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
Inside UK Sport’s Masterplan to Make Sport More Sustainable | Sustainability Magazine
UK Sport is launching a major sustainability initiative aiming for net-zero operations across British sports venues and organisations by 2040.
New initiatives are launching to develop a green metals premium and low-carbon cement ratings system to drive demand for cleaner industrial materials and support heavy industry decarbonisation.
The Trump effect: Investors pulled $8.6bn from sustainable funds in Q1
Political uncertainty around U.S. elections has led to $8.6 billion in outflows from sustainable investment funds in Q1 2025, showing rising investor nervousness about ESG stability.
Net Zero/Sustainability Key Deal News
Paris-based Celest Science raises €2M in Seed funding
German startup Celest Science raised €2M to develop new sustainable, lightweight, and energy-efficient materials targeting the construction, mobility, and manufacturing sectors.
Data Centre Key Industry News
How Microsoft is Boosting Data Centre Component Circularity | Sustainability Magazine
Microsoft is advancing a circular economy approach by reusing and refurbishing server components in its data centres, aiming to reduce e-waste and resource consumption significantly.
What Does Earth Day Mean for Data Centres and AI? | Sustainability Magazine
In honour of Earth Day, major data centre operators, including Equinix and Digital Realty, reaffirmed new targets to reduce carbon footprints through renewable energy and improved energy efficiency.
Data Centre Key Industry Deals
Data Centres Central to Europe’s €200bn AI Strategy
Europe is mobilising a €200 billion effort to strengthen AI leadership while securing digital sovereignty, including investment in cloud, edge computing, and sustainable data centre infrastructure.
Hydrogen Key Industry News
UK, EU eye energy framework to unlock North Sea investment, hydrogen included | Policy | H2 View
The UK and EU are negotiating a framework agreement to boost North Sea renewable and hydrogen infrastructure investments, targeting streamlined project approvals and cross-border collaboration.
Air Liquide sees ‘good momentum’ in hydrogen despite turbulence | Finance | H2 View
Air Liquide reports strong commercial momentum across its hydrogen portfolio, including electrolyser projects and hydrogen supply agreements, despite broader market and political challenges.
Haffner promises sub-€3/kg hydrogen from new biomass reforming unit | Technology | H2 View
Haffner Energy has developed a biomass reforming unit capable of producing hydrogen at less than €3/kg, offering a potentially lower-cost, renewable pathway for green hydrogen production.
OMV to close Austria’s entire public hydrogen refuelling network | Technology | H2 View
Austrian oil and gas giant OMV announced it will shut down its public hydrogen refuelling stations due to weak demand and high operating costs.
Hydrogen Key Deal News
Statera’s Scottish 3GW green hydrogen plant approved despite local opposition | Power | H2 View
Statera Energy received planning approval for a 3GW green hydrogen facility in Kintore, Scotland, despite local objections. It will become one of Europe’s largest green hydrogen hubs.
Gen2 Energy eyes new green hydrogen export project in Norway with new land deal | Power | H2 View
Norwegian startup Gen2 Energy secured land for a new large-scale green hydrogen production and export project, targeting European markets.
Canada’s Next Hydrogen secures $5m gov-backed loan to address going concern | Technology | H2 View
Next Hydrogen, a Canadian electrolyser startup, has secured a $5M loan to address financial challenges and continue operations.
Energy Storage Key Industry News
GB Energy Blocks Use of Solar Panels Linked to Forced Labour | Sustainability Magazine
The UK’s state-backed GB Energy initiative has banned solar panels suspected of being linked to forced labour, reinforcing supply chain ethics and ESG scrutiny in energy infrastructure development.
Can the UK’s Carbon Budget Withstand Market Volatility? | Sustainability Magazine
The article questions the resilience of the UK’s legally binding carbon budgets amidst energy market volatility, inflation, and slower-than-expected emissions reductions.
Plans go in for £3bn Loch Ness pumped hydro energy storage project – edie
Plans have been filed for a £3 billion pumped hydro energy storage project near Loch Ness, which would deliver over 30 GWh of renewable energy storage—crucial for balancing the UK grid as renewables scale.
UK Government unveils £2bn carbon capture deal with Italian oil giant
The UK government has signed a £2 billion agreement with Eni to advance a major carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the North Sea, aiming to capture and store millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Global wind installations hit record highs in 2024, but policy gaps loom large
Wind energy installations set new global records in 2024, but policy uncertainty and permitting bottlenecks still threaten long-term project pipelines, especially in Europe and the UK.
Energy Storage Key Deal News
UK Government invests £300m to build domestic supply chains for wind farms – edie
The UK government will allocate £300M to boost domestic wind energy manufacturing, including turbine components, cables, and port infrastructure upgrades.
European cleantech startup Back to Battery secured funding to scale its battery recycling technology, enabling recovery of critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
UK’s Porpoise Power emerges from stealth, bags €1.3M
Dutch startup Porpoise Power raised €1.3M to commercialise compact tidal energy turbines designed to make marine energy more accessible and scalable.
Built Environment Key Industry News
The UK government is introducing a new “smart ready” standard for all heat pumps and low-carbon heating systems, aiming to boost energy efficiency, flexibility, and grid integration.
World’s first Low Carbon Ratings system for cement and concrete launched
A new global low-carbon ratings system for cement and concrete has been launched to standardise emissions benchmarking and help accelerate the decarbonisation of construction materials.
How IoT is driving sustainable construction
The article explores how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies—such as sensors, smart energy monitoring, and predictive maintenance—are helping construction companies reduce emissions, waste, and inefficiencies.
Built Environment Key Deal New
Amsterdam-based Kompas VC has closed a €150 million fund to back startups innovating in sustainable buildings, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure.
EV & EV Charging Key Industry News
The Role of E-Mobility in the Race Against Climate Change | Sustainability Magazine
Explores how electric mobility (EVs, fleets, charging infrastructure) is crucial to achieving net zero targets globally, with examples from leading corporate players and cities.
UK ‘main driver of growth’ in Europe’s March new car registrations
New car registrations in Europe rose 5.2% in March 2025, with the UK being the single biggest contributor to growth. EV registrations in particular continue to rise, although at a slower pace compared to 2023.
