Friday night update

It's Friday evening and we're publishing 184 updates from around the green tech and sustainability world. We added more than 100 climate-centric venture capital funds to our list of tracked sources this week! Check out our Visual of the Day below for one cool example.

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-Marshall Kirkpatrick

Earth Catalyst: We provide thought leadership support systems and bespoke consulting for green tech and sustainability organizations.

 

Today and every day, our system scans over 1,100 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:

• A Visual of the Day

• A digest-style Table of Contents for 184 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world

• (If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work

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Visual of the Day

Free Electric Shuttles

A turquoise Circuit electric shuttle, designed for short-distance urban transit. Circuit is "last mile" electric shared mobility, operating in over 40 cities, and just raised a $17M B round of financing. You can read more in MKB's investment announcement. "Circuit’s rides are free or low-cost, funded through contracts with cities, agencies, and developers."

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (11 stories) - Cargill's Amazon soy policy shift, TalusAg's green ammonia system, Axpo-RWZ solar parks, and sheep-based solar maintenance reshape farming landscape amid cocoa crisis and vertical farming volatility

  
  

• Carbon (15 stories) - IMO shipping tax proposal, Chestnut's $160M forest carbon removal raise, Bloom-Chart carbon capture partnership, while SBTi delays net-zero standards amid carbon credit debates

  
  

• Circular (6 stories) - Chemical breakthrough in cotton-polyester recycling, Oregon's plastic reduction bill, and Project STOP's Indonesian waste system lead circular economy initiatives

  
  

• Ecosystems (13 stories) - Sacred wetlands in Bogotá, Caribbean lobster conservation in Punta Allen, Zanzibar's rare Intsia bijuga forest, and Arctic killer whale expansion highlight global ecosystem shifts and preservation efforts

  
  

• Efficiency (4 stories) - Heat pump rate incentives at 88 utilities, GoSun's solar-electric oven, HOPOPRO's water-saving showerhead, and industrial steam heat pumps hitting 400% efficiency

  
  

• Finance (9 stories) - Macquarie exits UN Net Zero Alliance as global clean energy investments hit $2.1T; ONGC-NTPC's $2.3B Ayana Power deal and record $117B renewables M&A reshape market landscape

  
  

• Grid (14 stories) - V2G pilots earn Australians $1K annually; ACCURE raises $16M; Energy Vault's Victoria battery deals; NSW volatility spurs $1B grid corp; Minnesota's $1B transmission line; California streamlining; SEIA targets 700 GWh storage

  
  

• Indigenous (6 stories) - Indigenous Rights Radio's global reach, Brazil's Paiva legacy, Ecuador election risks, plus language preservation and traditional crafts shape Indigenous environmental discourse

  
  

• Industry (21 stories) - Major conferences in Atlanta, Paris & Cleveland; $235B industrial clean energy growth forecast; global solar developments from China; fusion projects advance with TVA & Japanese firms; new climate tech ventures launch including PFerrinX26 & Precursor

  
  

• Policy (61 stories) - State-level renewable blockades, EPA funding freezes, and Trump administration's fossil fuel agenda clash with Paris Agreement commitments and IMO shipping tax progress

  
  

• Renewables (14 stories) - DAS Solar hits 58GW shipments, Nature Conservancy launches 49MW Appalachian mine projects, Dominion Energy pursues Virginia offshore wind, global solar reaches 1TW milestone as EIA forecasts US solar growth to 8% by 2026

  
  

• Transport (12 stories) - VW leads German EV surge, Honda commits $1B to Ohio hub, methanol tugboat debuts in Belgium, while US sees policy shifts on charging infrastructure amid global gas car sales peak

 Agriculture

Cargill's Amazon soy policy shift, TalusAg's green ammonia system, Axpo-RWZ solar parks, and sheep-based solar maintenance reshape farming landscape amid cocoa crisis and vertical farming volatility

• Cargill weakens Amazon no-deforestation vow, raising concerns about wider backslide (Mongabay) - Cargill shifts Amazon deforestation cutoff date from 2008 to 2020 in soy supply chain, potentially opening 2.5 million hectares to cultivation.

• Climate crisis contributing to chocolate market meltdown, research finds (The Guardian) - Climate change-driven high temperatures in West Africa's cocoa-growing regions cause harvest failures and record price spikes, threatening global chocolate production.

• Farmers Can Adopt Solar to Help Maintain Their Property and Add Income (CCAN Action Fund) - Virginia farmers can boost income and preserve agricultural land through solar installations while enabling future farming through agrivoltaics and pollinator programs.

• Fukushima, Japan: Nouminren (Family Farm Movement) Protests Reopening of Nuclear Power Plants, Pledges to Protect Territories (Via Campesina) - Japanese farmers protest nuclear power plant reopenings, demanding compensation for Fukushima-affected families and protection of agricultural territories.

• Green Ammonia Fertilizer Plot Bubbles Up To Threaten Fossil Fuels (CleanTechnica) - Iowa-based Landus partners with TalusAg to launch solar-powered green ammonia fertilizer system, promising 50% cost reduction and lower carbon footprint for US farmers.

• Comment: NSAC Responds to Senate Confirmation of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins (NSAC) - Senate confirms Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary with 72-28 vote amid calls to address federal funding freeze affecting farmers.

• Axpo & RWZ Announce Solar Parks Partnership In Germany (TaiyangNews) - Swiss utility Axpo partners with German agricultural trader RWZ to develop solar parks offering farmers sustainable income through land leases.

• How a breeding network could build a genetic pathway to more productive and climate-smart livestock in Africa (CGIAR) - African Animal Breeding Network aims to develop climate-resilient, productive livestock through genomic technologies and collaborative breeding programs across Africa.

• Land van Ons tevreden over intrekken gunning Boterhuispolder door gemeente Teylingen (Land van Ons) - Dutch municipality Teylingen withdraws land allocation in Boterhuispolder after legal concerns, prompting calls for sustainable farming criteria in future tenders.

• Progress report: Where are vertical farming’s biggest leafy green growers now? (AgFunderNews) - Major vertical farming companies face mixed fortunes in 2025 as industry leaders like Plenty and Bowery struggle while smaller, energy-efficient operations show resilience.

• Solar Farms Are Booming in the US and Putting Thousands of Hungry Sheep to Work (SB Energy) - Texas solar farms employ thousands of sheep for vegetation management, creating new opportunities for struggling sheep farmers while maintaining renewable energy sites.

 Carbon

IMO shipping tax proposal, Chestnut's $160M forest carbon removal raise, Bloom-Chart carbon capture partnership, while SBTi delays net-zero standards amid carbon credit debates

• A strong carbon tax on shipping can give hope to climate-vulnerable communities (Climate Change News) - Vanuatu's climate envoy urges IMO to implement strong carbon tax on shipping emissions by April 2024, potentially generating $60+ billion annually for climate-vulnerable nations.

• Actions speak louder: making impact part of your love story (Climeworks) - Carbon removal company partners with Thanks A Ton to offer Valentine's Day cards that combine romantic messages with direct air capture CO2 removal purchases.

• Bloom Energy, Chart Industries Announce Partnership for Carbon Capture (PowerMag) - Bloom Energy and Chart Industries partner to develop efficient carbon capture technology using fuel cells for data centers and manufacturing sites.

• Chestnut Raises $160 Million to Scale Farm-to-Forest Carbon Removal Projects (ESGToday) - Carbon removal startup Chestnut raises $160M to convert farmland to forests, targeting 100M tons of carbon sequestration through native tree planting projects.

• Facility-level emissions: The next step toward fully transparent supply chains (Optera) - Companies shift toward facility-level emissions tracking as crucial step between supplier averages and product carbon footprints, enabling targeted improvements and regulatory compliance.

• Forest communities craft recommendations for better ART TREES carbon credit standard (Mongabay) - Indigenous and local community groups across Central/South America submit key recommendations to ART TREES for more transparent, inclusive carbon market standards at jurisdictional level.

• Greenly Launches CBAM Solution to Help Identify Low Carbon Suppliers, Reduce Supply Chain Emissions (ESGtoday) - Carbon accounting startup Greenly launches AI platform to help EU importers identify low-carbon suppliers and comply with upcoming carbon border tax regulations.

• Last Month Was The Hottest January On Record (CleanTechnica) - January 2025 sets global temperature record at 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels despite cooling La Niña conditions.

• Net Zero Forum (Energy Central) - Net Zero Forum in Texas to connect energy professionals with emissions reduction strategies and sustainability solutions in April 2025.

• OpenEAC Alliance update and M&V in the Registry (WattCarbon) - OpenEAC Alliance announces new carbon measurement and verification framework for tracking energy savings in Registry system, enhancing transparency in emissions reduction calculations.

• SBTi Pushes Back Timeline for New Corporate Net Zero Standard (ESGToday) - Science Based Targets initiative delays new Corporate Net Zero Standard consultation to March 2025 amid controversy over carbon credit policies.

• SOCAN Follow-up comments on SB685 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate group challenges gas utility claims about hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, arguing it provides minimal emissions reduction and should be reserved for hard-to-electrify industries.

• The When, Where, Who, and Why of Methane Emissions (Keep Cool) - Global methane emissions analysis reveals agriculture, energy, and waste as key drivers, with emissions rising fastest ever despite receiving only 2% of climate finance.

• When Do Carbon Credits Make Sense In Your Climate Strategy (InPlanet) - Corporate sustainability leaders emphasize carbon credits should complement emissions reduction strategies, not replace them, while highlighting growing importance of tech-based carbon removal solutions.

• World’s largely unprotected peatlands are ticking ‘carbon bomb’, warns study (The Guardian) - Global study reveals only 17% of world's peatlands are protected despite storing more carbon than all forests, posing major climate risks if destroyed.

 Circular

• Large-scale recycling of modern textiles is now in sight (Anthropocene) - Scientists develop room-temperature chemical process to fully separate and recycle cotton-polyester textile blends, offering potential for industrial-scale recycling of fast fashion waste.

• Oregon bill targeting wasteful plastics had its first hearing (Environment America) - Oregon Senate Bill 551 proposes ban on plastic film bags, single-use hotel toiletries, and automatic distribution of utensils and condiments to reduce plastic waste.

• Project STOP & Clean Rivers partner on Waste Management in Indonesia (SYSTEMIQ) - Project STOP partners with Clean Rivers to create Indonesia's first regency-wide circular waste management system, aiming to serve 2 million people and reduce ocean plastic pollution.

• What’s next for plastics & packaging? Our team’s predictions (SYSTEMIQ) - Global plastics and packaging industry faces major shifts in 2025 with expanded regulations, health concerns, paper alternatives, and reusable packaging collaborations driving circular economy transition.

• Cozy Comforts for Chilly Days (Bluedot Living) - Winter shopping guide highlights sustainable, cozy home products including eco-friendly blankets, candles, and loungewear for cold weather comfort.

• Valentine’s Day: Heart, Hype & Sustainability 💖 (Faircado) - Valentine's Day marketing critiqued as capitalist exploitation while sustainable alternatives and self-love promoted as healthier approaches to the holiday.

 Ecosystems

Sacred wetlands in Bogotá, Caribbean lobster conservation in Punta Allen, Zanzibar's rare Intsia bijuga forest, and Arctic killer whale expansion highlight global ecosystem shifts and preservation efforts

• ‘Even the sound of the water has changed’: can Bogotá bring its wetlands back from the brink? (The Guardian) - Bogotá's sacred wetlands face critical decline from urban development and climate change, threatening biodiversity, Indigenous culture, and city's climate resilience.

• A defense against wildfires (Yale Climate Connections) - Sustainable Forestry Initiative introduces new wildfire defense standards requiring forest landowners to implement preventive measures like controlled burns amid increasing climate-driven fire risks.

• A Small But Mighty Fishing Cooperative (Bluedot Living) - Mexican fishing cooperative in Punta Allen pioneers sustainable Caribbean Spiny Lobster harvesting methods while adapting to climate challenges through tourism diversification.

• Another casualty of Trump’s funding freeze: New Orleans’ tree canopy (Grist) - Trump's federal funding freeze halts New Orleans' largest post-Katrina tree restoration program, threatening urban canopy recovery and local climate resilience initiatives.

• Forest of rare trees in Zanzibar now earmarked for ‘eco-resort’ (Mongabay) - Rare Intsia bijuga tree forest discovered in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago faces threat from planned eco-resort development.

• Local Land Conservation Provides Glimmer of Hope in the New Trump Era (Earth.org) - US land trusts protect 61 million acres through conservation easements and purchases, operating independently of federal funding amid Trump's environmental rollbacks.

• Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) (UNDRR) - Caribbean-focused RESEMBID program supports 12 overseas territories with sustainable development and marine biodiversity projects through 2025.

• What it takes to regrow a community after wildfire (Grist) - California community uses seed libraries and native plants to rebuild green spaces after devastating Eaton Fire destroys thousands of structures in Altadena.

• With Sea Ice Melting, Killer Whales Are Moving Into the Arctic (Yale E360) - Arctic sea ice loss enables killer whales to expand territory and hunt marine mammals, potentially disrupting Arctic ecosystems and indigenous hunting practices.

• Fishing for Conservation and Community (Bluedot Living) - Japanese fishermen use social media platform UMITOBA to share marine conservation practices and connect with experts for coastal ecosystem restoration.

• Five ways humans have scuppered the love lives of animals (The Conversation) - Human activities disrupt animal mating patterns through noise pollution, habitat fragmentation, and chemical contamination, forcing species to adapt or decline.

• Out from the Darkness (Nautilus) - Award-winning wildlife photograph captures rare Andean bear in Colombian rainforest, highlighting conservation challenges for endangered species with fewer than 18,000 remaining.

• Researchers find two individuals of UK’s ‘loneliest bat’ species (Mongabay) - UK researchers discover two greater mouse-eared bats, challenging 'loneliest bat' status of single known male specimen in Sussex.

 Efficiency

Heat pump rate incentives at 88 utilities, GoSun's solar-electric oven, HOPOPRO's water-saving showerhead, and industrial steam heat pumps hitting 400% efficiency

• It’s Time to Stop Overcharging Heat Pump Customers. Electrified Heating Rates Can Help. (RMI) - Utilities offering electrified heating rates for heat pump customers could save households 10% on energy bills, with 88 utilities already providing such rates across the US.

• The Role of Industrial Heat Pumps in Improving Energy Efficiency (Skyven) - Industrial steam-generating heat pumps achieve 300-400% efficiency by converting waste heat to steam, outperforming traditional 70-90% efficient boilers in manufacturing processes.

• GoSun Fusion: The Must-Have Hybrid Solar Oven – Now On Sale For $399! (CleanTechnica) - GoSun launches $399 hybrid solar-electric portable oven capable of reaching 550°F using solar power or 150W electrical backup for off-grid cooking.

• Upgrade Your Shower & Save Water: This 5-Mode High-Pressure Shower Head Is Now Just $14 (CleanTechnica) - Water-efficient HOPOPRO 5-mode high-pressure shower head with WaterSense certification now available for $14, promising 53% water savings while maintaining strong water pressure.

 Finance

Macquarie exits UN Net Zero Alliance as global clean energy investments hit $2.1T; ONGC-NTPC's $2.3B Ayana Power deal and record $117B renewables M&A reshape market landscape

• “War on woke banks:” Macquarie joins mass exit from net zero alliance. Will Australia’s Big Four follow suit? (RenewEconomy) - Macquarie Bank exits UN Net Zero Banking Alliance amid growing pressure from anti-ESG movement, raising questions about other Australian banks' commitments.

• Baku at the Heart of Climate Action: Insights from COP29 (Climate Institute) - Gonzaga University professor shares insights from COP29 in Baku, highlighting climate finance negotiations and $1.3 trillion annual funding request from developing nations.

• CGF CLT Climate Tech Reception: A Night of Optimism and Opportunity (Clean Growth Fund) - Climate tech reception highlights £150M second fund launch and emphasizes UK's opportunity to lead in cleantech innovation through strategic investment and collaboration.

• Global Investment In The Clean Energy Transition Surpassed $2.1 Trillion In 2024, More Needed For Net-Zero Goals (CleanTechnica) - Global clean energy transition investment hit record $2.1 trillion in 2024, reaching only 37% of required annual funding needed for 2050 net-zero goals.

• Global Renewable Energy M&A Hits $117B in 2024, Led by Over $60B in Private Equity Investments (EnergyCentral) - Global renewable energy mergers and acquisitions hit record $117B in 2024, with private equity firms leading $60B in investments amid strong North American market activity.

• ONGC-NTPC JV to Acquire Ayana Renewable Power for $2.3 Billion (TaiyangNews) - Indian state-owned ONGC-NTPC joint venture to acquire renewable energy platform Ayana Power for $2.3 billion, adding 4.1 GW operational and under-construction assets.

• Podcast – Climate Takes Venture Builders (Carbon13) - New podcast episode explores venture builder model for climate tech startups, featuring insights from entrepreneurs on accelerating emissions-reduction companies.

• Trouble for the Tax Credit Market? (Heatmap) - Tax credit market for clean energy projects shows resilience despite investor concerns over potential Trump administration changes to IRA incentives.

• Ramboll, IBM Partner to Offer Sustainability Strategy and Reporting Solutions (ESGToday) - IBM and Ramboll partner to combine sustainability consulting and ESG data platform services to help companies track emissions and meet reporting requirements.

 Grid

V2G pilots earn Australians $1K annually; ACCURE raises $16M; Energy Vault's Victoria battery deals; NSW volatility spurs $1B grid corp; Minnesota's $1B transmission line; California streamlining; SEIA targets 700 GWh storage

• ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how some Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid | Scott Dwyer, Jaime Comber and Kriti Nagrath for the Conversation (The Guardian) - Early adopters in Australia using vehicle-to-grid technology with electric vehicles report earning $1,000 annually by selling power back to grid despite complex setup barriers.

• ACCURE Raises $16 Million to Scale AI-based Platform to Make Batteries Safer and More Reliable (ESGToday) - Battery tech startup ACCURE raises $16M Series B funding to scale AI-based safety and performance monitoring platform for battery systems.

• Australia’s most coal dependent state takes title of world’s most volatile electricity market (RenewEconomy) - New South Wales named world's most volatile electricity market due to coal dependence and limited grid interconnections, with price swings averaging $594/MWh.

• BESS Project Supports Australian Renewable Energy Park (PowerMag) - Energy Vault to deliver 100-MW/200-MWh battery storage system for Victoria's first publicly owned renewable energy park, integrating with 119-MW solar facility.

• Gravity storage pioneer lands another big battery contract in Australia (RenewEconomy) - Energy Vault secures 100MW/200MWh battery contract with Victoria's State Electricity Commission for $370 million Horsham renewable energy park.

• Imperial Valley Press: State Senator Introduces Legislative Package Aimed to Overhaul California's Energy Grid (Imperial Valley Press) - California Senator proposes legislation to streamline grid infrastructure development and reduce costs through pilot projects for transmission lines.

• Minnesota utilities get key approval for $1B 180-mile 345-kV transmission line (Renewable Energy World) - Minnesota regulators approve $1B, 180-mile transmission line project to boost reliability and support clean energy transition in northern and central regions.

• NSW green bank to target batteries, pumped hydro and VPPs to fill gaps in transition from coal (RenewEconomy) - NSW government launches $1 billion Energy Security Corporation to invest in batteries, pumped hydro storage, and virtual power plants for renewable energy transition.

• SEIA Sets Ambitious Goal Of 700 GWh Of US Energy Storage By 2030 (CleanTechnica) - SEIA announces ambitious target of 700 GWh US energy storage capacity and 10 million distributed installations by 2030, outlining policy roadmap for deployment.

• The Great Battery PR Fire of 2025 (Heatmap News) - Major battery fire at California's Moss Landing facility triggers lawsuits, moratoriums, and growing opposition to energy storage projects across multiple counties.

• The role of distributed energy: Can it be a marriage of equals? (RenewEconomy) - Australia leads globally in rooftop solar integration but faces challenges balancing distributed and utility-scale energy resources as battery storage grows and coal plants decline.

• Webinar tonight! Entergy is making big decisions (Alliance for Affordable Energy) - Entergy New Orleans launches public consultation on 20-year Integrated Resource Plan that will determine city's future electricity sources and grid infrastructure.

• New Jersey residential customers face 20% bill hikes, driven by PJM capacity prices: BPU (Utility Dive) - New Jersey residential customers face up to 20% electricity bill increases starting June due to record-high PJM capacity auction prices and lagging power generation.

• SEPA Announces New Board Members and Reappointments (SEPA) - Smart Electric Power Alliance appoints LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones and Landis+Gyr VP Jay Lasseter to board of directors, reappoints two existing members in clean energy transition push.

•  () -

 Indigenous

Indigenous Rights Radio's global reach, Brazil's Paiva legacy, Ecuador election risks, plus language preservation and traditional crafts shape Indigenous environmental discourse

• ‘I’m Still Here’ Eunice Paiva’s pivotal role in Brazil’s Indigenous & environmental rights (Mongabay) - Brazilian lawyer Eunice Paiva's groundbreaking advocacy for Indigenous rights and environmental protection shaped Brazil's 1988 Constitution and secured crucial land demarcations.

• Blacks in Sustainability: Stewards of the Earth (Auburn Avenue Research Library) - Black sustainability leaders and practitioners gather to honor pioneers and current innovators in environmental stewardship, highlighting African ancestral wisdom and community-driven solutions.

• Ecuador: A Decisive Election for the Amazon (Amazon Watch) - Ecuador's presidential runoff between Noboa and González threatens Indigenous rights and Amazon protection as both candidates support oil drilling and extractive policies.

• Regaining Balance at the Intersection of Indigenous Languages and Climate Change (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous leaders discuss critical intersection of language preservation and climate change, highlighting how environmental threats endanger traditional ecological knowledge.

• In Vietnam, Lotus Silk Keeps an Ancient Craft Alive (Atmos) - Vietnamese artisan preserves ancient tradition of crafting rare lotus silk through sustainable, labor-intensive process in Hanoi.

• Indigenous Rights Radio Celebrates 10 Years of Amplifying Indigenous Voices (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous Rights Radio celebrates 10 years of broadcasting Indigenous voices and rights education to 12-50 million annual listeners across 55 countries in 140+ languages.

 Industry

Major conferences in Atlanta, Paris & Cleveland; $235B industrial clean energy growth forecast; global solar developments from China; fusion projects advance with TVA & Japanese firms; new climate tech ventures launch including PFerrinX26 & Precursor

• 2025 AEE East Energy Conference and Expo (Energy Central) - Cleveland's Huntington Convention Center to host 2025 AEE East Energy Conference focusing on net-zero strategies and sustainable energy innovation.

• 2025 AEE Europe Energy Conference (Energy Central) - Major European energy conference in Paris to gather industry leaders for discussions on energy transition, emerging technologies, and regional innovation in April 2025.

• 2025 AEE World Energy Conference and Expo (Energy Central) - Global energy conference AEE World 2025 to convene industry leaders in Atlanta for showcasing latest energy innovations and technologies.

• Building Bigger and Cleaner Industries in US States (RMI) - Federal clean energy incentives could drive $235 billion in industrial investments across US states by 2030, with battery manufacturing and hydrogen production leading growth.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Leadmicro Starts Edge Passivation 2.0 Equipment Shipments & More (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar industry sees major developments as Leadmicro ships new edge passivation equipment, Canadian Solar joins MSCI index, and multiple companies advance in recycling and perovskite technology.

• Gupta to sell troubled coal mine in bid to save Whyalla steelworks – and state’s green hydrogen plan (RenewEconomy) - UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta plans to sell Tahmoor coal mine to save Whyalla steelworks and settle $6.3B Greensill debt, potentially unlocking South Australia's green hydrogen plans.

• IndieBio NY’s Demo Day Kickoff Video (SOSV) - IndieBio NY showcases 15 deep tech startups focused on biotech innovations including next-gen therapies, biological pesticides, and sustainable materials at Manhattan demo day.

• Legal office hours, clothing swap, founder/investor happy hour, and more @ 9Zero SF (9Zero SF) - Climate innovation hub announces February events including legal office hours, clothing swap, and founder/investor happy hour.

• New Pipeline Will Bring More Permian Gas to Texas Industrial Corridor (InsideClimateNews) - New $1.7B Trident Pipeline project to deliver 1.5 billion cubic feet of Permian gas daily to Texas industrial corridor by 2027, enabling record gas production and industrial growth.

• Nissan Bails; Farley Wails (CleanTechnica) - Nissan ends merger talks with Honda amid EV transition struggles while Ford CEO warns of devastating impact from potential 25% Mexico-Canada tariffs.

• Petrochemicals and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Rhodium Group) - US petrochemical industry accounts for 5% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, with potential 6-32% increase by 2030 without intervention.

• Q&A with Type One Energy on its Plan to Build a Stellarator Fusion Prototype at a TVA Site (EnergyCentral) - Type One Energy partners with TVA to build stellarator fusion prototype at Bull Run site, creating 300 jobs and advancing commercial fusion development in Tennessee.

• SNEAK PEEK: New maps detail Canada’s robust and growing methane mitigation industry (EDF) - New maps reveal Canada's methane mitigation industry spans 79 manufacturing and 53 service firms nationwide, creating high-paying jobs while reducing emissions.

• Solutions Series: Nuclear (350.org) - Nuclear power's high costs, decade-long construction times, and radioactive waste storage challenges make it an inefficient climate crisis solution compared to faster-deploying renewables.

• TaiyangNews PV Price Index – 2025 - CW7 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese PV component prices show mixed trends in Week 7 2025, with cell prices rising up to 3.5% while TOPCon modules declined 0.7%.

• THE FUSION ERA: A Closer Look at Kyoto Fusioneering’s New R&D Centre! (Kyoto Fusioneering) - Japanese fusion energy company opens new R&D headquarters in Tokyo featuring sustainable design and flexible workspaces to accelerate fusion technology development.

• These DOE alums want to help scale the next Tesla (Latitude Media) - Former DOE officials launch Precursor advisory firm to help climate tech companies scale first-of-a-kind projects during uncertain political climate.

• New player on lactoferrin block plans precision fermentation site in the Midwest (AgFunderNews) - New biotech startup PFerrinX26 plans 200-ton precision fermentation facility in US Midwest to produce lactoferrin, backed by Earth First Food Ventures and industry consortium.

• Insight Decision - Environmental Platforms and Consultancy (Insight Decision) - French environmental consultancy offers disaster risk reduction and early warning system expertise for sustainable development projects.

• When evaluating near- and medium-term gas prices, do data center developers have a price ceiling ($/MMBtu) or do they just need the power now? (Energy Central) - Data center developers face uncertainty on gas price ceilings amid urgent power needs for facility operations.

• Tigo Energy Q4 2024 Revenues Surge Nearly 87% YoY (TaiyangNews) - US solar electronics firm Tigo Energy reports 87% revenue growth in Q4 2024 despite inventory challenges, shipping 480,000 MLPE units with strong EMEA performance.

 Policy

State-level renewable blockades, EPA funding freezes, and Trump administration's fossil fuel agenda clash with Paris Agreement commitments and IMO shipping tax progress

• 'A statist plan that would cause household bills to skyrocket': Experts slam Reform proposals for 'windfall tax' on renewables (BusinessGreen) - Reform UK's proposal for £10bn windfall tax on renewables faces expert criticism for potentially increasing household energy bills and undermining energy security.

• ‘Superfund’ laws aim to make Big Oil pay for climate damage (Floodlight) - New York and Vermont pioneer 'Superfund' laws requiring fossil fuel companies to pay billions for climate damage, sparking legal battles and similar initiatives in other states.

• 🚨 Deadline approaching (SIWI) - World Water Week 2025 calls for workshop and session proposals focused on Water for Climate Action, with submission deadline approaching February 20.

• A ‘recipe for extinction’: can the US’s envied nature protections survive Trump and his ‘God squad’? (The Guardian) - Trump administration moves to weaken US Endangered Species Act protections through 'God squad' committee and drilling expansion, threatening wildlife conservation efforts.

• A Call to Action at the 2025 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit (Second Nature) - Over 380 higher education leaders gather in DC for Climate Leadership Summit, advocating for climate action amid federal rollbacks of clean energy programs.

• A New Arctic Order (Revolve) - Arctic warming drives geopolitical tensions and Indigenous rights concerns as eight-nation Arctic Council grapples with Russia's absence and sustainable development challenges.

• An EPA Rule Will Reduce Lead in Drinking Water—Unless This Effort to Block It Succeeds (Inside Climate News) - Republican lawmakers attempt to block EPA's landmark lead reduction rule for drinking water using Congressional Review Act, threatening to permanently bar similar regulations.

• Australians want renewables to replace coal, but don’t realise how soon this needs to happen (RenewEconomy) - Poll reveals Australians strongly support renewable transition but vastly underestimate pace of planned coal plant closures through 2040.

• Building Renewable Energy on Castles of Sand (Heatmap News) - Republican lawmakers across multiple states push to give local authorities power to block renewable energy projects, mirroring Ohio's restrictive policy.

• Clean Energy 101: Nationally Determined Contributions (RMI) - Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) serve as countries' climate action plans under Paris Agreement, setting emissions targets and adaptation strategies with new submission deadline moved to September 2025.

• Climate-Denier Brooke Rollins is Unqualified to Lead USDA (LCV) - Senate confirms climate change denier Brooke Rollins as USDA Secretary despite concerns over her qualification to address farmers' climate challenges.

• Could Trump’s attempt to take down NOAA impact utilities? (Latitude Media) - Trump administration's potential cuts to NOAA threaten critical weather and climate data access for utility grid planning and resilience efforts.

• Decoding Trump’s Energy Policy: Misleading Terms and What They Really Mean (LCV) - Trump administration's energy policy uses misleading terms like 'energy dominance' and 'clean coal' to promote fossil fuels while attempting to ban renewable energy development.

• Entries Open for the 2025 Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards (Covering Climate Now) - Global journalism awards program opens entries for 2025 competition celebrating excellence in climate crisis reporting across 14 categories.

• EPA Cancels Climate Justice Alliance Grant (Climate Justice Alliance) - EPA cancels UNITE-EJ program grant designed to help communities facing climate disasters, sparking criticism from CJA leadership over environmental justice setback.

• Faith groups mobilize to keep fighting climate change as Trump pulls U.S. out of Paris accord (Yale Climate Connections) - Over 800 faith communities join businesses and governments pledging to uphold Paris climate commitments despite Trump administration withdrawal.

• FAQs for EPA Personnel (Environmental Protection Network) - EPA releases comprehensive FAQ guide for employees on handling legally questionable directives, protecting scientific integrity, and reporting environmental risks while maintaining whistleblower protections.

• Fossil fuel, plastic, and agrichemical companies coordinate social media on climate change, study finds. (Mongabay) - Study reveals coordinated social media campaign by fossil fuel, plastic, and agrichemical industries to spread climate change denial and delay climate action.

• Freeze on “Solar for All" State Grants Leaves Pennsylvania in the Dark (NRDC) - Trump administration freezes $156 million Solar for All grant program in Pennsylvania, impacting planned solar installations for 14,000 low-income households.

• Governments Expected to Agree on World’s First Levy on Shipping Emissions At Upcoming IMO Meeting (Earth.org) - Over 50 nations set to approve first-ever global shipping emissions tax of $18-150 per tonne at IMO meeting, targeting 2027 implementation.

• Governor Shapiro Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration in Response to Federal Funding Freeze (EDF) - Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro sues Trump administration over federal funding freeze affecting state's orphaned well cleanup program.

• Green bank clawback (Canary Media) - EPA head Lee Zeldin seeks to retract $20 billion in federal green bank funding aimed at clean energy technology investments.

• How can we expect the Department of Energy under the Trump Administration to view carbon capture and storage (CCS) for power plants and how does it differ from under the Biden Administration? (Energy Central) - Trump and Biden administrations show stark policy differences on carbon capture and storage support for power plants.

• How do you anticipate the IRA freeze from the Trump Administration will impact the success of clean energy projects like the Hydrogen Hubs, and potentially, the renewable energy industry as a whole? (Energy Central) - Trump administration's IRA freeze raises concerns about impacts on hydrogen hubs and broader renewable energy project development.

• How Much do Fossil Fuels Benefit from Subsidies? (EnergyCentral) - New analysis reveals fossil fuel subsidies are significantly lower than commonly claimed by climate advocates, challenging widespread perceptions of industry support.

• If energy policymakers are concerned about the scarcity of energy, should we be expanding LNG exports? (Energy Central) - Energy policy experts debate whether expanding LNG exports aligns with addressing energy scarcity concerns amid global supply challenges.

• Is the general expectation that the hydrogen and DAC hubs announced by the Biden administration will have funding/future funding withdrawn? Is there enough political support to protect some of these hubs? (Energy Central) - Biden administration's hydrogen and carbon capture hubs face uncertain funding future amid questions of political support for maintaining these clean energy initiatives.

• Lawsuit is latest push to curb bottom trawling in protected European waters (Mongabay) - Four NGOs sue Netherlands to stop destructive bottom trawling in protected Dogger Bank marine area, following similar legal actions across Europe.

• Mass layoffs bring an end to DOE’s ‘weird, quiet limbo’ (Latitude Media) - Trump administration initiates mass layoffs of probationary DOE employees while implementing extensive agency changes including communication restrictions and webpage removals.

• Mayors across US urge Congress not to repeal clean energy tax credits (Renewable Energy World) - 133 US mayors across 39 states urge Congress to protect clean energy tax credits that created 400,000 jobs and $422B in investments.

• Metis Institute for Strategy and Foresight (Metis Institute) - German defense think tank launches first comprehensive climate security risk assessment for Germany through 2040, analyzing cascading threats to national security.

• Minneapolis seeks climate leverage with utilities (Canary Media) - Minneapolis city council to vote on new utility franchise agreements pushing stronger climate goals after criticism of insufficient progress.

• More Than Two Dozen Christian and Jewish Denominations and Associations Sue to Protect Religious Freedoms (UWFaith) - Twenty-six Christian and Jewish religious organizations sue Department of Homeland Security over rescission of "sensitive locations" policy that protected houses of worship from immigration enforcement.

• New Community Toolkit: Accelerating Resilience Hub Development in Colorado & Beyond (C2ES) - New toolkit helps Colorado communities develop resilience hubs for climate disasters, featuring microgrids and emergency services based on lessons from Marshall Fire.

• Nice little economy you've got there, be a shame... (The Crucial Years) - Trump administration pressures Asian nations and EU to buy US liquefied natural gas by threatening tariffs, raising concerns about forced fossil fuel dependence.

• Norway to open protected rivers to hydropower plants (The Guardian) - Norway's parliament approves controversial plan to allow large hydropower plants in protected rivers despite environmental concerns and protests.

• NOx Pollution Rules Are Long Overdue (Moms Clean Air Force) - EPA proposes first update in 20 years to nitrogen oxide pollution rules for gas power plants, amid health concerns particularly affecting vulnerable communities.

• Pennsylvania Climate Programs Hit by Federal Spending Cuts, Governor Says in Lawsuit vs. Trump (InsideClimateNews) - Pennsylvania sues Trump administration over freezing $2.1 billion in federal climate and environmental program funding, affecting clean water, mine cleanup and energy efficiency initiatives.

• Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro sues Trump administration, citing frozen IRA funding (Utility Dive) - Pennsylvania Governor sues Trump administration over blocked access to $3.1 billion in IRA funding for solar, emissions, and infrastructure programs.

• SELC announces 2025 Reed Environmental Writing Award winners and featured speaker (SELC) - Southern Environmental Law Center announces 2025 Reed Environmental Writing Award winners for works on pipeline resistance and environmental racism in Alabama communities.

• Senator Tina Smith’s Climate Legacy Helps Protect Our Communities and Our Future Generations (LCV) - Senator Tina Smith announces retirement after championing major climate legislation including Inflation Reduction Act and clean energy initiatives during Senate tenure.

• Southeastern Ratepayers Are Building a Gas Highway to Export (SACE) - Southeast utilities' gas pipeline contracts for new power plants are creating infrastructure that will facilitate LNG exports, with costs passed to ratepayers.

• Strong oil & gas methane rules are essential — and achievable (EDF) - EU's landmark methane regulation requires oil and gas industry emissions reporting starting May 2024, setting global standards despite industry feasibility concerns.

• Talking about Climate Change (Energy Central) - Climate scientist's book focuses on effective communication strategies for discussing climate change with diverse audiences.

• The EPA Wants that $20 Billion Back (Heatmap News) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announces plan to revoke $20 billion in Biden-era climate project grants by terminating Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund contract.

• Thirteen more oil and gas licences could be cancelled after Rosebank court ruling (The Guardian) - Thirteen additional oil and gas licenses face potential cancellation following court ruling that found Rosebank and Jackdaw permits were unlawfully granted due to emissions concerns.

• Trump is freezing climate funds. Can he do that? (Grist) - Trump administration freezes billions in Biden-era climate and infrastructure funding from IRA and BIL bills, sparking legal battles and project disruptions nationwide.

• Trump’s New Energy Secretary Called Germany’s Energy Transition ‘Unreliable.’ But He Missed All the Nuance (InsideClimateNews) - Trump's new Energy Secretary Chris Wright mischaracterizes Germany's energy transition success by focusing on costs while ignoring reliability metrics and renewable growth achievements.

• US wildfire suppressants rife with toxic heavy metals, study finds (The Guardian) - Study reveals US wildfire suppressants contain toxic heavy metals up to 3,000 times above drinking water limits, with 440m gallons sprayed between 2009-2021.

• USEA Virtual Press Briefing: Understanding the Trump Energy Agenda (Energy Central) - Trump administration's energy agenda focuses on "energy dominance" with new Energy Secretary Christopher Wright, discussed by expert panel at USEA virtual press briefing.

• What's next for Germany's climate movement? (DW) - Germany's climate movement faces declining public support and political attention ahead of 2025 election, shifting focus to building diverse alliances and democracy advocacy.

• Where did billions in climate and infrastructure funding go? Search our map by ZIP code. (Grist) - Interactive map tool reveals $300+ billion in federal climate and infrastructure project funding distribution across US ZIP codes, amid uncertainty over Trump administration's funding freeze.

• Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS) (CGRS) - University of California law center launches global legal guidance resource for decision-makers handling climate refugee and disaster-related asylum cases.

• From fertilizer to machinery, how might tariffs impact the agtech sector? (AgFunderNews) - US and Canadian agtech sectors face significant disruption from potential tariffs, impacting costs of machinery, fertilizers, and technology imports while straining farmer investments in new innovations.

• President Trump’s attack on independent Inspectors General (EDF) - Former Inspectors General from eight federal agencies sue President Trump over mass firings that violated legal requirements for Congressional notice and explanation.

• Understanding the Budget, Reconciliation, and Appropriations Briefing [Congressional Climate Camp] (Congressional Climate Camp) - EESI briefing explains federal budget, reconciliation, and appropriations processes, highlighting impoundment control rules and appropriations committee structures for FY2024-25 funding decisions.

• University of Essex (University of Essex) - New global legal resource launched to help decision-makers evaluate climate change and disaster-related international protection claims.

• Biofuels Group Says Trump Has Industry In Standstill (Heatmap News) - Renewable Fuels Association chief reports biofuel industry investments frozen as Trump administration creates uncertainty over IRA tax credits and federal funding programs.

• Episode 101: Music, Literature, and Climate Action (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - New podcast episode explores intersection of arts and climate activism through conversations with musician Elise Silvestri and author Linda Sue Park about using creative expression to combat eco-anxiety.

• Reform MP installed solar to cut bills but party calls renewables ‘massive con’ (The Guardian) - Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe installed solar panels on his farm to reduce energy costs while his party denounces renewables as a "massive con" and pledges to tax solar energy.

• Science aside, we need art & philosophy for global change: Epidemiologist (Mongabay) - Epidemiologist argues art and philosophy are as crucial as science for environmental change, citing need for inspiration alongside facts to drive societal transformation.

 Renewables

DAS Solar hits 58GW shipments, Nature Conservancy launches 49MW Appalachian mine projects, Dominion Energy pursues Virginia offshore wind, global solar reaches 1TW milestone as EIA forecasts US solar growth to 8% by 2026

• 1.7 Seconds: Speed of the Sunlight Piercing through Time (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer DAS Solar delivers one 500W solar module every 1.7 seconds globally, reaching 58GW total shipments by end of 2024.

• 17 Solar & Storage Projects To Transform Former Coal Mines In US (TaiyangNews) - The Nature Conservancy and Cumberland Forest announce 17 solar and storage projects totaling 49 MW solar and 320 MW storage capacity to be built on former coal mines across Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

• Ameresco Awarded Solar Energy and Resiliency Project at Gagetown Base by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) (Ameresco) - Canadian military awards $26.7M solar project at Gagetown Base to generate 20% of facility's power needs, saving $1.3M annually with 8.9MW system.

• Dominion rebuffs efforts to kill its offshore wind project (Canary Media) - Dominion Energy affirms 2025 completion target for Virginia offshore wind project despite Trump administration opposition efforts.

• Energy Insiders Podcast: Are renewables back on track? (RenewEconomy) - New data shows renewable energy connections and commitments returning to levels needed for meeting 2030 targets, according to Clean Energy Council.

• Europe’s Energy Transition Is Happening Faster Than Anyone Expected—Here’s What’s Next (EnergyCentral) - Europe's renewable energy transition accelerates past expectations as solar overtakes coal and wind becomes second-largest power source, while infrastructure and storage emerge as key challenges.

• GTO Virtual Quarterly Webinar (Energy Central) - US Geothermal Technologies Office announces virtual quarterly webinar for June 2025 to share office updates and program highlights.

• Nature Conservancy Announces 17 New Solar Energy Projects In Appalachia (CleanTechnica) - Nature Conservancy partners with energy firms to develop 17 solar and battery storage projects on 360 acres of former Appalachian coal mines, aiming to power 6,638 homes annually.

• Solar rises, gas falls the next two years in EIA’s latest power generation forecast (RenewableEnergyWorld) - EIA forecasts utility-scale solar to grow from 5% to 8% of U.S. power generation by 2026 while natural gas share drops from 43% to 39%.

• Spain Installed Over 1.43 GW Solar PV In 2024 For Self-Consumption (TaiyangNews) - Spain installed 1.43 GW of solar PV for self-consumption in 2024, marking second consecutive year of decline despite lower technology costs.

• Study: Solar farms could help boost numbers of birds and wildlife (BusinessGreen) - RSPB and Cambridge University study finds solar farms can boost bird and wildlife populations when managed with nature-friendly principles.

• The Energy Transition Is Unstoppable—But Are We Moving Fast Enough? (EnergyCentral) - Global energy transition accelerates with renewables becoming cheaper than fossil fuels, but experts warn current pace insufficient to meet climate goals.

• Wiki-Solar: Global Utility-Scale Solar Capacity Reaches 1 TW DC (Wiki-Solar) - Global utility-scale solar installations reach 1 terawatt DC milestone, with China leading at 320GW and strong growth across Asia, US, and Europe.

• AESOLAR’s 2025 exhibition roadmap, mark your calendar! (TaiyangNews) - AESOLAR announces global solar exhibition schedule for first half of 2025, spanning 10 major events across Europe, Asia, Africa and Middle East.

 Transport

VW leads German EV surge, Honda commits $1B to Ohio hub, methanol tugboat debuts in Belgium, while US sees policy shifts on charging infrastructure amid global gas car sales peak

• EVs At 25.1% Share In Germany – Volkswagen ID.7 Best-Seller (CleanTechnica) - Germany's EV market share rises to 25.1% in January 2025, with Volkswagen ID.7 leading sales as BEV volumes surge 53% year-over-year.

• Flying into a Climate-Friendly Future with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Emerald.vc) - Sustainable aviation fuel production represents only 0.3% of global jet fuel use in 2024, with emerging power-to-liquid technology offering potential for significant emissions reduction despite cost barriers.

• Honda Moving Ahead With Giant Ohio EV Hub, + New Electric Motorcycle Factory in India (CleanTechnica) - Honda invests $1 billion in Ohio EV manufacturing hub and plans new electric motorcycle factory in India, aiming for 4 million annual electric motorcycle sales by 2030.

• Talking EVs: 3 Hot Topics Right Now (CleanEnergy.org) - Global gas car sales peaked in 2017 as EVs reach 20% market share, with US sales growing 40% last year amid $312 billion in manufacturing investments.

• Texas policy proposals could create a new template for state actions on zero-emission trucks (EDF) - Texas advances policy proposals for zero-emission trucks including $100M in incentives, program reforms, and infrastructure planning, potentially setting new state-level implementation standards.

• The world’s first methanol-powered tugboat highlights a greener future for shipping (Energy Central) - World's first methanol-powered tugboat launches in Belgium's Port of Antwerp-Bruges, demonstrating viable low-carbon maritime propulsion technology.

• Trump Has Thrown a Wrench Into a National EV Charging Program. Can He Make It Disappear? (InsideClimateNews) - Trump administration suspends $5 billion national EV charging infrastructure program, though legal experts say move likely exceeds executive authority.

• We Should Be Talking About an EV Tax — But Not This One (Heatmap News) - Republican senators propose $1,000 federal tax on electric vehicle purchases while seeking to eliminate EV tax credits, sparking debate over road maintenance funding.

• Why We Invested: Circuit (MKB News) - Investment firm leads Series B funding for Circuit, an electric microtransit service providing low-cost last-mile transportation solutions across 40 U.S. cities.

• Driving EV Infrastructure Forward Amid Federal Uncertainty (Advanced Energy United) - DOT's freeze on National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program funding creates uncertainty for states and companies investing billions in EV charging infrastructure.

• What’s Going On With US State Department $400M Armored Tesla Cybertruck Order? (CleanTechnica) - US State Department's $400M procurement document for armored Tesla Cybertrucks sparks controversy amid conflict of interest concerns in Trump-Musk administration.

• XPENG Enters UK, Ireland, & Finland (CleanTechnica) - Chinese EV maker XPENG launches G6 electric SUV in UK market at £39,990, expanding to Ireland and Finland with plans to operate in 60 global markets by 2025.