Toward electrification and resilience

Today's updates are charecterized by US roll-backs, global progress in transition to renewable energy, grid challenges to that transition, and accelerating tech innovation.

Want some good news? Here are three updates that jumped out to me:

• Electric Water Heater Sales Set New Record In 2024 While Gas Sales Decline

  • See the chart above. Go, electric, go!

• The state of fleet electrification: Why 87% of companies plan to add EVs in the next five years

  • 90% of fleet owners who own EVs say they'll be buying more

• Five ways to make cities more resilient to climate change

  • The best one yet, really life-affirming advice here.

And now, our daily summaries of nearly 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (14 stories) - Checkerspot algal oil, Windfall Bio methane fertilizer, peasant movements (Nyéléni Forum, Elizabeth Teixeira), and dryland crop programs in Africa.

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (6 stories) - Offshore oil pollution, Alt Carbon's basalt dust, Antarctic ice loss, supply chain emissions platform, diverse forests, and Patch's carbon credit platform.

  
  

• ♻️Circular (3 stories) - Circularity 25 conference in Denver; McDonough keynote; PFAS polymer report.

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (19 stories) - 3M acres of Michigan trees damaged; Steart Marshes transform farmland; PT Equator clears orangutan habitat; Virunga marks 100 years; Amazon species endangered; Ecological Corridor Management for utilities; Our Ocean Conference in Busan; Florida Wildlife Corridor protects panthers; Arctic Rivers Project advances; US animal extinction rates high; Great Salt Lake hits low; NJ wildfire; NYC swan debate; Rocket debris pollutes Caribbean.

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (9 stories) - Illinois geothermal expansion, SW Wisconsin Tech solar array, electric fans vs AC, electric water heater sales surge, EU building renovation, LEED v5, NHS retrofits, artificial turf heat, and EcoFlow portable AC/heater/refrigerator.

  
  

• 💰Finance (13 stories) - USAID funding freeze, Indonesia JETP solar project, German satellite firm investment, EUDR compliance software, Prime Coalition's investment approach, CDP disclosure questionnaires, IFRS & IDB partnership, EIB loan to PGE Polska, kWh Analytics & Nextracker partnership, and ISSB disclosure standards.

  
  

• 🔌Grid (17 stories) - Vegetation management, satellite grid monitoring with ARCOS, San Francisco Climate Week focuses on data centers, Spain blackout, SunTrain rail battery storage, community solar in California, Pano AI wildfire detection, BHP pumped hydro, data center opposition in Indiana, smart grid software, and SEL fault indicators.

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (5 stories) - Brazilian indigenous education organizations survey Law 11.645; Munduruku protest land rights; Pataxó Muja leads seed collection.

  
  

• 🏭Industry (28 stories) - Oil spill underreporting in Gulf, EU's €100B Clean Industrial Deal, Avery Dennison's 3D battery investment, Fraunhofer ISE's low-silver solar cells, Boviet Solar's US plant, Germany's hydrogen network, China's solar dominance (AIKO, LONGi, Huasun), and TS Conductor's tariff woes.

  
  

• 📜Policy (48 stories) - EPA limits PFAS, Philippines/California seek oil company climate disaster payments, GB News airs anti-climate claims, Trump EPA weakens pollution rules, Army Corps expedites Line 5, California weakens refinery safety, NY considers Tesla divestment, India suspends Indus treaty, Trump favors fossil fuels, Germany nominates Eon executive, Republican community solar bills, IEA pressured on renewables, Trump tariffs hit batteries, Zeldin ends "Sue and Settle".

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (15 stories) - EDF Renewables hires CPO, QatarEnergy expands solar, LONGi deploys Hi-MO 9, DAS Solar unveils TOPCon 5.0, Landatu Solar secures funding, Fortescue builds Cloudbreak, CorPower Ocean & Eco Wave Power partner on wave energy.

  
  

• 🚗Transport (11 stories) - Slate's budget EV pickup, Can-Am's electric motorcycles, NASA's hydrogen engine, Waymo's market share, and Tesla's Cybertruck recall.

  
  

Agriculture

Checkerspot algal oil, Windfall Bio methane fertilizer, peasant movements (Nyéléni Forum, Elizabeth Teixeira), and dryland crop programs in Africa.

• Pathways to power in fragile settings: Rethinking women’s roles in agriculture and food systems (CGIAR) - Research reveals women in fragile food systems can strengthen community resilience when given tools, voice, and recognition across agricultural value chains and policy-making processes.

• Statement | From April 17 to the 3rd Nyéléni Global Forum, Let’s Rise for People’s Food Sovereignty! (La Via Campesina) - Global peasant movement announces 3rd Nyéléni Forum in Sri Lanka for September 2025, focusing on food sovereignty and systemic transformation of global food systems.

• Sustainable Agriculture Practices as a Business Model (Monarch Tractor) - Sustainable farming practices emerge as profitable business model, with electric tractors and data analytics driving agricultural transformation.

• Fats from fermentation: Checkerspot unveils high-oleic palm alternative… without genetic modification (AgFundNews) - California biotech Checkerspot develops non-GMO algal oil matching high-oleic palm oil's properties for premium food and cosmetic applications.

• Checkerspot Develops “World’s First” High-Oleic Palm Oil Alternative Made With Microalgae Fermentation (Vegconomist) - Biotech firm Checkerspot develops first-ever high-oleic palm oil alternative using microalgae fermentation, achieving industrial-scale production without genetic modification.

• Greenhouse Trial Confirms Superior Performance of Windfall Bio’s Organic Fertilizer (GlobeNewswire) - Windfall Bio's methane-derived organic fertilizer outperforms conventional organic fertilizers in greenhouse trials, offering 11% nitrogen content while converting harmful methane emissions.

• Red de Veterinarios en Catastrofes (UNDRR) - Argentine veterinary network forms to coordinate animal care and public health response during environmental disasters and catastrophes.

• The Power of Partnership: CGIAR and NARES Leading Dryland Innovation for Impact (CGIAR) - International agricultural research network launches innovative dryland crop improvement program across 18 African countries, focusing on six key crops and benefiting over 115,000 farmers.

• Peasants Belong to Farms, Not in Prisons. Release South Korean Peasant Leader Hyun Jin-hee Immediately! (Via Campesina) - South Korean peasant leader Hyun Jin-hee sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after protest scuffle, sparking international calls for release.

• “Elizabeth”: A Powerful Documentary on a Peasant Leader’s Resistance (Via Campesina) - New documentary "Elizabeth" chronicles 100-year-old Brazilian peasant activist Elizabeth Teixeira's lifelong struggle for land reform and agricultural workers' rights.

• Southeast Asia’s fisheries thrive despite decades of overfishing warnings: Study (Mongabay) - Southeast Asian fisheries show unexpected resilience with 43% of marine stocks underfished - triple the global average - despite decades of overfishing concerns, new study finds.

• Inflation, sanctions, and labor shortages deepen Russia’s agriculture crisis (AgFunderNews) - Russia's agricultural sector faces severe decline as record inflation, Western sanctions, and labor shortages drive up costs and reduce production across farming and processing industries.

• The Basics of Nutritional Yeast (Bluedot Living) - Nutritional yeast emerges as protein-rich, B12-fortified vegan cheese alternative with environmental benefits and versatile culinary applications.

• Dear Dot: Do Girl Scout Cookies Use Sustainable Palm Oil? (BlueDot Living) - Girl Scout cookies continue using mixed sources of palm oil despite sustainability concerns, with organization's statement lacking clear commitment to fully sustainable sourcing.

Carbon

Offshore oil pollution, Alt Carbon's basalt dust, Antarctic ice loss, supply chain emissions platform, diverse forests, and Patch's carbon credit platform.

• Global offshore oil platforms are among top ocean polluters, report finds (Mongabay) - Global offshore oil facilities rank among worst ocean polluters, with Nigerian floating platforms leading in spills and methane flaring causing 60M metric tons of CO2 emissions.

• Basalting the Earth (BlueDot Living) - Indian startup Alt Carbon accelerates natural carbon capture by spreading basalt dust across tea plantations, achieving 3 tons CO2 removal per acre while boosting crop yields 30%.

• ‘Last chance for humanity’: the cold reality of monitoring global heating on a glacier (The Guardian) - Scientists at Antarctica's Union Glacier report accelerating ice loss and potential tipping points, warning of irreversible changes if global temperatures exceed 2C.

• 5 Years ClimateChoice & Scope 3 Action! (TheClimateChoice) - Platform celebrates 5 years of helping companies reduce supply chain emissions across 150 countries while launching 2025 Climate Transformation Summit focused on Scope 3 action.

• We can’t plant our way out of climate change (Mongabay) - New research shows diverse tree species forests outperform monocultures in carbon storage and climate resilience, but reforestation alone cannot solve climate crisis.

• Patch Launches New Platform to Ease Purchasing and Management of Carbon Credits (ESG Today) - Patch launches new platform combining data, expertise and AI-powered technology to streamline carbon credit purchasing and management for companies.

Circular

Circularity 25 conference in Denver; McDonough keynote; PFAS polymer report.

• What to look out for at Circularity 25 this week (Trellis) - Annual Circularity 25 conference in Denver to showcase circular economy innovations, featuring green chemistry pioneers, corporate leaders, and field visits to recycling facilities.

• Watch the Circularity 25 Keynotes Live (Trellis) - Circularity 25 conference to livestream keynotes featuring William McDonough and other circular economy thought leaders discussing regenerative design and indigenous knowledge.

• EEA briefing ‘PFAS polymers in focus: supporting Europe’s zero pollution, low-carbon and circular economy ambitions’ (EEA) - New report reveals PFAS polymers widely used in consumer and green tech products contribute to environmental contamination, global warming, and ozone depletion.

Ecosystems

3M acres of Michigan trees damaged; Steart Marshes transform farmland; PT Equator clears orangutan habitat; Virunga marks 100 years; Amazon species endangered; Ecological Corridor Management for utilities; Our Ocean Conference in Busan; Florida Wildlife Corridor protects panthers; Arctic Rivers Project advances; US animal extinction rates high; Great Salt Lake hits low; NJ wildfire; NYC swan debate; Rocket debris pollutes Caribbean.

• Why effects of Michigan’s ice storm will linger for months, perhaps years (The Guardian) - Michigan's devastating ice storm damaged 3M acres of trees and infrastructure, with climate experts warning warming atmosphere could fuel more severe freezing rain events in northern regions.

• England’s flooded farmlands offer habitat, carbon storage & storm protection (Mongabay) - England's flooded coastal farmland transformed into Steart Marshes wetland reserve provides wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and natural flood protection.

• Orangutan habitat under siege as palm oil company clears forest in Borneo (Mongabay) - Indonesian palm oil company PT Equator Sumber Rezeki begins clearing critical orangutan habitat in West Kalimantan, threatening up to 10,000 hectares of high conservation value forest.

• Through colonization, conflicts and conservation: 100 years of Virunga National Park (Mongabay) - Africa's first national park Virunga marks 100 years of conservation amid ongoing challenges from armed conflicts, colonial legacy, and oil exploration threats.

• The Definitive Guide to the Animals of the Amazon Rainforest (Greenpeace) - Comprehensive guide details 10 endangered Amazon rainforest species including pink river dolphins, jaguars, and macaws, highlighting urgent need for habitat protection amid deforestation threats.

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

• Our Ocean, Our Action: See You in Busan! (EDF) - 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan focuses on digital ocean technology and protecting the mesopelagic zone's critical role in marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

• Florida panthers and black bears need a literal path for survival – here’s how the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides it in one of the fastest-growing US states (The Conversation) - Florida Wildlife Corridor, spanning 18 million acres across the state, provides critical protected pathways for endangered species like panthers and black bears amid rapid development.

• Arctic Rivers Project Directed at MBL Receives Frontiers “National Champion” Designation (Woodwell Climate) - Arctic Rivers Project advances as National Champion in Frontiers Planet Prize competition for planetary health research.

• Copernicus: Warmest March In Europe & Lowest Arctic Winter Sea Ice (Copernicus) - Europe records warmest March in history while Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter extent in 47-year satellite record.

• Sitting on the Sidelines Is No Longer an Option (Earth.org) - Marine conservationist warns of accelerating ocean degradation from climate change, highlighting urgent need for action beyond observation as coral reefs die, sea levels rise, and coastal communities face increasing threats.

• A Map for Vanishing Animals (Nautilus) - New geographic data visualization maps reveal disproportionate animal species extinction rates across countries, with US showing highest losses as of 2019.

• Heat waves may accelerate the aging process (Yale Climate Connections) - Research shows prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates cellular aging, with women and those with diabetes particularly vulnerable to heat-induced premature aging effects.

• Rising temperatures are contributing to the Great Salt Lake’s decline (Yale Climate Connections) - Utah's Great Salt Lake hits historic low in 2022 due to reduced streamflow and increased temperature-driven evaporation, threatening migratory birds and local snow patterns.

• The New Jersey fire signals a new era for the Northeast (Grist) - Record-breaking New Jersey wildfire signals Northeast's increasing vulnerability to forest fires amid climate change, drought conditions, and reduced firefighting resources.

• We Can’t Kill Our Way Out of a Problem (The Revelator) - New York City's invasive swan management sparks debate between ecologists advocating culling and activists fighting for alternative solutions.

• Debris from rockets is polluting the Caribbean (Nature) - Rocket debris from increasing satellite launches pollutes Caribbean waters, raising environmental concerns as orbital spacecraft numbers surpass 11,000.

• Asking Trees to Solve a Roman Conspiracy (Nautilus) - Tree-ring data reveals severe droughts preceded the 367 AD Barbarian Conspiracy that contributed to Roman Britain's collapse.

• Anthropology professor publishes new study on genetics and evolution of the human pelvis. (Western Today) - WWU anthropology professor co-authors Science paper examining genetic architecture and evolutionary constraints of human pelvic form.

Efficiency

Illinois geothermal expansion, SW Wisconsin Tech solar array, electric fans vs AC, electric water heater sales surge, EU building renovation, LEED v5, NHS retrofits, artificial turf heat, and EcoFlow portable AC/heater/refrigerator.

• Crain's Chicago Business: Opinion - Geothermal Heat Pumps Help Lower Energy Costs. How Can Illinois Deploy More? (Crain's Chicago Business) - Illinois lawmakers urged to pass bills expanding geothermal heat pump access as technology offers significant cost savings and grid benefits for residents.

• Ameresco Completes Comprehensive Upgrades at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Ameresco) - $1.6M solar array and battery storage project at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College delivers 60% building electricity reduction and $30,000 annual savings.

• Tempted to turn on the aircon? Science says use fans until it’s 27°C (The Conversation) - Research shows electric fans should be primary cooling method until indoor temperatures reach 27°C, offering 97% energy savings over air conditioning.

• Electric Water Heater Sales Set New Record In 2024 While Gas Sales Decline (CleanTechnica) - Electric water heater sales surpass 5 million units in 2024 while gas heater sales decline 3%, marking historic shift in US residential water heating market.

• RE-SKIN Community Event (REVOLVE) - EU energy experts to showcase building renovation innovations for tackling housing poverty at Brussels community event on World Environment Day.

• USGBC Launches New Sustainable Buildings LEED Rating System (ESG Today) - USGBC launches LEED v5 building rating system with enhanced focus on decarbonization, health impacts and climate resilience requirements.

• Hospitals have huge environmental footprints – here’s how they can be more sustainable (The Conversation) - NHS hospitals' massive environmental impact could be reduced through retrofitting existing buildings, fabric-first design approaches, and flexible community-oriented healthcare spaces.

• Here’s how to make your backyard safer and cooler next summer (The Conversation) - Research shows artificial turf reaches dangerous 72°C in summer while natural grass stays below 39°C, highlighting health risks and cooling benefits of real lawns and shade trees.

• EcoFlow Wave 3 & Glacier Classic: Cool Comfort, Anywhere You Go (CleanTechnica) - EcoFlow launches Wave 3 portable AC/heater and Glacier Classic refrigerator series for off-grid living, featuring extended battery life and smart controls.

Finance

USAID funding freeze, Indonesia JETP solar project, German satellite firm investment, EUDR compliance software, Prime Coalition's investment approach, CDP disclosure questionnaires, IFRS & IDB partnership, EIB loan to PGE Polska, kWh Analytics & Nextracker partnership, and ISSB disclosure standards.

• Simona Meiler awarded with Prix Schläfli 2025 (SCNAT) - Swiss climate scientist Simona Meiler awarded Prix Schläfli 2025 for groundbreaking research on tropical cyclone risk modeling and uncertainty quantification.

• Refocusing conservation funding on trust & community leadership after USAID freeze (commentary) (Mongabay) - USAID funding freeze exposes over-reliance on external donors in global conservation, sparking calls for trust-based, community-led funding models.

• First Indonesian JETP Solar Project Mobilizes USD 60 Million as Investment Momentum Builds (GFANZ) - Indonesia's first JETP solar project secures $60M funding from international development banks and Standard Chartered for 92MWp floating solar plant expected to cut 63,100 tons of carbon emissions annually.

• LiveEO | LiveEO Secures Strategic Investment from Kyuden International to Expand Satellite-Powered Infrastructure Observations (LiveEO) - German satellite monitoring firm secures strategic investment from Japanese energy giant Kyuden International to expand infrastructure observation capabilities in Asian markets.

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

• Impact Investor Spotlights Prime as Leading Example of Additionality (Prime Coalition) - Impact Investor highlights Prime Coalition's catalytic investment approach as an example of "Sacrifice" pathway, accepting elevated risk for climate impact.

• CDP disclosures 2025: What’s new and how to prepare (Greenplaces) - CDP announces minimal changes to 2025 environmental disclosure questionnaires while expanding scoring criteria and maintaining SME-specific reporting options.

• Corporate Sustainability Is in Crisis. What Should Companies Do Now? (Energy Central) - Corporate sustainability faces crisis amid political shifts, but experts say long-term market forces and climate realities will drive continued business adoption.

• IFRS, IDB Partner to Drive Adoption of Sustainability Reporting Standards in Latin America (ESGToday) - IFRS Foundation partners with Inter-American Development Bank to accelerate adoption of sustainability reporting standards across Latin America and Caribbean.

• Europe Solar PV News Snippets: PGE Polska Secures PLN 2.25 Billion EIB Backing For RE & More (TaiyangNews) - European Investment Bank approves PLN 2.25 billion ($597 million) loan to PGE Polska for 730 MW solar and 540 MW pumped storage projects in Poland.

• kWh Analytics and Nextracker Collaborate to Cut Municipal Solar Insurance Deductible by 50 Percent Through Innovative Hail Stow Technology (BusinessWire) - kWh Analytics and Nextracker partnership cuts solar project insurance deductibles by 50% using automated hail protection technology for municipal utilities.

• ESG Funds Experience Record Outflows in Q1 2025 (ESG Today) - Global sustainable investment funds see record $8.6 billion outflows in Q1 2025, marking first-ever European fund outflows since 2018 amid Trump election and shifting investor priorities.

• ISSB Eases Scope 3 Reporting Requirements for Financial Sector (ESG Today) - ISSB modifies climate disclosure standards, easing Scope 3 emissions reporting requirements for financial sector companies by allowing exclusion of derivatives and insurance-related emissions.

Grid

Vegetation management, satellite grid monitoring with ARCOS, San Francisco Climate Week focuses on data centers, Spain blackout, SunTrain rail battery storage, community solar in California, Pano AI wildfire detection, BHP pumped hydro, data center opposition in Indiana, smart grid software, and SEL fault indicators.

• LiveEO | The State of UVM in 2025 Report: Proactive Strategies for Utility Vegetation Management (LiveEO) - New report urges utilities to shift from reactive trimming to data-driven, risk-based vegetation management to prevent grid failures and wildfires.

• LiveEO | LiveEO and ARCOS Partner to Reinvent Infrastructure Monitoring with Satellite Intelligence (LiveEO) - Satellite monitoring company partners with ARCOS to integrate space-based grid surveillance with automated utility workforce management systems.

• 🌎 Overheard at SFCW #242 (CTVC) - San Francisco Climate Week 2024 reveals tech sector's shift toward grid infrastructure and adaptation challenges amid funding uncertainty, with data centers and AI power demands dominating discussions.

• Queensland electricity users hit with $51m in natural disaster costs (RenewEconomy) - Queensland electricity customers face $51.4 million surcharge over two years to cover infrastructure damage from three recent natural disasters.

• Spain reached 100 pct renewables a week before blackout. Some big batteries might have helped keep lights on (RenewEconomy) - Spain experienced nationwide blackout one week after achieving 100% renewable power generation, with experts suggesting battery storage could have prevented grid failure.

• Spain’s blackout has already triggered a firestorm of disinformation (RenewEconomy) - Spain's unprecedented nationwide blackout triggers immediate wave of renewable energy disinformation despite unclear cause.

• SunTrain Re-Imagines Battery Storage & Clean Energy (CleanTechnica) - SunTrain develops innovative rail-based battery storage system to transport renewable energy between power plants using existing railroad infrastructure, piloting first project in Denver.

• Californians Could Save $6.5 Billion With Community Solar & Storage (CleanTechnica) - California study shows community solar and storage projects could save state residents $6.5 billion over 20 years while improving grid reliability and reducing emissions.

• What Happens When US Electricity Demand Craters? (CleanTechnica) - Economic downturn could accelerate fossil fuel plant closures as low-cost renewables outcompete coal and gas during reduced electricity demand.

• How AI can help utilities detect wildfire threats (Renewable Energy World) - AI company Pano AI deploys deep learning and computer vision systems across 10 states to detect and monitor wildfire threats for utilities in real-time.

• In Australia, a closing coal mine is eyed for a pumped storage project (Renewable Energy World) - Australian mining company BHP partners with ACCIONA Energía to explore converting closing Mt Arthur coal mine into pumped hydro storage facility capable of powering 500,000 homes.

• Indiana Faces a Data Center Backlash (Heatmap News) - Indiana faces widespread local opposition to data center expansion plans amid concerns over power consumption, noise, and tax incentives, with 30 active proposals drawing resistance despite state support.

• Utilities to discuss best practices for data center customer engagement at DTECH Data Centers and AI (Renewable Energy World) - Utilities discuss strategies for managing data center power demands and customer relationships at upcoming DTECH conference, focusing on infrastructure planning and sustainability requirements.

• The grid is getting smarter, and utilities are following suit (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Utilities worldwide adopt smart software and AI solutions to manage increasing grid complexity and data demands while integrating renewables and improving cybersecurity.

• Major power outage in Spain and Portugal knocks out subway networks, traffic lights and ATM machines (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Massive power outage across Spain and Portugal disrupts transportation, communications, and essential services for 50 million people, with restoration expected to take 6-10 hours.

• SEL Introduces the LINAM UGFI Underground Fault Indicator (Power Magazine) - SEL launches battery-free LINAM UGFI underground fault indicator for improved power distribution system monitoring and outage reduction.

• Study: Underground cables are 4.5 times more expensive than overhead lines (BusinessGreen) - UK study finds underground power transmission cables cost 4.5 times more than overhead pylons, bolstering government's grid expansion plans.

Indigenous

Brazilian indigenous education organizations survey Law 11.645; Munduruku protest land rights; Pataxó Muja leads seed collection.

• Fórum Nacional de Educação Escolar Indígena, ISA e Alana avaliam aplicação da Lei de Ensino de História e Cultura Indígena (ISA) - Brazilian indigenous education organizations launch survey to assess implementation of Law 11.645 requiring indigenous history and culture in national curriculum after 18 years of limited progress.

• Munduruku Protest for Indigenous Land Rights Reaches Brazil’s Supreme Court (Amazon Watch) - Munduruku Indigenous protesters secure Supreme Court meeting after two-week highway blockade to challenge law threatening Indigenous land rights in Brazil.

• Muja Pataxó | Mulheres restauram florestas e vidas #shorts (ISA) - Indigenous Pataxó woman Muja leads seed collection network in Brazil, combining forest restoration with cultural preservation while facing territorial conflicts.

• May/June response: Program Advisory Group Visits Nashville NMI (United Women in Faith) - Nashville's Bethlehem Centers continues 130-year legacy of community support through childcare, senior services, and youth employment programs, demonstrating lasting impact of Methodist mission work.

• Travelling to my ancestral home in China unearthed tragedy tinged by the climate crisis – it inspired me to write Red Pockets (The Conversation) - Author's journey to ancestral Chinese village reveals climate crisis impacts and inspires book exploring intergenerational environmental debt through cultural lens.

Industry

Oil spill underreporting in Gulf, EU's €100B Clean Industrial Deal, Avery Dennison's 3D battery investment, Fraunhofer ISE's low-silver solar cells, Boviet Solar's US plant, Germany's hydrogen network, China's solar dominance (AIKO, LONGi, Huasun), and TS Conductor's tariff woes.

• Oil companies have downplayed extent of spills in Gulf of Mexico, investigation finds (Mongabay) - Investigation reveals oil companies systematically underreport and downplay extent of spills in Gulf of Mexico, with only 8 of 48 sanctions paid over six years.

• The Clean Industrial Deal Intends To Transform European Manufacturing (Skyven) - EU's Clean Industrial Deal pledges €100B+ funding package to transform manufacturing sector with focus on decarbonization technologies and workforce development.

• Value Chain Intervention Guide (3Degrees) - New guide helps companies implement value chain emissions reductions through supplier engagement and intervention strategies.

• Avery Dennison invests in Series B funding of 3D Current Collectors manufacturer Addionics (Addionics) - Avery Dennison invests in Series B funding of 3D battery current collector manufacturer to scale production and enhance battery performance across chemistries.

• Overcapacity To Persist In Solar Manufacturing Through 2027 (TaiyangNews) - BloombergNEF report reveals persistent solar manufacturing overcapacity through 2027 as China maintains 76% of global clean-tech factory investments despite international onshoring efforts.

• Fraunhofer ISE Achieves Record-Low Silver Usage In SHJ Solar Cells (Taiyangnews) - Fraunhofer ISE develops silicon heterojunction solar cells using 90% less silver through copper metallization, achieving record-low 1.4 mg/Wp silver consumption.

• Boviet Solar Kicks Off US Production With 2 GW Module Fab (TaiyangNews) - Boviet Solar launches first US manufacturing facility in North Carolina with 2GW module capacity, investing $294 million amid looming tariffs on Asian imports.

• Hydrogen core network: an investment in the future for Germany | KfW (KfW) - Germany launches €24 billion hydrogen core network financing initiative with first €172 million payment disbursed through new H2 Amortisationskonto GmbH entity.

• ​ Hydrogen Network | German update ​ (Energy Central) - Germany signals hydrogen sector leadership with likely appointment of National Hydrogen Council head Katherina Reiche as economics minister.

• Deep Dive: Inside India’s Green Hydrogen Funding Plan (Energy Central) - India's $2.4B green hydrogen mission faces funding shortfall and competitive challenges against US, EU, and China in reaching 5M tonnes production target by 2030.

• The US doesn’t have to lose the hydrogen race to China (Latitude Media) - US risks losing hydrogen technology leadership to China amid policy setbacks and collapsing investments, while China expands production and infrastructure.

• Utility Global, Hanwha Collaborate on Hydrogen Production Using Biogas (Power Magazine) - Utility Global and Hanwha partner to study hydrogen production from wastewater biogas in South Korea for mobility and clean energy applications.

• China's clean tech manufacturing dominance is still growing - and the implications for global trade will be era-defining (BusinessGreen) - A BloombergNEF report highlights China's growing dominance in clean tech manufacturing and its potential impact on global trade amid rising trade war concerns.

• Reducing Emissions With Area Printing (TechCrunch) - Area Printing technology could reduce automotive emissions by up to 50% through metal 3D printing that enables lighter vehicle parts.

• Stability Through Strategy: China's Liquids Supply Outlook Through 2026 (EnergyCentral) - China maintains stable 4.6mb/d oil production through 2026 via strategic offshore developments and enhanced recovery methods led by state companies.

• SIGMA LITHIUM TO RELEASE FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS ON MAY 14, 2025 (Sigma Lithium) - Brazilian lithium producer to release Q1 2025 results showing 68,000 tonnes production volume, maintaining operational targets for EV battery materials.

• Cameron Benton Joins Dylan Green Team (Dylan Green) - Clean energy recruitment firm hires Cameron Benton, an experienced recruiter and WRISE Committee Chair focused on promoting diversity in renewable energy.

• Polyolefin-Based Encapsulants From Alishan Green Energy (TaiyangNews) - Indian manufacturer Alishan launches high-performance polyolefin-based solar panel encapsulants with 90% light transmittance and strong adhesion properties.

• Central Electronics Issues Tender For 200 MW Module Line (TaiyangNews) - India's Central Electronics Limited launches tender for 200 MW solar module production line at Sahibabad facility to expand domestic manufacturing capacity.

• Beyond Mainstream: Huasun’s Innovations At Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese manufacturer Huasun to showcase high-efficiency HJT solar modules reaching 669W power output and 24.77% efficiency at Intersolar Europe 2025, alongside new agrivoltaic and vertical PV solutions.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: AIKO & LONGi Release Joint White Paper On BC Technology & More (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giants AIKO and LONGi release world's first authoritative white paper on Back Contact solar technology, analyzing principles, standards, and future applications.

• Sveck's EVA Films With Varying Thermal & Mechanical Properties (TaiyangNews) - Chinese EVA supplier Sveck introduces two encapsulant films with distinct thermal and mechanical properties for solar module manufacturing.

• How Alex Gasca Went From Building Islands on Earth to Infrastructure for Space (USC Viterbi) - Former civil engineer Alex Gasca transitions from building floating parks to developing infrastructure for 3D-printed rockets at Relativity Space, leveraging construction expertise for aerospace innovation.

• Hydrogen Hype, hope or slow burner? (Energy Central) - Experts debate whether hydrogen's role in decarbonization is overhyped, hopeful, or a gradual evolution requiring significant technological and infrastructure development.

• PetroChina: Navigating Energy Shifts and Strategic Growth in a Changing Market (Energy Central) - PetroChina reports mixed 2024 performance with 2.02% net income growth while investing RMB 275.8B in traditional and renewable energy expansion.

• Why China Leads in Manufacturing: The Story of Operational Excellence (Energy Central) - China's manufacturing dominance stems from skilled labor, infrastructure, policy support, and operational excellence focused on continuous improvement and quality management systems.

• Manufacturing transmission tech in the US is getting harder (Latitude Media) - US transmission tech manufacturer TS Conductor faces production challenges due to tariffs on imported materials and uncertain federal funding for new South Carolina facility.

• GE Vernova Boosting Gas Turbine Capacity With Technology Upgrade (Power Magazine) - GE Vernova introduces AGP XPAND technology upgrade for 9E.03 gas turbines at Iraq's Bazyan Power Plant, promising 7% output increase and 1% efficiency gain.

Policy

EPA limits PFAS, Philippines/California seek oil company climate disaster payments, GB News airs anti-climate claims, Trump EPA weakens pollution rules, Army Corps expedites Line 5, California weakens refinery safety, NY considers Tesla divestment, India suspends Indus treaty, Trump favors fossil fuels, Germany nominates Eon executive, Republican community solar bills, IEA pressured on renewables, Trump tariffs hit batteries, Zeldin ends "Sue and Settle".

• New Report Finds Disadvantaged Communities Bear the Brunt of Massive Warehouse Expansion Through New York State (EDF) - New York state report reveals disadvantaged communities, covering 8.1% of state area, contain 50% of warehouses and face disproportionate diesel pollution exposure.

• STATEMENT: EPA to limit discharges of PFAS (Environment America) - The EPA will limit PFAS discharges from manufacturers and metal finishers, enforce Clean Water Act limits, and address drinking water compliance challenges.

• From Manila to LA: How Greenpeace is turning Make Polluters Pay into law (Greenpeace International) - Environmental groups in Philippines and California advance legislation to make oil companies pay for climate disaster damages through targeted taxation and accountability measures.

• Month of Action Roundup (PSR) - Physicians for Social Responsibility's April "Month of Action" saw members advocating for peace, justice, a healthy climate, and democracy, opposing Trump Administration policies.

• The world needs climate change leadership – it’s time for China to step up (The Conversation) - China positioned to fill global climate leadership void as US retreats, but must strengthen domestic policies and support for developing nations.

• GB News Broadcast Almost 1,000 Anti-Climate Attacks Before and After 2024 Election (DeSmog) - GB News broadcast 953 anti-climate claims during 2024 election period, with half attacking clean energy policies and hosts regularly platforming climate science denial.

• Lost your federal job or funding? Tell us how cuts are impacting the environment, health, and safety of your community. (Grist) - News outlet seeks stories from federal workers and grantees impacted by Trump administration's climate and environmental funding cuts.

• All out for May Day and the resistance to fossil fueled fascism (198 Methods) - Climate and labor activists plan nationwide May Day protests and strikes against fossil fuel interests and worker exploitation, building momentum for proposed 2028 general strike.

• Moms’ Dominique Browning on Making America Sick Again in Newsday (Newsday) - Trump administration's EPA offers coal plants and petrochemical facilities exemptions from hazardous air pollution rules, risking increased mercury and toxic emissions.

• Citing Trump Emergency Order, Army Corps Expedites Review for Line 5 Oil Pipeline in Great Lakes’ Wetlands (Inside Climate News) - Army Corps expedites permit review for Enbridge's Line 5 oil pipeline tunnel beneath Great Lakes wetlands, citing Trump emergency order, despite tribal opposition.

• ‘Secret Deal’ in California Would Weaken Regulations for Oil Refineries (Inside Climate News) - California regulators negotiate secret deal with oil industry to weaken refinery safety regulations established after 2012 Chevron fire.

• EPA Says It Will Act on PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals.’ Advocates Raise Red Flags (Inside Climate News) - EPA announces PFAS action plan while dismantling other environmental protections, drawing skepticism from clean water advocates over lack of specifics and potential industry loopholes.

• “We are on a dangerous trajectory:” Global policy settings to trigger multiple climate tipping points (RenewEconomy) - New study warns current climate policies have 62% chance of triggering irreversible tipping points in Earth systems, but risk drops to 26% with strengthened policies.

• Solar is favourite energy choice for Australians, while climate deniers prefer nuclear and coal (RenewEconomy) - New YouGov survey shows 71% of Australians favor rapid renewable energy transition, with solar most preferred while climate change deniers strongly prefer nuclear and coal power.

• European State of the Climate: Striking East-West Contrast & Widespread Flooding in Europe’s Warmest Year (CleanTechnica) - Europe records warmest year in 2024 with extreme east-west weather divide, widespread flooding affecting 413,000 people, and record-high 45% renewable electricity generation.

• New York State Wants To Divest From Everything Tesla (CleanTechnica) - New York lawmakers push to revoke Tesla's dealership licenses and divest state pension funds from the company following Elon Musk's role in Trump administration's anti-climate policies.

• Tensions over Kashmir and a warming planet have placed the Indus Waters Treaty on life support (RenewableEnergyWorld) - India's suspension of Indus Waters Treaty amid Kashmir tensions and climate change threatens water access for 300 million people in India-Pakistan region.

• ‘Exploitative’ contracts and hazardous conditions: life for some of the immigrants cleaning up wildfire-stricken LA (The Guardian) - Immigrant workers cleaning up LA wildfire zones report hazardous conditions, lack of safety equipment, and wage theft amid pressure to rapidly rebuild city.

• Trump’s first 100 days supercharged a global ‘freefall of rights’, says Amnesty (The Guardian) - Amnesty International reports Trump's first 100 days of second term accelerated global human rights decline, emboldening authoritarian leaders and weakening international institutions.

• Strategic Policy Levers Accelerating the Global Clean Energy Paradigm (Energy Central) - Global clean energy transition accelerates through policy measures including carbon pricing, renewable targets, and public-private partnerships, with market expected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2031.

• Donald Trump is the Face of Environmental Destruction And His Own Tipping Point (Energy Central) - Trump's executive orders favoring fossil fuel industry and resource extraction threaten climate action and low-carbon transition efforts.

• Friedrich Merz picks Eon energy executive and Hydrogen Chair as Germany’s economy minister (Energy Central) - German CDU leader Merz nominates Eon executive and National Hydrogen Council chair Katherina Reiche as economy minister.

• Will US science survive Trump 2.0? (Nature) - Trump's second term triggers mass firing of federal scientists, grant cancellations, and university funding cuts, threatening decades of US scientific leadership and research capabilities.

• Nearly Half of Americans Breathe Polluted Air Worsened By Extreme Heat, Wildfires: Report (Earth.org) - Nearly half of Americans (156.1 million people) now breathe unhealthy air due to increased wildfires and extreme heat, with people of color disproportionately affected.

• EWG statement on Trump EPA PFAS announcement (EWG) - Trump EPA plans to delay PFAS drinking water standards and exempt polluters from cleanup requirements, raising health concerns.

• Community solar is winning over Republican lawmakers around the US (Canary Media) - Republican lawmakers across multiple US states are sponsoring community solar bills, citing economic benefits, property rights, and consumer choice as key drivers.

• Trump is bypassing community input to fast-track energy projects that risk pollution (Grist) - Trump administration bypasses public input process by creating emergency permits to expedite energy projects, raising environmental and tribal concerns.

• Climate Policy Outlook: 4 stories to follow this week (Trellis) - The Trump administration is pressuring the IEA to reduce support for renewables, while anti-climate policies paradoxically boost clean energy stock interest.

• Trump’s battery tariffs threaten utility-scale storage and US grid reliability (Utility Dive) - Trump's 64.5% tariff on Chinese batteries threatens US grid reliability and clean energy deployment by disrupting utility-scale storage projects.

• Five ways to make cities more resilient to climate change (The Conversation) - Research identifies five key strategies for urban climate resilience: avoiding quick rebuilds, risk-informed planning, transformative action, collective approaches, and leveraging co-benefits.

• Together, we can #beatplasticpollution (YouTube) - World Environment Day 2025 focuses on collective action to combat pervasive plastic pollution, urging sustainable practices and promoting a global treaty.

• Locally Sourced: Public Support for Climate Action (Covering Climate Now) - Global studies show 80-89% of population wants increased government action on climate change, revealing widespread but often unrecognized public support.

• You’re Invited: Climate Science 101 Webinar (Covering Climate Now) - Global journalism initiative announces free climate science training webinar for journalists covering foundational concepts and greenhouse gas impacts.

• Trump’s Latest Actions Can Make America’s Grid Reliable (Power Magazine) - Trump administration rescinds EPA regulations on coal plants to preserve grid reliability and prevent electricity shortages.

• Preserve access to crucial climate data (Nature) - Scientists warn against Trump administration cuts threatening closure of Hawaii's key CO2 observatory, emphasizing need to preserve crucial climate data access.

• The do’s and don’ts of scientific image editing (Nature) - Scientists need clear guidelines for ethical scientific image editing to maintain data integrity while effectively presenting research findings.

• SEFS 2025 Commencement Speaker: J. Cameron Crump, UW alumni and Forest Resources Division Manager at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (SEFS) - J. Cameron Crump, UW forestry alum and WA DNR Forest Resources Division Manager, named 2025 commencement speaker, bringing diverse public-private sector experience.

• RVA Steps Up for Climate Action: CCAN’s First 5K for the Planet Energizes People-Powered Movement (CCAN) - Richmond's first "5K For the Planet" event draws 70+ participants for climate action awareness and fundraising at Bryan Park, featuring educational activities and community engagement.

• How to Transform Your Approach to Energy Regulatory Monitoring (HData) - HData's alert system automates energy regulatory monitoring, notifying users of key filings and policy changes, saving time and improving response times.

• Action Alert: April 28, 2025 (Texas Impact) - Texas Legislature enters final month with critical bills on religious displays in schools, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ issues, renewable energy, and immigration facing key deadlines.

• Coalition says its energy plan is climate approved. Here’s what the IPCC really says about nuclear (RenewEconomy) - Coalition misrepresents IPCC stance on nuclear power's role in emissions reduction, ignoring report's emphasis on renewables and nuclear's significant barriers.

• Sue & Litigate - No more "roll over and play dead". (Energy Central) - EPA Administrator Zeldin announces end to "Sue and Settle" practice, plans reassessment of pollution regulations based on Linear No Threshold model, signaling major shift in environmental enforcement approach.

• Xcel Energy looks to limit wildfire liability, tariff impacts (Utility Dive) - Xcel Energy seeks state and federal policy changes to limit wildfire liability while managing rising costs from tariffs and insurance premiums.

• Phasing out fossil fuels ‘doomed to fail’, says Tony Blair as he calls for rethink of net zero policy – UK politics live (The Guardian) - Former UK PM Tony Blair calls for 'reset' of net zero policy, arguing phase-out of fossil fuels is 'doomed to fail' and urging focus on carbon capture and nuclear power.

• Georgia Republicans take a closer look at community solar (Canary Media) - Georgia Republicans consider community solar legislation in latest sign of growing conservative support for renewable energy.

• Connecticut’s electricity cost conundrum (Canary Media) - Connecticut legislation aimed at lowering nation's highest electricity costs could impede clean energy deployment and grid modernization efforts.

• Renewables targeted in Iowa’s carbon pipeline fight (Canary Media) - Iowa counties opposing carbon pipeline development are also enacting restrictions on wind, solar and battery storage projects amid landowner rights concerns.

• Hundreds of academic papers use AI without disclosing it (Nature) - Study reveals hundreds of academic papers used AI tools without disclosure, with 13% appearing in major publisher journals and some being quietly corrected.

Renewables

EDF Renewables hires CPO, QatarEnergy expands solar, LONGi deploys Hi-MO 9, DAS Solar unveils TOPCon 5.0, Landatu Solar secures funding, Fortescue builds Cloudbreak, CorPower Ocean & Eco Wave Power partner on wave energy.

• 247Solar Adds Senior Product Development Executive (247Solar) - Former EDF Renewables executive Kristen Griffin joins as Chief Product Officer to develop global supply chain and reduce costs for solar power systems.

• Middle East & Africa Solar PV News Snippets: QatarEnergy Powers Up 875 MW New Solar & More (TaiyangNews) - QatarEnergy commissions 875MW solar capacity in Qatar, expanding national solar production to 1.675GW and targeting 15% of peak electricity demand.

• LONGi Empowers Emerging Markets，Delivering Energy Equity Through BC Technology Breakthroughs (TaiyangNews) - LONGi Solar secures 100MW Hi-MO 9 module deployment deal in Latin America, promising enhanced energy yields through back-contact cell technology.

• What Makes DAS Solar's TOPCon 5.0 a Game Changer? (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar unveils TOPCon 5.0 solar technology achieving 27% cell efficiency and 670W module power through advanced laser processing and passivation techniques.

• And We're Off (Third Act) - Environmental groups launch "SunDay" campaign with green lantern ceremony at Boston's Old North Church, aiming for nationwide September protests to accelerate renewable energy adoption.

• Landatu Solar capta un millón de euros en su primera ronda institucional liderada por Suma Capital (Suma Capital) - Spanish solar tech firm Landatu Solar secures €1M funding round for innovative floating solar panel solutions and international expansion.

• Queensland’s first solar and battery project to be doubled in size (RenewEconomy) - Queensland's Wandoan South Project to double in size with new 320MW solar farm and 450MW battery storage, backed by CleanCo PPA for completion in 2027.

• SwitchedOn podcast: Will your MP help unlock Australia’s renewable potential? (RenewEconomy) - ANU research reveals New England electorate could generate enough renewable energy to power half of Australia, potentially unlocking $60 billion in investment.

• Fortescue begins construction of its biggest solar farm, but green energy timelines remain clouded (RenewEconomy) - Fortescue begins construction of 190MW Cloudbreak solar farm in Pilbara while reassessing global green energy project timelines due to market uncertainty.

• Busting Geothermal Myths: The Promise & Limits of Deep Closed Loop & Enhanced Systems (CleanTechnica) - Deep closed-loop and enhanced geothermal systems face major technical and economic challenges, while moderate-depth geothermal with heat pumps shows promise for industrial heat applications.

• Religion & Renewables In Indiana (CleanTechnica) - Indiana evangelical churches reframe renewable energy adoption as "creation care" to align environmental stewardship with biblical values, gaining wider acceptance among conservative congregations.

• CorPower Ocean signs inverter development agreement for wave energy system (Renewable Energy World) - CorPower Ocean partners with Equipmake to develop specialized generator and inverter system for commercial-scale wave energy farms.

• Eco Wave Power lands new manufacturing agreement for Port of Los Angeles project (Renewable Energy World) - Eco Wave Power partners with California-based All-Ways Metal to manufacture wave energy floaters for pioneering Port of Los Angeles installation.

• Largest Energy Tender In Guatemala Targets 1.4 GW Capacity (TaiyangNews) - Guatemala launches largest-ever energy tender seeking 1.4 GW capacity with 15-year contracts, aiming to boost renewables and ensure energy security from 2030 onwards.

• First layout and view released of forest-based wind farm located near Snowy (RenewEconomy) - French developer Neoen releases first visual layouts of 154-turbine Bondo wind farm project planned for NSW state forests near Tumut.

Transport

Slate's budget EV pickup, Can-Am's electric motorcycles, NASA's hydrogen engine, Waymo's market share, and Tesla's Cybertruck recall.

• Slate Is the Spirit Airlines of EVs (Heatmap) - Startup Slate unveils bare-bones electric pickup truck starting at $25,000 with customizable features, targeting budget-conscious buyers with Spirit Airlines-style pricing model.

• Airline Emissions Soar to Pre-COVID Levels as Europe Fails to Price Their Pollution (CleanTechnica) - European aviation emissions return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024 while carbon pricing fails to cover 70% of flights, particularly on intercontinental routes.

• CleanTechnica Checks Out the EVs at the New York Auto Show (CleanTechnica) - 2025 New York Auto Show showcases major automakers' expanding EV lineups with NACS charging adoption trend, though Tesla, Rivian, and VinFast notably absent.

• Can-Am Releases Two New Electric Motorcycles (CleanTechnica) - Can-Am launches two electric motorcycles - Pulse for urban commuting and Origin for dual-sport riding, both featuring 8.9 kWh batteries and ranges up to 100 miles.

• Nasa | Hydrogen Hybrid Engine (Energy Central) - NASA is developing a hydrogen hybrid engine that could potentially eliminate carbon emissions in the aviation industry.

• Charting a Course for Net Zero (REVOLVE) - Maritime shipping industry targets net-zero by 2050 through advanced fuels and efficiency measures, facing challenges in fleet modernization and port optimization.

• The state of fleet electrification: Why 87% of companies plan to add EVs in the next five years (Trellis) - Survey shows 87% of fleet owners plan to add EVs within 5 years despite tariff concerns, with 90% of current EV fleet owners planning further expansion.

• Request for Proposal -Feasibility Study for NFN Transit Service Solutions (NFN News) - Nipissing First Nation seeks proposals for comprehensive feasibility study to develop sustainable transit service solutions for community members.

• Waymo’s Not-So-Secret Weapon for Rapid Growth (CleanTechnica) - Waymo's distinctive branded vehicles and visible autonomous technology serve as powerful marketing tools driving rapid market adoption in cities, capturing 22% of San Francisco's rideshare market.

• Ruh-Roh, Here Comes Yet Another Electric Truck (CleanTechnica) - Five-company consortium announces Class 6 fuel cell-battery hybrid electric truck for middle-mile transport, targeting late 2026 production amid Tesla Semi delays.

• The Cybertruck is all tricks and no truck, a musky Tesla fail (High Country News) - Tesla recalls 47,000 Cybertrucks due to structural defects and safety hazards as controversial vehicle faces widespread criticism over performance and cultural symbolism. 🔋 🚗