Record breaking renewables

Despite everything in the US, the Energy Information Administration STILL expects 93% of the record breaking new energy capacity to be installed in the US this year to be solar, batteries, and wind. New energy installed will hit the highest levels in 20 years, up nearly 30% over 2024. That's a big deal!

I wrote more about it on LinkedIn this morning, including about the strategic importance of learning from execution of these plans now, in order to improve continued price drops, vs focusing our energy on trying to get the federal government to invest in more renewables.

Speaking of learning, we're going to learn a lot at our biggest Green Tech Startup Session yet on March 14th. Register for free here, I expect our 30th startup to sign up today!

And now we offer you the best updates from around the green tech and sustainability world today. Email subscribers get 3 just for you.

-Marshall Kirkpatrick

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

 

Today and every day, our system scans over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:

• A Visual of the Day

• A digest-style Table of Contents for 180 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world

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

Did a friend forward you this newsletter? Welcome! You can subscribe here and get your own personal recommendations each day.

Visual of the Day

3D-Printing Concrete

After water (!) concrete is said to be the human most-utilized substance on earth, and it accounts for 7% of all anthropogenic carbon emissions. This is a photo of a 3D-printing system for concrete. Increased efficiency is one of 7 "key ingredients of a ‘net zero concrete’ strategy" outlined in a new Nature article today.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (11 stories) - L'Occitane's AgroCaatinga farming in Brazil, Aflasafe biocontrol expansion in Africa, autosteer tech for e-tractors, and Indonesian land reform highlight agricultural innovations amid climate challenges

  
  

• Carbon (3 stories) - Tax breaks drive Gulf Coast CCS expansion; Ukraine war fires spike emissions; Tahmoor coal mine's ownership shift amid pollution concerns

  
  

• Circular (6 stories) - NC nonprofit's solar reuse hub opens; global waste stats show 18lbs e-waste/person; Starbucks pilots paper cups; bamboo wipes launch

  
  

• Ecosystems (16 stories) - Extinctions in Brazil's Uatumã River and Bangladesh turtle deaths contrast with Ecuador's Chocó Forest recovery and Arctic wolf adaptations, while UN "30 by 30" biodiversity commitment lags globally

  
  

• Efficiency (6 stories) - Heat pump incentives in MA towns, phase change materials advance, Trump delays appliance standards, ski resorts adapt, CA demand response costs rise

  
  

• Finance (12 stories) - Major deals: Brookfield's $1.7bn National Grid renewables buyout, EIP's €150m BayWa stake; Standard Chartered hits $982m in sustainable finance; UK green sector grows 10%

  
  

• Grid (28 stories) - Tech giants shift to gas backup while grid innovations emerge: Meta/Microsoft data centers strain capacity, Toumetis AI prevents outages, Energy Dome and Hydrostor deploy storage solutions, record solar peaks in Australia, PJM faces $7B interconnection delays

  
  

• Indigenous (3 stories) - Monitoring threats near isolated tribes in Brazil while Indigenous forest protection programs face USAID funding cuts; Dogwood Alliance aids tribal conservation

  
  

• Industry (15 stories) - Tongwei's record HJT module, ACEEE's industrial electrification map, H2Global's €2.5B tender, Sellafield cuts, Grangemouth's £200M transition, and Texas nuclear expansion lead industrial developments

  
  

• Policy (62 stories) - FERC independence threatened by Trump orders, USDA renewable grants frozen, environmental justice battles continue, as agencies and activists navigate policy shifts

  
  

• Renewables (13 stories) - BP retreats from renewables as NSW's Winterbourne wind gains local backing; France launches 400MW solar tender while US forecasts record 32.5GW solar growth in 2025

  
  

• Transport (5 stories) - PG&E's V2G forum, CPKC's hydrogen locomotives, fleet EV savings, Cargill's WindWings success, federal charging station closures

Agriculture

L'Occitane's AgroCaatinga farming in Brazil, Aflasafe biocontrol expansion in Africa, autosteer tech for e-tractors, and Indonesian land reform highlight agricultural innovations amid climate challenges

• AGROCAATINGA COMO FERRAMENTA DE TRANSFORMAÇÃO: Mais duas áreas implantadas em Uauá-BA (Coopercuc) - Brazilian cooperative implements two new AgroCaatinga sustainable farming areas in Uauá-BA, supporting local farmers and biodiversity while supplying ingredients for L'Occitane cosmetics.

• Aiding natural pollination can boost cacao yields & climate resilience (Mongabay) - Study shows natural pollination methods could increase cacao yields by 20% while building climate resilience through low-cost techniques like increased leaf litter and shade trees.

• Europe: Poland’s latest proposal on GMOs/NGTs ignores farmers’ rights (Via Campesina) - Poland's new GMO regulation proposal weakens patent protections and environmental safeguards for farmers while favoring large agricultural corporations.

• LA’s urban farmers pledge to rebuild and replant ‘even more than ever before’ after devastating wildfires (The Guardian) - Los Angeles urban farmers vow to rebuild food-growing networks and community gardens after January wildfires destroyed thousands of local farms, homes, and vital food distribution pathways in Altadena neighborhood.

• Trump's USDA Sued for Erasing Webpages Vital to Farmers (NRDC) - Environmental groups sue USDA for unlawfully removing climate change webpages critical for farmers' decision-making and access to federal resources.

• Want a side of CO₂ with that? Better food labels help us choose more climate-friendly foods (The Conversation) - Research shows carbon labels identifying food sources as animal or plant-based help consumers make more climate-conscious food choices.

• Scaling Aflasafe: From lab-based innovation to large-scale aflatoxin mitigation across Africa (CGIAR) - African biocontrol product Aflasafe scales up from lab trials to industrial production, protecting over million tons of crops from toxic fungal contamination.

• AfDB Director visits Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, strengthening collaboration for sustainable Agriculture (CGIAR) - AfDB Director visits West African Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub to strengthen regional agricultural collaboration and improve farming productivity.

• Indonesia signs agrarian reform commitment amid rising land equity woes (Mongabay) - Indonesia government and civil society sign joint commitment to accelerate land reform as 68% of nation's land remains controlled by 1% of population.

• Monarch’s Row Follow: Autosteer in a Compact Tractor (Monarch Tractor) - Company launches first-ever autosteer technology for compact electric tractors, enabling precision farming for specialty crop operations.

• What climate change means for bird flu — and the soaring price of eggs (Grist) - Climate change alters bird migration patterns, exacerbating avian flu outbreaks and driving US egg prices to record highs amid devastating poultry losses.

Carbon

Tax breaks drive Gulf Coast CCS expansion; Ukraine war fires spike emissions; Tahmoor coal mine's ownership shift amid pollution concerns

• Emissions Down, Profits Up: Gulf Coast CO2 Capture Opportunity (EnergyCentral) - Texas Gulf Coast emerges as carbon capture hub with tax incentives and infrastructure enabling profitable emissions reduction across multiple industries.

• Forest fires push up greenhouse gas emissions from war in Ukraine (The Guardian) - Forest fires in Ukraine's war zones doubled in 2024, contributing to 230m tonnes of total war-related greenhouse emissions over three years.

• Who will take on the emissions of Australia’s most polluting coal mine if Gupta sells? (RenewEconomy) - Australia's highly polluting Tahmoor coal mine seeks new owner amid concerns over emissions responsibility and potential 57% emissions increase under proposed extension.

Circular

NC nonprofit's solar reuse hub opens; global waste stats show 18lbs e-waste/person; Starbucks pilots paper cups; bamboo wipes launch

• Climatetech “free store” takes root in North Carolina (Canary Media) - North Carolina nonprofit opens permanent "free store" to distribute surplus solar panels and batteries donated after Hurricane Helene.

• By the Numbers: How Much Trash You’re Really Throwing Away Each Year (Atmos) - Global waste crisis revealed in stark numbers: average person discards 2,189 toothbrushes worth of plastic, 652 hamburgers of food, and 18 pounds of e-waste annually.

• Donald Trump wants to bring back plastic straws, but the world is going in another direction (The Conversation) - Trump's push to revive plastic straws contradicts global shift towards single-use plastic bans, despite paper alternatives' shortcomings.

• Why some Starbucks locations are switching from plastic to paper cups (Grist) - Starbucks transitions 580 US stores from plastic to paper cups amid recycling concerns and sustainability goals.

• Safe Disposal of Flushable Wipes: Protecting Your Home and the Environment (EcoSoul Home) - Bamboo-based flushable wipes offer biodegradable alternative to plastic-containing conventional wipes, reducing septic system clogs and environmental impact.

• How do you survive the end of the world? Oscar-nominated ‘Flow’ offers an answer — through the eyes of a cat (Grist) - Oscar-nominated animated film 'Flow' depicts climate disaster survival through realistic animal characters, winning historic Golden Globe for Latvia.

Ecosystems

Extinctions in Brazil's Uatumã River and Bangladesh turtle deaths contrast with Ecuador's Chocó Forest recovery and Arctic wolf adaptations, while UN "30 by 30" biodiversity commitment lags globally

• An Ecuadorian hotspot shows how forests can claw back from destruction (Mongabay) - Research in Ecuador's Chocó Forest reveals tropical forests can recover 80% of biodiversity within 20 years when given proper protection and nearby mature forest seed sources.

• Baja California tourism poses mounting challenges for conservation, critics say (Mongabay) - Baja California Sur's record-breaking tourism investment threatens protected areas, marine habitats, and local communities as hotel megaprojects bypass environmental regulations.

• Endemic fish wiped out in Brazilian Amazon hydroelectric dam area, study finds (Mongabay) - Seven endemic fish species vanish from Brazil's Uatumã River following Balbina hydroelectric dam construction, marking first confirmed local extinction linked to Amazon dam.

• Life lessons from a coastal wolf pack (High Country News) - Alaska's coastal wolves demonstrate remarkable adaptability by switching from deer to sea otters as primary prey, revealing new insights about predator flexibility and ecosystem connections.

• Mega-iceberg from Antarctica on collision course with South Georgia: Harbinger of things to come? (ScienceDaily) - Massive Antarctic iceberg A23a heads towards South Georgia island, raising concerns about wildlife impact while scientists study historical iceberg patterns to understand climate change effects.

• Revealed: More than half of nations fail to protect 30% of land and sea in UN nature plans (Carbon Brief) - Analysis reveals 51% of nations have not committed to UN's "30 by 30" biodiversity protection target in their national plans, covering one-third of Earth's land surface.

• Warming Arctic could force seabirds to new feeding grounds (Yale Climate Connections) - Arctic warming disrupts seabird feeding patterns as melting sea ice and increased shipping threaten eider colonies in Canadian Arctic, complicating wildlife monitoring efforts.

• A frog: their eyes can detect a single photon of light | Helen Sullivan (The Guardian) - Frog eyes possess extraordinary light sensitivity capable of detecting individual photons, making them among nature's most sophisticated visual organs.

• Can animals have mental disabilities? (The Conversation) - Research shows animals can experience mental disabilities, trauma, and stress-related conditions similar to humans, with evidence found in both pets and wildlife.

• Meet the Killdeer (Bluedot Living) - Killdeer shorebirds, known for their distinctive broken-wing display to protect nests, thrive in urban environments from Mexico to Arctic despite preferring dry land over water.

• ‘Super exciting’ visit of dolphins to East River offers hope of cleaner New York (The Guardian) - Rare sighting of two common short-beaked dolphins in New York's East River signals improving water quality and marine ecosystem health after decades of environmental regulations.

• Conservationists suspect fishing nets, increased tourism for sea turtle deaths in Bangladesh (Mongabay) - Over 100 olive ridley sea turtles found dead at Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar Beach due to fishing net entanglement and increased tourism disrupting nesting grounds.

• Most conservation funds go to large vertebrates at expense of ‘neglected’ species (The Guardian) - Global study reveals 83% of conservation funding goes to vertebrates while critical species like amphibians, plants, and fungi remain severely underfunded.

• Protected: Art connects people with rewilding in the Central Apennines (Rewilding Europe) - Art initiative connects local communities with wildlife conservation efforts in Italy's Central Apennines region.

• Wolves Reintroduced Themselves to America (Nautilus) - Canadian wolf experts reveal wolves were naturally recolonizing US Northern Rockies before 1995 government reintroduction program.

• Working with Nature: A Discussion on Rewilding and Restoration (REVOLVE) - Online event explores nature restoration and rewilding strategies for ecosystem health and climate resilience.

Efficiency

Heat pump incentives in MA towns, phase change materials advance, Trump delays appliance standards, ski resorts adapt, CA demand response costs rise

• Adapting to a Warmer World: How Ski Resorts Are Thriving With Innovative Strategies (Earth.org) - Ski resorts combat climate change impacts through snowmaking technology, slope redesign, and year-round activity diversification while facing energy and water usage challenges.

• Amherst launches heat pump incentive program (CET) - Amherst, Massachusetts launches new heat pump incentive program offering residents cost-efficient and eco-friendly heating alternatives.

• Are utility demand response program costs outstripping their benefits in California? (Utility Dive) - California's shift towards utility-run demand response programs faces scrutiny as administrative costs rise without clear evidence of proportional benefits.

• Heat Pump Incentive Program Empowers Homeowners to Save Money and Reduce Emissions (CET) - Massachusetts town launches heat pump incentive program to help homeowners transition to energy-efficient heating systems starting April 1.

• Innovative Applications of Phase Change Materials in Energy Systems (EnergyCentral) - Phase change materials show promise in energy storage, insulation, and thermal management across multiple sectors including EVs, solar, and industrial applications.

• Trump pauses implementation of new DOE appliance efficiency standards (Utility Dive) - Trump administration delays implementation of Biden-era appliance efficiency standards, potentially costing consumers $1 trillion in energy savings.

Finance

Major deals: Brookfield's $1.7bn National Grid renewables buyout, EIP's €150m BayWa stake; Standard Chartered hits $982m in sustainable finance; UK green sector grows 10%

• Britain’s net zero economy is booming, CBI says (The Guardian) - UK's net zero sector grows 10% in 2024, creating high-wage jobs and £83bn in value while outpacing overall economy threefold, CBI report shows.

• Calculating the economic cost of climate change is tricky, even futile – it’s also a distraction (The Conversation) - Economists argue that focusing on uncertain future economic costs of climate change distracts from addressing immediate environmental impacts.

• COP16: Greenpeace unveils message outside UN venue – Pay Up for Biodiversity Finance (Greenpeace International) - Environmental activists display biodiversity-themed dominos outside COP16 venue demanding increased conservation funding from world governments.

• EIP To Increase Stake In German Renewables Company BayWa R.E. (TaiyangNews) - Swiss investor EIP to become majority stakeholder in German renewables firm BayWa r.e. with €150 million investment, increasing stake to 65%.

• Episode 57: From Microbiology to Climate Finance: Bridging Science, Policy, and Sustainable Development - MyEnergyLife Series (EnergyLife) - Nigerian climate finance consultant Chiagozie Obuekwe shares journey from microbiology to advancing sustainable development at Climate Investment Funds.

• National Grid agrees to sell US onshore renewables business to Brookfield in $1.7bn deal (BusinessGreen) - National Grid sells its US onshore renewables business to Brookfield Asset Management for $1.7bn in strategic divestment deal.

• National Grid Bags $1.74 Billion Brookfield Deal For US RE Business (TaiyangNews) - National Grid sells US renewable energy business to Brookfield Asset Management for $1.74 billion, including 1.8 GW operational and 1.3 GW under-construction assets.

• Standard Chartered Earns Nearly $1 Billion in Sustainable Finance Income (ESGToday) - Standard Chartered reports 36% growth in sustainable finance income to $982 million in 2024, nearing $1 billion annual target.

• UN Biodiversity COP16 reconvenes to finalise nature finance, deliver new protections ahead of COP17 (Greenpeace) - UN Biodiversity COP16 reconvenes in Rome to secure $50 billion nature protection funding and indigenous rights protections.

• Alantra Investment Banking Outlook 2025 (Alantra) - Global investment banking activity shows strong rebound in late 2024, driven by private equity dry powder, improved financing conditions, and thematic investing in sustainability and healthcare sectors.

• Charts of the month (Jan + Feb) (Keep Cool) - Monthly data visualization report on climate and energy trends delayed until February 24th, requiring paid subscription for full access.

• 2nd ESG in Life Sciences Summit Europe (Energy Central) - Amsterdam conference to address ESG compliance and strategy in life sciences sector, focusing on CSRD and CSDDD requirements, June 24-26, 2025.

Grid

Tech giants shift to gas backup while grid innovations emerge: Meta/Microsoft data centers strain capacity, Toumetis AI prevents outages, Energy Dome and Hydrostor deploy storage solutions, record solar peaks in Australia, PJM faces $7B interconnection delays

• Data center dilemma (Canary Media) - Tech giants like Meta and Microsoft abandon renewable goals to build gas plants for data centers, raising concerns about grid stability and emissions.

• 'We are concerned': Industry groups hit out at zonal pricing electricity market reform proposals (BusinessGreen) - Industry groups and unions oppose UK's proposed zonal electricity pricing reforms, warning of investment risks.

• A startup is trying to predict and prevent outages before they occur (Renewable Energy World) - AI startup Toumetis uses predictive analytics and machine learning to detect faulty grid equipment and prevent power outages before they occur.

• Acen Australia starts construction on 400MWh co-located BESS in New South Wales (Energy Vault) - Acen Australia begins construction of 200MW/400MWh battery storage system co-located with 720MW New England solar site in New South Wales.

• Acen pushes ahead with 400 MWh New England battery build (Energy Vault) - Construction begins on 200MW/400MWh battery storage system alongside Australia's 720MW New England Solar project in New South Wales.

• Australia’s main grid sets new solar output record before rooftop PV takes centre stage (RenewEconomy) - Australia's main electricity grid hits new solar output record of 7,595.3 MW, while rooftop solar reaches 13.5 GW peak as renewable share climbs to 72.3%.

• Compressed air battery wins state approval for Silver City blackout fix in Broken Hill (RenewEconomy) - Canadian firm Hydrostor's 200MW compressed air battery project receives NSW approval to provide backup power and blackout protection for Broken Hill.

• Italian company behind “carbon dome” energy storage sets up a base in Melbourne (RenewEconomy) - Italian energy storage company Energy Dome establishes Melbourne headquarters to deploy innovative CO2-based long-duration battery technology in Australia.

• California is on the path to a regional electricity market (EDF) - California advances toward regional electricity market through SB 540 legislation, promising cost savings and enhanced clean energy integration across Western states.

• Cautionary Tales - Insanity: "Continuing to do the same things and expecting different results.", A. Einstein (Energy Central) - Analysis of failed renewable energy projects in El Hierro and Broken Hill demonstrates persistent grid stability issues and economic challenges in achieving Net Zero targets.

• Construction starts on large battery project next to Australia’s biggest solar farm (RenewEconomy) - Construction begins on 400MWh battery storage system adjacent to Australia's largest 720MW solar farm in New South Wales.

• Data centers are overwhelming the grid. Could they help it instead? (Canary Media) - Data centers' surging power demands risk overwhelming US power grids and increasing fossil fuel reliance, though solutions exist for cleaner integration.

• Data Centers Imperil The Electrical Grid & Climate Action (CleanTechnica) - Data centers' $1 trillion US expansion threatens grid stability and climate goals, with Virginia projecting doubled electricity consumption by 2033 requiring massive fossil fuel backup.

• Dry weather, drought conditions are eating at BPA’s bottom line (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Bonneville Power Administration forecasts $44 million revenue loss due to drought conditions affecting Columbia River Basin hydropower production.

• During a Historic Hurricane Season, Microgrids Kept Communities Running (RMI) - Solar-powered microgrids at community centers like churches and schools kept essential services running during Hurricane Francine, demonstrating resilience benefits for vulnerable communities.

• Energy giant cites big battery progress as it prepares to shut down one of Victoria’s last coal generators (RenewEconomy) - EnergyAustralia targets 1.6GW storage pipeline by 2030 as it prepares to close Yallourn coal plant, securing major battery projects and exploring pumped hydro options.

• Energy Vault Begins Construction of Battery Energy Storage Deployment at ACEN Australia’s New England Solar (Energy Vault) - Construction begins on 400MWh battery storage system at Australia's largest solar farm in New South Wales, marking company's first Australian deployment.

• Faulty Interconnection Processes Costing PJM Consumers Billions, New Report Finds (Advanced Energy United) - PJM's inefficient grid interconnection process cost consumers $7 billion in latest capacity auction due to delayed integration of new energy sources.

• FERC launches review of generator-large load co-location (RenewableEnergyWorld) - FERC initiates review of power generator and data center co-location rules in PJM territory, focusing on fairness and grid reliability concerns.

• Geothermal Energy Storage: The Clean Power Solution You Haven’t Heard Of (POWER Magazine) - Novel geothermal energy storage system by Sage Geosystems uses oil industry drilling techniques to store and release pressurized water underground for efficient power generation.

• Go beyond demand response, with GridBeyond (GridBeyond) - Energy technology company expands beyond demand response to offer AI-powered grid optimization, battery storage, and sustainability services for businesses.

• Is your utility prepared for these 3 energy trends in 2025? (Utility Dive) - Global electricity demand surges due to data centers, with AI facilities consuming 5-10 times more power than traditional centers, while utilities struggle with renewable integration and transmission planning.

• LiveEO | Meet us at the Future of Utilities: Energy Transition Summit 2025 (LiveEO) - Satellite-based vegetation management company to showcase AI-powered grid monitoring solution at Amsterdam utilities summit in March 2025.

• North America Solar PV News Snippets: California Assembly Member Bats For Virtual Power Plants & More (TaiyangNews) - California Assembly Member introduces bill AB 740 to promote virtual power plants for clean energy sharing and grid resilience.

• Outdated billing systems are holding back the energy transition (Utility Dive) - Legacy utility billing systems impede energy transition by slowing implementation of innovative rate designs and smart grid features.

• Scaling up sustainability: Meeting growing demand with SF6-free solutions (Utility Dive) - Hitachi Energy expands SF6-free switchgear portfolio with 80kA high-voltage solutions to meet growing transmission grid demands.

• Solar, battery storage to lead new U.S. generating capacity additions in 2025 (EIA) - U.S. power grid to add record 63GW capacity in 2025, with solar and battery storage accounting for 81% of new installations.

• Data Interpolation 101: A Guide for Energy Sector Decision Makers (Asoba) - New guide explains data interpolation methods and applications for energy sector forecasting, highlighting its crucial role in grid management and demand prediction.

Indigenous

Monitoring threats near isolated tribes in Brazil while Indigenous forest protection programs face USAID funding cuts; Dogwood Alliance aids tribal conservation

• Deforestation and airstrip close to isolated teen’s Indigenous land in Brazil Amazon (Mongabay) - Deforestation and illegal airstrip discovered near recently-contacted isolated Indigenous teen's territory in Brazil's Amazon, amid rising environmental pressures.

• Pause to USAID already having impacts on community conservation in the Amazon (Mongabay) - USAID's 90-day funding pause disrupts Amazon conservation projects, threatening Indigenous territories' monitoring and anti-deforestation efforts across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

• PBS Show Uplifts Community Conservation (PBS) - Dogwood Alliance's community conservation model empowers Black and Indigenous Southern communities to protect forests while creating economic opportunities and climate resilience.

Industry

Tongwei's record HJT module, ACEEE's industrial electrification map, H2Global's €2.5B tender, Sellafield cuts, Grangemouth's £200M transition, and Texas nuclear expansion lead industrial developments

• Science photos aren’t just pretty pictures: what they do that that AI-generated images can’t (Nature) - Science photographer explains why real scientific images provide documentation and trustworthy communication that AI-generated images cannot replicate.

• A Powerful New Tool Is Tracking The Electrification Of US Industry (CleanTechnica) - ACEEE launches interactive map tracking industrial electrification progress across US, showing regional adoption of electric technologies replacing fossil fuels.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Tongwei HJT Module Hits New Power Record & More (TaiyangNews) - Tongwei's HJT solar module achieves record 783.2W power output with 25.21% efficiency, verified by TÜV.

• Hydrogen Electrolysis Cost Projections from Major Organizations Low by 60% to 300% (CleanTechnica) - Major organizations' hydrogen electrolysis cost projections underestimate actual costs by 60-300%, with real project data showing $3000/kW versus predicted $1800/kW.

• Not-in-that-starfish’s backyard: considerations for critical mineral mining in the deep sea (C2ES) - Deep sea mining of critical minerals could meet growing clean energy demand with potentially lower environmental impact than terrestrial mining, though ecosystem recovery concerns persist.

• Prime Minister confirms £200m National Wealth Fund investment at Grangemouth (BusinessGreen) - UK government pledges £200m National Wealth Fund investment to support Grangemouth industrial hub's transition as oil refinery closure looms.

• Second H2Global tender for the import of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. (Energy Central) - Germany launches €2.5 billion H2Global tender for importing hydrogen and derivatives across five regional and global lots with delivery points in Germany and Netherlands.

• Sellafield nuclear site plans cuts as chief says £2.8bn funding ‘not enough’ (The Guardian) - Sellafield nuclear site announces spending cuts as CEO declares £2.8bn government funding insufficient for planned nuclear waste management operations.

• SIGMA LITHIUM ADVANCES CONSTRUCTION TO DOUBLE CAPACITY AND PROVIDES FY2024 PREVIEW AND FY2025 GUIDANCE (Sigma Lithium) - Brazilian lithium producer advances construction of second plant to double production capacity to 520,000 tonnes by 2026, maintains low-cost operations amid market volatility.

• Sodium-Ion & Solid-State Battery News (CleanTechnica) - Princeton researchers develop high-performance sodium-ion battery with organic cathode material achieving 606 Wh/kg energy density, while BMW delays solid-state battery deployment to 2030.

• Sustainability ideals are often crushed by corporate demands. Here’s how businesses can let them flourish (The Conversation) - Research reveals sustainability managers' social change ambitions often diminish as they advance in corporate roles, highlighting need for businesses to better support environmental initiatives.

• The Clean Energy Procurement Academy Launches Digital Trainings in China and Vietnam (Clean Energy Buyers Association) - Digital training academy launches in China and Vietnam to accelerate corporate clean energy procurement and adoption through localized online courses.

• What a steel! North American manufacturers team up to bring steel-framed solar modules to market (Renewable Energy World) - North American manufacturers Heliene and Origami Solar partner to produce weather-resistant, steel-framed solar modules for U.S. market starting April 2025.

• Unlocking Market Opportunities with Dual-Use Technologies (Addionics) - Battery manufacturer's dual-use technology enables expansion into both EV and defense markets, offering enhanced energy storage solutions across sectors.

• Texas Wants to Be a Nuclear Power (Inside Climate News) - Texas advances multiple next-generation nuclear reactor projects with state backing, including Abilene's molten salt reactor and Texas A&M's 2,400-acre Energy Proving Ground.

Policy

FERC independence threatened by Trump orders, USDA renewable grants frozen, environmental justice battles continue, as agencies and activists navigate policy shifts

• Nominations are open for the next Grist 50 list (Grist) - Nominations open for 2025 Grist 50 list seeking emerging climate leaders and innovators across U.S. sectors for 10th anniversary edition.

• Join us for Upcoming Events (Columbia Climate School) - University announces diverse lineup of climate-focused events for February-March 2025, featuring Pulitzer winner Elizabeth Kolbert and documentary screenings.

• Action Alert: Attend February 25th and February 26th Information Sessions (Climate Generation) - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announces virtual information sessions on 2023 Cumulative Impacts Law requiring facilities to report air pollution in over-polluted communities.

• 🌎 The power struggle at FERC #234 (CTVC) - Trump executive order requiring FERC to submit regulatory actions for White House review threatens agency's historical independence and could delay critical energy infrastructure projects.

• ‘Chaotic’ USDA funding freeze stalls rural renewable projects (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Trump administration's USDA funding freeze halts billions in promised renewable energy grants to farmers and rural businesses, affecting thousands of ongoing projects.

• ‘Never Let Anyone Break Your Spirit’: How an Environmental Justice Forefather Is Thinking About Our Current Moment (Inside Climate News) - Environmental justice pioneer Rev. Ben Chavis reflects on coining term 'environmental racism' in 1981, discusses ongoing fight against toxic waste dumping in minority communities.

• 🌎 The power struggle at FERC #234 (CTVC) - Trump executive order forces FERC to submit energy market decisions for White House review, threatening agency independence and clean energy project timelines.

• 2024年 GreenFaith 年間報告書 (GreenFaith) - Global faith communities demonstrate climate activism amid political challenges and extreme weather events in 2024, while organization expands renewable energy advocacy efforts.

• A Memphis Community’s Clean Air Battle With Elon Musk’s xAI Supercomputer (Moms Clean Air Force) - Memphis residents battle health and environmental impacts of Elon Musk's xAI supercomputer facility operating without community consultation in pollution-burdened Boxtown neighborhood.

• Arctic study urges stronger climate action to prevent catastrophic warming (ScienceDaily) - New Arctic study warns current climate commitments insufficient to prevent 2.7°C warming, risking ice-free summers and devastating ecosystem impacts.

• Are Ohio solar critics speaking as elected officials — or as neighbors? (Canary Media) - Ohio solar developer challenges local officials' project opposition, arguing their comments should be considered personal views rather than official government positions due to conflicts of interest and procedural issues.

• Big Oil Must Deliver The Goods Under Landmark Climate Litigation Ruling (CleanTechnica) - Federal judge allows landmark RICO climate lawsuit against major oil companies to proceed to discovery phase, as Puerto Rican municipalities seek damages from climate-related hurricane destruction.

• Conservatives Win in Germany, But New Chancellor Will Be Limited in Ability to Make Big Changes to Climate and Energy Policy (Inside Climate News) - Germany's conservative CDU wins election with 28.5% but weak mandate limits major climate policy changes, as party leader Merz seeks coalition with center-left.

• Dahlia on Defending the EPA | Dayenu (Dayenu) - Jewish climate action group rallies public support to defend EPA against political attempts to weaken environmental regulations and climate protection measures.

• Donald Trump Scared Al Gore (Climate One) - Al Gore reveals Trump's Paris Agreement exit initially worried him but other nations' strengthened commitments eased concerns.

• Earth Advocacy Day: Turn Passion into Power (CLEO Institute) - Florida youth organizations plan free two-day Earth Advocacy Day event at State Capitol to demand climate action from lawmakers during 2025 legislative session.

• Electricity bills: Climate and Justice Tools (REVOLVE) - EU electricity pricing reforms target social equity and climate goals through fair tariffs, dynamic pricing, and automated support systems for vulnerable households.

• Elimination of federal climate tools, some used to inquire in to Musk’s firms, sparks alarm (The Guardian) - Trump administration eliminates key federal climate data tools previously used to investigate pollution concerns at Musk's xAI and SpaceX facilities.

• Environmental Impact Assessment Review (Elsevier) (Environmental Impact Assessment Review) - Journal launches study examining correlation between heatwave vulnerability index and heat-related mortality rates across nations.

• European Ocean Days 2025 (REVOLVE) - European Ocean Days 2025 to host week-long Brussels summit addressing ocean policy, blue economy, and youth engagement through multiple specialized forums.

• Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences (The Conversation) - Research shows unconventional climate advocates like farmers, investors, and religious groups receive more sympathetic media coverage and better reach holdout audiences than traditional environmentalists.

• Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – February 24, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - Federal agency outlines extensive funding opportunities and guidance for environmental projects while addressing challenges in grant access and staff terminations.

• FERC chairman’s first press conference raises unaddressed questions; Renewables and demand response missing from remarks (RenewableEnergyWorld) - FERC Chairman Christie's first press conference emphasizes dispatchable generation while omitting discussion of renewables and demand response mandated by Energy Policy Act.

• Flabbergasted by the Funding Freeze? Here’s What Could Happen Next. (Heatmap News) - Trump administration's funding freeze of climate initiatives faces multiple lawsuits and court defiance, raising constitutional questions about presidential authority to withhold Congressional appropriations.

• Flood warnings issued in parts of UK after weekend of rain and wind (The Guardian) - UK issues flood warnings across Wales, England, and Scotland following heavy weekend rainfall, as climate crisis drives warmer and wetter winters.

• Fossil fuel lobby shares global “toolbox of tactics” to fight Victoria’s gas phaseout (RenewEconomy) - Global fossil fuel industry shares coordinated tactics and messaging strategies to fight Victoria's residential gas phaseout plans.

• G20 must tax the super-rich to fund a green and just future (Greenpeace) - G20 finance ministers urged to support UN Tax Convention and wealth tax on super-rich to fund climate action and social programs.

• German election shows how far green wave has receded in Europe (The Guardian) - German election results show dramatic decline in Green Party influence and climate action priorities, as conservatives and far-right gain power while attacking environmental policies.

• German Federal Elections 2025 Give Power To Conservative Coalition (TaiyangNews) - Conservative CDU/CSU alliance wins German federal elections under Friedrich Merz, raising questions about renewable energy commitments amid geopolitical shifts.

• Greenpeace organisations begin trial defense against Energy Transfer’s SLAPP (Greenpeace International) - Environmental groups defend against Energy Transfer's $300M SLAPP lawsuit over Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota trial.

• How to write your way through climate anxiety and uncertainty (Yale Climate Connections) - Writing exercises and creative practices offer therapeutic tools for processing climate anxiety and emotional distress, experts say.

• If China can’t scale nuclear, Australia’s got Buckley’s (RenewEconomy) - China's struggles to meet nuclear power targets despite ideal conditions signal major challenges for Australia's proposed nuclear energy plans.

• LETTER: Oppose H. Con. Res. 14, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution (LCV) - Environmental group urges Congress to reject 2025 budget resolution that would cut clean energy funding, environmental protections, and social programs while benefiting wealthy corporations and polluters.

• Likely new German coalition still firmly attached to net zero by 2045, even with Greens on outer (RenewEconomy) - Germany's likely CDU-SPD coalition under Merz remains committed to 2045 net-zero target despite Greens' exclusion from government.

• LiveEO | Publishing Houses and EUDR: Challenges and Solutions (LiveEO) - EU Deforestation Regulation requires publishing houses to track paper sources and verify deforestation-free status by 2025, facing complex supply chain compliance challenges.

• Nature Medicine (Nature) (Nature Medicine) - Study of 854 European cities projects climate change impacts on temperature-related mortality under various adaptation scenarios.

• Oil drilling in the mouth of the Amazon – Lula on a course to disaster (commentary) (Mongabay) - Brazil's President Lula escalates pressure to approve deep-sea oil drilling at Amazon River mouth despite severe environmental risks and climate impact concerns.

• Our Communities Can’t Afford More Coal Pollution, So We’re Going to Court (Earthjustice) - Northern Cheyenne Tribe and conservation groups sue to defend Biden's Powder River Basin coal leasing ban against Montana and Wyoming challenge.

• Progressives Say They Want Clean Energy. They Held Up This Hydro Project for Years. (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts hydropower transmission project faced years of progressive opposition despite its clean energy benefits, highlighting tensions in renewable energy infrastructure development.

• Reflections after Covering Cleantech Industries for 15½ Years (CleanTechnica) - Veteran cleantech journalist reflects on 15-year evolution of renewable energy industries, highlighting dramatic growth in solar, wind, and EVs while warning of current US policy reversals threatening progress.

• S.A.M. Tool: Learnings from the beta launch of RMI’s stakeholder analysis and mapping tool (RMI) - New digital stakeholder analysis tool attracts 1,300+ global users for mapping clean energy project relationships and community engagement.

• SOCAN Testimony on SB427 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate organization urges passage of SB427 to protect streamflow amid worsening water scarcity and climate impacts.

• SOCAN Testimony supporting HB 3450 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate group urges passage of HB3450 to address seismic risks at Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub storing 90% of state's liquid fuel.

• SOCAN Testimony supporting HB2949 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate group testifies in support of bill requiring financial assessment of Portland fuel terminal hub's earthquake risks.

• SOCAN Testimony supporting SB680 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate group testifies in support of anti-greenwashing bill SB680, which would allow legal action against companies making false environmental claims.

• Switzerland’s Electricity Act Amendments To Boost Solar PV (TaiyangNews) - Switzerland's new electricity act amendments, effective 2026, boost solar PV with higher remuneration rates and storage incentives to secure renewable electricity supply.

• The Central Role of Social Movements in Navigating Ecological Crises (Gonzaga Climate Institute) - Environmental justice expert Gopal Dayaneni argues social movements and grassroots organizing are leading climate solutions through community-based approaches to economic transformation.

• The Forest Service Loses Billions Subsidizing Logging, Not Cleaning Outhouses (The Wildlife News) - Forest Service wastes billions on subsidized logging while cutting essential maintenance services, analysis shows.

• The fossil fuel industry is trying to keep buildings hooked on gas. Here’s how. (Grist) - Fossil fuel industry deploys coordinated global lobbying tactics to block building electrification policies across US, EU, and Australia, successfully delaying climate action.

• The U.S. Grounds Its Climate Scientists (Heatmap News) - Trump administration bars U.S. scientists from crucial IPCC climate meeting in China, disrupting global climate assessment process.

• Three years on: Russia’s fossil-fuelled invasion of Ukraine continues (Greenpeace) - Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine continues to threaten nuclear safety and exploit fossil fuel revenues while hampering the country's transition to renewable energy.

• Trump-lite: Coalition promises purge of experts who call out nuclear bunkum (RenewEconomy) - Australian Opposition Coalition promises to dismantle Climate Change Authority and remove experts who criticize their nuclear power policies.

• Uncertain Future for Clean Tech Boom Underway in Republican Districts (Yale E360) - Clean energy investments worth $129B heavily concentrated in Republican districts face uncertainty as Trump freezes IRA spending, causing project cancellations and job losses.

• US fossil fuel industry campaigns to kill policies that ban gas in new buildings (The Guardian) - Fossil fuel industry wages coordinated campaign across US, EU, and Australia to block gas bans in new buildings through lobbying, lawsuits, and front groups.

• US governors press for infrastructure permitting reform (Utility Dive) - National Governors Association launches bipartisan working group to accelerate infrastructure permitting reform and ensure federal project obligations are met.

• We need meaningful, not less, EDI and climate action in turbulent times (The Conversation) - Researchers argue for strengthening EDI initiatives in climate action amid rising political opposition and policy rollbacks in US and Canada.

• Why religion is fundamental to addressing climate change (The Conversation) - Research reveals religious frameworks are essential for climate action, as Egyptian communities blend scientific and faith-based understanding to address environmental challenges.

• Ohio solar developer wants accurate review of local opposition (Canary Media) - Ohio solar developer seeks state regulators to classify local officials' project opposition as personal views rather than official positions due to alleged open meeting violations.

• Buildings and Cities (B&C) (Buildings and Cities) - Academic journal launches special issue examining post-disaster reconstruction processes, focusing on socio-technical and organizational aspects.

• Inventing Futures (PreventionWeb) - UK-based non-profit Inventing Futures launches platform to amplify local voices in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development through research and collaborative learning.

• BC3 inspira a las nuevas generaciones en Emakumeak Zientzian para fomentar una ciencia más igualitaria (BC3) - Basque climate research center promotes gender equality in science through outreach activities during International Day of Women and Girls in Science week.

• What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers (The Conversation) - Analysis of 22,500 youth writing submissions reveals Australian young voters prioritize climate action, mental health, and democratic reform ahead of upcoming election.

Renewables

BP retreats from renewables as NSW's Winterbourne wind gains local backing; France launches 400MW solar tender while US forecasts record 32.5GW solar growth in 2025

• “Packet of poo tickets” wind project wins majority support from New England locals (RenewEconomy) - Controversial 730MW Winterbourne wind project in New England, NSW gains 70% local support despite political opposition from Barnaby Joyce.

• BP expected to scrap renewables target in shift back to fossil fuels (The Guardian) - BP to abandon 2030 renewable energy generation targets and return focus to fossil fuels amid investor pressure and profit concerns.

• France Launches 400 MW PV Tender For Over 500 kW Systems (TaiyangNews) - France launches 400MW commercial solar tender requiring carbon footprint under 740kgCO2/kW for rooftop, agrivoltaic and carport installations above 500kW.

• Hercules Welcomes MCE: More Renewable, Local Electricity Service Starting April 2025 (MCE) - California's first community choice energy provider expands to Hercules, offering residents 60% renewable electricity service at 8% lower rates starting April 2025.

• Partnerships for Progress: The Tembesi Floating Solar Project in Indonesia (Global Energy Alliance) - Indonesia's Tembesi floating solar project to generate 56.5 GWh annually and avert 43,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions while creating 1,260 construction jobs.

• Prediction: Solar Energy Beats Natural Gas By A Mile In 2025 (CleanTechnica) - EIA predicts record-breaking 32.5 GW of new solar capacity in US for 2025, dwarfing natural gas additions of 4.4 GW.

• Protected: Renewables = more affordable life (350.org) - Password-protected article about renewable energy's role in making life more affordable unavailable for public viewing.

• Solar Adoption Survey — What Are Your Experiences & Thoughts on Solar? (CleanTechnica) - News outlet launches comprehensive solar adoption survey to gather reader experiences and insights about residential solar installation.

• Solar and battery storage will lead new generation in 2025: EIA (Utility Dive) - EIA forecasts record 63GW utility-scale capacity additions in 2025, with solar and battery storage accounting for 81% of new generation.

• The Adventure Of Installing Solar Panels On My Townhouse With A Shared Roof (CleanTechnica) - Florida homeowner successfully navigates HOA restrictions to install rooftop solar on shared townhouse roof, documenting cost savings and installation process.

• There Is Optimism For Distributed Wind Energy In United States (CleanTechnica) - US distributed wind energy sector shows growth potential due to rising rural electricity demand, grid connection delays, and domestic manufacturing advantages.

• 7th European Conference Biomass PowerON 2025 (Energy Central) - European biomass power conference announces 7th annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden for October 8-9, 2025.

• Astronergy Strengthens Its Market Presence at Japan’s Smart Energy Week 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy showcases ASTRO N series n-type solar modules at Japan's Smart Energy Week 2025, targeting growing distributed PV market demand.

Transport

PG&E's V2G forum, CPKC's hydrogen locomotives, fleet EV savings, Cargill's WindWings success, federal charging station closures

• 5th V2G Business, Policy and Technology Forum (Energy Central) - Pacific Gas and Electric Company to host major Vehicle-to-Grid stakeholder forum in San Ramon aimed at accelerating V2G standardization and adoption across US.

• CPKC to Double Hydrogen Test Fleet in 2025 (Energy Central) - CPKC railway plans to expand hydrogen locomotive fleet from 3 to 6 units plus tender car in 2025, advancing sustainable rail transport testing.

• Fleet Electric Vehicle Total Cost of Ownership with and without Federal Tax Credits (RMI) - Electric fleet vehicles prove more economical than fossil fuel counterparts across multiple use cases, with federal tax credits significantly improving cost advantages.

• Sails pitch: Wind seen as a key piece of shipping’s emissions reduction puzzle (Energy Central) - Major shipping company Cargill reports 32% energy savings using WindWings sails technology, demonstrating wind power's significant potential for maritime decarbonization.

• Shutting Down EV Chargers" (EnergyNews) - Trump administration orders shutdown of federal EV charging stations nationwide, reversing Biden-era electric vehicle initiatives.