Good green investing

There are two big stories I want to highlight today, one large and one "small."

The SEC's approval of the Green Impact Exchange (GIX) as the first sustainability-focused stock exchange in the U.S. To be included in the index, companies must meet a list of requirements, including public sustainability commitments, accountability mechanisms, and short/medium/long-term planning. GIX leader Charles Dolan says: "Climate risk is business risk. It's that simple. U.S. investors and companies are continuing to pursue sustainability because it makes financial and competitive sense."

Second, a new report by the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) finds that community solar (small local solar power production facilities that community members can subscribe to) are producing big economic impacts. A single 5-megawatt community solar project can generate around $14 million in local economic activity and support nearly 100 local jobs. Nationwide, the report says, community solar has the potential to drive $120 billion in total economic value.

Oh, extrinsic motivation. Necessary but not sufficient.

See also Google's big geothermal deal in Taiwan. Lots of good news today.

And now, our daily summaries of 180 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (6 stories) - NYC hospitals cut emissions with plant-based meals, EPA probes PFAS in fertilizer, while JUST Egg expands to Europe and solar pumps empower Indian women farmers

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (11 stories) - From Colombia's vast peatland carbon stores to Twelve's CO2 transformation tech, plus BloombergNEF's historic emissions decline forecast and Aristotle's real-time carbon tracking platform

  
  

• ♻️Circular (1 story) - LONGi and OCADE partner for solar panel recycling in Colombia

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (16 stories) - Powerline corridors and 3D-printed seawalls emerge as innovative habitat solutions, while Tongass, Superior, and Mt. Hood forests face threats and EU advances forest monitoring

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (8 stories) - Survey shows 87% back appliance standards, as UK homes face heat crisis; Colorado proposes emissions code while Josiah Quincy School wins LEED Platinum design award

  
  

• 💰Finance (12 stories) - SEC approves first green stock exchange GIX, Net Zero Banking Alliance relaxes climate rules, while Nature Tech Collective and MIT Climate Prize drive climate tech investments amid oil market uncertainties

  
  

• 🔌Grid (16 stories) - From UNEZA's $117B grid investment to Quinbrook's massive Brisbane battery, utilities tackle reliability challenges while data centers reshape demand and smart meters modernize infrastructure

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (5 stories) - Indigenous leaders shape climate policy from Amazon's COP30 to Minnesota wild rice rights, while GAO calls for better tribal consultation on offshore wind

  
  

• 🏭Industry (14 stories) - AirJoule's water-from-air cooling tech, Houston's Bezos-backed industrial hub, and EET Hydrogen's UK customer deals highlight industrial innovation, while ExxonMobil's Guyana operations and US oil export records show fossil fuel persistence

  
  

• 📜Policy (59 stories) - Legal battles over solar zoning in Michigan, French media's climate disinformation, and Australia's coal plant extension risks, while China snubs UK energy summit amid US trade tensions

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (23 stories) - From Google's groundbreaking geothermal deal in Taiwan to Quaise Energy's superhot drilling innovation, plus Australia's world-leading solar deployment and Nigeria's Arnergy expansion

  
  

• 🚗Transport (8 stories) - GM's $35B EV push and BMW's 15% US market share lead legacy automakers, while Arctic ice disrupts shipping and IMO introduces first carbon tax

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Agriculture

NYC hospitals cut emissions with plant-based meals, EPA probes PFAS in fertilizer, while JUST Egg expands to Europe and solar pumps empower Indian women farmers

• NYC hospitals are nudging patients toward plant-based meals. It's working. (Canary Media) - New York City's public hospitals have successfully reduced emissions and saved money by making plant-based meals the default option for patients, with a 51% adoption rate and high satisfaction.

• EPA Weighs N.C. Environmental Harms From Sewage Sludge Used as Fertilizer (Inside Climate News) - The EPA is assessing the environmental risks in North Carolina from PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge, used as fertilizer, potentially impacting soil, water, and food supplies.

• Farmers face frozen jobs and heavier workloads under DOGE ‘efficiency’ budget (High Country News) - Western US farmers and ranchers face frozen grants and staff shortages due to a Trump administration efficiency drive, hindering conservation and climate-smart agriculture efforts.

• La Via Campesina at CFS Dialogue on Financing: “Fund Public Policies that Protect and Strengthen Local Food Production” (La Via Campesina) - Global peasant organization urges CFS to redirect agricultural funding from corporate subsidies to public policies supporting local food production and small-scale farmers.

• Solar Pumps Are Empowering Female Farmers in India (Revolve) - Solar-powered irrigation pumps in Bihar, India enable women farmers to boost crop yields, earn additional income, and challenge traditional gender roles.

• Eat Just strikes deal with VFG to take plant-based JUST Egg to Europe (AgFunderNews) - Eat Just partners with Vegan Food Group to launch its mung bean-based JUST Egg in Europe, with production set to begin in Germany later this year.

Carbon

From Colombia's vast peatland carbon stores to Twelve's CO2 transformation tech, plus BloombergNEF's historic emissions decline forecast and Aristotle's real-time carbon tracking platform

• Colombia's peatlands could be a crucial tool to fight climate change: But first we have to find them (ScienceDaily) - A new data-driven map reveals Colombia's peatlands, which store significant carbon, potentially offsetting 70 years of the nation's fossil fuel emissions if protected.

• Explainer: How China is managing the rising energy demand from data centres (Carbon Brief) - China is implementing policies to manage the rising energy demand of its data centres, which consumed 25% of global data-centre electricity in 2024, by improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy use.

• EEA report ‘Annual EU GHG inventory 1990-2023 and inventory 2025’ (EEA) - EU's greenhouse gas emissions saw a 9% drop in 2023, the largest since 1990, driven by the energy sector's cuts.

• Active Hope for a Livable Future: Divesting from Fossil Fuels (YouTube) - The Gonzaga Climate Institute hosted Anna Johnson of the Laudato Si Movement to discuss divesting from fossil fuels due to their catastrophic environmental consequences.

• Twelve FAQ: Meet The Carbon Transformation Company (Twelve) - Twelve transforms CO2 into essential products like eFuels and eChemicals, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels for various industries.

• California Must Lead on Climate Action through Cap-and-Trade Extension this Year (EDF) - California lawmakers urged to extend and strengthen Cap-and-Trade program as critical climate policy tool while federal government promotes fossil fuels.

• Why We Are Excited About Aristotle (WattCarbon) - New Aristotle platform combines automated measurement & verification with hourly carbon accounting to help sustainability officers track and validate building emissions reductions in real-time.

• Indigo approaches a megaton of carbon removals stored in US cropland (Indigo Ag) - Agricultural tech company approaches milestone of 1 million metric tons of carbon removals stored in US farmland through soil carbon credit program.

• The Hidden Climate Costs of Exporting US Liquefied Natural Gas (Inside Climate News) - US LNG tanker emissions in 2023-2024 exceeded climate benefits of all US electric vehicles, quadrupling to 18.4 million tons CO2 from 2017-2018 levels.

• Coal mine emissions reporting methods remain a major blight on Safeguard success (RenewEconomy) - Australian coal mines using "Method 2" emissions reporting show questionable 40-76% reductions without operational changes, undermining Safeguard Mechanism's credibility.

• Are global emissions about to enter 'structural decline' for the first time? (BusinessGreen) - BloombergNEF predicts global emissions may enter first-ever structural decline as renewable energy generation projected to surge 84% by 2030.

Circular

LONGi and OCADE partner for solar panel recycling in Colombia

• LONGi and OCADE sign agreement to promote photovoltaic module recycling in Colombia (TaiyangNews) - LONGi and OCADE have partnered to advance photovoltaic module recycling in Colombia, aiming to reduce waste and environmental impact from solar energy.

Ecosystems

Powerline corridors and 3D-printed seawalls emerge as innovative habitat solutions, while Tongass, Superior, and Mt. Hood forests face threats and EU advances forest monitoring

• LiveEO | Guide to Designing Ecological Corridors (LiveEO) - Ecological corridors, designed with native vegetation and strategic "stepping stones," reconnect fragmented habitats, supporting biodiversity, species migration, and climate resilience, particularly along powerline infrastructure.

• Miami researchers are testing a textured seawall designed to hold back water and create a home for marine organisms (TheConversation) - Miami researchers are testing textured, 3D-printed seawall tiles designed to reduce wave impact and foster marine life colonization, aiming for a nature-based coastal resilience solution.

• Protected: New guidelines show how rewilding can help deliver EU Nature Restoration Law targets (Rewilding Europe) - New guidelines demonstrate how rewilding efforts can effectively contribute to achieving the targets set by the EU Nature Restoration Law.

• LiveEO | The Role of Corridors in Biodiversity Conservation (LiveEO) - Powerline corridors, when ecologically managed, can serve as vital ecological connectors, supporting biodiversity and reconnecting fragmented habitats.

• A Forest Worth Knowing (Revolve) - The EU's Forest Monitoring Directive aims to improve forest condition monitoring across Europe to underpin sustainable management amidst climate change and biodiversity loss.

• When Earth Was a Pale Green Dot (Nautilus) - Ancient Earth's green oceans helped early cyanobacteria evolve specialized pigments for harvesting light, leading to planet-wide oxygenation.

• Urban forestry & urban greening (Science Direct) (Science Direct) - Global review finds urban green infrastructure planning for heat and flood mitigation remains disconnected, recommending integrated resilience strategies for cities.

• Diverse forests and forest rewilding offer resilience against climate change (Mongabay) - Long-term studies in China and Panama show diverse tree species in reforestation efforts boost forest resilience against climate change and enhance carbon storage.

• Three national forests that could be logged (Environment America) - Three major U.S. national forests - Tongass, Superior, and Mt. Hood - face imminent threats from logging industry expansion and mining projects despite their crucial role in wildlife preservation and climate protection.

• LiveEO | Guide to Ecological Corridor Management for Utilities (LiveEO) - New guide outlines how utilities can implement Ecological Corridor Management to balance power grid maintenance with biodiversity conservation and species protection.

• Wide variety of old-growth ecosystems across the US makes their conservation a complex challenge (The Conversation) - US old-growth forests' diverse ecosystems - from longleaf pine savannas to Pacific Northwest conifers - present unique conservation challenges due to varying ecological needs and management requirements.

• What are Nature Based Climate Solutions? (Woodwell Climate) - Natural ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and rangelands could provide 30% of needed climate solutions through carbon capture and methane reduction.

• Underwater Argonauts! The deep-sea scientists logging Med pollution – in pictures (The Guardian) - Scientists aboard oceanographic vessel L'Atalante document Mediterranean Sea pollution and conduct marine research while photographer captures their daily work studying region's 229,000 tonnes annual plastic waste.

• Teenage fish on drugs take more risks, too. (Anthropocene) - Study reveals anti-anxiety drugs in waterways cause juvenile salmon to take more risks and migrate faster, raising concerns about pharmaceutical pollution's impact on wildlife behavior.

• Brazil is rich in water. Why does it struggle with water crises? (DW News) - Brazil faces intensifying water crises despite holding 12% of global freshwater, due to deforestation, climate change and poor resource management.

• Parched waterways, dead fish and trees ready to give up: historic big dry grips South Australia (The Guardian) - South Australia faces historic drought with record-low rainfall causing mass fish deaths, tree die-offs, and ecosystem collapse across multiple regions since February 2024.

Efficiency

Survey shows 87% back appliance standards, as UK homes face heat crisis; Colorado proposes emissions code while Josiah Quincy School wins LEED Platinum design award

• New survey finds strong public support for energy efficiency (Environment America) - A Consumer Reports survey in March 2025 reveals that 87% of Americans support minimum energy efficiency standards for new home appliances, with strong bipartisan backing.

• Number of UK homes overheating soars to 80% in a decade, study finds (The Guardian) - A study reveals UK homes overheating in summer quadrupled to 80% in a decade, prompting calls for urgent action on heat risks and home adaptation.

• Multifunction Mechanical Systems (RMI) - A technology brief assesses three approaches to multifunction mechanical systems for multifamily building retrofits, including fully packaged, partially packaged, and distributed systems using low-GWP refrigerants.

• Colorado Is Poised to Adopt a Nation-Leading Building Decarbonization Standard (RMI) - Colorado's proposed Low Energy and Carbon Code aims to reduce building emissions by incentivizing efficient heat pumps and all-electric construction, potentially cutting 17 million metric tons of carbon by 2050.

• Josiah Quincy Upper School Wins Top Award from Learning by Design Magazine (HMFH) - Josiah Quincy Upper School, a LEED Platinum certified building, wins Learning by Design's Grand Prize for its innovative, sustainable, and community-focused design in a dense urban setting.

• Sungrow Unveils "Dynamic Tariff" Feature on iSolarCloud: Empowering European Homes to Reduce Energy Bills (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow's iSolarCloud platform now features a "Dynamic Tariff" system using AI to optimize energy consumption and trading for European homes based on real-time pricing.

• S2E8:Corbett Lunsford on arming homeowners with the knowledge they need to get the HVAC systems they deserve (Heat Pump Podcast) - Building science expert Corbett Lunsford discusses empowering homeowners with HVAC knowledge and testing tools for optimal system performance and efficiency.

• TOP SOLAR MODULES Listing – April 2025 (TaiyangNews) - AIKO maintains top position with 24.2% efficient solar module while LONGi and Maxeon share second place at 24.1% in April 2025 commercial module efficiency rankings.

Finance

SEC approves first green stock exchange GIX, Net Zero Banking Alliance relaxes climate rules, while Nature Tech Collective and MIT Climate Prize drive climate tech investments amid oil market uncertainties

• The Hidden Risk Behind Lower Oil Prices (Energy Central) - Falling oil prices in 2025 signal potential recession risks for the U.S., now a net exporter, impacting jobs and tax revenues despite some consumer benefits.

• April updates from the Nature Tech Collective (Nature Tech Collective) - Nature Tech Collective's April update highlights a debt-for-nature swap, Dashboard.Earth's local action impact, VC investment surge, and a biodiversity sector map launch.

• AP Ventures interviews MIT Climate & Energy Prize Committee (AP Ventures) - The MIT Climate & Energy Prize supports early-stage climate startups globally, focusing on circular economy, waste management, energy storage, and decarbonization, connecting them with VCs.

• Net Zero Banking Alliance Drops Requirement to Align Financing with 1.5°C (ESG Today) - The Net Zero Banking Alliance, facing political pressure and departures, dropped its mandatory requirement for members to align financing with the 1.5°C global warming limit.

• Why one doctor turned from medicine to impact investing: “I could not unsee the food-related disease in my patients’ (AgFundNews) - Former NHS doctor transitions to impact investing at The First Thirty VC firm after witnessing widespread food-related diseases among patients.

• LiveEO | Powering EUDR Compliance Through Integration: LiveEO Partners with Westernacher (LiveEO) - Satellite analytics firm partners with Westernacher Consulting to integrate EUDR deforestation compliance software into SAP systems for global supply chain monitoring.

• Vital Capital Invests in Vastpoint to Revolutionize Land Ownership and Support Sustainable Development in High Growth Markets (Vital Capital) - Investment firm backs Vastpoint's land management technology to expand property rights and sustainable development across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

• SEC Approves Launch of U.S.’ First Sustainability-Focused Stock Exchange (ESGToday) - SEC approves Green Impact Exchange (GIX) as first U.S. stock exchange exclusively for companies with binding sustainability commitments, set to launch in 2026.

• CRC 2025 Webinar: Demystifying Venture Capital for CDR (CRC 2025) - Expert panel of venture capital investors discuss funding landscape, challenges, and opportunities in carbon dioxide removal technology startups.

• Next Generation Budgets - In-person workshop, Brussels March 2025 (The Climate Group) - Thirty government officials from global states and regions gather in Brussels for workshop on green budgeting and climate finance mobilization.

• De-risking your climate startup: Targets for every stage (Enduring Planet) - Climate tech investor outlines key de-risking milestones for startups across funding stages, from scientific validation to commercial readiness.

• VC predictions for developing markets: Climate resilience, agrifintech, and ‘super-specialized’ startups (AgFunderNews) - Venture capital investors predict focus on climate resilience, agrifintech, and super-specialized startups in developing markets for 2025, despite geopolitical uncertainties.

Grid

From UNEZA's $117B grid investment to Quinbrook's massive Brisbane battery, utilities tackle reliability challenges while data centers reshape demand and smart meters modernize infrastructure

• Ageing coal plants will be unavailable to supply power 34 pct of the time, new data suggests (RenewEconomy) - A new report suggests ageing Australian coal plants' unreliability could cause power shortfalls equivalent to cutting power to 2 million homes, highlighting risks of extending their use.

• Why microgrids are the key to grid resilience (Utility Dive) - Microgrids offer a cost-effective, resilient energy solution by coordinating on-site power generation, integrating renewables, and providing continuous power during utility failures, enhancing energy independence and security.

• 🔊 Announcing the Grid Edge Innovation Forum Speaker Lineup - May 27 (Advanced Energy United) - The Grid Edge Innovation Forum on May 27 will gather experts to discuss AI and automation's role in enhancing grid reliability and resilience amid rising electricity demand.

• LiveEO | Corridor Maintenance Best Practices: How to Keep Energy Pathways Safe and Sustainable (LiveEO) - Energy companies adopt ecological corridor management practices to maintain power line pathways while enhancing biodiversity and preventing outages through sustainable vegetation control.

• Opportunity for Nevada to Improve How EV Chargers Connect to the Grid (IREC) - Nevada utility NV Energy launches stakeholder workshops to streamline grid connection process for EV charging stations, following regulatory mandate to improve service efficiency.

• Leveraging AI and crypto to power Mission 300 and end energy poverty in Africa (GEAPP) - AI, crypto mining, and distributed data centers could help power Mission 300's goal of electrifying 300 million Africans by 2030 through enhanced mini-grid profitability.

• Another gigawatt hour added to Brisbane battery to make it biggest in Australia (RenewEconomy) - Quinbrook adds 1GWh to Brisbane's Supernode battery project, making it Australia's largest at 750MW/2,540MWh with $1.4 billion total investment.

• ‘Utilities for net zero’ set out a plan of action (Renewable Energy World) - Global utilities alliance UNEZA commits $117 billion to grid infrastructure and renewables, targeting 850GW capacity by 2030.

• California’s SCE turns to undergrounding for wildfire resilience (Renewable Energy World) - Southern California Edison unveils $925M plan to underground 153 miles of power lines in wildfire-prone areas of Altadena and Malibu.

• Transmission line conflicts ahead as US electricity demand booms (Renewable Energy World) - US faces nationwide transmission line conflicts as AI-driven data centers spark surge in electricity demand, with Maryland project threatening 4,000 acres of protected land.

• Will data center demand extend the life of fossil fuel plants? (Latitude Media) - BloombergNEF report shows data centers could extend fossil fuel plant lifespans while driving 75% electricity demand increase by 2050, potentially slowing emissions reduction.

• EVLO Commissions First of Three Energy Storage Projects in American Samoa (EVLO) - Canadian energy storage company completes first of three battery projects in American Samoa, supporting territory's transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040.

• E.ON teams up with Superdielectics to develop 'more affordable' home battery technology (BusinessGreen) - E.ON partners with Superdielectrics to develop lower-cost home battery storage system aimed at reducing domestic energy bills by up to 85%.

• NESO: Britain's electricity demand could fall below Covid lockdown levels this summer (BusinessGreen) - Britain's electricity demand predicted to hit record summer lows while grid flexibility improvements enable better management of renewable energy.

• New nuclear power could meet 10% of projected data center demand increase by 2035: Deloitte (Utility Dive) - New nuclear power capacity could supply 10% of projected data center electricity demand growth by 2035, with 11-19 GW potential from uprates, restarts and new reactors.

• LUMA installs Puerto Rico’s first smart meter (Utility Dive) - LUMA Energy begins installing 1.5 million smart meters across Puerto Rico, starting in San Juan, to modernize grid and improve energy efficiency over three years.

Indigenous

Indigenous leaders shape climate policy from Amazon's COP30 to Minnesota wild rice rights, while GAO calls for better tribal consultation on offshore wind

• Morre Ronan Tito, defensor dos direitos indígenas na Constituinte (Instituto Socioambiental) - Ronan Tito, former senator and key figure in Brazil's redemocratization, died at 93, remembered for his defense of Indigenous rights during the drafting of the 1988 Constitution.

• Peoples’ Summit towards COP30: Joining Voices for Climate Justice (Via Campesina) - Global civil society groups announce People's Summit ahead of COP30 in Amazon, demanding climate justice, indigenous rights, and systemic changes to address environmental crisis.

• Empowering Indigenous Voices: Bridging government, communities, and carbon markets in Kenya (EDF) - Kenya workshop brings together Indigenous leaders and government officials to develop equitable carbon market frameworks, focusing on rights protection and community benefits.

• Connecting Across Cultural Divides Through Mutual Respect (MNIPL) - Indigenous leader explains how protecting wild rice's inherent right to exist bridges cultural divides and preserves resources for future generations in Minnesota Senate hearing.

• On offshore wind, Interior should reach out to tribes, fishing industry more: GAO (Utility Dive) - GAO report urges Interior Department to improve tribal and fishing industry consultation for offshore wind development, citing gaps in current approach.

Industry

AirJoule's water-from-air cooling tech, Houston's Bezos-backed industrial hub, and EET Hydrogen's UK customer deals highlight industrial innovation, while ExxonMobil's Guyana operations and US oil export records show fossil fuel persistence

• Webinar Recap: Aligning ESG & Procurement for Sustainable Supply Chains (Optera Climate) - A webinar highlighted the importance of collaboration between sustainability and procurement teams to reduce supply chain emissions through data collection, shared metrics, and supplier engagement.

• Bringing back evaporative cooling for data centers (Latitude Media) - AirJoule's technology harvests water from air using waste heat and sorbent materials, offering a water-efficient cooling solution for data centers.

• Why hydrogen infrastructure must be designed and built for purpose (Energy Central) - Experts warn that repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen transport poses safety and climate risks due to hydrogen's unique properties, necessitating purpose-built systems.

• ExxonMobil helps Amazon nation Guyana build ‘petrostate’, while people stay poor (Climate Change News) - ExxonMobil's oil operations in Guyana are creating a "petrostate" with environmental damage and limited economic benefits for locals, despite the country's GDP growth.

• In Houston, We Have a Solution (RMI) - Houston's clean industrial hub project, backed by Bezos Earth Fund, RMI, and Mission Possible Partnership, aims to decarbonize heavy industry and transport sectors, potentially creating jobs and reducing emissions.

• Trump Official Visits, Touts Alabama Coal Mine With Thousands of Federal Safety Violations (Inside Climate News) - Interior Secretary Doug Burgum touted an Alabama coal mine with thousands of safety violations and a history of environmental concerns, while failing to mention the death of a miner and the export of the coal.

• Decarbonising data: Switch to greener data storage systems could require $5bn investment (BusinessGreen) - UK companies may need to invest $5.4 billion to transition to more sustainable data storage systems, according to a poll of business leaders.

• U.S. Crude Oil Exports Reached a New Record in 2024 (CleanTechnica) - US crude oil exports hit a new record in 2024, averaging over 4.1 million barrels per day, though growth slowed compared to previous years due to decreased demand from China.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Grand Sunergy’s Laizhou HJT Plant Operational & More (TaiyangNews) - China's Grand Sunergy launches first module from 5GW HJT facility in Shandong while nation releases highway solar standards and classifies high-purity quartz as strategic mineral.

• Encapsulants With Distinct UV Management And Reflective Features (TaiyangNews) - Chinese manufacturer Betterial launches three specialized EVA encapsulant films for solar modules, featuring distinct UV absorption levels and reflective properties for enhanced module performance.

• EET Hydrogen Leads North West's Low Carbon Economy (Energy Central) - EET Hydrogen secures 30+ customer agreements totaling 29 TWh/year demand for low-carbon hydrogen production in UK's North West region.

• Green Molecules: Fuel for the Future or Just Running on Hopium? (Energy Central) - Expert analysis questions feasibility of achieving €1-1.5/kg green hydrogen production costs, highlighting overlooked challenges in hydrogen energy transition.

• The unregulated link in a toxic supply chain (Grist) - Unregulated medical supply warehouses across US expose thousands to dangerous ethylene oxide emissions, with Cardinal Health facilities in El Paso putting 90% of city residents at elevated cancer risk.

• Crown’s Encapsulation Portfolio Tuned For Optical And Mechanical Properties (TaiyangNews) - Crown Advanced Material unveils expanded EVA film portfolio with 10 products featuring enhanced UV protection, light conversion, and mechanical properties for solar panel encapsulation.

Policy

Legal battles over solar zoning in Michigan, French media's climate disinformation, and Australia's coal plant extension risks, while China snubs UK energy summit amid US trade tensions

• Michigan county fighting solar project challenges changes to clean zoning law (Renewable Energy World) - A Michigan county is facing a legal challenge from residents over a solar project, disputing the county's compliance with the state's updated clean energy zoning laws.

• Climate Disinformation ‘Normalised’ on French TV and Radio, Report Finds (DeSmog) - A report reveals that climate disinformation is routinely broadcast on French TV and radio, with private media companies being largely responsible.

• Coalition’s coal agenda will be the cause of the blackouts they wish on renewables (RenewEconomy) - A report suggests the Australian Coalition's plan to extend the life of old coal plants increases the risk of blackouts due to plant outages.

• The obscure policy that financed many of the last decade’s riskiest energy investments is back (Grist) - A resurgence of "construction work in progress" (CWIP) policies, allowing utilities to bill customers during power plant construction, raises concerns about risky energy investments and shifting financial burdens to ratepayers.

• For most countries, there’s a clear smart move to achieve energy security and reduce trade risks (Anthropocene) - A study finds that decarbonization improves energy security and reduces trade risks for most countries by shifting away from fossil fuels.

• What Happens to Global Decarbonization in a Trade War? (Heatmap News) - A US trade war, particularly with China, could undermine global decarbonization efforts by disrupting research, finance, and international cooperation on climate action.

• Is your community at risk? How to access data and tell stories about EtO (Grist) - An investigation reveals previously overlooked warehouses emitting the toxic ethylene oxide near residential areas, posing potential health risks to nearby communities.

• ‘Let Rome burn’: Coalition MP says allowing blackouts the only way to turn voters off renewable energy (The Guardian) - Australian Coalition MP Colin Boyce advocated for intentional blackouts to sway public opinion against renewable energy and net-zero policies.

• China to snub UK energy summit amid row over infrastructure projects (The Guardian) - China is snubbing a UK energy summit amid a dispute over infrastructure projects and concerns that the US will promote fossil fuels.

• Colorado residents now have a way to ‘see’ the toxic emissions they live with (Yale Climate Connections) - Colorado residents are using optical gas imaging cameras to visualize and report previously invisible toxic emissions from oil and gas operations, prompting regulatory action and community involvement.

• You’re Invited: The Future of Climate Activism & Launching The 89 Percent Project in Spanish (Covering Climate Now) - Covering Climate Now is hosting webinars on the 89 Percent Project, exploring global support for climate action, and the future of climate activism amidst anti-protest legislation.

• Texas grid operator warns against energy market interference (Canary Media) - ERCOT warns Texas lawmakers against energy market interference as Louisiana regulators consider ending energy efficiency program.

• Spotlighting the Silent Climate Majority (Covering Climate Now) - Global news outlets are collaborating on "The 89 Percent Project" to highlight the majority support for increased climate action.

• # Global Newsletter 94: The Passion to Make a Difference (Extinction Rebellion) - Global protests are increasing against environmental destruction and government inaction, highlighting the urgency for climate action and community solidarity.

• Green groups sue Trump administration over climate webpage removals (The Guardian) - Green groups are suing the Trump administration for removing federal climate and environmental justice data websites, calling it "tantamount to theft" and a threat to public health.

• GreenFaith on the Frontlines for Climate Justice (CERA Week 2025) (YouTube) - GreenFaith confronts Big Oil at CERAWeek 2025 and leads a "Toxic Tour" in Texas to protest polluter handouts and advocate for climate justice.

• GreenFaith on the Frontlines for Climate Justice (CERAWeek 2025) (YouTube) - GreenFaith confronts Big Oil at CERAWeek 2025 and protests against government subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, advocating for clean energy investment.

• ¿Su comunidad está en riesgo? Cómo acceder a la información y contar historias sobre el EtO (Grist) - Grist identifies previously overlooked warehouses emitting toxic ethylene oxide near schools and residential areas, posing potential health risks to nearby communities.

• Mahomet Aquifer Needs You – Tell Your Rep to Support SB1723 (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois residents are urged to contact their representatives to support SB1723, protecting the Mahomet Aquifer from potential CO2 sequestration threats, following Senate approval.

• In an ancient Javanese sultanate, coastal women battle climate fallout (Mongabay) - In Java, coastal women in a former sultanate are battling the impacts of land subsidence, overfishing, and climate change, leading to economic hardship and increased risk of gender-based violence.

• Leaked documents reveal the next science funding on Trump’s chopping block (Nature) - Leaked documents suggest the Trump administration plans to propose significant funding cuts to climate and space science programs at NOAA and NASA in 2026.

• April Newsletter - Your Voice is Needed! (All4Energy) - Louisiana's LPSC is considering a proposal to dismantle the state's energy efficiency program, while Entergy seeks approval for new natural gas plants to power a Meta data center, drawing criticism for potential ratepayer costs and environmental impacts.

• Stakeholders Respond to Mass. Proposal to Limit Cost Recovery for Gas Expansion (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts proposal to limit cost recovery for gas expansion draws mixed reactions from business groups and environmental advocates.

• Massachusetts heat pump owners could pay less for electricity next winter (Canary Media) - Massachusetts regulators approved seasonal electricity rate reductions for heat pump owners to encourage adoption by lowering winter costs, addressing the state's high electricity prices.

• MN Senate Energy and House Transportation omnibus bills roll back climate victories for industry (MNIPL) - Minnesota's Senate and House omnibus bills weaken environmental laws and renewable energy support, favoring industry over climate action and community benefits.

• NOAA Layoffs Have Hurricane Forecasters Worried (Heatmap News) - NOAA layoffs are raising concerns about the future accuracy of hurricane forecasts, as data collection and quality control may suffer.

• NY Climate Tech: Apr 15 - Apr 22 (NY Climate Tech) - NYC's climate tech scene hosts events focused on building decarbonization, China's climate role, Earth Day, and offers funding opportunities for startups in energy storage and disaster resilience.

• Urge Your U.S. Representative: Stop Spending on Nuclear Weapons (PSR.org) - Physicians for Social Responsibility urges US representatives to redirect over $110 billion in annual nuclear weapons spending towards urgent needs like housing, clean water, and healthcare.

• Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors denies Balico rezoning application (SELC) - Pittsylvania County, Virginia, supervisors rejected Balico LLC's rezoning application for a 3,500-megawatt gas-powered plant and data center campus after strong community opposition.

• Trump’s Executive Order Puts the Brakes on Anti-Energy Lawfare (Energy Central) - President Trump's executive order aims to halt state-level climate litigation and superfund bills targeting US energy producers, citing threats to energy security and federal authority.

• Can a local fishing panel make a difference in offshore wind projects? We’re about to find out. (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Rhode Island's revived fishing advisory panel will negotiate with SouthCoast Wind on transmission lines, facing skepticism over its influence on offshore wind development.

• Looking to create effective climate change policy? Ask the community. (Grist) - Seattle's pilot program uses Community Assemblies to include frontline communities' voices in climate policy, ensuring equitable and effective solutions.

• U.S. Energy Consumption Growth Decreases in the Near Term in the Latest AEO (CleanTechnica) - The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects a near-term decrease in U.S. energy consumption before a rise in the early 2040s, with 2050 consumption lower than 2024 in most scenarios.

• U.S. National Security Heads Turn Away from Climate Research as Threats Mount (Inside Climate News) - The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence omitted climate change from its annual threat assessment, signaling a shift away from addressing climate as a national security risk under the Trump administration.

• How the Trump Trade War Is Hitting America’s Plastic Industrial Complex (Heatmap) - Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods threaten the U.S.-China trade in petrochemical feedstocks like ethane and propane, potentially disrupting both economies.

• Environmental Justice in an Era of Federal Rollbacks: What States Can Do (Acadia Center) - With federal environmental justice efforts halted, states can adopt equitable funding, leadership, and cumulative impact considerations to advance environmental justice.

• Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation: Coherence pathways in Europe and Central Asia (UNDRR) - New report assesses disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policy coherence across 16 European and Central Asian countries, recommending strategic alignment and institutional coordination improvements.

• Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability (Local Environment) - Academic journal focuses on justice and sustainability research at local level, connecting environmental policy with social equity and community action.

• Sheinbaum’s energy agenda under fire as Mexican activists slam LNG megaproject (Mongabay) - Mexican activists protest massive US-Mexico LNG pipeline project over threats to Gulf of California marine life and climate concerns, challenging President Sheinbaum's clean energy promises.

• Americans are calling for public lands to stay in public hands (Environment America) - Bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act aims to protect federal lands from being sold to private developers without Congressional approval.

• Oregon Climate Action Commission Invites Public Input on Natural & Working Lands Fund Investments (Oregon Energy Info) - Oregon Climate Action Commission seeks public input until May 2 on prioritizing natural climate solutions investments, including restoration and land management strategies.

• LiveEO | EUDR Timeline: Key Dates and Milestones in the EU's Deforestation Regulation (April 2025 Update) (LiveEO) - EU Deforestation Regulation timeline reveals extended compliance deadlines to December 2025 for large businesses and June 2026 for SMEs, requiring strict due diligence on commodities linked to deforestation.

• Canada’s federal election doesn’t seem like it’s about climate change, but it actually is (The Conversation) - Canadian federal election campaign downplays climate change amid US threats, while fossil fuel expansion plans ignore long-term climate and economic realities.

• SOCAN Testimony regarding HB5006, the Oregon Biennium Budget (SOCAN) - Oregon climate group urges state legislature to fund climate action initiatives including clean energy, wildfire protection, and carbon sequestration in 2025-2026 budget.

• Moms Tell Congress Federal Help for Disaster Recovery Should Be Guaranteed (Moms Clean Air Force) - Parents urge Congress to guarantee federal disaster recovery funding amid threats to FEMA, NOAA, and National Weather Service budgets.

• Trump Administration’s Rollback of Protections Against Air Pollution from Power Plants Will Harm Communities (LCV) - Trump administration rolls back mercury pollution standards for coal power plants, reversing Obama-era protections despite health and environmental concerns.

• Texas Oil Drillers Can Bury Toxic Waste on Private Property Without Telling the Landowner. A New Bill Seeks to Change That (Inside Climate News) - Texas bill would require oil companies to notify landowners before burying toxic drilling waste on private property, adding groundwater protections and monitoring requirements.

• The great Mississippi tops list of most endangered rivers amid fears over Trump rollbacks (The Guardian) - Mississippi River tops America's most endangered rivers list due to Trump administration's Fema cuts, fossil fuel deregulation, and climate threats impacting water resources across 10 states.

• Could Trump's tariffs slow emissions? Sure, experts say, but at great cost overall (Energy Central) - Trump's global tariffs could temporarily reduce emissions but delay renewable energy transition, experts warn.

• CA Wildfire Lawsuit Bill Goes Up in Smoke (Energy Central) - California Senate committee rejects bill allowing lawsuits against oil companies for wildfire damages amid bipartisan opposition and union concerns.

• Utah is taking a different approach to new data center load (Latitude Media) - Utah law enables data centers to source their own power generation, offering three pathways including closed private systems for loads over 100MW.

• A Chicago law could shift where heavy industry operates — and who bears the burden of pollution (Grist) - Chicago proposes landmark environmental justice law requiring pollution impact assessments before approving new industrial projects in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

• EU Commission Unveils Series of Changes to Reduce Compliance Burden of New Supply Chain Deforestation Law (ESG Today) - EU Commission simplifies deforestation supply chain law by reducing administrative burden 30% through annual reporting and streamlined due diligence requirements.

• Progress, not perfection: What we can learn from Microsoft and HSBC’s climate target pullbacks (Trellis) - Microsoft and HSBC adjust climate targets differently - Microsoft refocuses on direct emissions while HSBC delays operational goals, highlighting challenges in corporate climate commitments.

• How tariffs are challenging purpose-driven small companies (Trellis) - Small sustainable businesses face severe operational challenges from unpredictable U.S. tariffs, forcing some to halt production or raise prices.

• Trump tariffs will mean world uses less oil this year, IEA says (The Guardian) - IEA cuts global oil demand growth forecast by one-third due to Trump's trade tariffs impacting economic outlook and crude prices.

• GreenFaith on the Frontlines of Climate Justice (CERAWeek 2025) (GreenFaith) - Multi-faith climate activist group leads protests at CERAWeek 2025 against $20 billion annual oil subsidies, demanding funds be redirected to clean energy and community services.

• Trump, Tariffs and Oil! (Energy Central) - Oil prices have plummeted to their lowest since April 2021 following the Trump administration's new tariffs, sparking fears of a global economic slowdown.

• Why conservation research findings are rarely surprising (Mongabay) - Research shows conservation science often confirms existing knowledge but systematic evidence remains crucial for validating effectiveness of environmental interventions.

Renewables

From Google's groundbreaking geothermal deal in Taiwan to Quaise Energy's superhot drilling innovation, plus Australia's world-leading solar deployment and Nigeria's Arnergy expansion

• Climate action drives a town’s revitalization (Canary Media) - A North Carolina town is betting on solar, weatherization, and resilience to revitalize its economy, while California's solar generation may surpass gas this year.

• Solar Power Surges In Nigeria Thanks To Arnergy (CleanTechnica) - Arnergy's solar power solutions are surging in Nigeria due to rising fuel costs and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies, despite potential import ban challenges.

• Chart of the day: Australia tops the world on solar generation per capita (RenewEconomy) - Australia leads the world in per capita solar energy generation and ranks fourth in combined solar and wind generation, demonstrating the viability of high renewable energy penetration for a reliable grid.

• SwitchedOn podcast: How solar gardens can deliver PV benefits to renters (RenewEconomy) - Australia's first large-scale solar garden, Haystacks, allows renters and apartment dwellers to access solar power through community-led solar plots.

• Negative prices in CAISO: What PPA buyers and renewable developers need to know (RenewableEnergyWorld) - CAISO's increasing negative power prices, driven by solar oversupply and transmission limits, significantly impact revenue for renewable energy projects and PPA buyers, necessitating careful risk management.

• Enertech Global and Dandelion Energy Partner in one of the Largest Deployments of Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling in U.S. History (Dandelion Energy) - Enertech Global and Dandelion Energy partner for a large-scale deployment of residential geothermal heating and cooling systems across 1,500 homes in Lennar communities in Colorado, projecting $30 million in homeowner savings.

• Georgia to Harness Renewables to Enhance Energy Security (IRENA) - Georgia can significantly improve energy security and reduce its energy trade deficit by deploying its untapped renewable energy potential, including wind and solar.

• Google chooses geothermal power in latest landmark deal to power data centres (RenewEconomy) - Google's deal with Baseload Capital will bring 10MW of geothermal energy to its Taiwan data centers by 2029, doubling the island's geothermal capacity.

• Signals of Change – April 2025 (We Mean Business Coalition) - In April 2025, corporate renewable energy procurement hit a record in the US, global wind installations surged, EU renewable electricity rose, companies advanced fleet electrification, construction emissions decoupled from growth, and green hydrogen projects gained momentum.

• An Inside Look at MCE’s Power Resources Team with Stephen Mariani (MCE Clean Energy) - MCE's Power Resources team prioritizes clean energy projects that benefit customers, align with California's carbon-free goals, and address grid constraints and supply chain challenges.

• Hotter is Better (Quaise Energy) - Quaise Energy is developing the first superhot geothermal power plant using millimeter wave drilling, aiming for impactful energy solutions.

• Inaugural Southwest Virginia Solar Summit (Appalachian Voices) - Southwest Virginia's inaugural Solar Summit on May 21st at UVA Wise Campus aims to educate residents and local governments about solar energy opportunities.

• Southwest Virginia’s Solar Summit for Rural Appalachia (Appalachian Voices) - Southwest Virginia's Solar Summit on May 21st will offer education, networking, and entertainment to promote solar energy development in the region.

• Starlight Engine Ltd. Established as the Driving Force behind the “FAST” Project (Kyoto Fusioneering) - Starlight Engine Ltd. was launched on April 3rd 2025 to lead the "FAST" fusion energy power demonstration project.

• 33rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE 2025) (Revolve) - The 33rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE 2025) in Valencia will gather 1500 experts to discuss biomass research, technologies, and applications for decarbonizing the economy.

• Fervo Energy Announces 31 MW Power Purchase Agreement with Shell Energy (Fervo Energy) - Geothermal developer signs 31 MW power purchase agreement with Shell Energy, expanding Utah's Cape Station project to 500 MW total capacity.

• Europe Signed 19 GW Of Renewable Energy Deals In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Europe signed 19 GW of renewable energy PPAs in 2024, with solar and wind each contributing about 40% of deals, led by corporate buyers in Spain and Germany.

• JA Solar Convenes High-Level Summit in Nepal to Advance Regional Solar Development (TaiyangNews) - JA Solar hosts high-level summit in Nepal, convening government officials and industry leaders to advance solar development and investment across South Asia.

• DAScover the World: Powering Europe with Innovative N-type Solutions (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar expands European presence with N-type solar panel installations across France, Greece, Netherlands and Germany, featuring floating solar and commercial rooftop projects.

• Solar PV Industry Sets 703 GW Shipment Record in 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Global solar PV industry achieves record-breaking 703 GW module shipments and 566 GW installations in 2024, with TOPCon technology dominating market share.

• Community Solar Is Booming — And Bringing Big Economic Benefits With It (CleanTechnica) - New report shows single 5MW community solar project generates $14M in local economic activity and creates 100 jobs, with nationwide potential for $120B total economic value.

• How Climate Change’s Influence on Wind Patterns Is Affecting the Wind Power Industry (Earth.org) - Climate change is causing unpredictable wind patterns and increased storm intensity, forcing wind power industry to adapt turbine designs and explore new technologies like floating offshore installations.

• Google, Baseload Capital Have Corporate PPA for Geothermal in Taiwan (PowerMag) - Google partners with Baseload Capital in Taiwan's first corporate geothermal PPA, set to double country's geothermal capacity with 10MW project operational by 2029.

Transport

GM's $35B EV push and BMW's 15% US market share lead legacy automakers, while Arctic ice disrupts shipping and IMO introduces first carbon tax

• More open water in the Arctic doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing (Yale Climate Connections) - Arctic ice melt causes unpredictable conditions with smaller ice chunks blocking routes, stranding ships, and disrupting food supplies to remote communities.

• GM & Mary Barra Place A $35 Billion Bet On EVs (CleanTechnica) - GM CEO Mary Barra is investing $35 billion in EVs, aiming for cost-competitive battery technology and a US-based supply chain to challenge Tesla and BYD.

• SOCAN Testimony Supporting HB2945 (SOCAN) - Southern Oregon Climate Action Now urges Oregon legislators to support HB2945, advocating for state funding to replace diesel school buses with electric vehicles due to federal inaction.

• Why the shipping industry’s new carbon tax is a big deal — and still not enough (Grist) - The International Maritime Organization has introduced a carbon tax on shipping emissions, a "historic" but limited step towards decarbonizing the sector, as the US delegation walked out of discussions.

• Networks blame private companies for keeping costs high as they try to get into EV charging (RenewEconomy) - Australian network operators seek regulatory exemption to install EV chargers, blaming private companies for high costs while facing anti-competitive concerns.

• NSW begins major road upgrades to deliver huge turbine blades and “oversize” gear to renewable zones (RenewEconomy) - NSW government launches $128 million road upgrade program to transport massive wind turbine components from Port of Newcastle to renewable energy zones.

• The Auto Brands Electrifying Fastest in USA — Sales Charts (EXCLUSIVE) (CleanTechnica) - BMW Group leads legacy automakers with 15% EV sales share in US market, followed by Volkswagen Group at 11% and Hyundai-Kia at 5.5%.

• Auto Brands Leading the US EV Revolution — CHARTS (CleanTechnica) - Tesla maintains 43.2% US EV market share despite sales decline, while Ford follows at 7.6% and GM consolidates to 10.8% across all brands.