When you see a hole, run through it

Today's a quiet day so far in the climate and sustainability news front as far as I can tell - let's take advantage of that to move our projects forward.

Mark Schaefer, a longtime leader in the marketing world and really smart guy, once used a football metaphor and told me there's a lot of power in watching for openings in the line of scrimmage and running through them to move the ball down the field.

What does that mean? It means sometimes your allies are able to open up a hole in the tangle of adversaries trying to stop your forward progress. When those quiet, brief, glorious openings emerge - run through them!

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

Let's dig in.

-Marshall Kirkpatrick

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

 

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

• A Visual of the Day

• A digest-style Table of Contents for 206 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world

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

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

Visual of the Day

How hot is unsafe? How hot is unsurvivable? It depends on where.

Uncharted territory lies ahead on our warming planet: a new set of data reveals the global regions where rising temperatures will cross critical human survival thresholds.

Published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the findings paint a stark picture: at 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels (a threshold we're rapidly approaching), around 6.7% of Earth's land area - roughly the size of the United States - will experience heat that overwhelms young, healthy adults' ability to regulate their body temperature. ("Uncompensable" temperatures.) For vulnerable populations like the elderly, the affected area expands to 35% of global land mass, with regions in South Asia and Africa facing the gravest risks first.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (14 stories) - Brevel's microalgae protein deal, solar grazing sheep studies, DOE agrivoltaic prize in Colorado, while Brazilian soy threatens traditional farming and West African cocoa hits record prices

  
  

• Carbon (14 stories) - Hansen warns 2°C target unreachable as LEGO invests $3.3M in biochar and enhanced rock weathering, while first ERW carbon credits launch in Brazil

  
  

• Circular (6 stories) - Asset manager joins C2C Institute for furniture reuse; energy storage firm boosts recycling; NFL-Good360 repurpose game apparel; fashion sustainability lags; Chelan facility hits waste collection record

  
  

• Ecosystems (22 stories) - Extreme weather hits Australia and Madagascar as Goodall-Earle conservation summit raises S$150k; monarch butterflies crash 96%, while dam removals aid Northeast rivers and AI tackles wildlife conflicts

  
  

• Efficiency (4 stories) - Tax credits drive 350K efficient homes; Florida heat pump success; New Mexico's building emissions plan; DeepSeek's efficient AI model

  
  

• Finance (7 stories) - Investor coalition, State Farm rate hikes, EU Hydrogen Bank reforms, and Texas renewables drive major financial moves amid climate risks

  
  

• Grid (17 stories) - Grid modernization efforts span PG&E's AI storm prep, CPUC's $63B expansion plans, CenterPoint's $5.75B Houston upgrades, while UK's Drax and RenewableUK push storage integration amid transmission challenges in Oklahoma and Australia

  
  

• Indigenous (12 stories) - Indigenous fire management expands across 8 states while USAID cuts threaten Amazon programs; Pomo, Sámi, and Olympic Peninsula tribes tackle watershed restoration, forestry training amid land rights challenges

  
  

• Industry (26 stories) - BNEF reports US clean energy manufacturing delays, KORE Power cancels Arizona gigafactory, while ES Foundry and Solex Energy expand solar production; nuclear firms partner with Texas A&M for SMR development

  
  

• Policy (64 stories) - USAID climate programs threatened by Trump shutdown; federal climate data removed; Senate battles methane rules; state-level clean energy initiatives face funding cuts amid policy shifts

  
  

• Renewables (14 stories) - Record solar projects in NZ and India, Kinematics-P4Q merger creates largest tracker supplier, CIGS-perovskite efficiency breakthrough, Eco Wave Power's grid milestone, plus major wind developments in Tasmania, Virginia, and Australia

  
  

• Transport (6 stories) - African nations back CNG, Poland debuts EV subsidies, Renault leads French EV surge, NASA plans hydrogen aircraft tests, Tesla sees European sales slump

Agriculture

Brevel's microalgae protein deal, solar grazing sheep studies, DOE agrivoltaic prize in Colorado, while Brazilian soy threatens traditional farming and West African cocoa hits record prices

• Brazilian soy farms and cattle pastures close in on a land where the grass is golden (Mongabay) - Brazilian soy farms and cattle ranching threaten traditional golden grass harvesting communities in Jalapão region as deforestation and fires advance.

• Brevel teams up with Israel’s leading beverage co to develop microalgae-fueled products (AgFunderNews) - Israel's CBC Group signs 10-year deal with Brevel to develop beverages using novel microalgae protein that claims superior taste and sustainability versus soy and pea proteins.

• Climate-affected produce is here to stay. Here’s what it takes for consumers to embrace it (The Conversation) - Research shows consumers avoid climate-affected produce unless discounted, but 'resilience' marketing messages could increase acceptance of drought-impacted fruits and vegetables.

• Guest post: How climate change is causing ‘ecological grief’ for farmers in Ghana (Carbon Brief) - Ghanaian farmers experience severe mental health impacts and 'ecological grief' due to climate change destroying traditional farming practices and crop yields.

• How extreme weather is driving cocoa prices and reshaping the chocolate industry (ClimateAi) - Extreme weather in West Africa drives cocoa prices to record $7,000/tonne, forcing chocolate makers to raise prices while alternative growing regions emerge.

• How solar and sheep can support each other (Environment America) - New study shows sheep grazing on solar farms provides financial benefits to farmers while maintaining panel efficiency through natural vegetation management.

• New study assesses impact of agricultural research investments on biodiversity, land use (ScienceDaily) - Purdue study finds improved crop varieties since 1960s saved 1,043 species and reduced global cropland by 39 million acres while increasing production.

• North Fork Valley team wins prize for innovative agrivoltaics project (Colorado Farm & Food Alliance) - North Fork Valley team wins $200,000 DOE prize for developing agrivoltaic projects combining solar power with agriculture in Delta County, Colorado.

• Saving The Planet With A Fork (The Wildlife News) - Livestock farming, particularly beef and dairy production, is second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally, with cattle accounting for up to 30% of emissions.

• Babylon Micro-Farms Unveils Galleri Lite, a Game-Changer in High-Nutrition, Onsite Farming (Babylon Micro-Farms) - Company launches compact Galleri Lite hydroponic system for growing high-nutrition produce onsite with positive ROI potential for select crops.

• Land van Ons maakt bezwaar tegen pachtcontract Boterhuispolder (Land van Ons) - Dutch citizen cooperative challenges municipality's farmland lease contract in Boterhuispolder over concerns for biodiversity research and organic farming future.

• Land van Ons start landelijk meldpunt KnelPacht (Land van Ons) - Dutch sustainable farming organization launches national reporting hotline for farmers facing lease constraints while transitioning to sustainable practices.

• Norway rules out fish farm ban despite ‘existential threat’ to wild salmon (The Guardian) - Norway rejects fish farm ban despite wild salmon population halving since 1980s, as environment minister seeks "acceptable" pollution levels for $1.2M-tonne salmon industry.

• The economic potential of alternative proteins (SYSTEMIQ) - German alternative protein sector could create 250,000 jobs and generate €65 billion by 2045 with proper investment and policy support.

Carbon

Hansen warns 2°C target unreachable as LEGO invests $3.3M in biochar and enhanced rock weathering, while first ERW carbon credits launch in Brazil

• Climate change is worsening diabetes worldwide (Yale Climate Connections) - Rising global temperatures worsen diabetes symptoms and increase hospitalizations worldwide, with one-degree Celsius rise potentially causing 100,000 new annual cases in US alone.

• Climate change target of 2C is ‘dead’, says renowned climate scientist (The Guardian) - Leading climate scientist James Hansen declares 2C warming target impossible, citing underestimated heating pace from shipping pollution cuts and climate sensitivity.

• Half a degree further rise in global warming will triple area of Earth too hot for humans (ScienceDaily) - Global warming of 2°C will make land area size of USA uninhabitable for humans during extreme heat, with elderly facing risks across 35% of Earth's surface.

• LEGO Group Adds Nature-Based, Engineered Solutions to its Carbon Removal Portfolio (ESGToday) - LEGO Group partners with climate solutions providers to invest $3.3M in carbon removal projects including biochar, enhanced rock weathering, and reforestation.

• LiveEO | Meet us at Decarbon2025 (LiveEO) - Satellite intelligence company announces sponsorship and participation at Decarbon2025 conference in Berlin to showcase carbon monitoring solutions.

• New Research Led by James Hansen Documents Global Warming Acceleration (Inside Climate News) - International research team led by James Hansen finds global warming rate increased 50% since 2010, risking Atlantic Ocean current shutdown by 2050.

• Offsetting flights: How can I tell if a carbon credit is legit? (DW) - Carbon offset programs for flights face scrutiny over legitimacy, with experts highlighting need for verification of forest protection claims and fair fund distribution.

• Study shows small sources account for large share of oil & gas methane emissions, underscores importance of key federal initiatives (EDF) - New study reveals 70% of US oil and gas methane emissions come from smaller, dispersed sources rather than super-emitters, highlighting need for comprehensive federal monitoring initiatives.

• STUDY: smaller, dispersed sources account for majority of U.S oil & gas methane emissions (EDF) - New study reveals 70% of US oil and gas methane emissions come from smaller, dispersed sources emitting less than 100kg/hour, challenging current detection methods.

• Temperatures at north pole 20C above average and beyond ice melting point (The Guardian) - Arctic temperatures surge 20C above average and cross ice melting point, signaling unprecedented winter warming event linked to Icelandic low-pressure system.

• The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study (The Conversation) - New study reveals widespread growth of surface crevasses across Greenland's ice sheet, with 25% volume increase in southeast regions from 2016-2021, signaling accelerated ice loss.

• U.S. Coal Exports Reached 6-Year Record in June 2024 (CleanTechnica) - U.S. coal exports hit 10 million short tons in June 2024, marking highest monthly volume since October 2018.

• Webinar with Dr. Matthew Clarkson, Head of Carbon at InPlanet: Showcasing EW Credits Issued by Isometric (InPlanet) - First-ever certified Enhanced Rock Weathering carbon removal credits issued, demonstrating successful carbon sequestration and 20-30% sugarcane yield increase in Brazil.

• What is the connection between harsh winters and climate change? ⁠ (ACEspace) - Arctic warming disrupts polar vortex stability, causing increased severe winter weather across North America and Eurasia despite global temperature rise.

Circular

Asset manager joins C2C Institute for furniture reuse; energy storage firm boosts recycling; NFL-Good360 repurpose game apparel; fashion sustainability lags; Chelan facility hits waste collection record

• Rheaply recognized as Cradle to Cradle Circularity Education Partner (Rheaply) - Asset management platform partners with Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to enable furniture and building material reuse certification.

• Watt’s New: January 2025 (Powin) - Energy storage company highlights sustainable supply chain practices, battery recycling initiatives, and major microgrid projects in January 2025 update.

• Will Fast Fashion Be More Sustainable in 2025? (Earth.org) - Fast fashion industry shows limited progress toward sustainability in 2025, with only 18% of fashion leaders prioritizing environmental concerns despite sector contributing 10% of global emissions.

• Chelan County's Moderate Risk Waste Facility Collecting More Materials Every Year (SustainableNCW) - Chelan County's hazardous waste facility sets new record with 76.4 tons collected in 2024, achieving 69% recycling rate for household chemicals.

• El centro de residuos de riesgo moderado del condado de Chelan recoge más materiales cada año (SustainableNCW) - Chelan County's Moderate Risk Waste Facility sets new record with 76.4 tons of hazardous household waste collected in 2024, achieving 69% recycling rate.

• Tackling Waste: How Good360 and the NFL Turn Unsellable Championship Apparel into a Global Force for Good (Good360) - NFL and Good360 mark 11th year of partnership converting unsellable championship game apparel into donations for global communities in need through vetted nonprofits.

Ecosystems

Extreme weather hits Australia and Madagascar as Goodall-Earle conservation summit raises S$150k; monarch butterflies crash 96%, while dam removals aid Northeast rivers and AI tackles wildlife conflicts

• Australia reeling from floods in the north, bushfires in the south (Mongabay) - Australia battles simultaneous climate extremes as Queensland faces record floods killing two while Victoria fights spreading bushfires in national parks.

• Cyclone Elvis kills 5 in Madagascar as another storm approaches (Mongabay) - Cyclone Elvis kills five in Madagascar from lightning strikes as country braces for second storm Faida to make landfall.

• "Hope and Harmony" with Dr Jane Goodall and Dr Sylvia Earle Highlights, 8 December 2024 (Ocean Geographic) - Conservation icons Dr. Jane Goodall and Dr. Sylvia Earle unite in Singapore for first-ever Asian collaboration, raising S$150,000 for environmental initiatives at "Hope and Harmony" event.

• Amazonian manatees are gardeners of the forests, research shows (cartoon) (Mongabay) - New research confirms Amazonian manatees play vital role as forest gardeners through seed dispersal, despite their vulnerable conservation status.

• Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana rancher partners with state agencies for 1,300-acre prescribed burn project to combat conifer encroachment and reduce wildfire risk in Mill Gulch sagebrush habitat.

• Chuvas acima da média reduzem focos de calor em Roraima em janeiro (Instituto Socioambiental) - Above-average rainfall in January reduces heat spots by 37% in Roraima, Brazil, though state remains second-highest nationally for fire hotspots.

• Deaths of 30,000 fish off WA coast made more likely by climate change, research finds (The Guardian) - Research shows climate change made marine heatwaves that killed 30,000 fish off Western Australia's coast up to 100 times more likely.

• Fireforest: A New Film on Forest Management and Wildfire (Fire Networks) - New documentary "Fireforest" showcases how prescribed burns and forest thinning successfully protected Colorado communities during 2020's Cameron Peak Fire.

• How Senegal’s Iconic Pink Lake Lost Its Hue (Atmos) - Senegal's Lake Retba loses iconic pink color due to pollution, climate change, and urbanization, threatening local salt mining economy and ecosystem.

• How Tearing Down Small Dams Is Helping Restore Northeast Rivers (Yale E360) - Northeast U.S. sees surge in small dam removals, with 806 demolished to date, improving river health and fish migration while reducing flood risks.

• Kenya wildfire threatens region of rare wildlife, plant species (Mongabay) - Massive wildfire in northeastern Kenya devastates 81,000 hectares of habitat threatening critically endangered white rhinos and rare species, with smaller wildlife suffering heaviest losses.

• Monarch butterfly numbers plummet in US west coast winter habitats (The Guardian) - Western monarch butterfly population crashes 96% to near-record low of 9,119 in 2024, driven by climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides.

• Scientists Find Microplastics in 99% of Seafood Samples (Earth.org) - Scientists find microplastics in 99% of seafood samples across multiple species including shrimp and salmon, raising concerns about marine ecosystem contamination and food safety.

• Study suggests algal blooms disorient whales, putting them in danger (Mongabay) - Study finds increased whale deaths and injuries near harmful algal blooms on US coasts, suggesting toxins may disorient whales and increase ship strike risks.

• The last fragments of ancient Irish rainforests may face a new threat … trees (The Guardian) - Ireland's last ancient rainforest fragments face threat from expanding commercial pine monocultures, sparking debate over reforestation approaches.

• The possibilities of climate grief (High Country News) - Author explores how climate grief can be transformed from paralysis into action through art, ritual, and reimagining sustainable futures.

• Agreements better protect Tennessee’s Duck River from increased water withdrawals (Southern Environmental Law Center) - Tennessee utilities reach settlement limiting water withdrawals from biodiverse Duck River, requiring drought management and leak prevention measures.

• Pet flea treatments may be harming wildlife – but owners can help (The Conversation) - Common pet flea treatments containing toxic insecticides found in UK birds' nests, potentially harming wildlife through contaminated nesting materials.

• Study highlights effects of habitat fragmentation on Sri Lankan specialist birds (Mongabay) - Sri Lankan study reveals forest fragmentation severely impacts bird movement and survival, with specialist species unable to return to original habitats after displacement.

• Wildlife is slowly returning to Colorado forests that burned in 2020 (Yale Climate Connections) - Colorado State researchers track wildlife recovery and ecosystem balance in forests devastated by 2020 megafires using motion sensors and audio monitoring.

• Climate+ | Episode 18 | Jonathan Bowers @ Path & Focus (Energy Central) - Path and Focus CEO discusses AI-powered wildfire prediction technology and frontline worker support in Climate+ podcast interview.

• Indian town trials virtual solar fences to reduce conflict with elephants (Mongabay) - Indian town deploys solar-powered sensor fence system to warn residents of approaching elephants and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Efficiency

Tax credits drive 350K efficient homes; Florida heat pump success; New Mexico's building emissions plan; DeepSeek's efficient AI model

• Efficiency tax credits helped 350,000 new homes be more energy efficient in 2023 (Environment America) - Federal tax credits enabled construction of 350,000 energy-efficient homes in 2023, projected to save homeowners $450 annually and reduce peak electricity demand by 1,800 MW by 2032.

• Kent Wimmer’s Home Energy Journey: Four Years, Four Heat Pumps, For the Climate (Clean Energy) - Florida homeowner installs four heat pumps over four years, including HVAC, water heater, clothes dryer, and EV charger, while utilizing rooftop solar to eliminate gas dependency.

• New Mexico Building Decarbonization Roadmap (BuildingDecarb.org) - New Mexico stakeholders release roadmap targeting zero emissions from residential and small commercial buildings by 2050, prioritizing low-income communities.

• What DeepSeek Means for AI Energy Demand (Heatmap News) - Chinese AI firm DeepSeek's energy-efficient language model sparks debate over whether cheaper AI will reduce or increase overall data center energy consumption.

Finance

Investor coalition, State Farm rate hikes, EU Hydrogen Bank reforms, and Texas renewables drive major financial moves amid climate risks

• €6.6 Trillion Investor Group Warns Against Rolling Back EU Sustainability Reporting Regulations (ESGToday) - €6.6 trillion investor coalition warns EU Commission against weakening sustainability reporting regulations, citing risks to environmental goals and capital flows.

• California’s Insurance Crisis Is Heating Up (Heatmap News) - State Farm seeks 22% rate hike for California homeowners following $1 billion in Los Angeles wildfire claims, highlighting growing climate risks to insurance market.

• How to Take the Risk out of Hydrogen Investments (CleanTechnica) - EU's Hydrogen Bank needs restructuring to double-auction model to reduce investment risks and ensure long-term viability of green hydrogen projects.

• Renewables + Storage Make Billions Of Dollars In Texas (CleanTechnica) - Texas renewable energy projects to generate $20 billion in tax revenue and $29.5 billion in landowner payments over project lifetimes, benefiting 75% of state counties.

• Water.org and Rubicon Carbon: Partnering to Drive a Sustainable Future (Rubicon Carbon) - Carbon credit firm partners with Water.org to expand clean water access while offsetting the NGO's carbon footprint through high-integrity carbon credits.

• A rose by any other name… (Active Impact Investments) - Climate tech industry shifts marketing language from 'cleantech' to 'energy transition' and 'efficiency' terms to broaden market appeal amid political headwinds.

• LiveEO | LiveEO recognized as Global Top 100 Geospatial Company 2025 (LiveEO) - Earth observation analytics company recognized among top 100 global geospatial firms for satellite-based infrastructure monitoring solutions.

Grid

Grid modernization efforts span PG&E's AI storm prep, CPUC's $63B expansion plans, CenterPoint's $5.75B Houston upgrades, while UK's Drax and RenewableUK push storage integration amid transmission challenges in Oklahoma and Australia

• 50 years that have changed Britain’s energy (Drax) - UK's energy landscape transformed over 50 years from coal dominance to renewables-led system, with Drax power station evolving from coal to biomass while maintaining grid stability.

• Are utilities ready to fully harness demand flexibility? (Latitude Media) - Utilities struggle to fully implement demand flexibility programs despite their proven effectiveness in managing renewable-heavy power grids.

• California is bracing for another storm. Here’s how utilities are gearing up (RenewableEnergyWorld) - PG&E deploys crews and AI-powered storm prediction models to prepare for intense winter storms bringing 55mph winds and heavy rain across California.

• California makes transmission planning and permitting a little easier (Renewable Energy World) - California streamlines transmission planning and permitting processes through new CPUC regulations to accelerate clean energy infrastructure development.

• California PUC streamlines transmission permitting process (Utility Dive) - California PUC streamlines transmission permitting process with new rules to accelerate $63 billion grid expansion needed for state's clean energy goals.

• Maine utilities brace for winter weather whiplash (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Maine utilities adapt vegetation management and storm response strategies to combat increasingly severe "winter weather whiplash" causing power outages.

• Oklahomans push back on transmission projects even as the state’s energy needs continue to grow (Renewable Energy World) - Oklahoma landowners and lawmakers resist 375-mile Cimarron Link transmission project despite growing state energy needs and $306M federal funding.

• RenewableUK: Co-locating batteries, green hydrogen and offshore wind 'critical' for UK energy security (BusinessGreen) - RenewableUK urges government to reform planning rules for co-locating battery storage and green hydrogen production at offshore wind farms to boost UK energy security.

• Snowy Hydro-worth of solar and wind wasted in 2024, as curtailment continues to bite (RenewEconomy) - Australia wasted 4.5 terawatt-hours of solar and wind energy in 2024 due to grid curtailment issues, equivalent to Snowy Hydro's annual renewable output.

• US ‘needs more storage’ to ensure grid reliability, resilience: SEIA (Utility Dive) - SEIA calls for 700 GWh energy storage capacity and 10 million distributed installations by 2030 to ensure US grid reliability.

• Want larger transmission lines? Fix this regulatory gap, experts say. (Canary Media) - Regulatory gap allows utilities to prioritize small transmission projects over needed large-scale grid expansions, driving up costs while slowing clean energy growth.

• Hawaii State Energy Agency: LNG Necessary to Meet State’s Renewable Goals (Energy Central) - Hawaii State Energy Office calls for increased LNG imports as bridge fuel to meet renewable goals while addressing high electricity costs and grid reliability.

• LiveEO | Meet us at SAP for Energy and Utilities Conference (LiveEO) - Satellite intelligence firm to showcase infrastructure monitoring solutions at SAP Energy Conference 2025 in Rotterdam, partnering to enhance utility asset management.

• CenterPoint proposes $5.75B system resiliency plan (Utility Dive) - CenterPoint Energy proposes $5.75B grid resiliency plan to reduce storm outages and strengthen infrastructure for 2.8M Houston customers through 2028.

• LiveEO | Meet us at Distributech 2025 (LiveEO) - Satellite intelligence company to showcase grid monitoring solutions at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 conference in Dallas, targeting utility professionals and industry leaders.

• Poll: S.C. Voters Want Energy Grid Modernization and Competition (CEBA) - South Carolina poll shows 80% of voters support energy grid modernization and wholesale market competition, with potential annual savings of $360 million for ratepayers.

• Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) (RAS) - Global earthquake detection could dramatically improve using new algorithm to monitor internet networks for seismic activity.

Indigenous

Indigenous fire management expands across 8 states while USAID cuts threaten Amazon programs; Pomo, Sámi, and Olympic Peninsula tribes tackle watershed restoration, forestry training amid land rights challenges

• 2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for the Fire Networks (Fire Networks) - National fire management coalition reports expanded impact in 2024 through indigenous partnerships, prescribed fire training, and community resilience programs across eight U.S. states and three countries.

• Amazon Watch Condemns Trump Administration’s Reckless Attack on USAID (Amazon Watch) - Trump administration's dismantling of USAID threatens vital Indigenous rights and environmental protection programs in Amazon rainforest, freezing $2.5M justice initiative.

• Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Fire adaptation and resilience blog celebrates 10 years of community knowledge sharing with over 680 published stories from practitioners worldwide.

• Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - California nonprofit partners with Pomo tribes to restore Lake County watersheds through traditional ecological knowledge and community-based workshops.

• Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - California's Watershed Center shares key lessons from prescribed burn outreach workshops, emphasizing trauma-informed communication and community engagement in fire-prone areas.

• Indigenous Leaders Occupy Pará State Education Headquarters Demanding Cancelation of Remote Learning Law (Amazon Watch) - Indigenous leaders occupy Pará state education building for 21 days, protesting law replacing in-person teaching with remote learning in Indigenous communities.

• ONRC and others awarded $4.2 million grant to advance indigenous forestry resource industrial development in Port Angeles, Washington (UW SEFS) - $4.2M federal grant awarded to develop indigenous forestry resources and workforce training in Washington's Olympic Peninsula, partnering with tribal communities and local institutions.

• Researchers find microplastics for the first time in the Finnish Sámi waters (Mongabay) - Scientists detect microplastics in pristine Finnish Sámi waters, with concentrations ranging from 45-423 particles per cubic meter in traditional Indigenous fishing areas.

• Sámi need better legal protections to save their homelands (Grist) - Amnesty International report warns "green colonialism" threatens Sámi indigenous rights as renewable energy projects expand across Nordic homelands without proper consent.

• The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Fire leader reflects on importance of hospitality and human connection in firefighting culture amid growing health concerns for firefighters, including increased cancer risks.

• These states use stolen Indigenous land to fund prisons (High Country News) - Ten Western U.S. states generate $33 million annually for prison systems using 2 million acres of stolen Indigenous lands, disproportionately incarcerating Native Americans.

• Winter 2025 AAOKH newsletter (AAOKH) - Alaska Arctic indigenous observers report extreme wind patterns, coastal erosion, and share traditional knowledge through new film and research in Winter 2025 newsletter.

Industry

BNEF reports US clean energy manufacturing delays, KORE Power cancels Arizona gigafactory, while ES Foundry and Solex Energy expand solar production; nuclear firms partner with Texas A&M for SMR development

• ‘Rampant delays’ are coming for US clean energy manufacturing (Latitude Media) - Over half of US clean energy manufacturing projects planned for 2025 face delays or cancellation amid overcapacity issues and political uncertainty, BNEF reports.

• Battery manufacturer bails on highly-anticipated $1.2B lithium-ion plant in Arizona, CEO and founder steps down (Renewable Energy World) - KORE Power cancels $1.2B Arizona battery gigafactory plans and CEO resigns amid company restructuring.

• DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green (The Conversation) - DRC's Lubumbashi faces renewed resource exploitation and social inequality as global demand for cobalt surges to meet green technology needs.

• Going Nuclear: Why AI Will Lead the Next Energy Transition (POWER Magazine) - AI companies' massive energy demands drive tech giants toward nuclear power investments, signaling potential shift in U.S. energy policy.

• Green Hydrogen Projects | UK (Energy Central) - UK unveils extensive network of green hydrogen projects across multiple regions, signaling major push towards hydrogen infrastructure development.

• Hydro Tasmania strikes deal to continue powering one of world’s greenest smelters (RenewEconomy) - Hydro Tasmania signs 10-year renewable power deal with Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter, maintaining its status as one of world's greenest ferroalloy producers.

• JTPV’s Upgraded MoNo 2 Cell For Module Makers (TaiyangNews) - Chinese cell maker JTPV unveils upgraded MoNo 2 n-type solar cell with enhanced efficiency through STF+, HEP, and W-BSF technologies, offering up to 90% bifaciality and 0.25% efficiency gains.

• Mountain Valley Pipeline Files Application To Build Southgate Extension Project from Virginia into North Carolina (Inside Climate News) - Mountain Valley Pipeline seeks regulatory approval for revised 31-mile Southgate extension to deliver natural gas from Virginia to North Carolina utilities.

• New Nuclear Power Plant Construction:  Building Airplanes, Not Airports (Energy Central) - Nuclear power industry debates balance between standardized reactor manufacturing and site-specific infrastructure needs, drawing parallels to airplane and airport construction.

• Oxyle Raises $16 Million to Eliminate Forever Chemicals in Water (ESGToday) - Swiss startup Oxyle raises $16M to scale its energy-efficient technology that permanently destroys PFAS 'forever chemicals' in wastewater with 99% effectiveness.

• Pharma Supply Chain Decarbonization Consortium Signs 10-Year Clean Energy Deals for Haleon, GSK, Thermo Fisher, Gilead (ESGToday) - Major pharmaceutical companies including Haleon, GSK, Thermo Fisher, and Gilead sign 10-year renewable energy deal to decarbonize supply chain through 245 GWh annual power purchase agreement.

• Red & Blue States In Cahoots On US Solar Industry (CleanTechnica) - South Carolina expands US solar manufacturing capacity with ES Foundry's new 3GW solar cell facility and 500 jobs, marking significant domestic clean energy production growth.

• Saudi Arabia Wants To Supply Europe With Green Hydrogen (CleanTechnica) - Saudi Arabia plans world's largest green hydrogen facility to supply Europe by 2026, leveraging solar and wind resources for competitive production costs.

• Solex Energy Launches 800 MW TOPCon Module Line In Gujarat (TaiyangNews) - India's Solex Energy launches 800MW TOPCon solar module production line in Gujarat, expanding total capacity to 1.5GW with plans to reach 4GW by June 2025.

• Splitting the Difference | Reducing the Cost of Electrolytic Hydrogen (Energy Central) - New report suggests removing energy taxes and levies could reduce electrolytic hydrogen costs from £241/MWh to under £100/MWh, making it competitive with natural gas.

• Texas A&M Launches SMR ‘Energy Proving Ground’ with Selection of Four Nuclear Firms (POWER Magazine) - Texas A&M selects four nuclear firms to build small modular reactor plants at RELLIS campus, aiming for operational deployment by early-to-mid 2030s.

• Trump’s Little Coal Reprieve (Heatmap News) - Trump suggests using coal as backup power for AI data centers while acknowledging its diminishing role in US energy mix, as coal jobs dropped from 50,000 to 38,000 during his first term.

• U.S. coal exports reached a six-year record in June 2024 (EIA) - U.S. coal exports hit 10 million short tons in June 2024, marking highest monthly volume since October 2018.

• Understanding Hydrogen’s Climate Impacts (Revolve) - Scientists warn hydrogen's climate impact could be 35 times more powerful than CO2, requiring careful production and management to achieve clean energy goals.

• US Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity Exceeds 50 GW Milestone (TaiyangNews) - US solar module manufacturing capacity surpasses 50GW milestone, making it world's third-largest producer following 600% growth since 2020.

• What Does Stargate AI Mean for Southern Forests and Communities? (Dogwood Alliance) - $500 billion US AI initiative 'Stargate' threatens Southern forests and communities through massive data center construction and increased power demands.

• LiveEO | On-demand Webinar: 2025 Pipeline Challenges – How to Stay Ahead with Satellite Monitoring (LiveEO) - Satellite monitoring webinar addresses 2025 pipeline challenges for oil and gas operators, showcasing threat detection and risk management through space-based technologies.

• Streamlining Outage Efficiency at a Pennsylvania Nuclear Power Plant (Power Mag) - Pennsylvania nuclear plant improves outage efficiency with custom steam line plug system and control rod blade storage solutions, reducing critical path time.

• Argus Biomass Conference 2025, London, UK (Energy Central) - Global biomass industry conference set for April 2025 in London to discuss sustainable supply chain operations and networking.

• Energy Dominance? Mission Accomplished (Energy Central) - U.S. achieves energy dominance with world-leading positions in oil, natural gas, nuclear, and biofuel production while advancing renewable technologies.

• European Solar Panel Prices Surge by Over 20%, Search4Solar Reports (Search4Solar) - European solar panel prices surge over 20% as manufacturers shift from PERC to advanced technologies like TOPCon and HJT amid growing market pressure.

Policy

USAID climate programs threatened by Trump shutdown; federal climate data removed; Senate battles methane rules; state-level clean energy initiatives face funding cuts amid policy shifts

• ¿Cómo los residentes mexicanos pueden presionar al gobierno de México para que cumpla con el Acuerdo de París? (Yale Climate Connections) - Mexican coastal town Huatulco demonstrates how local climate action can influence national policy through sustainable tourism development and 100% clean energy adoption.

• ‘America at War With Itself’: Humanitarian, Climate Aid Becomes Flashpoint in a Battle for Control of U.S. Government (Inside Climate News) - Trump administration's shutdown of USAID threatens global climate and humanitarian projects, including $147M renewable energy initiative for African healthcare facilities.

• ‘Canary in a Coal Mine’: Data Scientists Restore a Climate Justice Tool Taken Down by Trump (Inside Climate News) - Data scientists rapidly restore critical climate justice screening tool after Trump administration removes it from federal websites.

• ACTUALIZACIÓN: Cinco destacados defensores del agua en El Salvador seniegan a asistir a la vista judicial denunciando la falta de independencia judicialque supone una amenaza para sus vidas (IPS) - Five prominent Salvadoran water defenders refuse to attend retrial, citing judicial bias and threats to their safety amid country's push to revive metal mining.

• As Africa eyes protected areas expansion of 1 million square miles, concerns over ‘brutal’ enforcement persist (Mongabay) - African nations' plan to expand protected areas by 1 million square miles faces scrutiny over allegations of violent enforcement and community displacement in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• As Trump Administration Purges Climate Data and Web Pages, Research Groups Scramble to Save Information (Inside Climate News) - Research groups rush to archive climate data and launch tracking tools as Trump administration removes climate information from federal websites.

• Australia’s most advanced green hydrogen project hangs in balance after state LNP pulls support (RenewEconomy) - Queensland's $12.5 billion Central Queensland Hydrogen Project faces uncertain future as state government withdraws $1.4 billion funding match.

• Black History Month and the Climate Crisis: An Intersection of Legacy and Action (Our Climate) - Black History Month highlights crucial intersection of racial and climate justice, emphasizing Black leaders' historical contributions to environmental activism and need for inclusive climate solutions.

• Burgum Moves to Revive Arctic Drilling, Selling Out Public Lands to Billionaires (AlaskaWild.org) - Interior Secretary Burgum issues orders to reinstate canceled oil drilling leases in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge despite environmental and indigenous concerns.

• By Shutting Down USAID, Trump and Musk Will Worsen the Climate and Extinction Crises (The Revelator) - Trump and Musk's illegal attempt to shut down USAID threatens global wildlife conservation, climate action and humanitarian programs worth billions.

• Council approves directions for the Healthy Waters Plan (Vancouver.ca) - Vancouver City Council unanimously approves Healthy Waters Plan to improve sewage management, reduce flooding, and protect water quality through green infrastructure and sewer separation.

• Disaster losses and damages data (UNDRR) - Global disaster tracking system under development by UN agencies aims to standardize loss data collection across countries for better risk management and decision-making.

• Doge staffers enter Noaa headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats (The Guardian) - Elon Musk's Doge staffers forcibly enter NOAA headquarters seeking IT system access amid concerns of agency downsizing and data privatization.

• EcoMadres Investigates Wildfires’ Unjust Impacts on Latino Communities (Moms Clean Air Force) - UCLA research reveals LA wildfires disproportionately impacted Latino communities, with 74,000 facing displacement and increased health risks from toxic pollution.

• Efforts to Dismantle USAID “Will Bring Significant Long-Term Costs” (NRDC) - Trump administration's reported plans to dismantle USAID threaten critical international climate and development projects while undermining U.S. soft power and congressional authority.

• Elon Musk Pulled the Plug on America’s Energy Soft Power (Heatmap News) - Trump administration's gutting of USAID threatens U.S. global energy initiatives and strategic partnerships in renewable infrastructure development worldwide.

• House, Senate Introduce Resolutions to Walk Back on Methane Pollution (EDF) - Senate and House Republicans introduce resolutions to repeal methane polluter fee rule aimed at reducing oil and gas industry emissions and waste.

• How AI Feeds The Clean Energy Misinformation Machine (CleanTechnica) - AI algorithms and search engines amplify clean energy misinformation by prioritizing content from highest bidders and failing to distinguish between credible sources and propaganda.

• How AI narrows our vision of climate solutions. . .and reinforces the status quo (Anthropocene Magazine) - Study finds AI chatbots consistently favor incremental climate solutions over radical changes, reinforcing status quo bias in environmental discourse.

• How farmworkers in Washington state got lawmakers’ attention (Grist) - Washington state farmworkers union's annual people's tribunal gains political influence, securing policy wins for labor protections and worker rights through organized testimony to lawmakers.

• How Trump’s USAID shutdown threatens the world’s climate goals (Grist) - Trump administration's shutdown of USAID threatens billions in global climate funding and Paris Agreement commitments through Department of Government Efficiency's dismantling of agency operations.

• India can plug its green skills gap by elevating women in the workforce (Climate Change News) - India aims to address green skills shortage by increasing women's participation in renewable energy workforce, with current female representation at only 11% versus 32% globally.

• Indonesia mulls Paris Agreement exit, citing fairness and energy transition costs (Mongabay) - Indonesia signals possible Paris Agreement withdrawal over fairness concerns and U.S. exit, citing high transition costs and slow climate funding.

• Investments Needed to Protect Michiganders from High Energy & Water Utility Bills (NRDC) - Michigan advocates call for $10M weatherization funding and water bill assistance program to protect vulnerable residents from high utility costs.

• Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage to Speak at ‘Glastonbury for Climate Deniers’ (DeSmog) - UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage to speak at climate-skeptic ARC conference alongside Trump allies and fossil fuel advocates.

• Labour facing defeat in vote to ban green energy investments tied to Uyghur exploitation (The Guardian) - Labour government faces likely parliamentary defeat over amendment to block public investment in solar panels linked to Uyghur forced labour in China's Xinjiang region.

• Leaked Memo Reveals Renewables Permitting Chaos Under Trump (Heatmap News) - Leaked memo reveals Trump administration has effectively halted renewable energy permitting processes across federal agencies, creating widespread uncertainty for wind and solar developers.

• Living with Smoke in the Greater Yellowstone (Fire Networks) - Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network develops community smoke-ready plans to help residents manage health impacts during wildfire seasons through monitoring, communication, and clean air spaces.

• MAGA Controlled Wyoming Legislature Proposes Open Season on Mountain Lions and Grizzly Bears (The Wildlife News) - Wyoming legislature proposes bill to remove hunting limits and protections for mountain lions and grizzly bears, allowing unrestricted killing.

• Minister promises to spend £250m to top up England’s flood defences (The Guardian) - UK government pledges additional £250m for flood defences in England, aiming to protect 66,500 more properties amid criticism of previous administration's underinvestment.

• Mother of 2 jailed in Sumatra as wildfires dragnet continues to catch small farmers (Mongabay) - Indonesian mother of two sentenced to prison for traditional slash-and-burn farming while large companies evade prosecution for similar practices.

• Navigating the clean energy transition: Lessons for the year ahead (BusinessGreen) - Global clean energy transition continues to accelerate despite geopolitical challenges, with record investments and technological advances driving growth in clean-tech industries.

• NCEA Report Confirms: The International Energy Agency Needs Redirection (Energy Central) - NCEA report criticizes International Energy Agency's shift from energy security mission to climate advocacy, calling for return to unbiased energy demand forecasting.

• North Dakota Federal Judge Upends Key Biden-era NEPA Regulations (Friends of the Earth) - North Dakota federal judge strikes down Biden administration's NEPA environmental review regulations, reverting to Trump-era rules after finding CEQ lacks authority to issue binding regulations.

• NSW has coal mine methane emissions in its sights. But will the industry respond? (RenewEconomy) - NSW EPA releases new guidelines requiring coal mines to set ambitious methane emissions reduction goals aligned with state's climate targets.

• Nuevo México presenta un plan para descarbonizar edificios para 2050 (BuildingDecarb.org) - New Mexico unveils comprehensive 2050 building decarbonization roadmap with 26 organizations targeting residential and commercial emissions reduction through financing, incentives, and grid modernization.

• Our Power News – New year, new energy (350.org) - Climate activist newsletter highlights grassroots momentum and 'apocalyptic optimism' despite political setbacks, emphasizing community action and renewable energy progress in 2025.

• Pam Bondi’s Confirmation Vote as Attorney General is Dangerous for our Climate and Our Democracy (LCV) - Senate confirms Pam Bondi as Attorney General despite concerns over her record of supporting polluters and potential weakening of environmental protections.

• Researchers make the case for shift from economic growth to human well-being within planetary limits (Mongabay) - New research in Lancet Planetary Health advocates shifting focus from GDP growth to ecological sustainability and human wellbeing within Earth's resource limits.

• Resilience Hubs: The Community-led Climate Solution Popping up All Over the Country (C2ES) - Communities across US establish resilience hubs as local disaster preparedness centers following $1.4 trillion in climate disaster damages since 2015.

• Rightwing MEPs threaten huge funding freeze for environmental NGOs (The Guardian) - Right-wing European Parliament members threaten to freeze €15.6m annual funding for environmental NGOs, potentially crippling 30 organizations' operations and green advocacy efforts.

• Rolling Back Commonsense Safeguards for Methane Pollution Is Dangerous for Communities (LCV) - Congressional Review Act resolution to eliminate methane pollution fees for oil and gas companies threatens health of 10 million residents near production sites.

• Scientists brace ‘for the worst’ as Trump purges climate mentions from websites (The Guardian) - Trump administration begins removing climate crisis references from US federal websites, sparking concerns among scientists about public information access.

• Secretary Burgum’s Day 1 Secretarial Orders Threaten Public Lands (LCV) - Interior Secretary Burgum's first-day orders prioritize fossil fuel and mining interests over public land conservation, drawing environmental group criticism.

• SwitchedOn Podcast: Pathway to electrification being blocked by fossil gas (RenewEconomy) - Former ARENA chair Greg Bourne urges Australian government to accelerate electrification through smart meters and mandatory energy disclosure policies.

• The impact of Donald Trump’s anti-climate measures on our heating planet (The Conversation) - Trump's anti-climate executive orders and Paris Agreement withdrawal threaten global climate action while fossil fuel industry donates $75M+ to his campaign.

• The Impact of Investments in Wildfire Smoke Mitigation Efforts (FireNetworks.org) - Communities across Western U.S. invest in wildfire smoke mitigation through HEPA filter distribution programs and clean air spaces, benefiting vulnerable populations.

• Trump Administration Scrubs EPA Staff’s Pronouns from Their Emails and Websites Without Their Knowledge (Inside Climate News) - Trump administration removes EPA staff pronouns from email signatures and websites without notice, sparking fear and controversy among federal employees.

• Trump’s agenda won’t let his energy secretary achieve ‘energy abundance’ (Grist) - Trump's new Energy Secretary Chris Wright faces policy conflicts between his 'energy abundance' vision and administration's restrictive energy orders.

• Trump’s funding pause clouds future of Solar For All Program (Floodlight) - Trump administration's funding freeze threatens $7 billion EPA Solar For All Program aimed at providing solar power to low-income communities, sparking legal challenges.

• UPDATE: Five Prominent Water Defenders in El Salvador Refuse To Attend Court Hearing Denouncing Lack of Judicial Independence That Poses a Threat to Their Lives (IPS) - Five prominent El Salvador water defenders boycott court hearing over judicial independence concerns amid government's push to revive metal mining, citing threats to their safety.

• USAID’s climate adaptation and resilience pipeline frozen amid agency uncertainty (Latitude Media) - USAID's $40 billion climate and energy project pipeline frozen as Trump administration attempts agency shutdown and State Department transfer.

• Violation-Riddled MVP Developer Submits Request to Alter Southgate Pipeline (Chesapeake Climate) - Mountain Valley Pipeline submits controversial amendment for Southgate pipeline extension amid environmental concerns and route changes, sparking calls for new application process.

• Vought Would Bring Chaos and Cruelty to OMB (NRDC) - Senate to vote on Project 2025 architect Russell Vought for OMB director amid concerns over environmental policy rollbacks and agency budget cuts.

• With Fossil Fuels’ Comeback, Can Climate Goals Get Back on Track in Illinois? (Inside Climate News) - Illinois climate goals face setbacks as fossil fuel plants delay closures while renewable energy projects struggle to connect to grid amid surging power demand.

• Experts worry about how tariffs would impact Massachusetts residents (GBH News) - Massachusetts experts warn proposed tariffs on Canadian energy imports could significantly increase state utility costs and fuel prices at ports and gas stations.

• Finding Hope and Connection in Cynical Times (Stanford Psychology) - Stanford professor Jamil Zaki discusses social connection research and strategies for building hope in cynical times during UMass Week of Wellbeing lecture.

• China Responds to Trump Tariffs (CleanTechnica) - China retaliates against US tariffs with export controls on critical minerals and targeted 15% tariffs on coal, LNG, while threatening Tesla's market position.

• China responds to Trump with added tariffs, including on coal, LNG (Utility Dive) - China imposes new 15% tariffs on US coal and LNG imports, 10% on crude oil and machinery in response to Trump administration's trade actions.

• Military-backed conservation ‘without firing a single shot’: Interview with Nepal’s Babu Krishna Karki (Mongabay) - Nepal Army's 50-year conservation role in national parks credited with saving endangered species while balancing community rights and anti-poaching efforts.

• Navigating Borders: How GARR Is Defending Haitian Migrants Amid a Growing Crisis (UUSC) - GARR organization fights for Haitian migrants' rights amid escalating deportations and discrimination in Dominican Republic, providing aid and advocating for policy reforms.

• Ohio Chamber of Commerce emerges as unexpected ally for solar projects (Canary Media) - Ohio Chamber of Commerce shifts stance to support solar energy projects, opposing local veto power and backing developers in state Supreme Court cases.

• Senate confirms Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as DOE secretary (Utility Dive) - Senate confirms Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as DOE secretary with 59-38 vote, pledging to expand power supplies and lower electricity costs.

• Uncertainty Remains Around Energy Tariffs amid Last-minute Deals (Acadia Center) - Energy industry concerned over potential price increases and supply chain disruptions as US negotiates last-minute tariff deals with Canada and Mexico.

Renewables

Record solar projects in NZ and India, Kinematics-P4Q merger creates largest tracker supplier, CIGS-perovskite efficiency breakthrough, Eco Wave Power's grid milestone, plus major wind developments in Tasmania, Virginia, and Australia

• Asia Pacific Solar PV News Snippets: Financial Close For New Zealand’s Largest Solar Farm & More (TaiyangNews) - New Zealand's largest solar farm secures financing for 202 MW project, set to generate 280 GWh annually with construction starting in 2025.

• Could Space Solar Power Play a Key Role in Disaster Relief? (PowerMag) - Space solar power satellites could revolutionize disaster response by beaming reliable energy to affected areas, potentially preventing billions in losses and saving lives during crises like the 2025 LA wildfires.

• Landowner-designed wind farm and huge battery in Tasmania snags major project status (RenewEconomy) - Tasmania grants major project status to landowner-designed 350MW wind farm and 600MW battery project featuring innovative community benefits and eagle protection measures.

• Major Solar Tracker Technology Deal as Kinematics Completes Acquisition of P4Q (PowerMag) - Kinematics acquires P4Q to become world's largest solar tracker technology supplier, combining 1M controllers and 2.9M actuators to support 134 GW of global solar installations.

• New record for CIGS perovskite tandem solar cells (ScienceDaily) - German researchers achieve new world record 24.6% efficiency in CIGS-perovskite tandem solar cells, demonstrating advancement in thin-film solar technology.

• Pushing Back, Short-Term and Long (The Crucial Years) - Climate activist Bill McKibben announces global 'Sun Day' initiative for September 2025 to celebrate renewable energy transition and counter fossil fuel industry influence.

• Riding the wave: A Chernobyl survivor is going global with her simple tech that harnesses the motion of the ocean (Renewable Energy World) - Chernobyl survivor's wave energy startup Eco Wave Power achieves first grid connection in Israel, plans US expansion with innovative coastal power generation system.

• The Global South’s Cleantech Revolution in Five Charts (RMI) - Global South nations outpacing developed countries in renewable energy adoption, with solar and wind generation growing twice as fast as Global North.

• Utility-Scale Solar Powers India's Record 24.5 GW PV Installations in 2024 (TaiyangNews) - India doubles solar installations to record 24.5 GW in 2024, led by utility-scale projects and rooftop growth under government schemes.

• Virginia offshore wind project gets pricier but remains on schedule despite Trump moratorium (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Virginia's $10.7B offshore wind project remains on schedule for 2026 completion despite Trump opposition and 9% cost increase, with Dominion Energy sharing cost overruns with partner Stonepeak.

• Welsh government backs Morlais tidal scheme with £8m (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Welsh government takes £8m equity stake in Morlais tidal scheme to power 180,000 households by 2026.

• Wind in the west, solar in the east – and plenty of negative prices down south in record January (RenewEconomy) - Australia's renewable energy generation hits 44% on main grid in January 2025, with wind dominating in Western Australia and solar leading in New South Wales.

• Tilt boosts its renewables fleet to 1.8GW with acquisition of NSW wind farm (RenewEconomy) - Australian developer Tilt Renewables acquires 113MW Boco Rock wind farm in NSW, expanding total renewable fleet to 1.8GW.

• Victoria wind farm shut down after turbine collapse, likely due to massive lightning strike (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's Berrybank wind farm halts operations after lightning strike destroys turbine, prompting safety investigation.

Transport

African nations back CNG, Poland debuts EV subsidies, Renault leads French EV surge, NASA plans hydrogen aircraft tests, Tesla sees European sales slump

• African governments opt for gas-run cars over EVs to drive down transport emissions (Climate Home News) - African nations promote CNG vehicles over EVs as cheaper transport emissions solution, citing infrastructure and cost barriers to electric mobility.

• Can Poland Become an EV Powerhouse? (CleanTechnica) - Poland launches €4,460 EV subsidy scheme with additional support for low-income households, aiming to boost electric vehicle adoption while developing domestic EV manufacturing capabilities.

• EVs Take 21.6% Share In France — Renault 5 Back In The Lead (CleanTechnica) - France's EV market share hits 21.6% in January 2025, with Renault 5 leading sales despite overall auto market decline.

• Honoring Rosa Parks and Transit Equity This Black History Month (Moms Clean Air Force) - Transit Equity Day commemorates Rosa Parks while highlighting ongoing fight against rollbacks of federal clean transportation and environmental justice programs.

• NASA Proposes Cryogenic Hydrogen Test Facility for Aeronautics (Energy Central) - NASA seeks public input on proposed cryogenic hydrogen test facility to advance hydrogen-powered aircraft development.

• Tesla Sales Plummet In Europe & California (CleanTechnica) - Tesla sales drop 63% in France and decline across Europe and California amid CEO Elon Musk's controversial political stances and aging product lineup.