What's different about Google and Dow's AI plastic recycling partnership

Google's Moonshot team has announced a partnership with Dow chemical to apply AI to the challenge of sorting plastics in the waste stream so they can be recycled.

AI is of course good at pattern recognition, untangling details from a huge mess of data. (That's what we use it for too, in our hyper personalized email newsletter and in the services we provide consulting clients.)

The Google/Dow project, which ESG Today covered today, is said to be differentiated from startups in the waste sortation space in the following ways:

Polymer Database Development

Google's building an extensive database cataloging thousands of plastic types and their molecular compositions, creating a knowledge repository that continuously improves identification accuracy for hard-to-recycle materials.

Molecular Vision Sorting Technology

Google says its system identifies plastic compositions at the molecular level rather than just visually, enabling accurate detection of complex multi-layered films and flexible packaging that conventional recycling systems cannot process.

Full-System Integration Approach

Unlike other solutions on the market, this partnership aims to span the entire value chain - from sortation to remanufacturing, informing not just recycling processes but also influencing future packaging design decisions to enhance recyclability from the start. For example, by involving P&G in the conversation.

Sounds like a smart, systems-based approach.

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 (11 stories) - SAMMAZ77 maize, IITA, Acadian Plant Health biostimulants, ADM natural food colorants, Eco-PARADIGM, Ceres benchmark on Danone and Nestlé, and solar panel farming.

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (6 stories) - Seagrass carbon capture; California cap-and-trade; Exterra mining waste solution; Tropical peatlands carbon storage; Microsoft & Stockholm Exergi carbon removal; WRI on sustainable aviation fuels.

  
  

• ♻️Circular (5 stories) - Mining rare earths from waste, Upway e-bike expansion in LA, Dow & Google AI plastic sorting, and sustainable camping tips.

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (14 stories) - Deforestation data dispute in Indonesia; Oregon beavers combat climate change; WCS macaw release in Guatemala; Axolotls adapt in Mexico City; High leopard density in Sri Lanka's Kumana; Gateway Arch dims for migration; Vermejo Ranch storytelling training; Corellas poisoned in Australia; Mass Audubon expands stewardship; West Nile threat rises; Grassland bird restoration with Sky Island Alliance; WWU field camp research.

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (4 stories) - AI-powered infrastructure asset management, eco-friendly Davis Center in NYC, Venezuelan rainwater harvesting, and heat pump water heater savings.

  
  

• 💰Finance (14 stories) - Wells Fargo, Citi face shareholder pushback; S&P 500 sees 18% ROI from sustainability; Clean energy provider reports $352.8M revenue; NY solar project wins award; Power Sustainable launches $330M fund; Investors urge HSBC net-zero commitment.

  
  

• 🔌Grid (15 stories) - Long-duration storage procurement targets, China data center emissions, US data center power bottlenecks, Georgia Power plant plans, Endeavour Energy & mPrest battery optimization, Tesla battery storage revenue, Australian grid capacity, Spanish blackout, data center microgrids, diverse energy storage technologies, MISO gas plant proposal, 10cm satellite imagery, Automised Energy platform, NYPA Alcoa Powerhouse decommissioning, FERC & UTC at DTECH Data Centers forum.

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (5 stories) - Foirn marks 38 years of Amazon advocacy; UN forum addresses organized crime; José Hugo Briones Taricuarima shot; Massachusetts Indigenous Agenda Coalition announces Day of Action; MMIWG awareness initiatives on May 5.

  
  

• 🏭Industry (19 stories) - SPARC, Intersolar, DMEGC, VEERUM, HANGZHOU FIRST, CITEL, Mondragon Assembly, Enstall, BlueTree Technologies, Meati, and biomanufacturing updates.

  
  

• 📜Policy (68 stories) - States sue Trump admin over wind energy halts; Australia backs 82% renewables; San Francisco sets building emission standards; IRA credits face cuts; Hawaii taxes tourists for climate resilience.

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (7 stories) - CEBA reports record 21.7 GW clean energy procurement; SolarPower Europe forecasts 655 GW solar in 2025; Fraunhofer CSP & AE Solar's hot-spot-free module; ClearVue's Sydney solar glass contract; Fish-friendly hydropower turbine; Dominion's 2.6GW offshore wind resumes; Statkraft's $380M hydropower upgrade.

  
  

• 🚗Transport (13 stories) - Electric aviation tour by Swiss company, electric ferries in Norway, aviation climate action group, friction stir welding for hydrogen tanks, Volvo's Logivity for Scope 3, Škoda's Elroq Respectline, Geely EX5 review, Tesla Cybertruck tips, Rivian supplier park, MIKA's Meon E EV.

Agriculture

SAMMAZ77 maize, IITA, Acadian Plant Health biostimulants, ADM natural food colorants, Eco-PARADIGM, Ceres benchmark on Danone and Nestlé, and solar panel farming.

• Supper Clubs Bring Bounty in a Time of Food Scarcity (Atmos) - Sustainability-focused supper clubs across US combine plant-rich communal dining with food security advocacy and education while providing subsidized access to low-income participants.

• Nigeria’s first multiple-stress resilient maize hybrid combining tolerance to fall armyworm and drought, with resistance to Striga hermonthica (CGIAR) - Nigeria releases SAMMAZ77, a breakthrough maize hybrid showing up to 164% higher yields while resisting fall armyworm, drought, and Striga parasites.

• IITA and Bread for the World explore strategic partnership to tackle global food insecurity and malnutrition (CGIAR) - IITA and Bread for the World explore strategic partnership to combat African food insecurity and scale agricultural innovations through research and policy initiatives.

• CGIAR and AARIEIs launch strategic partnership framework to drive agricultural transformation in Africa (CGIAR) - Major agricultural research organizations launch partnership framework to accelerate Africa's agricultural development through aligned research and innovation efforts.

• Advancing bio-fortification for global nutrition – A collaborative dialogue (CGIAR) - Global stakeholders discuss strategies to accelerate adoption of bio-fortified crops to combat malnutrition and hidden hunger through agricultural innovation.

• Tips for a bee-friendly garden this spring (Environment America) - Four key strategies for supporting bee populations through gardening include planting native wildflowers, creating bee baths, buying pesticide-free produce, and reducing lawn mowing frequency.

• Acadian Plant Health seaweed-based biostimulants boost crop quality, field trials reveal (AgFundNews) - Field trials in Mexico and Brazil show Acadian Plant Health's seaweed-based biostimulants significantly boost potato and coffee crop quality and yields.

• Are natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes getting better? In conversation with ADM (AgFundNews) - ADM showcases technological advances in natural food colorants as alternatives to synthetic dyes, highlighting improvements in stability and performance across challenging applications.

• May 2025: Member Spotlight - Charles Greenlea (Black Sustainability Alliance) - Charles Greenlea leads Eco-PARADIGM providing agricultural services, training, and greenspace management to help communities grow sustainably across Atlanta metro counties.

• Benchmarking effort reveals food industry’s leaders and laggards (Trellis) - Ceres benchmark reveals Danone, Nestlé among 9 food industry leaders meeting climate targets, while 8 companies fail basic emissions metrics.

• Electrifying rebuilds  (Canary Media) - Farmers are earning additional income by installing solar panels on their agricultural land while continuing to grow crops.

Carbon

Seagrass carbon capture; California cap-and-trade; Exterra mining waste solution; Tropical peatlands carbon storage; Microsoft & Stockholm Exergi carbon removal; WRI on sustainable aviation fuels.

• An overlooked climate ally is in deep trouble (Conservation International) - New study reveals seagrass meadows could prevent 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions worth $200 billion if protected, with highest carbon stocks found in tropical Atlantic, Mediterranean and southern Africa.

• As the California legislature looks to reauthorize cap-and-trade, they cannot forget the strongest climate safeguard the state has: the cap itself (EDF) - California's cap-and-trade program reauthorization focuses on strengthening emissions cap as crucial climate safeguard while state aims for 48% emissions cut by 2030.

• Exterra Carbon Solutions Raises $20M Series A to Transform Mining Waste into Low-Carbon Critical Minerals & CO2 Sequestration (Clean Energy Ventures) - Canadian startup Exterra Carbon Solutions raises $20M Series A to transform mining waste into carbon-neutral minerals and CO2 storage solutions while producing EV battery materials.

• Tropical Peat: The Unloved ‘Cinderella’ of Carbon Storage (Earth.org) - Tropical peatlands store up to 88 gigatons of carbon but face threats from drainage and land conversion while remaining understudied due to harsh research conditions.

• Microsoft Expands Carbon Removal Agreement with Stockholm Exergi to Record-Breaking 500,000 Tonnes per Year (ESG Today) - Microsoft expands world's largest carbon removal deal with Stockholm Exergi to 500,000 tonnes annually through bio-energy carbon capture and storage project.

• Sustainable aviation fuel plans under fire over crop emissions (Trellis) - World Resources Institute warns U.S. policymakers that corn and soybean-based sustainable aviation fuels may create higher emissions than fossil fuels when accounting for land use impacts.

Circular

Mining rare earths from waste, Upway e-bike expansion in LA, Dow & Google AI plastic sorting, and sustainable camping tips.

• How the US can mine its own critical minerals − without digging new holes (The Conversation) - US researchers propose mining rare earth elements from existing mine waste and tailings to boost domestic critical mineral production without new excavation.

• Revving Up Refurbished E-Bikes: Upway Expands With Los Angeles UpCenter (CleanTechnica) - Upway expands refurbished e-bike operations to Los Angeles with new 30,000-square-foot facility capable of processing 4-5 bikes daily, marking strategic entry into California's booming e-mobility market.

• Dow, Google Partner to Use AI to Tackle Hard to Recycle Soft Plastics (ESG Today) - Dow and Google partner to use AI and machine learning technology to improve identification and sorting of hard-to-recycle plastic films and flexibles.

• The Perfect Outfit for Only $35 (Bluedot Living) - Thrift store Boomerangs in Cambridge offers high-quality secondhand clothing, helping writer assemble stylish outfit for $33 while promoting sustainable fashion and youth employment.

• Cooking While Camping (Bluedot Living) - Eco-conscious campers share sustainable cooking tips including gear reuse, advance meal prep, and leave-no-trace practices for minimal environmental impact while enjoying the outdoors.

Ecosystems

Deforestation data dispute in Indonesia; Oregon beavers combat climate change; WCS macaw release in Guatemala; Axolotls adapt in Mexico City; High leopard density in Sri Lanka's Kumana; Gateway Arch dims for migration; Vermejo Ranch storytelling training; Corellas poisoned in Australia; Mass Audubon expands stewardship; West Nile threat rises; Grassland bird restoration with Sky Island Alliance; WWU field camp research.

• Indonesia’s deforestation claims under scrutiny over ‘cherry-picked’ data (Mongabay) - Indonesia's claimed 90% drop in deforestation challenged by researchers who say cherry-picked baseline data masks actual 50-69% decline and rising threats in Papua region.

• This Is What Community-Powered Restoration Looks Like (The Revelator) - Oregon community volunteers help reintroduce beaver family to degraded mountain meadows, combining traditional restoration with beaver-powered ecosystem engineering to combat climate impacts.

• Malice or memory lapse? Why honeyguides sometimes lead hunters to danger (Mongabay) - New research suggests African honeyguide birds' occasional misdirection of hunters to dangerous animals likely stems from memory errors rather than malicious intent.

• Hand-raised chicks boost Guatemala’s critically endangered macaws (Mongabay) - Wildlife Conservation Society's hand-rearing program successfully releases 131 critically endangered scarlet macaw chicks in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve since 2011.

• Jim Brandenburg, conservation photographer, died April 4th, aged 79 (Mongabay) - Renowned National Geographic conservation photographer Jim Brandenburg, who captured iconic wolf images and founded environmental initiatives, dies at 79.

• Hope for endangered axolotls as captive-bred group survives in wild (Mongabay) - Captive-bred axolotls successfully adapt to Mexico City wetlands, showing weight gain and survival in first-of-its-kind reintroduction study.

• Kumana, a historic national park in eastern Sri Lanka, emerges as leopard stronghold (Mongabay) - Sri Lanka's Kumana National Park reveals high leopard density of 41 per 100 square kilometers, emerging as key conservation site for endangered subspecies.

• Spring bird migration is peaking soon (Environment America) - St. Louis' Gateway Arch dims lights during peak spring migration season as 500 million birds traverse major U.S. flyways amid ongoing habitat loss and population decline.

• DEADLINE: Multimedia Storytelling Workshop for Students at Vermejo Ranch, NM (Planet Forward) - Five university students to receive multimedia storytelling training at Ted Turner's Vermejo Ranch in New Mexico, focusing on wildlife and ecosystem documentation in July 2025.

• Hundreds of little corellas killed in suspected poisoning attack in regional Victorian city (The Guardian) - Over 300 protected little corellas found dead in suspected poisoning attack at Horsham, Victoria, prompting investigation by conservation authorities.

• Mass Audubon Trains Student Stewards on Nantucket (Bluedot Living) - Mass Audubon expands youth environmental stewardship program on Nantucket, training students in conservation, ecological management, and property maintenance.

• The virus that stalks urban neighborhoods (Yale Climate Connections) - West Nile virus increasingly threatens U.S. urban areas as warming temperatures and urban heat islands create ideal conditions for mosquito-borne transmission.

• Searching for sparrows in the Sky Islands (High Country News) - Mexican rancher partners with Sky Island Alliance to monitor and restore critical grassland bird habitats along US-Mexico border, tracking declining species like grasshopper sparrows.

• Inside ESci's Field Camp experience (Western Today) - WWU's Environmental Sciences Field Camp provides immersive research experience for students through expeditions and field studies, leading to presentations at Scholars Week.

Efficiency

AI-powered infrastructure asset management, eco-friendly Davis Center in NYC, Venezuelan rainwater harvesting, and heat pump water heater savings.

• Sitetracker Launches Enhanced O&M Tools to Drive Efficiency Across the Asset Lifecycle (Sitetracker) - Software company launches enhanced operations and maintenance tools for infrastructure asset management, featuring AI-powered safety protocols and preventative maintenance automation.

• New York unveils most dramatic changes to Central Park in years – in pictures (The Guardian) - New York's $160m Davis Center opens in Central Park with eco-friendly design, seasonal recreational facilities, and restored natural waterways in historically underserved northern section.

• Un sistema de captación de agua de lluvia diseñado para las comunidades de Venezuela (Yale Climate Connections) - Venezuelan architect's rainwater harvesting system "Lata de Agua" provides sustainable water access to schools and communities facing severe shortages and power outages.

• The climate-friendly way to heat your shower (Yale Climate Connections) - Heat pump water heaters offer energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric models, potentially saving families $500 annually while reducing climate impact.

Finance

Wells Fargo, Citi face shareholder pushback; S&P 500 sees 18% ROI from sustainability; Clean energy provider reports $352.8M revenue; NY solar project wins award; Power Sustainable launches $330M fund; Investors urge HSBC net-zero commitment.

• Investors’ Cowardice & Community Power: Reporting Back from Big Banks’ Annual Shareholder Meetings (Stand.earth) - Wells Fargo and Citi shareholders show declining support for Indigenous rights and climate action proposals at 2025 annual meetings, with Wells Fargo abandoning key emissions targets amid political pressure.

• Sustainability’s bottom line: Real returns in an uncertain landscape (Greenplaces) - Analysis shows sustainability initiatives deliver 18% ROI for S&P 500 companies while driving cost savings, customer loyalty, and supply chain efficiency.

• Ameresco Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results (Ameresco) - Clean energy solutions provider reports 18% revenue growth to $352.8M in Q1 2025, with net loss of $5.5M amid strong project backlog growth and energy asset expansion.

• The Role of REC Trading in Asia-Pacific’s Energy Transition (VIDEO) (3Degrees) - Asia-Pacific renewable energy certificate trading emerges as crucial decarbonization tool amid market challenges including knowledge gaps, fragmented regulations, and currency exposure.

• Verdane realises investment in Danelec (Verdane) - Private equity firm sells maritime safety tech company Danelec to GTT Group, following 250% revenue growth and digital transformation since 2020 acquisition.

• Greenbacker’s Cider solar project awarded North American Solar Deal of the Year (Greenbacker Capital) - New York's largest solar project (674 MWdc) wins North American Solar Deal of the Year for innovative $1 billion financing package including early tax credit transfer bridge loan.

• Women farmers grow sustainably with green asset finance (Accion) - Financial institutions in India and Kenya develop green asset financing models to help women smallholder farmers access sustainable agriculture equipment and improve climate resilience.

• How much is marine energy worth to the UK economy? At least £50B per year, report suggests (RenewableEnergyWorld) - UK marine energy sector could generate £50B and 80,000 jobs by 2050 through tidal stream and wave energy deployment, new policy paper finds.

• 80% of Gen Z, Millennials Plan to Increase Allocations to Sustainable Investments: Morgan Stanley Survey (ESG Today) - Morgan Stanley survey reveals 80% of Gen Z and Millennial investors plan to boost sustainable investment allocations, driven by strong confidence in returns and rejection of performance trade-offs.

• Power Sustainable Raises $330 Million to Launch New Decarbonization Private Equity Strategy (ESG Today) - Power Sustainable launches $330 million private equity fund targeting North American companies focused on decarbonization across energy, industrial, and transportation sectors.

• $1.6 Trillion Investor Group Pushes HSBC to Confirm Net Zero Commitment (ESG Today) - $1.6 trillion investor coalition urges HSBC to reaffirm its net zero commitments after bank delays 2030 emissions targets by 20 years.

• What became of Pope Francis’ divestment plans? (DW) - Vatican's decade-old call for fossil fuel divestment sees mixed results as Catholic institutions globally struggle between ethical investment choices and profit motives.

• Crude Shifts & Metal Moves: Marching Through Market Uncertainty (Energy Central) - Global commodity markets show divergent trends as energy prices fall 4.1% while metals rise amid trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions in March 2025.

• Demeter announces the sale of its stake in Les Eoliennes de Coquelicot 2, and the completion of the sale of all the assets of the Demeter 4 INFRA fund (Demeter) - Investment firm completes portfolio exit with sale of 18.4MW Coquelicot 2 wind farm stake to Sorégies, marking final divestment from Demeter 4 INFRA fund.

Grid

Long-duration storage procurement targets, China data center emissions, US data center power bottlenecks, Georgia Power plant plans, Endeavour Energy & mPrest battery optimization, Tesla battery storage revenue, Australian grid capacity, Spanish blackout, data center microgrids, diverse energy storage technologies, MISO gas plant proposal, 10cm satellite imagery, Automised Energy platform, NYPA Alcoa Powerhouse decommissioning, FERC & UTC at DTECH Data Centers forum.

• Long-Duration Energy Storage: What Is It, Why Do We Need It, and When Will It Get Here? (Clean Energy Group) - Long-duration energy storage technologies beyond 8 hours are emerging as critical for grid decarbonization, with states beginning to set procurement targets despite current economic barriers.

• 解读：中国如何应对数据中心能源增长的需求 (Carbon Brief) - China's data centers, projected to consume up to 600TWh by 2030 and emit 200MtCO2e, face renewable energy integration challenges despite government efficiency policies.

• Speed-to-Power Bottlenecks Undermine US AI Dominance & Data Center Revenue (Enchanted Rock) - US data centers face severe power bottlenecks threatening AI development and revenue as grid capacity fails to meet rapid expansion needs, with flexible onsite generation proposed as solution.

• Georgia Power’s Assumptions for Data Center Growth Could Cost Customers Billions, Increase Pollution (Clean Energy) - Georgia Power's plan to build power plants for projected data center growth could increase customer bills by billions and boost pollution if demand fails to materialize.

• Network company strikes deal to optimise community batteries, as fleet grows by 76 (RenewEconomy) - NSW network operator Endeavour Energy expands mPrest software partnership to optimize 76 community batteries across multiple regions, benefiting 6,000 households.

• Tesla battery storage revenue trumps electric vehicle sales in Australia as revenue tops $5 billion for first time (RenewEconomy) - Tesla's battery storage revenue in Australia surges to $2.55 billion in 2024, surpassing EV sales for first time as total revenue tops $5 billion.

• Australia enjoying “peak” battery additions as solar, wind generation jumps 12 pct over year (RenewEconomy) - Australia adds 2.7GW of new grid capacity in early 2025 with 80% from gas and batteries, while wind and solar generation jumps 12% year-over-year.

• Energy Security and a Molotov Mix… (Energy Central) - Spain's worst blackout in history reveals grid vulnerabilities as nation rapidly transitions to renewables, sparking debate over energy security and infrastructure readiness.

• Do microgrids make sense for data centers? (Latitude Media) - Data centers explore microgrids as faster power solution amid decade-long grid interconnection delays, though scale and cost challenges remain significant.

• The coolest new energy storage technologies (Yale Climate Connections) - Diverse energy storage technologies from batteries to gravity systems rapidly evolving to support renewable power integration, including iron-air batteries, pumped hydro, and thermal storage solutions.

• How fast-tracking fossil gas could snarl the Midwest grid (Canary Media) - MISO's proposal to fast-track gas power plants ahead of renewable projects in grid interconnection queue faces opposition from regulators and experts over fairness and reliability concerns.

• LiveEO | 10 Cm Satellite Imagery Is Here. What Does It Really Mean For Power Grid And Pipeline Monitoring? (LiveEO) - New 10cm satellite imagery offers unprecedented detail for infrastructure monitoring but faces scalability challenges compared to existing 30-50cm resolution for power grid surveillance.

• SwitchedOn podcast: Finding the right electricity plan is hard. This startup is making it easy (RenewEconomy) - Australian startup Automised Energy launches automated platform using Consumer Data Right to help customers find best electricity plans and save on power bills.

• NYPA begins final decommissioning, stabilization of Alcoa dam (Renewable Energy World) - NYPA begins final phase of decommissioning historic Alcoa Powerhouse dam in Massena, converting it to earthen dam by 2028.

• Learn from Top Energy Regulators at DTECH Data Centers & AI  (Advanced Energy United) - Top energy regulators from FERC and UTC to discuss AI and grid automation at DTECH Data Centers forum in San Jose on May 27.

Indigenous

Foirn marks 38 years of Amazon advocacy; UN forum addresses organized crime; José Hugo Briones Taricuarima shot; Massachusetts Indigenous Agenda Coalition announces Day of Action; MMIWG awareness initiatives on May 5.

• 38 anos de Foirn: história viva e protagonismo dos povos indígenas do Rio Negro (ISA) - Indigenous federation Foirn celebrates 38 years of representing 23 indigenous peoples of Rio Negro, marking decades of territorial rights advocacy and cultural preservation in Brazilian Amazon.

• Indigenous Peoples Denounce Criminal Expansion in the Amazon at the U.N. and Call for Global Action (Amazon Watch) - Indigenous leaders at UN forum demand global action against organized crime devastating Amazon territories and threatening Indigenous communities' survival.

• Indigenous Leader Shot While Hunting as Violence Escalates in Shipibo Territory (Amazon Watch) - Indigenous leader José Hugo Briones Taricuarima shot while hunting in Peru's Shipibo territory amid escalating drug trafficking violence and land invasions.

• Join us on May 12 for Indigenous Day of Action at the MA Statehouse! (Cultural Survival) - Massachusetts Indigenous Agenda Coalition announces May 12 Day of Action at state capitol to advocate for Indigenous rights legislation and combat cultural erasure.

• 9 Actions to Take for National Day of Awareness for #MMIWG #MMIWR #MMIP (Cultural Survival) - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on May 5 calls for action through nine community initiatives including social media campaigns, policy advocacy, and educational events.

Industry

SPARC, Intersolar, DMEGC, VEERUM, HANGZHOU FIRST, CITEL, Mondragon Assembly, Enstall, BlueTree Technologies, Meati, and biomanufacturing updates.

• CFS conference bridges physics gaps for a better SPARC tokamak (CFS Energy) - Leading fusion experts gather at first-ever Boundary Collaborators Workshop to solve plasma-wall interface challenges for SPARC tokamak fusion reactor.

• Live Blog - TaiyangNews Team @ The smarter E / Intersolar Europe 2025! (TaiyangNews) - Europe's largest solar trade show Intersolar 2025 kicks off in Munich, highlighting grid flexibility, AI integration, and manufacturing policy as key industry priorities.

• DMEGC Solar To Unveil Innovations For Europe At Intersolar 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese manufacturer DMEGC Solar to showcase expanded Infinity RT series modules with enhanced hail resistance and carbon footprint under 450 kg CO₂-eq/kWp at Intersolar Europe 2025.

• Keeping the World Running: How Sitetracker Powers Better Operations at Scale (Sitetracker) - Software company launches enhanced operations and maintenance platform with AI and safety features for managing critical infrastructure across renewable energy, EV charging, telecom, and utility sectors.

• US Defense Department Launches Bioeconomy Plan Against Fossil Fuels (CleanTechnica) - US Department of Defense invests $212 million in two new biomanufacturing facilities to accelerate domestic bioeconomy development and reduce petrochemical dependency.

• This commonly used plastic chemical caused 350,000 heart disease-related deaths in 1 year (Grist) - Study finds plastic softener DEHP caused 350,000 cardiovascular deaths globally in 2018, with developing nations facing up to 6 times higher exposure than Europe.

• Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG) (LNEG) - Portuguese national laboratory conducts research and provides technical assistance in energy and geology, supporting companies with scientific expertise and technological innovation.

• BlueTree targets Latam, Southeast Asia, as novel sugar reduction tech gains momentum (AgFunderNews) - Israeli startup BlueTree Technologies expands sugar-reduction technology for juices and dairy into Latin America and Southeast Asia markets after successful commercial scale validation.

• Alt meat startup Meati back from the brink but not out of the woods after securing bridge funding (AgFunderNews) - Alt-meat startup Meati secures bridge funding to continue operations after technical default threatened closure of 7,000-store retail business.

• LiveEO | SurfaceScout Product Masterclass: How to Detect Pipeline Risks Before They Happen (LiveEO) - AI-powered satellite monitoring system detects pipeline risks 4x more effectively than traditional inspection methods, offering real-time corridor surveillance for infrastructure protection.

• VEERUM secures $12M in series B funding to solidify the standard for industrial visual operations (Evok Innovations) - Industrial visual operations leader VEERUM raises $12M Series B funding led by Veriten and Emerson Ventures to expand digital asset management platform.

• HANGZHOU FIRST Adds Coextruded Films To Non-EVA Encapsulant Range (TaiyangNews) - Chinese manufacturer HANGZHOU FIRST expands non-EVA solar panel encapsulant range with two new coextruded EVA-POE-EVA films featuring enhanced gel content and UV protection options.

• Elevating DC Side Protection: CITEL's New SPDs At Intersolar 2025 (TaiyangNews) - CITEL unveils new DPVN series surge protection devices with lower voltage ratings (600V-850V) and enhanced safety features for solar installations at Intersolar 2025.

• Mondragon Assembly’s Innovation Leader Wins GALBAHE 2025 Award for best inventor (TaiyangNews) - Mondragon Assembly's R&D head Jean-Philippe Aguerre wins GALBAHE 2025 Inventor Award for contributions including 14 patent families in solar and automation technology.

• Solar Panel Manufacturing with an Innovative Automated Line for Zergoun Green Energy (TaiyangNews) - Mondragon Assembly delivers 200MW automated solar panel production line to Algeria's Zergoun Green Energy, featuring advanced cell integration technology and future-proof design.

• PV Mounting Matters: Enstall At Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Dutch PV mounting provider Enstall to showcase mounting systems and 3D digital planning tools at Intersolar Europe 2025.

• Nobody Understands What Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Will Do (Heatmap News) - Trump's new steel and aluminum tariffs create uncertainty for green manufacturers, with mixed industry responses and concerns about impacts on domestic production costs and clean energy transition.

• Grid Connections 2025: Who’s going where in Australia’s green energy transition (RenewEconomy) - Major leadership changes sweep Australia's renewable energy sector as executives shift roles across utilities, startups, and government agencies throughout early 2025.

• US solar, battery manufacturing to expand through 2027 despite uncertainty: Anza Renewables (Utility Dive) - US solar and battery manufacturing projected to expand through 2027 despite policy uncertainty and recent project cancellations, with battery cell suppliers expected to grow from 1 to 10.

Policy

States sue Trump admin over wind energy halts; Australia backs 82% renewables; San Francisco sets building emission standards; IRA credits face cuts; Hawaii taxes tourists for climate resilience.

• 18 Attorneys General Challenge Trump Administration’s Attacks on Wind Energy (EDF) - 18 state Attorneys General file federal lawsuit challenging Trump administration's attempts to block offshore and onshore wind energy development.

• How Mongabay Indonesia grew into a trusted environmental voice: Interview with Ridzki Sigit (Mongabay) - Ridzki Sigit transformed Mongabay Indonesia from startup to influential environmental news platform since 2012, leading investigations that shaped policy and conservation efforts across the archipelago.

• Annual ocean conference nets $9.1 billion for initiatives, despite US absence (Mongabay) - Annual ocean conference in South Korea secures $9.1 billion in conservation pledges across 277 commitments, marking first year without US participation since 2014.

• Episode 104: Saving Clean Energy Tax Credits: Inside the Inflation Reduction Act Fight (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - Inside look at efforts to protect Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy tax credits from potential cuts during upcoming budget reconciliation process.

• Appalachian organizations implore Congress to defend “transformative” energy tax incentives (Appalachian Voices) - Twenty regional organizations urge Congress to preserve federal clean energy tax credits that support local solar projects and economic growth in Appalachian communities.

• San Francisco’s upcoming Building Performance Standard (BPS): A West Coast First Takes Shape (Gridium) - San Francisco unveils first West Coast Building Performance Standard requiring commercial buildings to eliminate gas emissions by 2040, with interim targets starting 2028.

• Labor’s Win Signals Major Clean Energy Expansion For Australia (TaiyangNews) - Australia's Labor Party wins second term, securing mandate for 82% renewable energy target by 2030 and AUD 3.3 billion clean energy investments.

• Australia and North America have long fought fires together – but new research reveals that has to change (The Conversation) - Research shows climate change is increasing overlap between Australian and North American fire seasons, threatening longstanding firefighting resource-sharing agreements.

• 17 States Sue Over Wind Pause (Heatmap News) - 17 Democratic states and D.C. sue Trump administration over executive order blocking wind project approvals, permits and loans, claiming overreach of authority.

• Permitting Reform Is Back — and Buried in Trump’s Tax Bill (Heatmap News) - House Republicans propose NEPA reform in Trump's tax bill that would allow companies to pay for expedited environmental reviews with reduced court oversight.

• Sí, tus amigos y vecinos quieren hablar contigo sobre el cambio climático (The Revelator) - New study finds majority want climate action but remain silent due to misperceived social norms, creating self-reinforcing 'climate silence' that hinders progress.

• States sue Trump over ‘existential threat’ to wind energy (The Verge) - Seventeen states and D.C. sue Trump administration over wind energy project halt, claiming federal interference threatens billions in clean energy investments.

• SOPBS – Us As We Are: The Climate Now (SOPBS) - Oregon public TV series explores local environmental activism and political responses following 2024 election, featuring coverage of Ashland Pollution Fee and interviews with state leaders.

• Moms Tell the House of Representatives: Do Not Strip Away Clean Air Act Protections (Moms Clean Air Force) - Senate votes to allow major polluters to disable toxic emission controls, as House considers controversial Clean Air Act rollback threatening public health.

• Live Updates: LCV Tracks House Mark Up of Budget Reconciliation (LCV) - League of Conservation Voters monitors House committee markups of budget reconciliation bill that could weaken environmental protections and increase costs for working families.

• [LETTER] Oppose HNRC Reconciliation Pursuant to H. Con. Res. 14, Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (LCV) - League of Conservation Voters strongly opposes House Natural Resources Committee's budget reconciliation bill that mandates extensive fossil fuel leasing on public lands while weakening environmental protections and reducing industry fees.

• Federal Government Budget Reconciliation Bill: What’s At Stake (League of Conservation Voters) - House Republicans advance budget reconciliation bill threatening clean energy investments, environmental protections, and public lands while proposing tax cuts benefiting wealthy corporations.

• World’s Researchers Say They Will Resist Attacks on Science and Support Beleaguered U.S. Colleagues (Inside Climate News) - Global scientific community pledges support for U.S. researchers facing political attacks on science programs, with European institutions offering financial incentives and legal backing.

• Michigan Researcher’s Work on Air Pollution and Racial Inequities Caught in Funding Freeze at National Science Foundation (Inside Climate News) - Michigan researcher's environmental justice study on air pollution in Detroit's minority neighborhoods halted as Trump administration freezes NSF diversity-related grants.

• Invisible Deaths: As Climate Disasters Kill in Pakistan, the True Scale Is Unknown (Inside Climate News) - Pakistan's climate disaster deaths vastly undercounted as 95% go unregistered, with floods and heat waves disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations amid inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

• Proposed Cuts to Energy and Environment Programs in Trump’s Budget Worry Advocates and Elected Officials (Inside Climate News) - Trump's 2026 budget proposal slashes energy and environmental programs by $163 billion, targeting renewable energy, EPA, and infrastructure spending.

• Inspired N.C. Republicans Target Environmental Justice, Clean Energy Jobs and Programs (Inside Climate News) - North Carolina Republicans propose $736,000 in cuts to environmental justice and clean energy programs while allocating $700,000 for Environmental Management Commission staff.

• Thirteen things on Labor’s climate and energy must-do list to change the system (RenewEconomy) - Labor's re-election prompts 13-point climate action plan including 82% renewables target, fossil fuel phase-out, and COP31 hosting bid for transforming Australia's energy system.

• The numbers show Victoria’s get-off-gas policies are working (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's gas connection requests halved in Q1 2025 as state policies drive shift to electric heating and appliances, with winter electricity demand projected to peak 18% higher by 2031.

• Labor’s next three years – in four key climate and energy numbers (RenewEconomy) - Australia's Labor government faces steep renewable energy growth targets requiring 8.6% annual increase to reach 82% clean power by 2030, alongside vehicle emissions and fossil fuel project challenges.

• Tony Blair’s New Climate Reset Report Promotes Delay, Not Action (CleanTechnica) - Tony Blair Institute's new climate report promotes unproven technologies like CCS and nuclear while dismissing proven renewable solutions, drawing criticism for reinforcing fossil fuel industry delay tactics.

• Blue States Sue Feds Over Halt To Wind Energy Projects (CleanTechnica) - Seventeen blue states and DC sue federal government over executive order halting all wind energy projects, citing illegal obstruction of clean energy development and job losses.

• The war over the IRA has begun – 38 House Republicans call for full repeal of ‘green new scam’ (Renewable Energy World) - 38 House Republicans demand full repeal of Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy subsidies in budget reconciliation bill, claiming legislation undermines US energy independence.

• Gigawatts gone? Another major offshore wind developer stops work in the US (Renewable Energy World) - RWE, world's second-largest offshore wind developer, halts US projects citing uncertainty from Trump administration's policies and potential regulatory changes.

• Democratic-led states sue Trump for blocking wind energy projects (The Guardian) - Seventeen Democratic states sue Trump administration over indefinite pause on federal wind energy approvals, claiming unlawful obstruction of clean energy development.

• First-of-its-kind Hawaii bill raises tourist taxes to fund climate relief (The Guardian) - Hawaii passes groundbreaking legislation adding 0.75% tourist lodging tax to fund climate resilience and environmental protection projects, expecting to generate $100m annually.

• UK falling behind on tackling microplastic pollution, scientists say (The Guardian) - UK scientists warn nation lags behind EU and US in addressing microplastic pollution found in human organs, food chains, and ecosystems.

• Australia has backed a rapid shift to renewable energy - and given Labor a chance on climate. How will it act? | Clear Air (The Guardian) - Australia's election delivers strong mandate for renewable energy transition with Labor securing support for 82% renewable electricity target by 2030 amid growing climate action momentum.

• Quantifying Damage From Fossil Fuel Operations Produces Ammunition for Climate Lawsuits (Energy Central) - New research quantifies fossil fuel industry's climate damage at $5 trillion from 1991-2020, providing evidence for climate lawsuits.

• Manage releases of ‘forever chemicals’ in lab waste (Nature) - Research labs urged to manage disposal of concentrated PFAS 'forever chemicals' waste amid growing environmental concerns.

• ‘Maintain Momentum’: US Research Organizations to Keep National Climate Assessment Alive Amid Trump’s Cuts (Earth.org) - AGU and AMS launch initiative to continue National Climate Assessment research collection after Trump administration dismisses scientific contributors.

• My Green Job: Environmental Justice Program Analyst (Bluedot Living) - EPA environmental justice analyst details work implementing Justice40 initiative to direct climate funding toward historically disadvantaged communities before administrative leave.

• As Congress takes up the budget, 45Q may be a bellwether for IRA cuts (Latitude Media) - Congressional debate over carbon capture tax credit 45Q serves as key indicator for potential IRA clean energy credit cuts under Trump administration.

• Policy on Energy Efficiency Moving to States—Here’s What to Know (POWER Magazine) - Federal energy efficiency standards shift to state control as Trump administration eliminates Biden-era appliance rules, prompting local governments to establish their own guidelines.

• EWG's comments recommending that the FDA adopt action levels for PFAS in food. (EWG) - Environmental Working Group urges FDA to establish safety limits for PFAS chemicals in food products to protect public health.

• Neighboring states’ nuclear debacles loom over North Carolina bill (Canary Media) - North Carolina bill allowing Duke Energy to charge customers for unfinished power plants faces opposition due to neighboring states' nuclear project failures.

• In Georgia, a fight over credit for its clean energy boom (Grist) - Georgia leads US in clean energy jobs from Inflation Reduction Act with 42,000 positions, but Republican plans to repeal IRA tax credits threaten growth.

• ‘I feel like I’m 11 years old again’: Readers sound off after 100 days under Trump (Trellis) - Corporate sustainability professionals report increased frustration and uncertainty after 100 days of Trump administration, with 76% feeling more negative about their work.

• Google CSO Kate Brandt: ‘We need to expand how we’re talking about this’ (Trellis) - Google's Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt emphasizes need for broader, more inclusive sustainability messaging while highlighting AI's role in reducing aviation emissions.

• Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.: Let’s turn ‘cancer alley’ into opportunity alley (Hip Hop Caucus) - Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. advocates transforming Louisiana's polluted 'Cancer Alley' industrial corridor into 'Opportunity Alley' through renewable energy development and environmental justice initiatives.

• Climate Policy Outlook: 4 stories to follow this week (Trellis) - Multiple Republican-led initiatives challenge environmental regulations and clean energy progress across federal and state levels, including EPA restructuring, emissions authority, and renewable energy restrictions.

• At-risk IRA tax credits drive industrial-scale infrastructure in red and blue states (Utility Dive) - IRA tax credits spur industrial manufacturing growth across US states, driving clean energy projects and domestic supply chain development despite political uncertainty.

• Trump proposes slashing DOE budget by $19.3B (Utility Dive) - Trump's 2026 budget proposal seeks $19.3B cut to Department of Energy, targeting Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding and renewable energy programs.

• How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies (The Conversation) - UK cities demonstrate how community wealth building strategies in green initiatives keep profits local while advancing net zero goals, countering opposition to climate action.

• Two Britons to challenge UK’s ‘weak’ response to climate crisis in Strasbourg court (The Guardian) - Two disabled Britons take UK government to European human rights court over inadequate climate crisis response, citing personal harm from extreme weather and rising temperatures.

• Monday Call to Action Against H.3309 (Charleston Climate Coalition) - South Carolina activists mobilize against state energy bill H.3309 that would expand methane gas power and allow annual utility rate increases while eliminating efficiency goals.

• Taking Big Oil to Court (Covering Climate Now) - Growing wave of US cities, states and tribes sue fossil fuel companies for climate damages, seeking billions in compensation for alleged deception about climate impacts.

• Udemy (Udemy) - Online learning platform launches course on designing climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities, focusing on practical tools and community-specific approaches.

• Massachusetts Lawmakers Focusing on Energy Affordability in 2025 (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts lawmakers tackle energy affordability in 2025 legislative session, considering utility ROE limits and alternative funding mechanisms for clean energy programs.

• A 4 day week future for all? (Centre for Thriving Places) - UK nonprofit advocates for nationwide adoption of 4-day work week, citing improved wellbeing and productivity from their 5-year implementation experience.

• Labor has the chance to do something big in its second term. What policy reforms should it take on? (The Conversation) - Experts outline key policy priorities for Albanese's second term including Indigenous rights, climate action, tax reform, and youth mental health.

• DEADLINE: EurekAlert! Travel Awards for International Science Reporters (EurekAlert!) - International science reporters from low- and middle-income countries can apply for travel awards to attend 2026 AAAS Annual Meeting in Phoenix through May 12, 2025 deadline.

• Renewables sector “letting frustrations fester,” says new energy infrastructure czar (RenewEconomy) - Australia's Energy Infrastructure Commissioner warns renewable sector's poor community engagement and unimplemented review recommendations risk damaging industry's social license.

• Tariffs & Electric Cars: Bloomberg Says It’s Time To Welcome Chinese Cars To The US (Bloomberg) - US tariffs of 102.5% on Chinese EVs are hindering America's electric vehicle adoption while other countries see massive EV growth by welcoming Chinese automakers.

• Ameren Missouri electricity prices to increase this summer (Renewable Energy World) - Ameren Missouri customers face $14 monthly electricity bill increase starting June after regulators approve $335 million annual rate hike.

• U.S. utilities brace for tariffs, but say the impact is manageable (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Major U.S. utilities report minimal financial impact from Trump's 145% Chinese import tariffs, citing domestic sourcing and contract protections.

• In science-for-policy design, one size doesn’t fit all (Nature) - Scientists emphasize need for tailored, context-specific approaches in science-policy advisory systems rather than universal solutions.

• USAID’s shutdown: a crisis for sub-Saharan Africa (Nature) - USAID's shutdown and Western donor budget cuts threaten devastating impact on nutrition aid and food security across sub-Saharan Africa.

• Cuts to US science will take a generation to repair — leaders must speak up now (Nature) - US science leaders warn that current funding cuts and anti-science policies could take a generation to repair damage to scientific workforce and research capabilities.

• Can Germany rein in its academic bullying problem? (Nature) - German academic system enables bullying through hierarchical power structures and legal barriers that protect tenured professors while limiting recourse for early-career researchers.

• Solar squeeze: US tariffs threaten panel production and jobs in Thailand (Climate Change News) - US tariffs of up to 400% on Thai solar panel exports threaten thousands of manufacturing jobs and industry viability in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor.

• Solar stymied in Indiana (Canary Media) - Indiana's renewable energy development stymied as 78% of counties impose bans or moratoriums on utility-scale projects despite some political support.

• Bipartisan N.C. lawmakers look askance at power plant bill (Canary Media) - North Carolina lawmakers push back on Duke Energy bill to charge customers for power plants during construction, citing $9B nuclear plant failure in South Carolina.

Renewables

CEBA reports record 21.7 GW clean energy procurement; SolarPower Europe forecasts 655 GW solar in 2025; Fraunhofer CSP & AE Solar's hot-spot-free module; ClearVue's Sydney solar glass contract; Fish-friendly hydropower turbine; Dominion's 2.6GW offshore wind resumes; Statkraft's $380M hydropower upgrade.

• Update to Members on CEBA’s Support for Clean Firm Energy Additions (CEBA) - Clean Energy Buyers Association reports record 21.7 GW clean energy procurement in 2024, with solar dominating at 73% while nuclear and geothermal show growing customer interest in firm power sources.

• SolarPower Europe Forecasts 655 GW of New Solar in 2025 (TaiyangNews) - SolarPower Europe forecasts global solar installations to reach 655 GW in 2025, marking 10% growth despite policy uncertainties in major markets.

• Fraunhofer CSP & AE Solar Tackle Shading With Patented Module Design (Taiyangnews) - Fraunhofer CSP and AE Solar develop patented hot-spot-free solar module design using segmented layout and bypass diodes to prevent overheating from partial shading.

• Solar skyscraper: ClearVue wins contract for first ever high-rise – and first project in Sydney CBD (RenewEconomy) - ClearVue secures landmark $600,000 contract to install solar glass technology in Sydney CBD high-rise, marking first deployment in city center and on tall building.

• Fixing Hydropower’s Deadly Spin Cycle (Anthropocene) - Engineers develop new hydropower turbine design that could increase fish survival rates from 50% to nearly 100% when passing through dams.

• Massive Virginia offshore wind project presses on with construction (Canary Media) - Dominion Energy resumes construction of 2.6GW Virginia offshore wind project, now 55% complete and on track for 2026 despite industry headwinds from Trump administration.

• Statkraft eyes a $380M upgrade for Nore hydro plants (Renewable Energy World) - Statkraft plans $380M upgrade to Norway's historic Nore hydropower plants, aiming to double capacity to 500MW and boost annual production by 200GWh.

Transport

Electric aviation tour by Swiss company, electric ferries in Norway, aviation climate action group, friction stir welding for hydrogen tanks, Volvo's Logivity for Scope 3, Škoda's Elroq Respectline, Geely EX5 review, Tesla Cybertruck tips, Rivian supplier park, MIKA's Meon E EV.

• From Sun ‘n Fun To Clean Skies Across 14 Destinations: H55 Wraps Up Florida Tour With 36 Electric Demonstration Flights And Engagements At 18 Flight Schools (H55) - Swiss electric aviation company completes Florida tour with 36 demonstration flights of zero-emission aircraft across 14 airports, engaging 18 flight schools to showcase certified electric propulsion technology.

• Global Ferry Electrification Accelerates: 70% Of New Orders Go Electric (CleanTechnica) - Global ferry industry sees dramatic shift as 70% of new orders now feature electric drivetrains, with Norway leading adoption at 70 vessels already in operation.

• Aviation industry is ‘failing dramatically’ on climate, insiders say (The Guardian) - Aviation industry insiders form new group calling for radical climate action, warning sector's current emissions strategy is failing while air traffic continues growing.

• Hydrogen cryogenic tank: a forward-looking concept for aeronautics (Energy Central) - Friction stir welding enables lighter, stronger, cheaper cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks for future aircraft fuel systems.

• 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Turning Logistic into a Strategic Driver of Decarbonization (The Climate Choice) - Volvo Group's Logivity startup aims to transform logistics into strategic driver of Scope 3 emissions reduction through digital innovation and smart supply chain solutions.

• New Škoda Concept EV Reads The Room, And The Room Loves DEI (CleanTechnica) - Škoda Auto launches rainbow-colored Elroq Respectline concept EV promoting diversity and inclusion, challenging Tesla's market position amid controversy over Musk's political stance.

• Geely EX5 — A New Owner’s Perspective (CleanTechnica) - Australian EV buyer shares detailed first-hand experience with new Geely EX5, praising its value, features, and 3-day delivery while documenting early charging challenges.

• How Do You Sell an EV into Australia’s Crowded Market? (CleanTechnica) - Australian EV market sees intense competition as multiple manufacturers employ diverse marketing strategies focusing on features, test drives, and incentives to differentiate their vehicles.

• Tesla Cybertruck Tips & Tricks After First 15,000 Miles (CleanTechnica) - Tesla Cybertruck owner shares comprehensive tips and tricks learned from 15,000 miles of driving, including off-road settings, power management, and camping features.

• Rivian Aims To Cement Future EV Sales With New Park For Suppliers (CleanTechnica) - Rivian invests $120 million in supplier park adjacent to Illinois factory to boost EV production capacity and streamline supply chain for upcoming R2 model.

• Tesla Cybertruck Review After 15,000 Miles (CleanTechnica) - Tesla Cybertruck's 15,000-mile test reveals groundbreaking features including steer-by-wire system, enhanced FSD, and robust off-road capabilities despite polarizing design.

• US Consumers Don’t Trust Tesla Anymore, Study Says (CleanTechnica) - New consumer study shows Tesla ranks lowest in trust among EV brands despite maintaining US market leadership, as Honda, Chevrolet, and BMW gain favor with EV buyers.

• MIKA Meon E: The World’s Lightest Road-Legal EV, Built For Pure Fun (CleanTechnica) - British startup MIKA unveils world's lightest road-legal EV 'Meon E' at 675kg, featuring 214bhp motor and 60-100 mile range for £75,000.