The Week in Cleantech: 16 July 2023

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Raises €5.6B for World's Largest Dedicated Greenfield Renewables Investment Fund

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has successfully raised €5.6 billion ($A9.2 billion) in the first round of investment for CI V, a dedicated greenfield renewables investment fund. With a target size of €12 billion, this fund is poised to become the largest of its kind globally. CIP, co-developer of Australia's potential first offshore wind farm, has a significant pipeline of projects in the country, totaling 30GW. The company aims to invest in greenfield renewables, de-risk and optimize projects in the development stage, and build a diverse portfolio of over 40 renewable projects.

CIP's remarkable progress in raising funds for CI V demonstrates the growing appeal and traction of offshore wind and renewable energy opportunities in Australia and beyond. The fund's diverse investment strategy, allocating one-third to offshore wind, one-third to onshore wind and solar, and one-third to niche technologies like energy storage, aligns with the global shift towards a cleaner energy mix. With significant interest from international investors and CIP's experience as a global leader in offshore wind, the CI V fund is poised to accelerate the growth of renewable energy and drive sustainable development worldwide.

Covered in: Renew Economy and 10 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

EU Proposes Ambitious Recycled Content Target for Plastics in Cars

The European Plastic Recycling Branch (EPRB) of EuRIC supports the new European Commission proposal to achieve a recycled content target of 25% for post-consumer plastics in new cars by 2030. Plastic demand in cars has been steadily increasing, currently accounting for 10% of the EU's plastic demand. Plastic offers valuable properties such as durability, flexibility, and weight reduction, contributing to the decarbonization of the automotive industry.

Currently, more than 80% of automotive plastics end up in landfills or incinerators. However, advanced technologies exist at an industrial scale to transform automotive plastics waste into recycled plastics, suitable for reuse in the automotive sector and other applications. The European Commission's target will drive the demand for circular and low-carbon plastics in cars while promoting investments in green industrial value chains. Strengthening collaboration between EuRIC and the automotive sector, including standardization efforts, will be crucial to meet or exceed the targets. Furthermore, European recyclers are eager to expand recycled content targets beyond plastics, working alongside co-legislators to enhance sustainability across industries.

Covered in: Global Recycling and 8 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

Common Food Additive Enhances Capacity and Longevity of Next-Generation Flow Batteries

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have achieved a significant breakthrough in flow battery technology by incorporating a simple sugar additive called β-cyclodextrin. The flow battery, optimized for grid energy storage, demonstrated the ability to maintain its energy storage and release capacity for over a year of continuous charge and discharge, with minimal loss of activity. The β-cyclodextrin additive, a derivative of starch, not only extended the battery's lifespan but also accelerated the electrochemical reaction responsible for energy conversion, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for large-scale energy storage.

Flow batteries play a critical role in storing renewable energy for the electrical grid, serving as backup generators during high-demand periods or grid disruptions. The successful use of β-cyclodextrin in flow batteries addresses the need for cost-effective and accessible alternatives to existing flow battery technologies, which rely on expensive and scarce minerals like vanadium. The breakthrough paves the way for sustainable and scalable flow battery solutions that can be manufactured using common and easily synthesized materials. As renewable energy sources continue to expand, energy storage technologies like flow batteries are essential for enabling a reliable and resilient grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerating the global transition to clean energy.

Covered in: Tech Xplore and 6 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

Top-3 Funding Rounds Raised by Cleantech Startups

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