trends In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Solar cell technology TOPCon gained significant ground in high-performance modules, rising from 24% to 38% market share, while PERC fell from 50% to 38% between 2023 and 2024.
Solar Cell Technology Trends In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Solar cell technology TOPCon gained significant ground in high-performance modules, rising from 24% to 38% market share, while PERC fell from 50% to 38% between 2023 and 2024.
Solar jobs come in many shapes and sizes (Yale Climate Connections) - New online resources reveal diverse solar career opportunities spanning entry-level installation to engineering roles, with job growth projected across multiple sectors.
Jupiter International Announces INR 65 Billion Solar Manufacturing Expansion (TaiyangNews) - Indian solar manufacturer Jupiter International will invest INR 65 billion to expand production capacity with 3 GW wafer, 9.4 GW cell, and 6 GW module capabilities by 2026.
Jupiter International Announces INR 65 Billion Solar Manufacturing Expansion (TaiyangNews) - Indian solar manufacturer Jupiter International will invest INR 65 billion to expand production capacity with 3 GW wafer, 9.4 GW cell, and 6 GW module capabilities by 2026.
UAE To Host World’s ‘1st’ Facility To Provide RE 24x7, At Scale (TaiyangNews) - UAE plans to build a 5 GW solar facility with 19 GWh battery storage, delivering 1 GW of continuous baseload power around the clock.
UAE To Host World’s ‘1st’ Facility To Provide RE 24x7, At Scale (TaiyangNews) - UAE plans to build a 5 GW solar facility with 19 GWh battery storage, delivering 1 GW of continuous baseload power around the clock.
OnPath Energy unveils £1bn UK renewables investment plan (BusinessGreen) - OnPath Energy plans to inject £1bn into UK wind, solar, and energy storage projects through 2029.
Shell Group Company Starts Solar Farm at Former Kentucky Coal Mine (POWER) - Energy giant Shell's subsidiary Savion has launched a 111-MW solar farm on a former Kentucky coal mine, with Toyota securing 100 MW through a virtual power agreement.
Meta Ramps Texas Renewable Energy Purchases with Engie to 460 MW (ESGToday) - Meta expands its Texas clean energy portfolio to 460MW through two new Engie deals, advancing the tech giant's net-zero emissions targets.
Floating solar panels could support US energy goals (ScienceDaily) - Floating solar panels installed on US federal reservoirs could generate 1,476 terawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power 100 million American homes, according to new research.
What Alabama Can Learn from Mississippi’s First Wind Farm (Energy Alabama) - Mississippi's first utility-scale wind farm, with 692-foot Vestas turbines supplying Amazon, proves wind energy's viability in the Southeast despite long-held doubts about regional resources.
The 2025 clean energy economy: the battle of policy vs. fundamentals (Renewable Energy World) - Rising electricity demand and manufacturing expansion will drive U.S. clean energy growth in 2025, despite market uncertainty from investment credit changes and tariffs, analysts report.
Spreading Faith in Solar: Statesboro Churches First to Complete Georgia BRIGHT Solar Installations (SACE) - Two Georgia churches have become pioneers in nonprofit solar adoption, meeting half their energy needs through a specialized leasing program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Massive solar and four-hour big battery project joins queue for federal green tick (RenewEconomy) - Spanish firm X-Elio seeks federal approval for a 720MW solar farm and 2,880MWh battery storage system in Queensland's North Burnett Region.
It’s the S-Curve, stupid: New model predicts half of world’s energy will come from solar by 2035 (RenewEconomy) - New modeling suggests solar power will meet 50% of worldwide energy demand by 2035, propelled by 10% yearly cost drops and 25% growth rates.
Transport
GOGO's Uganda e-motorcycle success, BYD outpacing Tesla in Q4, GM/EVgo's 2,850 charger rollout, while Škoda Enyaq hits 350-mile range and Aptera debuts solar EV at CES 2024
GOGO’s Electric Motorcycle Customers In Uganda Covered 50 Million Kilometres In 2024 (CleanTechnica) - GOGO's 2,000 electric motorcycles in Uganda clocked 50 million kilometers last year, completing 800,000 battery swaps across 60 stations nationwide.
Automotive services and tech company report shows electric vehicle sales gaining ground in mainstream market share and appeal in North America (Cox Automotive) - Electric vehicle sales are set to capture 10% of the U.S. market by 2025, with 82% of EV owners reporting satisfaction versus 75% of traditional vehicle owners.
This Is What’s Driving Growing EV Sales & Competitiveness (CleanTechnica) - Global electric vehicle battery costs plunged to an unprecedented $115 per kilowatt-hour in 2024, with pure-electric variants dropping below $100/kWh amid surging factory capacity and LFP uptake.
Poland’s Hydrogen Bus Plans Run Into High Hydrogen Prices (CleanTechnica) - Polish cities face severe setbacks in hydrogen bus deployment, with fuel costs soaring to $16.50/kg versus $1.18/kg for diesel, creating a $655,000 annual cost gap per vehicle.
Understanding Battery Energy Density in Electric Vehicles (Proterra) - Battery density in electric vehicles, measured both by weight and volume, directly impacts driving range and vehicle performance without requiring larger power cells.
Understanding Battery Energy Density in Electric Vehicles (Proterra) - Battery density in electric vehicles, measured both by weight and volume, directly impacts driving range and vehicle performance without requiring larger power cells.
How to pick the best electric-vehicle charger for you (Canary Media) - Home electric-vehicle chargers range from basic 120V to advanced 240V systems, costing $200-$800 plus installation, with selection guided by driving habits, electrical setup and available rebates.
BYD Running Away from Tesla on Vehicle Sales (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker BYD surpassed Tesla by 100,000 units in Q4 2023 EV sales, though Tesla retained a narrow annual lead with 1.79 million BEVs versus BYD's 1.76 million.
China’s EV Export Era Is A Bigger Geopolitical Move Than We Normally Acknowledge (CleanTechnica) - China's surging EV exports signal a historic power shift away from American oil influence toward Beijing's growing clean energy dominance in global markets.
BYD Has Obtained 538 New Patent Authorizations This Year Already (2025) (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker BYD secured 538 new patents in early 2025, reflecting a 216.47% surge from last year, backed by its 110,000-strong engineering workforce.
Wheels Are Turning to Make Albuquerque Streets Less Threatening to Bicycle Commuters (Inside Climate News) - Albuquerque is expanding its cycling network with protected lanes and multi-use trails after 125 collisions and three cycling deaths plagued the city's streets in 2023.
GM using AI to find the best locations for EV chargers (Utility Dive) - GM harnesses artificial intelligence to strategically place 2,850 DC fast-charging stalls across American cities through its partnership with EVgo.
Exploring the EV landscape with Mike Kent (GridBeyond) - EV expert Mike Kent outlines how partnerships with Stagecoach and Monta enable electric vehicle fleets to support grid stability through demand response programs and capacity market participation.
RedNote (小红书) Shows The Looming Futility Of Banning Chinese EVs (CleanTechnica) - Chinese social media app RedNote's surging American popularity signals the likely ineffectiveness of proposed government bans on Chinese EVs and tech imports.
Did Aptera Make A Splash At CES? (CleanTechnica) - Aptera's production-ready solar EV garnered widespread tech media praise at CES 2024, as the startup seeks $60 million to begin manufacturing.
New Škoda Enyaq Revealed (CleanTechnica) - Czech automaker Škoda unveils its enhanced Enyaq electric vehicle, boasting a 350-mile range and improved charging speeds, after selling 250,000 units since 2020.
Charging Smart Expands Across U.S. (IREC) - The Department of Energy's Charging Smart initiative now offers nationwide support to help municipalities expedite EV infrastructure deployment, with three-tier recognition available for participating local governments.
Department of Energy-Funded Charging Smart Program Expands Across U.S. (Better Energy) - A nationwide program offering free technical assistance has helped 127 communities earn EV-friendly designations while accelerating charging infrastructure deployment across America.
Billions in federal investments energize zero-emission trucking (EDF) - Federal investments totaling $8.2 billion have been allocated this year to accelerate zero-emission truck adoption and expand charging networks across the United States.
Commercial & United States Postal Service (USPS) Electric Delivery Vans Spreading Out Across USA (CleanTechnica) - Amazon deploys Rivian vans nationwide as USPS works toward its 75% electric fleet goal using Oshkosh and Ford E-Transit vehicles.
Video: A Discussion on the Viability of ‘Sustainable’ Aviation Fuels (IPS) - Experts warn that "sustainable" aviation fuels cannot meet climate targets, citing technological hurdles, land constraints, and scaling challenges, according to new MIT research.
EV Sales In China Are Fabulous! EV Sales In China Are Awful! Pick One. (CleanTechnica) - China's electric vehicle market surged 40% in 2024, capturing over half of all car sales, but experts forecast growth will slow to 15-20% in 2025 due to price wars.
Natural gas vehicle fuel prices rose in 2022 and 2023 after a decade of relative stability (EIA) - Natural gas vehicle fuel prices climbed in 37 U.S. states during 2022-2023 following a decade of stability, yet remained 25% below 2008 peak levels.
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