Photography great Sebastião Salgado has passed

The biggest news in the environmental world today is the passing of famed Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado at the age of 81. The Guardian has published a selection of his photos and I recommend checking them out.

And now, our daily summaries of nearly 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability. Subscribe by email and we'll send you three just for you, based on your interests.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (5 stories) - Biofuel vs. Palm Oil in Indonesia, Seagrass Farming as Rice Alternative, Salmon Feed Alternatives, Sustainable Seaweed Farming in Tanzania, and Cysteine Enzyme Research.

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (5 stories) - Assent's carbon calculator, GHG Protocol revisions, Avnos's Hybrid Direct Air Capture, Clean Energy Buyers Association, and PepsiCo's net-zero delay.

  
  

• ♻️Circular (8 stories) - VC firm explores formed fiber packaging; Nantucket's Saltie Museum & house relocation; EU construction's circularity gap; Microplastic contamination research; Brazil-China circular economy collaboration; Long Beach's Retro Row; Clean skincare brands' sustainable packaging.

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (23 stories) - Climate change threatens wildlife (5% of 70,000 species), while Trinasolar promotes biodiversity-friendly solar, and Prince William highlights wildlife rangers; Antarctic penguin guano may form cooling clouds; UK faces West Nile virus risk; turf algae hinders Maine kelp recovery.

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (5 stories) - AI energy consumption scrutinized, Maine HVAC training expands, Company showcases AI data center solutions, real-time water quality monitoring, and Kaluza acquires Beige Technologies.

  
  

• 💰Finance (7 stories) - Eco-Markets Australia biodiversity credits, Westpac/UOB Bramley battery financing, Green Finance Institute school loan plea, Buffett fossil fuel criticism, Butternut Box/OroraTech/Converge funding, CDFI Appalachian support, BlackRock coal lawsuit defense.

  
  

• 🔌Grid (13 stories) - Australian and Californian batteries hit output records; AEMO revises transmission plans; DOE funds Puerto Rico grid; EPRI releases climate risk framework; Jinko ESS in Germany; UK battery storage potential; PSEG fights for transmission line; Estonia plans GE Hitachi SMRs; Animal blackout narratives exposed; Vistra acquires gas plants; MAN engines for Texas peaker; Wisconsin and Georgia expand gas plants for data centers.

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (9 stories) - Electricity gaps near COP30, Bangladesh protects sacred forests, Panama reforestation, Indigenous knowledge at Banff conference, Guarani land deal, Baré art workshops, and Namibia's Kharas Community Radio.

  
  

• 🏭Industry (29 stories) - Sritex pollution ruling, Chevron protests, California decarbonization, Chinese solar (GCL, Huadian, Astronergy), 5B funding, TOPCon efficiency, Anthropic's Claude 4, Sublime Systems/Microsoft cement deal, Fortescue restructure, Converge AI, ACI 323 code, FishSafe turbine, New School Foods, Seraphim module, Coveme films, SolarSpace expansion, US solar growth, Golden Plains strike, BYD sales, Northvolt suspension, EU hydrogen auction, Wärtsilä plant.

  
  

• 📜Policy (80 stories) - EPA grant restoration, Florida Power & Light rate hike resistance, California's vehicle emission standards defense, EU deforestation law loopholes, Amazon project impact assessments, House clean energy tax credit cuts, EU Deforestation Regulation webinar, Mahomet Aquifer carbon sequestration ban, IRA cuts, Harvard nuclear disarmament advocacy, NOAA hurricane forecast, UK charity investigation, medical orgs boycott fossil fuel ad agencies, Arizona heat officer, Woodside's Burrup Hub legal challenge, Louisiana air monitoring lawsuit, Texas anti-renewable bills, deep-sea mining push, Scotland's Just Transition warning, California solar contract voiding, Brazil's 'devastation bill', Met Office misinformation toolkit, COP16 biodiversity summit, Oakland environmental justice, India's Earth science services, Kentucky tornado relief, Reform UK offshore wind, BLM union negotiations, solar import tariffs, Nuclear Energy Institute warning.

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (9 stories) - Astronergy ZBB panels, Huasun's bifacial & perovskite modules, NY's 2.5GW projects, ARENA on AI-boosted solar, GoSun's sale, Empire Wind restarts, Meta buys AES solar, and Coal India's 4.5GW portfolio.

  
  

• 🚗Transport (17 stories) - BMW tests Solid Power batteries, Hyundai deploys AI charging robots, Tesla's NACS gains traction, and Lit Motors raises funds for C-1 electric motorcycle.

Agriculture

Biofuel vs. Palm Oil in Indonesia, Seagrass Farming as Rice Alternative, Salmon Feed Alternatives, Sustainable Seaweed Farming in Tanzania, and Cysteine Enzyme Research.

• Community-based biofuels offer ‘sensible’ alternative to palm oil for Indonesia, analysis shows (Mongabay) - Analysis shows community-based biofuel production using diverse feedstocks could provide better economic returns than palm oil expansion in Indonesia while avoiding environmental damage.

• Bread from seagrass? Cultivating grains in the ocean could be an elegant solution to rising seas. (Anthropocene Magazine) - Scientists propose seagrass farming could yield grain equivalent to 7% of global rice production while adapting to rising sea levels and sequestering carbon.

• ‘Urgent investment’ in feed ingredient alternatives for salmon farming needed to avoid financial risk, says FAIRR (AgFundNews) - Major salmon producers must urgently invest in alternative feed ingredients to reduce wild-caught fish dependence or face financial risks, warns investor network FAIRR.

• I apply my aquatic-science training to empower Tanzania’s seaweed farmers (Nature) - Tanzanian aquatic scientist trains coastal women in sustainable seaweed farming and value-added product development to improve economic outcomes.

• Mice without one amino acid shed weight fast (Nature) - Mice lacking enzyme to produce cysteine amino acid lost 30% body weight in one week when fed cysteine-free diet, suggesting potential weight loss drug target.

Carbon

Assent's carbon calculator, GHG Protocol revisions, Avnos's Hybrid Direct Air Capture, Clean Energy Buyers Association, and PepsiCo's net-zero delay.

• Assent Launches CBAM Compliance Solution for Manufacturers (ESG Today) - Supply chain solutions provider Assent launches automated carbon emissions calculator to help manufacturers comply with EU's upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requirements.

• What renewable energy buyers should know about proposed Scope 2 accounting changes (Trellis) - GHG Protocol's proposed Scope 2 accounting revisions could complicate corporate renewable energy emissions claims, sparking concerns from major industry groups about potential market impacts.

• This is CDR: Avnos' Water-Positive, Hybrid Direct Air Capture with Will Kain (This is CDR) - Avnos unveils water-positive Hybrid Direct Air Capture technology that harvests atmospheric moisture for CO2 separation, requiring less energy than traditional carbon capture methods.

• CEBA Calls for Immediate Changes to Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Scope 2 Revision Process (CEBA) - Clean energy buyers association urges Greenhouse Gas Protocol to keep hourly emissions accounting optional and increase dialogue with energy buyers to maintain market momentum.

• PepsiCo Pushes Back Climate, Packaging Goals Due to “External Realities” (ESG Today) - PepsiCo delays net-zero emissions target from 2040 to 2050 and reduces packaging sustainability goals, citing infrastructure and market constraints.

Circular

VC firm explores formed fiber packaging; Nantucket's Saltie Museum & house relocation; EU construction's circularity gap; Microplastic contamination research; Brazil-China circular economy collaboration; Long Beach's Retro Row; Clean skincare brands' sustainable packaging.

• Shaping the Future of Packaging: Emerald’s Formed Fiber Sprint (Emerald VC) - Venture capital firm completes strategic sprint exploring formed fiber packaging innovations, identifying 19 startups pioneering sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

• Whitney Schrauth’s Salvage Mission: The Saltie Museum (Bluedot Living) - Nantucket architect launches 'Saltie Museum' nonprofit to promote architectural salvage and sustainable design through curated marketplace and education hub.

• Salvage and Reuse on Nantucket: Saving History and Reducing Waste (Bluedot Living) - Nantucket leads Massachusetts in house relocation efforts, with local initiatives promoting building salvage and reuse to reduce waste and preserve historic structures.

• Planet Under Construction (Revolve) - EU construction sector faces urgent need to shift towards circular practices, with only 11.7% material circularity rate despite generating 40% of emissions and one-third of waste.

• ¿Cuáles son los impactos del plástico en la salud? (Yale Climate Connections) - Research reveals widespread microplastic contamination in human bodies and environment, with plastic production set to triple by 2060 despite growing evidence of health risks.

• Did you tune in to WCEF2025? Find out how Brazil and China are collaborating on circular economy solutions (Ellen MacArthur Foundation) - Brazil and China collaborate on circular economy initiatives at WCEF2025, planning bilateral cooperation memorandum to advance recycling systems and bioeconomy projects.

• Back to the Good Ol’ Days: A Daytrip to Retro Row (Bluedot Living) - Long Beach's Retro Row combines vintage shopping, natural wine bars, and eco-friendly dining in historic Fourth Street district focused on sustainable consumption and community preservation.

• 5 Must-Try Clean Skincare Brands with Sustainable Packaging (Bluedot Living) - Five clean skincare brands showcase sustainable packaging innovations and non-toxic formulations while maintaining product effectiveness.

Ecosystems

Climate change threatens wildlife (5% of 70,000 species), while Trinasolar promotes biodiversity-friendly solar, and Prince William highlights wildlife rangers; Antarctic penguin guano may form cooling clouds; UK faces West Nile virus risk; turf algae hinders Maine kelp recovery.

• Climate change now threatens thousands of species on Earth (Mongabay) - New analysis reveals climate change is now third-greatest threat to Earth's wildlife, endangering 5% of 70,000 assessed species with marine invertebrates most vulnerable.

• Without vultures, carcasses are slow to rot and disease-carrying flies abound (Mongabay) - Study shows vulture absence doubles carcass decomposition time and fly populations in Costa Rica, highlighting critical ecosystem role of these understudied scavengers.

• Hope at OOC: How Young Ocean Leaders View Current Actions (Sustainable Ocean Alliance) - Youth ocean leaders from 35 countries present ambitious demands for marine protection and climate action at 10th Our Ocean Conference in South Korea.

• Trinasolar Bridges Renewable Energy and Biodiversity with Scenario-Based Solutions (TaiyangNews) - Trinasolar showcases biodiversity-friendly solar solutions including desert installations and agrivoltaic systems while launching forest restoration project in Spain.

• Antarctica has its own ‘shield’ against warm water – but this could now be under threat (The Conversation) - Antarctica's protective ocean current shield against warm waters is accelerating due to ice melt, potentially destabilizing the continent's ice shelves through increased eddy formation.

• In 2025, Tornado Alley has become almost everything east of the Rockies − and it’s been a violent year (The Conversation) - Tornado activity in 2025 shows dramatic eastward shift from traditional "Tornado Alley," with increased frequency of deadly winter storms and broader geographic distribution east of Rockies.

• Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) (DEA) - Australian medical professionals report direct link between climate change-driven extreme weather events and rising psychological distress among Australians.

• Global Newsletter #95: REBEL EARTH MONTH: WE ARE THE FIRE (Extinction Rebellion) - Global climate activists escalate direct actions worldwide against fossil fuel expansion and environmental destruction, highlighting indigenous rights and ecosystem protection.

• Penguin Poop May Help Preserve Antarctic Climate (Inside Climate News) - Antarctic penguin guano produces ammonia particles that help form cooling clouds by accelerating particle formation up to 1000 times faster than normal processes.

• Climate change could bring insect-borne tropical diseases to UK, scientists warn (The Guardian) - Climate change could enable tropical diseases like West Nile virus and dengue to spread to UK as rising temperatures make environment more hospitable for disease-carrying insects.

• Wildfire warning signs put up in Peak District as climate crisis increases threat (The Guardian) - Peak District installs Australia-style wildfire warning signs amid rising climate threats, following 30 moorland fires since March.

• Prince William series to champion ‘dangerous’ work of wildlife rangers (The Guardian) - Prince William launches six-part docuseries highlighting dangerous work and sacrifices of global wildlife rangers protecting endangered species and habitats.

• New study reveals how competition between algae is transforming the Gulf of Maine (ScienceDaily) - Study reveals turf algae's chemical warfare prevents kelp forest recovery along Maine's warming coast by releasing toxic compounds that kill young kelp.

• The weird way that penguin poop might be cooling Antarctica (Grist) - Research reveals Antarctic penguin guano releases ammonia that helps form cooling clouds, potentially creating climate feedback loop as penguin populations decline.

• Penguin Droppings May Be Seeding Clouds, Study Finds (Yale e360) - Study finds penguin droppings in Antarctica release high levels of ammonia that may seed cloud formation and help cool the region by reflecting sunlight.

• ‘Unprecedented’ marine heatwave hits waters around Devon, Cornwall and Ireland (The Guardian) - Marine scientists warn of unprecedented spring heatwave as UK and Irish coastal waters reach up to 4C above normal temperatures, threatening marine ecosystems.

• One Home One Future: Native Plants w/ Naomi Edelson (National Wildlife Federation) - Sacred Grounds program helps religious congregations plant native species to support wildlife, reduce flooding, and engage faith communities in environmental stewardship.

• 5 days to save our forests (Global Landscapes Forum) - Global forum announces hybrid event on scaling local forest conservation solutions, featuring 50+ communities and 3,000 online participants to explore sustainable forest management approaches.

• Meet a Newly Discovered Cave Crustacean (Nautilus) - Scientists discover new cave-dwelling copepod species in Bermuda's limestone caves, highlighting fragile underground ecosystem's biodiversity.

• West Nile virus found in the UK for the first time – what you need to know (The Conversation) - West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time, posing low current risk but highlighting climate change concerns.

• California hummingbird beaks transformed by feeders: ‘more tapered and longer’ (The Guardian) - Study reveals California's Anna's hummingbirds evolved longer beaks and expanded habitat range due to widespread backyard feeder use since World War II.

• Week in wildlife: blue waterfowl, a rescued baby orangutan and a real-life Pikachu (The Guardian) - Global wildlife photo gallery showcases rescued orangutans, blue-dyed waterfowl, and diverse species facing conservation challenges from Thailand to Venezuela.

• Five ways to inspire ocean connection: reflections from my 40-year marine ecology career (The Conversation) - Marine ecologist shares 40 years of insights on ocean conservation, emphasizing public engagement, habitat protection, and recovery potential of marine ecosystems.

Efficiency

AI energy consumption scrutinized, Maine HVAC training expands, Company showcases AI data center solutions, real-time water quality monitoring, and Kaluza acquires Beige Technologies.

• Does AI Have Any Responsibility to Walk Its Energy Talk? (Energy Central) - AI industry faces scrutiny over high energy consumption and calls for sustainable practices while promoting climate solutions.

• Maine is training an army of HVAC pros to meet its heat pump goals (Canary Media) - Maine's community colleges and state programs rapidly expand HVAC training to meet ambitious heat pump installation goals amid workforce shortage concerns.

• Delta at COMPUTEX 2025｜AI x GI Booth Highlights (Delta Electronics) - Company showcases AI data center solutions at COMPUTEX 2025 featuring containerized systems, microgrids, and advanced cooling technology for sustainable computing infrastructure.

• Temperature and DO as Key Indicators in Monitoring Water Quality (KETOS) - Real-time temperature and dissolved oxygen monitoring system enables automated water quality tracking across industrial, agricultural, and municipal applications.

• AGL-backed smart energy upstart buys up Melbourne-based software specialist (RenewEconomy) - UK energy optimization firm Kaluza acquires Australian software company Beige Technologies following AGL's minority stake investment, doubling APAC presence.

Finance

Eco-Markets Australia biodiversity credits, Westpac/UOB Bramley battery financing, Green Finance Institute school loan plea, Buffett fossil fuel criticism, Butternut Box/OroraTech/Converge funding, CDFI Appalachian support, BlackRock coal lawsuit defense.

• A ‘landmark development’ as Eco-Markets Australia launches biodiversity credit scheme for rainforests (AgFundNews) - Eco-Markets Australia launches first-ever stackable biodiversity credit scheme for rainforest conservation, allowing landowners to earn both carbon and biodiversity credits simultaneously.

• Westpac provides debt financing to one of Europe’s largest battery projects (RenewEconomy) - Westpac and UOB provide 50-50 debt financing for UK's 100MW/313MWh Bramley battery storage project featuring three-hour discharge capability.

• 'An investment in our children's future': Government urged to introduce green loan scheme for schools (BusinessGreen) - Green Finance Institute urges UK government to create school loan scheme to address £16.3bn funding gap for reaching 75% emissions reduction in schools by 2037.

• Warren Buffett as Climate-Wrecker (LA Times) - Warren Buffett and successor Greg Abel criticized for investing billions in fossil fuels and coal plants while climate crisis worsens.

• The Week in AgriFoodTech: Butternut Box fetches $100m, OroraTech raises $42m, Converge lands $22m (AgFunderNews) - UK pet food startup Butternut Box raises $100m, while OroraTech and Converge secure $42m and $22m respectively for wildfire detection and concrete decarbonization tech.

• Economic first responders: CDFIs, the unsung heroes of Appalachian financial services (Appalachian Voices) - Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) provide crucial financial services and technical assistance to underserved Appalachian communities, facing uncertain future amid potential federal funding cuts.

• BlackRock Hits Back at Trump Administration’s Support for Case Accusing Asset Managers of Using Net Zero to Manipulate Energy Prices (ESGToday) - BlackRock strongly refutes Trump administration's backing of lawsuit claiming major asset managers manipulated coal markets through net-zero commitments.

Grid

Australian and Californian batteries hit output records; AEMO revises transmission plans; DOE funds Puerto Rico grid; EPRI releases climate risk framework; Jinko ESS in Germany; UK battery storage potential; PSEG fights for transmission line; Estonia plans GE Hitachi SMRs; Animal blackout narratives exposed; Vistra acquires gas plants; MAN engines for Texas peaker; Wisconsin and Georgia expand gas plants for data centers.

• Big batteries flex their muscles, hit new records in evening peaks in Australia and California (RenewEconomy) - Grid-scale batteries set new output records of 1,531MW in Australia and 10GW in California, demonstrating crucial role in managing evening peak demand.

• AEMO flags rethink of transmission plan as costs soar and social licence bites (RenewEconomy) - AEMO signals major transmission plan revision as infrastructure costs surge up to 55% and community opposition grows, prompting new focus on local distribution networks.

• DOE redirects $365M in solar + storage funding to bolster Puerto Rico’s grid instead (Renewable Energy World) - DOE redirects $365M from solar and storage projects to urgent Puerto Rico grid infrastructure improvements amid ongoing power reliability issues.

• How should the power sector assess physical climate risk? (Latitude Media) - EPRI releases comprehensive framework for power sector climate risk assessment, incorporating input from 40+ companies to standardize evaluation methods.

• Jinko ESS Signs Another 150MWh Energy Storage Project in Germany (TaiyangNews) - Jinko ESS secures 150MWh energy storage project in Germany, deploying 30 units of G2 System with 94% efficiency for grid regulation and renewable integration.

• Is there a better way to serve retail customers? How about a smaller and cheaper grid connection (RenewEconomy) - Study suggests UK homes could reduce grid connection capacity by 80% using strategic battery storage and load management, potentially cutting distribution network costs.

• Piedmont power line company fights for land access in Baltimore court (RenewableEnergyWorld) - New Jersey power company PSEG battles Maryland landowners in court for survey access rights to build 67-mile transmission line through three counties.

• Estonia Plans 600-MW Nuclear Power Plant Utilizing BWRX-300 SMRs (Power Magazine) - Estonia announces plans for its first nuclear power plant featuring two GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors totaling 600MW, with construction planned for 2029.

• Eclipse of the Forgotten: "The Resurgent Legacy of the Blackout Bestiary – Part II (EnergyCentral) - Viral analysis exposes how politicians and industry stakeholders use animal-related blackout narratives to deflect from systemic grid vulnerabilities and delayed infrastructure reforms.

• Vistra to Acquire 2.6 GW Gas Fleet for $1.9B, Citing Surging U.S. Power Demand (POWER) - Vistra acquires seven gas power plants for $1.9B across four U.S. grid regions to meet surging data center electricity demand.

• MAN Energy Gas Engines Will Power New Texas Peaker Plant (POWER) - MAN Energy Solutions to supply six gas engines for new 124-MW Texas peaker plant, supporting grid stability during high demand periods.

• Wisconsin OKs $1.5 billion gas plan (Canary Media) - Wisconsin utility regulators unanimously approve $1.5 billion gas plant expansion to meet data center power demands despite environmental opposition.

• Georgia data centers abandon solar (WABE) - Georgia data centers abandon solar power plans in favor of gas plants as AI drives higher electricity demand.

Indigenous

Electricity gaps near COP30, Bangladesh protects sacred forests, Panama reforestation, Indigenous knowledge at Banff conference, Guarani land deal, Baré art workshops, and Namibia's Kharas Community Radio.

• Want to Make COP30 an Implementation COP? Start in Belém. (350.org) - Indigenous communities near COP30 host city Belém lack basic electricity access despite Brazil's renewable energy promises, highlighting implementation gaps in climate commitments.

• Bangladesh protects sacred forests to strengthen biodiversity conservation (Mongabay) - Bangladesh government launches initiative to document and protect sacred forests and ancient trees to preserve biodiversity and cultural heritage.

• In Panama, an Indigenous-led project rewrites the rules of reforestation (Mongabay) - Indigenous-led reforestation project in Panama's Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca combines native trees, carbon payments and scientific research to create sustainable livelihoods while restoring ecosystems.

• Wahkohtowin Attends the Canadian Ecological Connectivity Conference in Banff (Wahkohtowin) - Indigenous conservation team attends first Canadian Ecological Connectivity Conference in Banff, sharing traditional knowledge and corridor planning initiatives.

• Greenpeace Pictures of the Week (Greenpeace International) - Global environmental group showcases weekly activism photos featuring Indigenous dance in Texas, animal welfare protests in Germany, ocean conservation in France, and climate advocacy at Cannes.

• POVO GUARANI CELEBRA DEMARCAÇÃO DA TERRA INDÍGENA JARAGUÁ EM SP (ISA) - Guarani indigenous people celebrate historic land demarcation agreement for Jaraguá Indigenous Territory in São Paulo, Brazil, which includes unprecedented co-management deal with state park authorities.

• Floresta no Centro oferece oficina de arte indígena na Virada Cultural 2025, em SP (Instituto Socioambiental) - Indigenous Baré artist Elizângela Baré leads traditional art workshops teaching cultural jewelry-making techniques at São Paulo's Virada Cultural 2025 festival.

• Your Hearth Summit Journey Continues – Stop 4: ART (The Wellbeing Project) - Global Hearth Summit in Ljubljana to showcase commissioned art installations exploring ecological belonging and societal wellbeing, featuring local and international artists.

• Kharas Community Radio: A Voice for Culture and Empowerment in Keetmanshoop (Cultural Survival) - Namibia's Kharas Community Radio empowers Indigenous communities through multilingual broadcasting, cultural preservation, and educational programming since 2008.

Industry

Sritex pollution ruling, Chevron protests, California decarbonization, Chinese solar (GCL, Huadian, Astronergy), 5B funding, TOPCon efficiency, Anthropic's Claude 4, Sublime Systems/Microsoft cement deal, Fortescue restructure, Converge AI, ACI 323 code, FishSafe turbine, New School Foods, Seraphim module, Coveme films, SolarSpace expansion, US solar growth, Golden Plains strike, BYD sales, Northvolt suspension, EU hydrogen auction, Wärtsilä plant.

• Kuehne Climate Center (PreventionWeb) - Kuehne Climate Center's White Paper warns of climate-driven supply chain disruptions and urges infrastructure adaptation for global logistics networks.

• Central Java villages take fast fashion to the cleaners at Indonesia’s Supreme Court (Mongabay) - Indonesia's Supreme Court rules against textile giant Sritex in landmark case where 185 villagers won compensation for toxic pollution from fast fashion manufacturing.

• Coordinated Actions Across the Bay Area Highlight Chevron’s Complicity in Genocide and Climate Destruction Ahead of Annual Shareholders Meeting (Amazon Watch) - Bay Area activists stage coordinated freeway banner drops protesting Chevron's environmental and human rights record ahead of annual shareholders meeting.

• California Dreamin’ on Earth Day (RMI) - California leads industrial decarbonization with 60+ announced projects and successful clean industrial hub initiative targeting heavy transport, shipping, and manufacturing emissions reduction.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Cybrid Presenting At TaiyangNews Solar Power Plant Developments Conference & More (TaiyangNews) - Multiple Chinese solar companies announce major developments including GCL's carbon tech lab, Huadian's 1.8GW offshore project, and Astronergy's 5GW module plant approval.

• 5B Secures First Solar Sunshot Funding in Australia (TaiyangNews) - Australian solar tech firm 5B secures $29.5M government funding to expand manufacturing of its rapid-deployment Maverick solar system to 200MW capacity.

• Laser-Assisted Contact Formation Enhances TOPCon Cell Performance (TaiyangNews) - Laser-assisted contact formation technology boosts TOPCon solar cell efficiency by up to 0.5% through improved metallization and reduced recombination.

• Claude 4 – The first universal assistant? (Exponential View) - Anthropic's Claude 4 AI model demonstrates advanced tool integration and sustained task completion across email, research, and coding tasks, marking progress toward universal AI assistance.

• Mass. Green Cement Startup Lands Contract that Could Unlock ‘Megaton’ Factory (Banker & Tradesman) - MIT spinoff Sublime Systems secures Microsoft contract for 622,500 metric tons of low-carbon cement, enabling expansion to megaton-scale production facility.

• How Microsoft’s deal with a low-carbon cement startup will cut its data center emissions (Trellis) - Microsoft partners with Sublime Systems to purchase low-carbon cement for data centers, targeting 622,500 metric tons of emissions reductions over 6-9 years.

• Head of Fortescue green tech strategy retires, replaced by former Argentina rugby great (RenewEconomy) - Fortescue's green tech chief Mark Hutchinson retires as former Argentina rugby star Gus Pichot takes helm of energy division amid executive restructure.

• Construction Cleantech Converge Raises $22 Million to Decarbonize Concrete with AI (ESG Today) - London-based Converge raises $22M to scale AI platform that reduces carbon emissions in concrete production by optimizing mix designs and monitoring performance.

• Workshop: Implementing A Low Carbon Concrete Building Code in your City. (CleanTechnica) - American Concrete Institute releases first consensus-based low-carbon concrete building code (ACI 323), offering flexible compliance pathways to reduce construction emissions while maintaining performance standards.

• Natel updates for Marshall: UK Best Achievable Eel Protection, Expanded References, TIME Top GreenTech Company, IHA Board Election (Natel Energy) - Company's FishSafe turbine technology added to UK's official eel protection guidance while receiving recognition as TIME Top GreenTech Company and expanding leadership presence.

• New School Foods scales ‘directional freezing’ tech to make next generation of plant-based whole cuts (AgFunderNews) - Canadian startup New School Foods scales patented 'directional freezing' technology to create fibrous plant-based whole cuts, securing nationwide distribution deals.

• Full-Screen TOPCon PV Module: Seraphim’s Latest Innovation (TaiyangNews) - Seraphim unveils innovative Full-Screen TOPCon solar module with integrated steel-aluminum frame design at Intersolar Europe 2025, offering 620W output and 22.95% efficiency.

• Coveme Offers Fluoropolymer Films For BIPV, Flexible & Bifacial Modules (TaiyangNews) - Italian company Coveme launches new fluoropolymer films for solar modules, including PVDF-based backsheets and Tedlar-based frontsheet designed for BIPV and flexible applications.

• Solar Module Price Hike Hints At Constraints, But Trend Weak (TaiyangNews) - Solar module prices show slight uptick in high-efficiency segment but remain near production costs amid overcapacity and sustainability concerns.

• TaiyangNews PV Price Index – 2025 - CW21 (TaiyangNews) - Solar PV component prices decline across all categories in China for second consecutive week, with only 3 of 25 products showing year-to-date gains.

• SolarSpace Aims For Tier-1 Status In Module Market (TaiyangNews) - Chinese cell manufacturer SolarSpace targets Tier-1 module supplier status within 3 years, expanding from 40GW n-type cell to 10GW module capacity while emphasizing ESG practices.

• US solar manufacturers lag skyrocketing market demand (The Conversation) - US solar panel manufacturing capacity grows 75% but still meets only fraction of domestic demand as new tariffs threaten imports from Asia.

• Microsoft signs long-term deal for up to 623K tonnes of low-carbon cement (Carbon Pulse) - Microsoft signs nine-year deal with Boston startup to procure 623K tonnes of low-carbon cement, marking significant industrial decarbonization effort.

• Crane workers strike for better pay at Australia’s biggest wind project (RenewEconomy) - Crane operators at Australia's largest wind farm project Golden Plains launch escalating strikes demanding better pay and working conditions.

• EU News: BYD Overtakes Tesla, Northvolt Suspends Production (CleanTechnica) - BYD surpasses Tesla in EU electric vehicle sales while Swedish battery maker Northvolt suspends production amid bankruptcy.

• In A Revealing Interview, Musk Evades Responsibility For Tesla’s Decline (CleanTechnica) - Tesla CEO Elon Musk dismisses company's declining sales and brand damage in Bloomberg interview while defending controversial political stance and government role.

• Second Hydrogen Auction | Europe (Energy Central) - European Union launches second hydrogen auction to accelerate green hydrogen infrastructure development and financing.

• How artificial intelligence is transforming pathology (Nature) - AI foundation models and chatbots transform pathology diagnosis by analyzing tissue slides, predicting outcomes, and writing reports, though accuracy validation remains a challenge.

• Wärtsilä Supporting New Nigerian Gas-Fired Power Plant (Power Magazine) - Wärtsilä to build and operate 30-MW gas-fired power plant on Nigeria's Victoria Island, marking first locally financed project of its kind.

• Fusion Forward: Big wins & what's next (SHINE Technologies) - Nuclear fusion company reports major advances in medical isotope production, defense testing, and fusion technology development while acquiring Lantheus' SPECT division.

Policy

EPA grant restoration, Florida Power & Light rate hike resistance, California's vehicle emission standards defense, EU deforestation law loopholes, Amazon project impact assessments, House clean energy tax credit cuts, EU Deforestation Regulation webinar, Mahomet Aquifer carbon sequestration ban, IRA cuts, Harvard nuclear disarmament advocacy, NOAA hurricane forecast, UK charity investigation, medical orgs boycott fossil fuel ad agencies, Arizona heat officer, Woodside's Burrup Hub legal challenge, Louisiana air monitoring lawsuit, Texas anti-renewable bills, deep-sea mining push, Scotland's Just Transition warning, California solar contract voiding, Brazil's 'devastation bill', Met Office misinformation toolkit, COP16 biodiversity summit, Oakland environmental justice, India's Earth science services, Kentucky tornado relief, Reform UK offshore wind, BLM union negotiations, solar import tariffs, Nuclear Energy Institute warning.

• Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – May 22, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - Federal judge orders EPA and other agencies to restore access to 32 environmental grants and prevents future funding interference without court authorization.

• “Release the Funds: A National Conversation about Putting America’s Future Back in the Hands of Communities” (Environmental Protection Network) - National virtual town hall to address impacts of federal environmental funding cuts on frontline communities, featuring experts and community leaders discussing clean air, water, and climate resilience initiatives.

• FPL’s $8.9 Billion Rate Increase Request Creates A David vs Goliath Consumer Backlash (CLEO Institute) - Florida Power & Light's record $8.9B rate increase request sparks unprecedented church-led consumer resistance against state regulators' historically utility-friendly stance.

• Building Coastal Resilience Through Early Warnings: Local Leadership in Action (UNDRR) - UN Ocean Conference side event to showcase local governments' role in implementing early warning systems for coastal communities facing climate hazards.

• CFS Forum on Tackling Climate Change: Social Movements Raise Alarm About Corporate-Led ‘False Solutions’ to Climate and Ecological Crises (Via Campesina) - Social movements at CFS Forum warn against corporate-driven climate solutions while advocating for peasant agroecology and land redistribution as genuine climate crisis responses.

• California’s Leaders Take Action to Save Lives, Lower Costs for Millions Impacted by Deadly Tailpipe Pollution (EDF) - California leaders announce legal action against EPA Administrator's attempt to block state's clean vehicle emission standards, defending state authority on air quality regulations.

• Senate Twists its Own Rules to Attack California’s Clean Vehicle Standards (EDF) - Senate Republicans bypass parliamentary rules to pass resolutions undermining California's EPA-granted authority to set stricter vehicle emission standards.

• EU anti-deforestation law could overlook big violators, NGO warns (Mongabay) - EU's new anti-deforestation law risks focusing on small importers while major commodity firms could exploit loopholes, warns UK watchdog Earthsight.

• Impacts of development come under higher scrutiny in the Pan Amazon (Mongabay) - Pan-Amazon nations evolve from biased environmental reviews to more rigorous impact assessments focused on social impacts and community compensation for development projects.

• On Amazon destruction, will Brazil President Lula’s ‘disinformation space’ be penetrated? (commentary) (Mongabay) - Brazil's President Lula faces criticism for supporting Amazon-destroying projects while surrounded by ministers promoting deforestation and petroleum extraction despite climate crisis warnings.

• STATEMENT: House votes to take away clean energy tax credits (Environment America) - House narrowly passes bill to eliminate clean energy tax credits by 2025, threatening solar installations, energy efficiency projects, and EV incentives.

• LiveEO | Conformità EUDR Passo dopo Passo: Requisiti, Dati & Best Practices (LiveEO) - Upcoming webinar on June 25 to guide companies through EU Deforestation Regulation compliance requirements, featuring experts from EcoVadis and LiveEO.

• Illinois General Assembly Votes to Protect Mahomet Aquifer from Carbon Pollution (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois General Assembly passes bipartisan bill banning carbon sequestration near Mahomet Aquifer, protecting drinking water source for nearly one million residents.

• The policy lever that can make a difference for carbon removal (Carbon180) - Federal appropriations process emerges as crucial policy tool for securing consistent carbon removal funding and implementation across US agencies despite political gridlock.

• Utility Dive: House GOP Budget ‘Worse Than Feared’ for Clean Energy' - Analysts (Utility Dive) - House Republicans pass budget bill severely restricting clean energy tax credits and foreign investments, drawing criticism from industry leaders.

• Reuters: House Budget Bill Effectively Kills US Clean Energy Boom (Reuters) - House passes budget bill that would terminate clean energy tax credits by 2028, threatening US renewable energy expansion and domestic manufacturing investments.

• House GOP’s Reconciliation Bill Cuts Clean Energy Tax Incentives, Threatening Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs and Raising Energy Costs Nationwide (CCAN Action Fund) - House Republicans pass reconciliation bill repealing clean energy tax credits, threatening 700,000 jobs and $32 billion increase in household energy costs by 2030.

• The anti-solar budget: What’s at stake in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” fight (Aurora Solar) - House passes budget bill threatening to end residential solar tax credits by 2025 and restrict commercial solar incentives, awaiting Senate review.

• Save solar: Tools and templates to help stop IRA cuts (Aurora Solar) - Solar industry rallies against proposed IRA cuts threatening 30% residential solar tax credits with advocacy toolkit and templates for public action.

• Young Health Professionals and Students Engage in Nuclear Weapons Abolition (PSR) - Medical students and young health professionals engage in creative nuclear disarmament advocacy through campus events and national webinars at Harvard Medical School.

• Trump’s federal tax bill undermines critical environmental protections, economic progress in the South (SELC) - Trump's House-passed tax bill aims to eliminate clean energy credits, weaken environmental oversight, and cut EV incentives across Southern states.

• STATEMENT: U.S. Senate approval of resolutions to overturn California’s Clean Air Act preemption waivers throws progress into reverse (WRI) - U.S. Senate votes to overturn California's Clean Air Act vehicle emissions waivers, reversing decades of state authority over pollution standards.

• US House Passes Bill Threatening Clean Energy Incentives (TaiyangNews) - US House passes budget bill threatening to end clean energy tax credits and potentially close 300 solar factories by 2030, awaiting Senate approval.

• NOAA’s 2025 hurricane forecast warns of a busy season – a storm scientist explains why and what meteorologists are watching (The Conversation) - NOAA forecasts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season with 13-19 named storms, citing warm ocean temperatures and neutral ENSO conditions.

• A Truly Dark Day in DC (The Crucial Years) - House passes budget bill gutting clean energy investments, including IRA repeal and rooftop solar restrictions, while Senate blocks state EV mandates in major setback for climate action.

• Institute of Economic Affairs Under Investigation by the Charity Commission (DeSmog) - UK charity regulator opens investigation into Institute of Economic Affairs over potential political bias and fossil fuel funding transparency concerns.

• Health Groups Shun Advertising Agencies Working for Fossil Fuel Companies (DeSmog) - Over 30 medical organizations representing 12 million health professionals globally boycott advertising agencies working with fossil fuel companies, citing climate crisis health impacts.

• Senate Overturns California Waiver, Defying Parliamentarian (Heatmap News) - Senate votes 51-44 to overturn California's Clean Air Act waiver allowing stricter vehicle emissions standards, defying parliamentary guidance and setting new precedent for filibuster circumvention.

• One Sentence in the House Megabill Will Destroy the Rooftop Solar Model (Heatmap News) - House budget bill eliminates tax credits for residential solar leasing arrangements, threatening business model of major solar companies like Sunrun.

• The One, Big, Beautiful Bill passed by House of Representatives (GridBeyond) - House passes bill to boost oil/gas leases while cutting clean energy tax credits and environmental programs through 2032.

• Wreck-onciliation: The Havoc It’ll Wreak on Forests and Public Lands (John Muir Project) - House passes reconciliation bill with controversial logging provisions that would increase timber harvests by 25% and weaken environmental protections on public lands.

• My Climate Job: Dr. Eugene Livar, Chief Heat Officer, Arizona Department of Health Services (Moms Clean Air Force) - Arizona's first Chief Heat Officer Dr. Eugene Livar leads state-wide initiatives to combat worsening heat crisis as temperatures hit record highs and heat-related deaths increase tenfold.

• Congress Deals an Unprecedented Blow to Vital Protections Against 7 Toxic Air Pollutants (Moms Clean Air Force) - House passes resolution removing Clean Air Act protections for seven major toxic pollutants from 1,800 industrial facilities, marking first-ever Congressional rollback of toxic air safeguards.

• Clean Energy Repeal Bill Threatens $73 Billion in Southeast Investment (Clean Energy) - House GOP bill to repeal clean energy tax credits threatens $73 billion in Southeast investments and 92,000 jobs across five states.

• MEMO: House Reconciliation Bill is the Most Anti-Environmental Bill Ever & Would Stop Clean Energy Progress in Its Tracks (LCV) - House Republicans pass sweeping reconciliation bill that would repeal clean energy investments, increase energy costs, and roll back environmental protections.

• NOAA Predicts Above-Average Hurricane Activity This Year (Inside Climate News) - NOAA predicts 13-19 named storms for 2025 hurricane season amid agency funding cuts and staffing uncertainty.

• Hurricane Season Will Be Even Riskier for Undocumented People This Year (Inside Climate News) - Anti-immigration policies and ICE fears put undocumented immigrants at heightened risk during 2025 hurricane season, with reduced access to emergency services and FEMA assistance.

• New Mexico Is the Latest State Developing Standards to Protect Workers in Extreme Heat (Inside Climate News) - New Mexico proposes workplace heat protection standards requiring water, shade, and breaks when temperatures exceed 80°F, becoming eighth US state to implement such rules.

• Republicans Flout Law and Precedent to Kill California’s Right to Clean Air (Inside Climate News) - Republican Senate overrides precedent to block California's vehicle emissions standards, affecting 17 other states despite legal objections.

• House Republicans Have Passed a Bill to Gut the IRA. What Happened to All the Supposed Holdouts? (Inside Climate News) - House Republicans pass bill to eliminate Inflation Reduction Act clean energy provisions despite previous GOP commitments to preserve tax credits.

• New legal challenge emerges as Woodside gas plan declared worse than all Australia’s coal plants (RenewEconomy) - Woodside's Burrup Hub gas expansion faces legal challenge from Traditional Owner as analysis shows emissions would exceed all Australian coal plants combined.

• The Basics of IRA Subsidies and Why It’s Stupid to Kill Them (CleanTechnica) - Republican efforts to eliminate IRA clean energy subsidies threaten US competitiveness in EV and renewable manufacturing while other nations continue supporting these industries.

• Trump’s Harvard Ban Echoes USSR’s Historic Mistake To China’s Long-Term Gain (CleanTechnica) - Trump's ban on international students at Harvard mirrors Soviet Union's 1960s restriction of Chinese students, potentially ceding US clean tech leadership to China.

• Environmental groups sue over Louisiana’s ban on community air monitoring (Floodlight) - Environmental groups file federal lawsuit challenging Louisiana's 2024 law banning community air monitoring data use, claiming First Amendment violations.

• NSW flooding: PM delivers climate crisis warning as flood-hit region braces for strong winds and fifth body found (The Guardian) - Australian PM warns of intensifying climate-driven extreme weather as fifth flood victim found in NSW amid continued disaster response and evacuation efforts.

• House Tax Bill Accelerates Public Lands Resource Exploitation (The Wildlife News) - House tax bill mandates aggressive oil drilling in Arctic refuges and Gulf while rolling back environmental protections and green energy credits.

• House Budget is a Tax Break for the Ultra-Rich, CJA Calls on Senators to Do Better (Climate Justice Alliance) - House budget bill criticized for giving tax breaks to wealthy while cutting essential services and environmental programs for working families.

• Aircraft Used to Fight US Wildfires (Energy Central) - US wildfire response relies heavily on specialized firefighting aircraft deploying retardants and water for containment across varied terrain and conditions.

• A high-stakes energy showdown in Texas (Latitude Media) - Texas lawmakers push anti-renewable bills to restrict wind and solar growth despite market success, threatening state's competitive electricity advantage.

• What to watch as the fate of IRA credits heads to the Senate (Latitude Media) - House passes reconciliation bill with severe cuts to IRA clean energy tax credits, requiring most projects to begin construction within 60 days of passage to qualify.

• What to make of Trump’s deep-sea minerals push (Latitude Media) - Trump administration's executive order to accelerate deep-sea mining faces regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns while aiming to secure critical minerals for clean energy technologies.

• 'There is still no plan': Does the UK risk repeating past 'just transition' failures in the North Sea? (BusinessGreen) - Scotland's Just Transition Commission warns UK lacks credible plan for fair shift from North Sea oil and gas to clean energy, risking worker displacement.

• One big, beautiful, climate-killing bill (Yale Climate Connections) - House Republicans pass bill to eliminate clean energy tax credits and environmental protections in narrow 215-214 vote, threatening decade-long climate initiatives.

• California bill to retroactively break solar contracts clears key Assembly committee (EWG) - California Assembly committee advances utility-backed bill to void 1.5 million existing solar contracts, threatening property values for 300,000 low and moderate-income homeowners.

• The Senate just voted to block California’s gas car ban (Grist) - Senate votes 51-44 to block California's 2035 gas car ban and stricter emissions standards using controversial Congressional Review Act interpretation.

• Moderate Republicans defended Biden’s climate law — then voted to repeal it (Grist) - House Republicans, including moderates who previously defended climate law, vote to repeal Biden's Inflation Reduction Act clean energy tax credits despite $400 billion in investments benefiting red districts.

• Why climate anxiety is hitting Gen Z the most and how brands can respond (Trellis) - Research shows Gen Z experiencing severe climate anxiety with 38% feeling stressed constantly, double the rate of older generations.

• House GOP budget ‘worse than feared’ for clean energy: analysts (Utility Dive) - House Republicans pass budget bill gutting clean energy tax credits and imposing strict foreign involvement restrictions, with nuclear projects receiving extended eligibility.

• Brazil activists decry green rollbacks as senate passes ‘devastation bill’ (The Guardian) - Brazil's senate passes controversial 'devastation bill' dismantling environmental protections for farming, mining, and energy projects, threatening 18m hectares of forest.

• Weatherwatch: The Met Office fights back against climate misinformation (The Guardian) - Met Office launches comprehensive "misinformation toolkit" to combat climate change denial with scientific responses to common skeptic arguments.

• ‘I don’t want to be here. But we can’t go home’: what life is like for people forced to flee floods and fighting (The Guardian) - Record 83.4M people internally displaced globally in 2024 due to climate disasters and conflicts, with survivors from Bangladesh, Sudan, and Colombia sharing stories of loss and survival.

• Biodiversity Executive Secretary and UNEP Executive Director discuss environmental multilateralism (UNEP) - Biodiversity Executive Secretary highlights successful multilateral agreements on indigenous rights, funding, and resource mobilization at COP16 Rome biodiversity summit.

• Murder, Pollution as Policy, and Two Women Who Won’t Give Up (Climate One) - Environmental defenders face violence and systemic pollution in fight against fossil fuel interests, as documented in new book exploring environmental justice struggles in West Oakland and globally.

• House Tax Bill Jeopardizes U.S. Energy Progress (Advanced Energy United) - House tax reform package threatens to dismantle energy tax credits, risking grid reliability, raising electricity costs, and endangering tens of thousands of jobs.

• Put the heat on your governor to address climate impacts (Center for Biological Diversity) - Governors urged to address deadly extreme heat impacts through cooling centers, utility protection, and renewable energy initiatives as heat-related deaths reach 154 per day during US heatwaves.

• Protests in Kansas City Demanding a Halt to Nuclear Weapons Production and the U.S. Arms Race (PSR) - Six anti-nuclear activists arrested after crossing property line at Kansas City National Security Campus to protest nuclear weapons production expansion and new arms programs.

• The Latest from Greenlining: May Newsletter (Greenlining Institute) - May newsletter highlights environmental justice initiatives and community engagement programs in Oakland, featuring placeholder content for upcoming announcements.

• United Nations Office for Partnerships (UN Office for Partnerships) - UN body established in 2006 works to create partnerships between private sector, civil society, and academia to advance UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Ministry of Earth Sciences (India) (Ministry of Earth Sciences (India)) - India's executive ministry provides comprehensive Earth science services including weather, climate, ocean monitoring, and natural hazard assessment while exploring polar regions and marine resources.

• ‘Stunning’ MAHA report draws praise and fury: Stated goals undermined by GOP policies, say experts (AgFunderNews) - MAHA Commission report highlights America's health crisis and ultra-processed food concerns, but critics say Trump administration policies undermine stated goals.

• Good360 Mobilizes Disaster Relief in Response to Devastating Tornadoes across Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia (Good360) - Nonprofit organization mobilizes disaster relief efforts with essential supplies for communities hit by tornadoes across Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia.

• DEADLINE: Catalyst 2025 — Simulation of Working Through a Water Crisis (SEJ) - Journalists invited to participate in "Catalyst 2025" water crisis simulation in Milwaukee, testing crisis management and policy response in high-pressure scenarios.

• Anti-Net Zero Reform Mayor Andrea Jenkyns Urges Offshore Wind Investment (DeSmog) - Anti-net zero Reform UK mayor Andrea Jenkyns promotes offshore wind investment in Lincolnshire despite party's climate-skeptic stance.

• How the Political Theory of the IRA Broke Down (Heatmap) - House Republicans who previously pledged support for clean energy tax credits ultimately voted to slash IRA climate provisions in Trump-backed tax bill despite investments in their districts.

• Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ spending bill, from tax cuts to mass deportations (The Guardian) - Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' passes House with permanent tax cuts, mass deportation funding, and social program cuts, awaiting Senate review.

• Ofgem confirms seven per cent cut in energy price cap (BusinessGreen) - UK energy regulator Ofgem announces 7% cut in energy price cap to £1,720 annually for average households from July 2025.

• Federal workers say Biden’s BLM left them vulnerable to Trump (High Country News) - Biden administration's slow union negotiations and rejected contract leave Bureau of Land Management headquarters staff vulnerable to Trump's federal workforce cuts and policy changes.

• House’s 60-day deadline for IRA eligibility would trigger ‘scramble’: EY experts (Utility Dive) - House Republicans pass bill requiring clean energy projects to break ground within 60 days to qualify for IRA tax credits, sparking industry concerns over tight timeline.

• Trade panel clears path for higher tariffs on some solar imports (Utility Dive) - U.S. International Trade Commission votes to impose additional tariffs on solar imports from four Southeast Asian countries, citing material injury to domestic solar industry.

• Nuclear industry ‘facing some headwinds’ amid congressional budget fight: NEI CEO (Utility Dive) - House Republicans' proposed cuts to clean energy tax credits and DOE programs threaten nuclear industry momentum, warns Nuclear Energy Institute CEO.

Renewables

Astronergy ZBB panels, Huasun's bifacial & perovskite modules, NY's 2.5GW projects, ARENA on AI-boosted solar, GoSun's sale, Empire Wind restarts, Meta buys AES solar, and Coal India's 4.5GW portfolio.

• ZBB Technology: Leading the Next Era of PV Interconnection (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy advances solar panel technology with Zero Busbar (ZBB) innovation, scaling production to 6GW capacity by 2024 while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

• Vertical PV And Pre-commercial Tandem Modules From Huasun (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer Huasun unveils vertical bifacial solar modules with 100% bifaciality and pre-commercial perovskite-tandem modules targeting 27-28% efficiency.

• New York Grants Contracts For 2.5 GW Renewable Energy (TaiyangNews) - New York awards contracts for 26 renewable energy projects totaling 2.5GW capacity, requiring $6 billion private investment and completion by 2029.

• Robots and AI are helping Australia achieve its ambition of game-changing ultra low cost solar (RenewEconomy) - Australian renewable agency chief says robotics and AI advances boost confidence in achieving ultra-low-cost solar target of $20/MWh by 2030.

• Energy Insiders Podcast: The path to ultra low cost solar (RenewEconomy) - Australian Renewable Energy Agency CEO discusses pathways to ultra-low-cost solar technology, grid-forming inverters, and green hydrogen developments in new podcast episode.

• Harness The Sun: Top Picks Of Solar Gear From GoSun’s Memorial Day Sale (CleanTechnica) - GoSun launches Memorial Day sale offering up to 33% discounts on solar-powered cooking, cooling, and power generation equipment for outdoor and off-grid use.

• New York offshore wind project resumes construction after Trump’s stop work order (Renewable Energy World) - New York's Empire Wind offshore project resumes construction after Trump administration lifts stop work order, aims for 2027 completion to power 500,000 homes.

• Meta Buys 650 MW of Renewable Energy to Power U.S. Data Centers (ESGToday) - Meta signs agreements to purchase 650 MW of solar energy from AES to power data centers in Texas and Kansas, advancing its 2030 net-zero emissions goal.

• Coal India Limited Seeks Fixed-Tariff Bids For 4.5 GW RE (TaiyangNews) - Coal India Limited seeks buyers for 4.5 GW solar and wind power portfolio with 25-year fixed-tariff contracts, targeting minimum 11,500 million units annually.

Transport

BMW tests Solid Power batteries, Hyundai deploys AI charging robots, Tesla's NACS gains traction, and Lit Motors raises funds for C-1 electric motorcycle.

• Sunswap Featured in Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Second Year Running, Now in Medium Company Category (Sunswap) - UK cleantech manufacturer of zero-emission transport refrigeration units named in Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for second consecutive year, now in medium company category.

• Analyses Show Economic and Air Quality Benefits of a Minnesota’s Proposed Clean Transportation Standard (Better Energy) - Minnesota's proposed Clean Transportation Standard projected to generate $20.7B in economic output, create 55,000 jobs, and improve air quality across all counties by 2040.

• Nonprofits Sue Trump Administration Over Illegal Freeze of Billions For Electric Vehicle Charging (SELC) - Environmental nonprofits sue Trump administration for illegally freezing $2.75 billion in federal electric vehicle charging infrastructure funds.

• 100% Solid-State EV Batteries Seal The Deal: No More Gasmobiles (CleanTechnica) - BMW begins road testing 100% solid-state EV batteries from US startup Solid Power in Munich, promising higher energy density and longer vehicle range.

• Ford F-150 Lightning Owner Review (CleanTechnica) - Australian EV expert reviews Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck's off-road capabilities and solar charging system while testing vehicle for potential rental fleet service.

• Extreme weather could cause more disruptions to Chicago public transit (Yale Climate Connections) - Chicago transit system faces increased disruption risks as climate change threatens one-third of L stops and half of bus stops with flooding and extreme heat exposure.

• Better Data, Better Decisions: Using the EVmatch Dashboard to Manage EV Charging Stations (EVmatch) - New dashboard analytics tool helps property managers monitor EV charging stations' performance, utilization, and revenue data in real-time.

• Vermont’s Governor Delays Electric Car Mandates, Part of State’s Climate Plan (Inside Climate News) - Vermont Governor delays electric vehicle mandate implementation until 2026, citing charging infrastructure concerns and federal funding uncertainties.

• Hyundai Motor Group & Incheon International Airport to Deliver Next-Level Convenience with AI-Powered EV Charging Robots (CleanTechnica) - Hyundai Motor Group partners with Incheon International Airport to deploy AI-powered automatic EV charging robots, aiming to enhance charging convenience and expand global mobility solutions.

• If Tesla Falls, Would That Hurt The EV Revolution? (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's potential decline may not significantly impact global EV adoption but could slow US market growth where Tesla holds 50% EV market share.

• The Actual Reason the Tesla Cybertruck Has Failed? (CleanTechnica) - Tesla Cybertruck fails to deliver on promised features and price point while company faces multiple strategic missteps under Musk's leadership.

• C-1 Recharged: Lit Motors Secures $1.6M To Further Develop Self-Balancing E-Motorcycle (CleanTechnica) - San Francisco startup Lit Motors raises $1.6M in crowdfunding to develop C-1, a self-balancing enclosed electric motorcycle targeting 100mph speeds and 200-mile range.

• Why The 6th Generation Toyota RAV4 Is Important For The EV Revolution (CleanTechnica) - Toyota's new RAV4 eliminates gas-only option, offering only hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains with up to 39 mpg in base model.

• California Has Far More EV Chargers Than Gas Stations (CleanTechnica) - California surpasses gas infrastructure with 178,549 EV charging ports compared to 15,000 gas stations, while 94% of residents live within 10 minutes of a charger.

• NACS 2025: It’s Happening! (Implications & Fallout) (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's NACS charging standard becomes North American universal EV charging solution as major automakers adopt system and non-Tesla vehicles begin using Supercharger network.

• Study: Dynamic pricing could slash cost of public EV charging (BusinessGreen) - Dynamic pricing trial for public EV charging stations could significantly reduce costs for drivers without home chargers, making EVs more cost-competitive with petrol vehicles.

• Chart: A quarter of cars sold in 2025 will be battery-powered (Canary Media) - Global EV and plug-in hybrid sales to reach 25% of new car sales in 2025, driven by China's market dominance despite U.S. uncertainties.