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
National Trust unveils first transition plan to deliver net-zero by 2030 – edie
The UK’s National Trust released its inaugural transition plan outlining decarbonisation measures to reach net zero by 2030. This sets an important precedent for heritage and public sector organisations pursuing climate goals.
Report: 80% of carbon offset credits linked to ‘problematic’ projects – edie
A new report finds that 80% of carbon offset credits are tied to projects with questionable climate benefits. This raises concerns over the credibility of offsets and underscores the need for robust due diligence in Net Zero claims.
What is the Future of European Greenwashing Rules? | Sustainability Magazine
The EU Green Claims Directive, which aims to curb misleading environmental marketing, has faced delays and revisions. This regulation is critical for companies shaping credible sustainability strategies and disclosures.
Net Zero/Sustainability Key Deal News
Catalyxx received pre-approval for €37 million to build a biobutanol production facility in France. The project supports decarbonisation in chemicals and fuels, offering potential synergies with low-carbon industrial strategies.
French startup Cosma raises €2.5 million for underwater imaging technology for marine biodiversity
Cosma raised €2.5 million to advance underwater imaging solutions for marine biodiversity monitoring. While more ecological in focus, it illustrates growing investment in environmental tech.
EarthScale launches new €5.8 million push to boost UK ClimateTech startups
Earthscale announced a €5.8 million fund to back early-stage climatetech ventures in the UK. This initiative strengthens the domestic innovation ecosystem and pipeline of sustainability solutions.
Data Centre Key Industry News
London university powers campus using waste heat from data centre
A London university has implemented an innovative system to heat campus buildings with waste heat from a nearby data centre. This showcases practical, scalable circular energy solutions relevant for Net Zero strategies in the built environment.
Schneider Electric & QMUL: Using Data Centres to Heat London | Sustainability Magazine
Schneider Electric and Queen Mary University of London are capturing waste heat from data centres to warm university facilities. This project showcases scalable circular economy approaches in the UK built environment.
How Colt DCS Reached 90% Renewable Energy Procurement | Sustainability Magazine
Colt Data Centre Services reported it achieved 90% renewable energy use across its operations. This is a strong benchmark for sustainable data infrastructure that could guide clients’ digital decarbonisation roadmaps.
Global Warming: Why Data Centres Must Adapt for Resilience | Sustainability Magazine
The article examines sustainable cooling strategies—like liquid cooling and waste heat reuse—to manage rising temperatures in data centres. This is critical for advising clients on resilient and low-carbon digital infrastructure.
Heatwaves Strain Power Grids as Data Centre Demand Peaks
The article highlights how rising temperatures and extreme weather increasingly stress electricity grids, threatening data centre resilience. This is a crucial consideration for infrastructure planning and adaptation strategies.
How do we Keep Data Centres Cool as the Earth Heats Up?
The piece explores sustainable cooling technologies, including liquid cooling and thermal storage, to mitigate climate-related risks for data centres. It offers actionable insights for decarbonisation and operational resilience.
Data Centre Key Industry Deals
The Norrsken Foundation is launching a €300 million fund to support AI-driven solutions across climate, health, and other sectors. This represents a significant pool of capital for scalable European climatetech innovation.
Hydrogen Key Industry News
The Port of Rotterdam issued the first digital certificate for transferring green ammonia to a ship, setting a precedent for transparent verification of hydrogen derivatives. This enhances Europe’s leadership in clean fuel logistics.
Enagás taps Solvay to develop underground hydrogen storage in Spain | Technology | H2 View
Enagás and Solvay will develop underground hydrogen storage in Spain, improving supply security and grid balancing. This project demonstrates critical infrastructure development to enable broader hydrogen adoption across Europe.
Europe adopts state aid framework to support Clean Industrial Deal | Policy | H2 View
The EU approved a new state aid framework to accelerate decarbonisation in heavy industry, including hydrogen and renewables. This policy unlocks funding mechanisms critical to scaling clean tech and infrastructure.
Germany’s hydrogen funding to be cut by a third under budget plans
Germany plans to reduce hydrogen funding by one-third in its draft budget, raising concerns over the pace of project development. As Europe’s largest economy, this policy shift could ripple across supply chains and investor sentiment.
Norwegian firms plan 20MW green hydrogen plant using offshore systems | Power | H2 View
Norwegian companies unveiled plans for a 20MW green hydrogen facility integrating offshore wind systems. This project demonstrates scalable, innovative approaches to renewable hydrogen in Europe’s North Sea region.
Industry stakeholders warn that the European Commission’s draft rules on low-carbon hydrogen could render projects commercially unviable. This regulatory uncertainty is crucial for developers and investors evaluating hydrogen business cases.
First CPH2 licensee to start electrolyser build in Ireland this year | Technology | H2 View
The first licensee of UK electrolyser firm CPH2 will begin constructing electrolysers in Ireland this year. This marks a step forward in scaling green hydrogen equipment manufacturing in the British Isles.
Hydrogen Key Deal News
Atawey raises €22m to accelerate European hydrogen refuelling effort | Technology | H2 View
French start-up Atawey raised €22 million to scale hydrogen refuelling stations across Europe. This investment highlights increasing capital flow into hydrogen mobility infrastructure, accelerating deployment opportunities.
John Cockerill Hydrogen raises €116m as Fluxys joins shareholder group | Technology
Belgian hydrogen technology firm John Cockerill raised €116 million in funding, with Fluxys taking a stake. This substantial investment reinforces Europe’s electrolyser manufacturing capacity and scaling momentum.
Energy Storage Key Industry News
CCC: Expensive electricity is biggest hurdle to Britain’s net-zero transition – edie
The UK Climate Change Committee warns that high electricity costs are the main barrier to decarbonisation. This insight is crucial for planning electrification strategies and advising clients on cost mitigation.
Implenia wins $123 million contract for Swedish nuclear waste site – Construction Briefing
Implenia secured a $123 million contract to build a Swedish repository for radioactive waste. While niche, it highlights growth in specialist infrastructure and regulatory-driven investment in Europe.
UK Industrial Strategy Targets Faster Grid Connections | Data Centre Magazine
This article outlines how the UK Industrial Strategy is tackling energy supply and affordability, directly impacting data centres and large-scale energy users. It offers important context for planning and policy engagement.
German battery production, trade decline; lobby urges action
Battery production and exports in Germany are falling, prompting industry groups to call for stronger support measures. This trend has direct implications for European supply chains and energy transition timelines.
Energy Storage Key Deal News
SR Robotics raised €8.4 million to scale underwater robotics that support renewable energy and marine infrastructure. This funding strengthens European capabilities in sustainable energy security and innovation.
Tibo Energy secured €6 million to expand its AI-powered platform optimising energy use in large facilities. This aligns closely with digital decarbonisation, demand management, and smart grid strategies.
Built Environment Key Industry News
The UK’s Building Safety Act: The impacts so far and major issues ahead – Construction Briefing
This article reviews how the UK Building Safety Act is reshaping compliance, liability, and delivery models in construction. It’s directly relevant for advising clients on risk, project governance, and sustainable design requirements.
Ramboll’s UK managing director highlights gaps in skills, funding, and policy certainty needed to deliver national infrastructure plans. These insights are critical for strategic planning and market forecasting in the built environment.
EV & EV Charging Key Industry News
Uber to expand EV charging access and launch mopeds with swappable batteries in London – edie
Uber will broaden EV charging access in London and introduce electric mopeds with swappable batteries. This move accelerates zero-emission transport options and infrastructure in a key UK urban market.
How has Royal Mail Become the UK’s Greenest Parcel Operator? | Sustainability Magazine
Royal Mail is leading parcel decarbonisation through fleet electrification and operational efficiencies. This UK example offers valuable case studies for logistics and mobility decarbonisation initiatives.
How are BYD & Octopus Energy Powering the UK’s EV Adoption? | Sustainability Magazine
BYD and Octopus Energy are partnering to expand EV uptake in the UK, including bundling vehicle leasing and renewable tariffs. This is a strong example of ecosystem collaboration to accelerate transport decarbonisation.
The world’s most powerful electric car battery, VarEVolt, charges to 100% in 18 seconds
Varevolt has unveiled an experimental battery capable of full EV charging in 18 seconds, a leap forward in fast-charging technology. While still at the prototype stage, it signals disruptive possibilities for vehicle infrastructure planning
New EV battery survives 54-hour saltwater submersion without a scratch or spark
A new EV battery demonstrated exceptional safety by operating normally after 54 hours submerged in saltwater. This technology could improve safety standards and public confidence in electric mobility.
EV & EV Charging Key Deal News
DejaBlue secured €6.8 million to scale energy optimisation technologies tailored for EV charging infrastructure. This funding highlights innovation in smart energy management supporting the electrification of transport.
