The Week in Cleantech: 18 June 2023

Last week's cleantech funding and investments surged as Germany initiated a €50bn program for decarbonizing the cement industry, Queensland committed AUD 19bn to renewable energy storage and transmission, and the EU allocated a €10bn fund to support Argentina's green hydrogen sector. Meanwhile, Iberdrola sealed a binding agreement to sell $6bn worth of gas plants and a wind farm in Mexico to Mexico Infrastructure Partners.

---

Serbia launches its first renewable energy auction for 400 MW wind and 50 MW solar power. The country plans to award market premiums for 1,300 MW of renewables in the next three years. (Renewables Now and 4 other sources)

RWE to use world's first recyclable rotor blades at Danish offshore wind farm. Siemens Gamesa's recyclable blades can avoid landfill and give materials a second use. (Offshore WIND and 3 other sources)

Germany to launch dynamic bidding process for zero-cent offshore wind bids. Federal Network Agency plans to conduct the four procedures simultaneously. (Renewables Now and 3 other sources)

Vattenfall inaugurates largest UK onshore wind farm in Scotland. South Kyle project has 240 MW capacity and will supply AG Barr under a PPA. (Renewables Now and 3 other sources)

RWE links 137MW battery energy storage system to California grid. The facility will power 26,000 homes and support California’s clean energy goals. (Power Technology and 3 other sources)

Norwegian Hydrogen to build Norway's largest green hydrogen plant, to export to Europe. The 270MW factory at Ørskog will produce 40,000 tpa of green hydrogen, with Provaris Energy facilitating exports. (Power Technology and 3 other sources)

Ford opens first carbon-neutral EV plant in Germany with 250k annual capacity. The Cologne EV Center will use self-learning machines and real-time data management to improve efficiency. (Environment + Energy Leader and 3 other sources)

World's largest offshore wind farm fully installed off Netherlands coast. Hollandse Kust Zuid to be inaugurated later this year. (Offshore WIND and 2 other sources)

Vaisala unveils new weather station for utility-scale PV plants at Intersolar Europe. The AWS810 Solar Edition measures solar irradiation and weather parameters, optimizing operations throughout the plant life cycle. (pv magazine and 2 other sources)

DVC to double power generation to 15,000 MW by 2030. DVC will invest Rs 60,000 crore to install new power plants. (ET EnergyWorld and 2 other sources)

---

Canadian Solar unveils 700W bifacial TOPCon solar modules at Intersolar Europe. The double-glass panels feature 210mm cells and have a power conversion efficiency of 21.7% to 22.5%. (pv magazine and 8 other sources)

2024 Polestar 2 gets more range, power, and standard equipment, with prices starting at $51,300. The Long Range Single Motor variant is rear-wheel drive, while the Long Range Dual Motor has two new electric motors and a rear-drive bias. (InsideEVs and 4 other sources)

First Solar unveils world's first bifacial thin-film solar panel at Intersolar Europe. The module features a transparent back contact that reduces operational temperature and increases energy yield. (pv magazine and 4 other sources)

Kia's upcoming GT1 EV to ride on Hyundai's next-gen "eM" platform with over 600hp and 430-497 miles of range. Hyundai aims to become a top-three global EV producer by the end of the decade, with the eM platform boosting range by 50% compared to current EVs. (Elektrek and 3 other sources)

Enel Green Power's 3Sun unveils three new solar panels for 2024. The 3SUN CORE-H heterojunction technology modules will be manufactured in Italy. (Renewables Now and 3 other sources)

Innolith's I-State battery tech to cut EV costs and increase range. The high energy density of 300 Wh/kg, non-flammable electrolyte, and reduced cathode metals will reduce weight and environmental concerns. (Green Car Congress and 2 other sources)

AMS OSRAM launches 640 nm red LED for plant growth in controlled environments. The addition to the OSLON® Horticultural LED series improves energy efficiency and crop yield. (iGrow News and 2 other sources)

NIO unveils ET5 Touring EV wagon for Europe with up to 348 miles of range. The family-focused electric vehicle comes with a 360 kW dual-motor AWD powertrain, two battery options, and premium features such as soft-close doors, frameless windows, and a 14.5 sq ft all-glass roof. (InsideEVs and 2 other sources)

TELO, a Silicon Valley-based electric truck start-up, is developing a compact electric truck with the capabilities of a full-size pickup truck. The truck, which is estimated to have a 350-mile range and a 20-minute charge time, will be priced at $50,000 before incentives and is expected to be available for purchase in 2025. (Elektrek and 2 other sources)

Ideematec to supply 640-MW solar project in Texas with Horizon L:TEC 1P solar tracking system. The decoupled drive technology and proprietary locking system provide stability and less maintenance. (Solar Power World and 2 other sources)

---

GM and Samsung SDI to build $3bn EV battery plant in Indiana, creating 1,700 jobs. The plant will produce 30 GWh of high-nickel prismatic and cylindrical battery cells annually. (EVMagz and 7 other sources)

Lhyfe and Capital Energy to develop offshore renewable hydrogen projects in Spain and Portugal. The collaboration aims to create hydrogen production sites at offshore wind farm sites, which would benefit both companies economically and socially. (Offshore WIND and 7 other sources)

PGE and Ørsted sign contract for offshore substations for Baltica 2 wind farm. The four substations will be manufactured in Vietnam and will have a total capacity of 1,498 MW. (Offshore WIND and 6 other sources)

Simply Blue Group and Archirodon partner to explore floating offshore wind in Greece. ArcoBlue will develop floating offshore wind projects in Greece, aiming to support the country's target of building at least 2.6 GW of offshore wind by 2030. (Offshore WIND and 3 other sources)

FedEx partners with BrightDrop to bring 50 electric vans to Canada. The deployment is part of the company's goal to transform its entire parcel pickup and delivery fleet to zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles by 2040. (Electrive and 6 other sources)

Jan De Nul and RWE sign long-term charter agreement for offshore wind installation vessels. The partnership includes the exclusive charter of Les Alizés and Voltaire for future offshore wind foundation and turbine construction. (Offshore WIND and 5 other sources)

Cepsa and Yara Clean Ammonia partner for Europe's first green hydrogen maritime corridor. Cepsa plans to construct a green ammonia plant in San Roque, Cadiz, near the port of Algeciras. (Renewables Now and 5 other sources)

ENGIE commissions Australia's largest utility-scale battery storage system at retired coal-fired power station. The 50MW/150MWh Hazelwood BESS can store the equivalent of one hour of energy generated from 30,000 homes' rooftop solar systems. (NS Energy and 4 other sources)

Merchants Fleet to buy 12,500 Ram ProMaster EVs in new agreement. The deal will allow Merchants to provide fleet managers with a range of short- and long-term EV leasing options. (Green Car Congress and 4 other sources)

DHL and IAG Cargo partner to promote sustainable aviation fuel. DHL commits to purchasing 3 million gallons of SAF in 2023, while IAG pledges 10% of its flights will be fueled by SAF by 2030. (Environment + Energy Leader and 3 other sources)

---

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners buys 26.67% stake in CWP Global's green hydrogen business. CIP will invest in a pipeline of renewable hydrogen hubs across Africa, the Americas, and Australia, including the 50 GW Western Green Energy Hub and the 26 GW Australian Renewable Energy Hub. (pv magazine Australia and 5 other sources)

Siemens Gamesa minority shareholders approve capital reduction in Siemens Energy takeover. Siemens Energy to pay €18.05 per share to fully integrate Spain-based subsidiary. (Renewables Now and 5 other sources)

Iberdrola to sell $6bn Mexico gas plants, wind farm to MIP. Mexico Infrastructure Partners acquires operations accounting for 55% of Iberdrola’s gross operating profit. (Renewables Now and 3 other sources)

Duke Energy to sell Commercial Renewables business to Brookfield for $2.8bn. Brookfield Renewable to acquire 3.4 GW of utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage assets across the US. (Renewables Now and 3 other sources)

Keter and Waste Harmonics to merge to create leading waste service provider. Keter CEO Kevin Dice will lead the combined company. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 1 other source)

Macquarie Asset Management acquires majority stake in Coastal Waste & Recycling in recapitalization deal. Coastal CEO Brendon Pantano will continue to lead the company. (Waste Dive and 1 other source)

Partners Group to acquire 35 biogas plants and 10 biomethane facilities in Germany. The Swiss investment management company plans to develop the platform’s project pipeline and strengthen its contract management capabilities. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)

Casella Waste Systems to acquire Twin Bridges for $219M in cash, expanding waste management services in New York. The acquisition includes two collection operations, one transfer station, one MRF, and several satellite properties. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 1 other source)

Octopus Energy acquires 11.4 MW German wind farm from RES. The facility, built on a former US air station, will start operations next year. (Renewables Now)

Antin Infrastructure to acquire Spanish renewable energy firm Opdenergy for $924.5m. The private equity firm is offering a 46% premium on the last undisturbed share price of the target company. (Renewables Now)

---

Germany launches €50bn CCfD (Carbon Contracts for Difference) programme to decarbonize cement industry. The 15-year subsidy scheme aims to encourage low-carbon production processes and technologies. (CemNet)

Queensland to invest AUD 19bn in wind, solar, storage and transmission projects. The funding package will be provided by the state government over four years to achieve climate goals. (Renewables Now and 2 other sources)

EU allocates €10bn fund to boost Argentina's green hydrogen industry. While the allocation represents a significant opportunity for Argentina's green hydrogen industry, challenges related to funding availability, local content requirements, and access to foreign currency may pose hurdles to the realization of the country's ambitious hydrogen plans. (Energy News and 2 other sources)

SSE Transmission unveils £10bn plan to upgrade UK's national transmission system for offshore wind. The investment will facilitate interconnection of up to 11 GW of offshore wind capacity. (Renewables Now and 2 other sources)

Ilmarinen invests €2.7bn in BlackRock's climate-focused ETFs. The pension insurance company's anchor investments include €2bn to the USA ETF and €745m to the Japan ETF. (ESG Today and 1 other source)

Iberdrola secures $1.07bn loan from EIB for 2.2 GW of solar and wind power plants. The Spanish utility will build 19 solar parks and 3 onshore wind farms in Spain, Portugal, and Germany. (Renewables Now and 8 other sources)

Europe launches €225m Fund for Renewable Hydrogen in Chile to boost exports and create jobs. The fund will support the development of the strategic industry and strengthen the EU's energy security. (H2 View and 1 other source)

US DOE announces $192m funding for battery recycling and R&D consortium to support EVs. The funding includes a $125m Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing, and Battery Collection funding opportunity. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 9 other sources)

CubicPV secures $103m to develop US silicon wafer production base. The US solar manufacturer plans to build a 10GW mono silicon wafer factory and research perovskite-silicon tandem technology. (PV Tech and 7 other sources)

Clean Energy Ventures leads $22.7m financing for UK-based OXCCU to develop sustainable aviation fuel. OXEFUEL, produced by combining captured CO2 and green hydrogen, could be cost-competitive with traditional jet fuel if renewable energy costs are realised. (Impact Investor and 1 other source)

---

Volkswagen aims to reduce the energy consumption of electric car battery production by 30% with a dry coating, lowering costs by hundreds of euros per vehicle. The German automaker has been researching the process with partners since 2020 and plans to apply it to millions of battery cells by the beginning of 2027. (Electrive and 4 other sources)

Rolls-Royce and Sumitomo study finds SMRs offer significant advantage for low-carbon hydrogen production. The 470MWe factory-built Rolls-Royce SMR design can be located alongside energy-intensive industrial processes, including hydrogen production. (Nuclear Engineering International and 3 other sources)

Scientists create cobalt-free lithium-ion batteries with nickel, reducing child labor issues. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, developed a low-nickel alternative that could replace cobalt in lithium-ion batteries, making it a more economically viable option for electric vehicles and other products. (Nanowerk and 2 other sources)

University of Edinburgh researchers win grant to recycle wind turbine blades into protective powders. The powders could be used to protect engineering and structural components, including new wind turbine blades, from corrosion and erosion. (Offshore WIND and 2 other sources)

Korean researchers develop efficient magnesium batteries for mass production. The team used a chemical activation strategy to enable magnesium batteries to operate in common electrolytes without corrosive additives. (Tech Xplore and 1 other source)

Scientists develop indium-sulfide-based electron transport layer to boost perovskite solar cell efficiency. Indium sulfide acts as the harvester material for OPSCs that generates charge carriers when exposed to sunlight, increasing PV stability and boosting overall efficiency. (Mercom India and 1 other source)

Longi sets new world record for solar cell efficiency at 33.5%. Longi President Li Zhenguo says improving cell conversion efficiency and reducing the cost of electricity remain the perpetual theme driving the development of the photovoltaic industry. (pv magazine and 1 other source)

Researchers discover feasibility of calcium-based batteries to replace lithium-ion batteries. Calcium-based batteries could have higher energy density and be more cost-effective due to calcium's abundance. (MiningSEE)

Japanese researchers develop solid, rechargeable air battery for small electronic gadgets. The battery uses an organic negative electrode and a solid polymer electrolyte, which improves performance and durability. (Tech Xplore)

Insect exuviae, or cast-off outer skins, can boost plant growth and resilience, according to a study by researchers at Wageningen University & Research. The use of exuviae, particularly from black soldier flies, could help farmers transition to a more sustainable and circular agricultural system. (Mongabay)

---

Legacy car manufacturers in North America are turning to Tesla's charging network as the de facto standard, with Ford, GM, and Stellantis (Jeep and Chrysler) set to install Tesla charging plugs in their vehicles. Other charging networks are struggling to compete, and the trend is spreading to other regions, including Europe and China. (CleanTechnica and 21 other sources)

Germany to build Europe's largest clean energy hub at coal-fired power station with ESS iron flow battery technology. LEAG, the largest power plant operator in eastern Germany, plans to develop 14 GW of renewable generation paired with 2-3 GWh of energy storage and 2 GW of green hydrogen production. (Elektrek and 6 other sources)

Rooftop solar saw a remarkable boom in 2022, accounting for almost half of new capacity additions. SolarPower Europe's Global Market Outlook predicts strong growth will continue through 2023 and beyond, with the rooftop sector expected to reach 268GW by 2027. (PV Tech and 5 other sources)

Two-thirds of fossil fuel companies have net-zero targets, but over 1,000 of the world's largest listed companies lack targets, according to the latest report from the Net Zero Tracker (NZT) research group. The report also found that 49 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, plus 558 regional provinces or states, 934 major cities, and 1,057 of the largest publicly-listed companies still lack any net zero target. (Recharge and 5 other sources)

US energy storage market faces challenges in Q1 2023, but stronger Q2 expected. Wood Mackenzie forecasts close to 75GW of installations from 2023 to 2027, with grid-scale storage representing 81% of that total. (Energy Storage News and 4 other sources)

Global plug-in electric car sales remain strong in April, with 928,739 new passenger plug-in electric cars registered worldwide, up 70% YoY and accounting for 14% of the total market. Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric car, while BYD remains the largest manufacturer of rechargeable cars. (InsideEVs and 2 other sources)

Over 2.11 billion renewable identification numbers were generated under the Renewable Fuel Standard in May, up from 1.84 billion generated during the same month last year, according to data released by the US EPA. Total RIN generation for the first five months of the year reached nearly 9.35 billion. (Biodiesel Magazine and 1 other source)

Solar installations soar to 239 GW in 2022, driven by China, says SolarPower Europe. Rooftop solar grew by 50%, and utility-scale solar by 41%, with 26 countries adding more than 1 GW of solar, and SolarPower Europe predicts a 35% growth in the rooftop segment in 2023. (pv magazine and 1 other source)

Tesla aims for 375k Cybertruck units per year, production starting in October. Panasonic and LG Energy Solution may supply 4680 battery cells. (Electrive and 1 other source)

Solar in Southeast Asia to rebound with 3.8 GW capacity additions by 2023. Favourable policies, declining tech costs, and increasing electricity demand drive growth opportunities, despite challenges in grid infrastructure, financing, land availability, and lack of skilled workforce. (pv magazine Australia and 1 other source)

---

Shell to maintain current oil production until 2030, despite previous reduction plans. The company plans to increase investor confidence, cut costs, and return at least $5bn to shareholders while maintaining a commitment to net-zero emissions. (Carbon Credits and 1 other source)

Arla introduces clear milk bottle caps to improve recycling rates. The new lids are 100% recyclable and made from a minimum of 30% recycled material. (Grocery Gazette and 1 other source)

FEAD commits to enhancing EU recycling targets as Member States struggle to meet them. Only nine out of 27 EU member states are projected to meet the targets of preparing for reuse and recycling 55% of municipal waste and recycling 65% of all packaging waste by 2025, raising concerns that the objective of recycling 60% of municipal waste by 2030 may be at risk, particularly in the challenging area of plastic packaging recycling. (Global Recycling and 1 other source)

Nine batches of sustainable aviation fuels have been certified under CORSIA, marking a significant milestone for both SAF production and aviation climate action. The fuels were produced from waste and have 75% to 84% lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional aviation fuels. (Biomass Magazine and 1 other source)

The Recycling Partnership launches Recycle Check, a package-specific labelling platform for US consumers that provides up-to-date recycling information. The platform connects local information with brand and package-specific details that evolve with the changing recycling landscape, and is powered by The Recycling Partnership's National Recycling Database. (Recycling Production News)

Fossil fuel industry's decarbonisation efforts lack credibility and specifics, says report. Despite increased commitments, companies are not transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction or production. (Upstream)

Uber aims to make all Uber Eats deliveries worldwide emission-free and reduce plastic waste by 2030. The company plans to encourage couriers to use eco-friendly modes of transportation and sustainable packaging, invest in partnerships, and provide incentives to restaurants to transition to sustainable packaging. (Environment + Energy Leader)

---

Avalon Advanced Materials appoints three executives to lead lithium production in Canada. The company's new strategic vision is to vertically integrate lithium processing within Ontario and establish the province as part of the North American supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. (Batteries News and 1 other source)

Trillium Ag appoints veteran agtech leader David Fischhoff as Chair of its Scientific Advisory Board. Fischhoff brings nearly 40 years of experience in agricultural research and technological development with a commitment to the advancement of crop protection strategies worldwide. (AgriTech Tomorrow and 1 other source)

TOMRA Recycling Sorting hires new sales manager for the Americas. Gleb Trofimov will help customers implement advanced sorting technology to improve recycling recovery rates and increase profitability. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 1 other source)

Lombard Odier Investment Managers hires Dr. Marc Palahi as Chief Nature Officer to boost sustainability expertise. Palahi will develop the nature strategy within holistiQ's sustainable investment platform and create new tools and investment solutions for nature-based models. (ESG News and 1 other source)

Meatless Farm lays off employees as investment falls through. The UK-based plant-based meat startup has reportedly filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. (AFN and 1 other source)

Jonathan Cole named new chairman of Global Wind Energy Council as installations reach 1TW. Cole, CEO of Corio Generation, pledges to lead the industry to at least 8TW of wind capacity by 2050. (REVE and 1 other source)

Massachusetts appoints first state climate chief to create a replicable model for other states. Melissa Hoffer aims to integrate climate change into all executive branch agencies. (The Hill and 1 other source)

Karim Donnez to become new CEO of Harley-Davidson's LiveWire electric motorbike brand. Donnez's experience in driving transformational growth is expected to lead LiveWire as an entrepreneurial business. (EVMagz)

Bobst UK & Ireland appoints new sales and service specialist for flexible packaging. Scarrott will work with customers to explain how the company's solutions can deliver for their businesses. (Packaging News)

Persefoni promotes Emily Pierce to Chief Global Policy Officer to lead regulatory and standard-setting activities. Pierce's extensive experience in global regulatory affairs will be vital in supporting Persefoni's customers and partners in navigating the complex landscape of climate policies and regulations. (FinTech Global)

---

EU agrees on stricter battery regulations to make them more sustainable and durable. The regulations will cover all battery types sold in the EU and will require a carbon footprint label, digital battery passport, and due diligence policy. (MiningSEE and 3 other sources)

American Clean Power Association proposes green hydrogen industry framework for US decarbonization. The implementation roadmap includes emissions safeguards and incentives for clean energy credit production. (FuelCellsWorks and 3 other sources)

Scottish government unveils Circular Economy Bill to tackle waste and increase recycling rates. The legislation will give ministers powers to set local recycling targets, ban the disposal of unsold consumer goods, and place charges on single-use items like coffee cups. (Materials Recycling World and 2 other sources)

US proposes 80% reduction in fees for solar and wind projects on public lands. The Department of the Interior aims to encourage renewable energy development. (Renewables Now and 2 other sources)

India's decision to cut FAME II subsidy threatens growth of EV industry. The abrupt reduction in subsidies undermines investor trust, creates uncertainty among manufacturers, and makes EVs less competitive, hindering the industry's ability to conduct business. (Inc42 and 2 other sources)

UN Secretary-General calls for coal ban in cement production and greater decarbonization efforts. Cement and concrete account for 7% of global emissions. (Archinect News and 2 other sources)

DOE releases US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy to cut emissions by 10% by 2050. The $9.5 billion plan aims to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electrolysis technologies. (GreenBiz and 1 other source)

US regulators approve construction permit for Kairos Power's Hermes molten salt test reactor. The 35 MW demonstration reactor is expected to receive its permit later this year and will provide operational data to support the development of a larger version for commercial deployment. (World Nuclear News and 1 other source)

Japan mandates sustainable aviation fuel to replace 10% of jet fuel by 2030. The government will provide subsidies and exemption from fossil fuel import tariffs to support SAF production. (Biodiesel Magazine and 1 other source)

ANSI approves SEIA as an accredited standards development organization for solar. SEIA will develop national standards to create more open and efficient markets, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain traceability. (Solar Industry and 1 other source)

---

"Net-Zero Awards: Celebrating UK's Decarbonisation Leaders" - Edie's new awards scheme recognises businesses and individuals spearheading the transition towards a net-zero carbon economy. There's only one month left to submit entries for the 16 categories, with the awards ceremony taking place on the evening of Wednesday 15 November in London. (edie and 2 other sources)

European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) returns to onsite interaction after three years. Over 1,500 delegates from 79 countries gathered in Bologna, Italy, to discuss the use of biomass in a circular and sustainable economy. (Bioenergy International)

2023 TxSWANA Conference to be held in Corpus Christi, featuring keynote speakers and technical tours. Mayor Guajardo to give opening remarks on recently approved solid waste ordinances. (Waste Advantage Magazine)

OPESS to showcase latest energy storage solutions at ESS Europe 2023. The company's products promise versatility, safety, and performance for commercial, industrial, and residential customers. (Batteries News)

Archer and Stellantis to showcase eVTOL aircraft at 2023 Paris Air Show. The partnership aims to scale up manufacturing of Archer's Midnight aircraft for commercialization in 2025. (Battery Industry)

BIR receives FER's Mother Earth Award for environmental protection and education. The award recognizes BIR's commitment to sustainability and the environment during its 75th anniversary year. (Global Recycling)

---

Thank you for reading this newsletter. We hope you liked it, and we would greatly appreciate if you spread the word about it.

If you have any feedback or suggestions on how to improve it, just drop us a line.

Follow us on Telegram, Twitter or LinkedIn to receive more frequent bite-sized updates on trending cleantech news.