Stay informed with the latest developments shaping the future of sustainability, energy, and tech. From major green investments and breakthrough hydrogen projects to AI-powered climate platforms and EV infrastructure milestones. Here’s a roundup of this week’s most impactful news and deals across the sector:
Net Zero/Sustainability Key Industry News
How European ESG Regulations Impact Businesses in 2025 | Sustainability Magazine
A practical overview of current EU ESG rules—including CSRD and SFDR—and their growing operational impact on companies.
SBTi: Popularity of business decarbonisation targets soars – edie
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) reports record uptake, with over 4,000 companies now committed to setting decarbonisation goals aligned with climate science. This signals growing corporate pressure and opportunity for advisory support
Policy rollbacks exposing businesses to climate and nature risks, auditors warn – edie
Auditors warn that inconsistent or weakened environmental policies are increasing exposure to nature-related and climate risks for companies. This reinforces the value of robust internal sustainability strategy
‘Enabled emissions’: Former Microsoft staff sound alarm over AI-enabled fossil fuel expansion – edie
Ex-Microsoft employees warn that AI is accelerating fossil fuel exploration and emissions, contrary to climate goals.
Data Centre Key Industry News
Normal Computing tapes-out world’s first thermodynamic chip for energy efficient AI workloads – DCD
Normal Computing has developed the first thermodynamic chip, promising improved energy efficiency for AI workloads.
Cesga’s new data center will house Spain’s Finisterrae IV supercomputer – DCD
CESGA (Galicia Supercomputing Centre) is launching a new data centre that will host the FinisTerrae IV supercomputer, focusing on AI, machine learning, and climate change modelling.
Real estate firm HighBrook seeks $300m for data center investment fund – report – DCD
HighBrook Investors is raising a $300M fund to invest in data centre infrastructure, highlighting the continued appetite for digital infrastructure investments as AI and cloud demand surge.
Edgemode and Vertical Data are planning a 20MW AI-focused data centre in Sweden, tapping into the Nordics’ clean energy and cooling advantages
Hydrogen Key Industry News
Green Hydrogen: Air Liquides’ Expansion in Europe | Sustainability Magazine
Air Liquide outlines its roadmap to scale green hydrogen across Europe, including partnerships, investments, and infrastructure development.
India to launch first hydrogen-powered train on Jind–Sonepat route | Mobility | H2 View
India is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train service, showcasing momentum in hydrogen-powered transport.
EU to reallocate EHB auction funds after 1.3GW of projects withdraw
After 1.3GW worth of hydrogen projects were withdrawn from the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) auction, the EU plans to reallocate funds. This signals volatility in project delivery and the need for more bankable H2 ventures
A German rail operator temporarily reverted to diesel due to a shortage of hydrogen fuel cells, highlighting challenges in hydrogen supply chains and system resilience. This underlines key barriers in hydrogen adoption for transport
‘Real-world, market-beating’: ITM CTO reveals operating data from 10MW Shell project
ITM’s CTO shared high-performing operating data from a 10MW electrolyser project with Shell, which outperforms market averages. A notable case of commercial-scale hydrogen proving its capability
SunHydrogen demonstrates off-grid, commercial-scale solar hydrogen system | Technology | H2 View
SunHydrogen unveiled a demonstration of its off-grid, solar-to-hydrogen panel system that could operate independently of electricity grids. This marks a technical step forward in decentralised hydrogen production
Hydrogen Key Deal News
Equatic raises $11.6m to scale seawater electrolysis and carbon removal | Technology
Startup Equatic has secured $11.6M in Series A funding to scale its ocean-based carbon removal and green hydrogen generation system via seawater electrolysis.
Energy Storage Key Industry News
Renewables: Why Tesla Wants to Compete with UK Energy Firms | Sustainability Magazine
Tesla has applied for a UK electricity supply license as it seeks to enter the retail energy market, leveraging its solar and battery storage capabilities. This could disrupt traditional utilities and open new clean energy dynamics.
Can Europe Tackle Extreme Weather Amid Soaring AC Demands? | Sustainability Magazine
Europe faces rising pressure on energy grids due to increased air conditioning usage driven by extreme heat. The article highlights the importance of smart grids, energy efficiency, and renewable integration
Can Wave & Tidal Power be Part of the Energy Transition? | Sustainability Magazine
The article explores the potential and challenges of wave and tidal power as part of Europe’s renewable mix. While not mainstream yet, it signals emerging interest in diversifying clean energy sources.
Geothermal power expensive but not impossible, UK Government told – edie
A government-backed report outlines geothermal’s potential as a low-carbon energy source in the UK, despite high upfront costs.
Harmony Energy energises France’s largest BESS
Harmony Energy has brought online France’s largest BESS to date – a 49.5MW/99MWh system near Dijon. This project plays a key role in France’s energy transition and illustrates the scale-up of battery projects in continental Europe.
Energy Storage Key Deal News
Energy Vault, a gravity-based energy storage innovator, has secured $258M to scale its solutions globally.
Built Environment Key Industry News
New green mortgage guidance unveiled for UK lenders and housebuilders – edie
The Green Finance Institute has released guidance to support green mortgages tied to home energy efficiency.
Built Environment Key Deal New
€38 million for German SaaS startup plancraft to lead AI transformation in European construction
PlanCraft, a German SaaS company, raised €3.8M to modernise the European construction industry using AI tools for project management, planning, and documentation.
EV & EV Charging Key Industry News
Electrification: Inside Panasonic’s New US EV Battery Plant | Sustainability Magazine
Panasonic has launched a new EV battery manufacturing facility in the US aimed at meeting surging demand from OEMs. The plant will contribute significantly to EV supply chain capacity, particularly for North American markets.
Blackrock, Daimler & NextEra: Powering Low Carbon EV Freight | Sustainability Magazine
The trio is forming a joint venture to deploy EV charging infrastructure for freight and heavy-duty transport in the US.
How General Motors Broke the EV Range Record | Sustainability Magazine
GM set a new EV range record, showcasing advances in battery tech and aerodynamics. This reinforces industry momentum toward long-range electric mobility
EV & EV Charging Key Deal News
Brussels’ Cowboy pedals forward with new funding
Belgian e-bike company Cowboy has raised an undisclosed amount in a new funding round to further its micromobility offerings and tech platform.
