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
Bio-Toilets: How the US Air Force will use Waste for Power | Sustainability Magazine
The US Air Force is piloting bio-toilet systems that convert human waste into energy, water, and fertiliser using microbial fuel cells. This supports resilience and sustainability in remote or field deployments.
How is IKEA Empowering SME’s to Become Greener Businesses? | Sustainability Magazine
IKEA is supporting SMEs in its supply chain and beyond with tools, training, and funding to reduce emissions and adopt greener practices. The initiative is part of their broader Net Zero ambition.
Report: Sustainable debt market to withstand headwinds through 2026
Despite economic pressures, the sustainable debt market, including green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds, is expected to remain resilient and grow through 2026.
Only 1 in 4 small businesses expect to reach net-zero by 2050
A UK-wide survey shows that just 25% of SMEs feel confident they’ll achieve net zero by 2050. Barriers include lack of resources, information, and support.
Net Zero/Sustainability Key Deal News
German rail freight company Helrom raises €32.9M green loan
German rail logistics start-up Helrom has secured a €32.9M green loan to scale its zero-emission rail transport system, which facilitates the modal shift of freight from road to rail via innovative horizontal loading wagons.
SkyNRG, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), raised $250M to expand production capacity in Europe and the US. The funding will support its mission to make SAF mainstream and reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.
Data Centre Key Industry News
Germany’s Prior1 develops timber data center module – DCD
Prior1 has created a prefabricated data centre module built primarily from timber, offering a low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete and steel builds.
Skeleton Technologies launches graphene-based supercapacitor power shelf – DCD
Skeleton Technologies has unveiled a new power shelf using graphene-based supercapacitors to improve backup energy storage and efficiency in data centres.
Data Centre Key Industry Deals
Heron Power raises $38m to fast-track grid hardware for AI data centers – DCD
Heron Power raised $38 million to accelerate production of hardware solutions that enhance power delivery and resiliency for AI-optimised data centres.
Blue Owl-led JV secures $750m to build out data centers for CoreWeave
A Blue Owl Capital–led joint venture has raised $750 million to build new data centre capacity for CoreWeave, a specialist in AI workloads.
Hydrogen Key Industry News
Consortium led by AceOn Group trials hydrogen-battery hybrid vessel | Mobility | H2 View
A UK consortium led by AceOn Group has begun trials of a hydrogen-battery hybrid vessel, aiming to cut emissions in marine transport. The initiative explores the viability of integrating battery and hydrogen fuel systems in one platform.
North America on track to lose 20% global hydrogen market share by 2030 as US policy shifts
A new report warns that North America could lose a fifth of its projected hydrogen market share by 2030 due to inconsistent US policy and regulatory uncertainty.
RIC and Siemens Energy plan to scale green hydrogen and e-fuels projects in Spain | Power | H2 View
Siemens Energy and Repsol Innovation Center (RIC) are collaborating to scale green hydrogen and synthetic e-fuel production facilities in Spain.
OMV FIDs 140MW Austrian green hydrogen plant, but subsidies remain a condition
OMV has made a final investment decision for a 140MW green hydrogen plant in Austria, expected to be one of Europe’s largest. However, the project’s realisation depends on public subsidies.
JCB secures first full EU type-approval for hydrogen combustion engine | Technology | H2 View
JCB has received the first EU type approval for a hydrogen combustion engine, a milestone for deploying H₂ ICE technology in off-road and construction vehicles.
UK and Germany unveil plans for cross-border hydrogen pipeline network | Technology | H2 View
The UK and Germany are advancing plans for a cross-border hydrogen pipeline network, signalling a new phase in European hydrogen infrastructure integration.
Hydrogen Key Deal News
Andalusia grants strategic status to HyGreen’s alkaline electrolyser factory | Technology
The regional government of Andalusia has granted “strategic” status to HyGreen Energy’s proposed alkaline electrolyser manufacturing plant, accelerating its development.
Plagazi finalises EU funding for waste-to-hydrogen plant in Sweden | Power | H2 View
Swedish startup Plagazi has secured €29.5 million in EU funding to build a waste-to-hydrogen facility that turns non-recyclable waste into clean hydrogen.
Italy and Spain to soar amidst uncertainty over MACSE pricing and grid-forming regulations
Italy and Spain are poised for rapid BESS growth, but market risks remain due to uncertain regulation around MACSE (Minimum Activation and Continuous Service Entry) pricing and grid-forming rules.
Energy Storage Key Industry News
Energy Transition: Why National Grid’s Emissions Increased | Sustainability Magazine
UK National Grid emissions rose due to a decline in wind output and increased use of gas-fired generation to meet demand. The piece underscores grid balancing, weather dependency, and energy system resilience as central to transition success.
‘Largest BESS in EU’ inaugurated in Bulgaria – Energy-Storage.News
Bulgaria has inaugurated the EU’s largest operational BESS, a major milestone for the region’s energy resilience and renewable integration.
Switzerland has approved the construction of a 1.6GWh vanadium flow battery, marking a significant advance in long-duration energy storage capacity in Europe.
Energy Storage Key Deal News
Floatech, a Spanish cleantech start-up, has secured €1M in funding to develop and scale its floating solar technology. The solution aims to address land use constraints and support the renewable energy transition in densely populated or water-abundant regions.
Gazelle Wind Power, a Portuguese start-up, raised €2M to advance its patented hybrid floating wind platform, aimed at unlocking deeper offshore wind sites. The funding supports commercialisation and future deployment.
Twindo, an Amsterdam-based start-up, raised €1M to expand its energy transition-focused software, which aims to improve the coordination and efficiency of field operations in clean energy projects.
Ingrid/SEB and Monsson launching construction on Finland and Sweden BESS projects
Ingrid Capacity, in collaboration with SEB and Monsson, is starting construction on several Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Finland and Sweden. These will support grid stability and renewable integration in both markets.
Built Environment Key Industry News
Environmental exemptions for smaller sites hailed as ‘sensible’ solution | Construction News
The UK government has introduced environmental exemptions for smaller development sites, aiming to streamline planning and reduce compliance burdens for SMEs. The move is intended to spur construction activity while maintaining sustainability standards for larger sites.
EV & EV Charging Key Industry News
How the UK Government is Boosting Access to EV Charging | Sustainability Magazine
The UK Government is rolling out accessibility standards for EV charging stations to ensure inclusivity for disabled users. Guidelines address physical design, interface usability, and public consultation processes.
IEA: How Sustainability Regulations are Changing EV Growth
The IEA outlines how regulatory frameworks—like CO₂ emissions targets and subsidies—are driving exponential EV adoption worldwide. The article highlights the interplay between regulation and market acceleration.
Why Oil Giant Aramco is Working with EV-Maker BYD | Sustainability Magazine
Aramco is partnering with BYD to explore EV development and charging infrastructure. This represents a pivot towards transport electrification by a major oil player.
UK’s largest banks finance fossil fuel expansion despite net-zero pledges
From 2025, EVs will no longer be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge, as Transport for London aims to manage rising traffic levels. This could affect consumer EV adoption.
