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
Google’s Expanded AI Solution to Traffic Light Emissions | Sustainability Magazine
Google’s “Project Green Light” applies AI to optimise traffic flow in cities by reducing stop-and-go patterns. Pilots across multiple global cities have shown emissions and congestion reductions by adjusting traffic light timing based on real-time data.
Willow Review unveils 14-step roadmap to unlock green economy opportunities for SMEs
The government-backed Willow Review lays out 14 recommendations to help SMEs benefit from the green economy. It includes steps around finance access, digitalisation, skills, and procurement reform to unlock Net Zero potential in the SME sector.
Cost barriers and political headwinds: Why are some companies fretting about net-zero? – edie
The article explores why some businesses are slowing or reconsidering their Net Zero commitments. Key concerns include economic uncertainty, unclear regulation, rising costs, and fears of losing competitiveness. The piece calls for clearer policy and more support to maintain momentum.
Guidance launched to embed financial planning into corporate climate transition plans – edie
New UK guidance has been released to help businesses integrate financial planning into their climate transition strategies. It aims to link Net Zero plans with long-term investment decisions and improve transparency and accountability in climate disclosures.
Net Zero/Sustainability Key Deal News
https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/treefera-raised-30m-ai-powered-supply-chainsTreef
era has raised $30M to expand its AI-driven platform that helps companies track and improve sustainability across supply chains, with a focus on nature-based carbon removal and verification for ESG reporting.
Zurich’s earth simulation company Jua closes €10M Series A round
Swiss climate tech startup Jua has raised €10 million to expand its proprietary AI-based weather and climate forecasting platform, which aims to support more efficient grid and renewable energy operations.
Data Centre Key Industry News
Vantage secures $5 billion in green loans – DCD
Vantage Data Centers has secured $5 billion in green loans to finance its global expansion of sustainable facilities. The funds will support developments that meet strict environmental standards, including energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
Equinix launches second Portuguese data center in Lisbon – DCD
Equinix has opened its second data centre in Lisbon, citing increased demand for digital infrastructure in Portugal. The facility is expected to support international connectivity and cloud service expansion across Southern Europe.
GreenScale acquires land in Norway, targets 300MW data center campus – DCD
GreenScale is planning to build a 300MW data centre campus in Norway using 100% renewable energy. The land acquisition marks the start of one of Europe’s largest planned sustainable data centre projects.
Data Centre Key Industry Deals
Immersion cooling firm GRC secures investment from Samsung Ventures – DCD
Green Revolution Cooling (GRC), a pioneer in immersion cooling for data centres, has received strategic investment from Samsung Ventures. The funding will support technology development and global market expansion amid rising energy demands.
GridFree AI raises $5m to streamline off-grid data center deployment – DCD
GridFree AI has raised $5 million to develop technology that enables rapid deployment of off-grid, renewable-powered data centres. The solution integrates AI for location selection, resource management, and performance optimisation.
Hydrogen Key Industry News
From cars to trucks: how hydrogen refuelling is being redrawn
This feature explores how hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is shifting focus from light-duty vehicles to heavy-duty transport, particularly trucks. It highlights the need for higher-capacity stations and a rethink of station design, siting, and investment.
Stargate Hydrogen opens electrolyser factory with full 2025 order book | Technology | H2 View
Estonian start-up Stargate Hydrogen has launched a new electrolyser factory to meet rising European demand. The facility is already fully booked through 2025, reflecting strong momentum in the green hydrogen sector.
A successful large-scale trial of hydrogen-powered excavators and construction equipment has been completed in the UK. It marks a breakthrough for applying hydrogen in non-road machinery and reducing site emissions.
Consortium targets liquid hydrogen infrastructure for Dutch airports | Mobility | H2 View
A Dutch consortium is developing a liquid hydrogen fuelling infrastructure plan to serve the country’s major airports. The initiative aims to support future hydrogen-powered aircraft and position the Netherlands as a hydrogen aviation leader.
Hydrogen investment climbs as global energy spending hits $3.3 trillion: IEA | Power | H2 View
The IEA reports that hydrogen investment is accelerating globally, contributing to a record $3.3 trillion in overall energy spending. However, most hydrogen spending remains concentrated in advanced economies.
Andritz launches 1GW alkaline electrolsyer factory in Germany | Technology
Austrian industrial group ANDRITZ has opened a new electrolyser manufacturing plant in Germany with a 1GW annual production capacity, bolstering Europe’s green hydrogen supply chain.
‘Europe’s largest’ hydrogen-based e-fuels plant inaugurated in Germany | Power | H2 View
Germany has inaugurated Europe’s largest hydrogen-based e-fuels facility, developed to decarbonise aviation and shipping. The project combines green hydrogen with CO₂ to produce synthetic fuels.
Energy Storage Key Industry News
EY: How Sustainability Impacts Business Energy Choices
EY outlines strategic imperatives for energy providers to meet surging global electricity demand, driven by electrification and digitalisation. The report emphasises grid flexibility, digital optimisation, customer-centric solutions, and new investment models.
Eco Stor puts largest BESS in Germany online, former majority owner building Finland project
Eco Stor has brought Germany’s largest operational battery energy storage system (BESS) online (200MWh). Meanwhile, its former majority owner is investing in a new BESS project in Finland.
Entrix to optimise MEAG’s 231MWh fully-merchant Germany BESS – Energy-Storage.News
Entrix will optimise operations for MEAG’s 231MWh merchant BESS in Germany, using AI and algorithmic trading to maximise returns in energy markets without relying on long-term contracts.
Enlight hybridises Spain’s largest wind power plant with Solar PV, BESS retrofits
Enlight is integrating solar PV and BESS into Spain’s largest wind power site, converting it into a hybrid energy project capable of more stable and dispatchable output.
Netherlands: Giga Storage begins construction on 1.2GWh standalone BESS
Giga Storage has broken ground on a massive 1.2GWh standalone BESS in the Netherlands, which will be one of the largest in Europe, supporting renewable energy integration and grid balancing.
Energy Storage Key Deal News
How InnoEnergy Aims to Save US$15bn in Energy Costs | Sustainability Magazine
EIT InnoEnergy, backed by the EU, supports 200+ cleantech start-ups and scale-ups across Europe. The organisation claims its supported portfolio could lead to $15bn in energy cost savings while enabling critical progress in battery storage, hydrogen, renewables, and energy efficiency.
Built Environment Key Industry News
Cushman & Wakefield: How Real Estate can Avoid Climate Risks | Sustainability Magazine
Cushman & Wakefield outlines a risk-mitigation approach for real estate portfolios facing climate-related threats. Key strategies include data-driven risk analysis, regulatory preparedness, and design adaptations for resilience.
Solar mandate for new-build homes confirmed – edie
The UK Government has confirmed that new homes in England will be required to include solar panels under updated building regulations. This move is part of a broader effort to decarbonise the built environment and improve energy efficiency in residential construction.
EV & EV Charging Key Industry News
Kuehne+Nagel and Milence Drive Electric Freight Forward | Sustainability Magazine
Logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel is partnering with Milence, a joint venture between Volvo, Daimler Truck, and Traton, to accelerate the electrification of freight. The collaboration aims to build and use charging infrastructure for heavy-duty electric trucks across Europe, starting with major freight corridors.
Electric car sales surge, but HGV fleets struggle to make EV switch – edie
While the UK sees strong uptake of electric cars, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are lagging significantly in electrification due to infrastructure, cost, and operational challenges. The report calls for more targeted government support and infrastructure planning.
Government ‘falling short’ on its electric fleet commitment
The UK government is behind on its targets to electrify its fleet, with only 25% of its central government fleet fully electric, falling short of the 100% target by 2027.
EV & EV Charging Key Deal News
£300m funding boost for Believ to deliver 30,000 EV chargers
EV charging provider Believ has secured a £300 million funding commitment from investment group EQT, with the aim of installing 30,000 public EV charge points across the UK.
