The Week in Cleantech: 24 July 2023

Tata Group Announces £4 Billion Investment for EV Battery Gigafactory in the UK

Tata Group revealed plans to build a major electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in the UK, set to receive a £4 billion ($5.17 billion) investment. The facility, expected to begin production in 2026, will have an annual capacity of 40GWh and supply batteries to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors. The gigafactory, operated by the newly-formed subsidy Agratas, will focus on unified cell format technology, tailored for both JLR and Tata Motors EVs, and with potential expansion into other segments like energy storage systems (ESS).

The establishment of Tata Group's gigafactory is a major milestone for the UK's battery industry and its efforts to move away from internal combustion engine vehicles. With the potential to create 4,000 direct jobs and contribute to the development of critical raw minerals and battery materials sectors, the factory's impact will extend throughout the supply chain. The gigafactory's initial 40GWh output will account for nearly half of the battery production predicted to be needed by the UK by 2030, as estimated by the Faraday Institution. The investment demonstrates Tata Group's commitment to EV battery production globally, as it comes just months after announcing another gigafactory in Gujarat, India.

US Scientists Develop Highly Efficient Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells

Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) achieved a breakthrough by developing bifacial perovskite solar cells capable of generating up to 20% more power than their one-sided counterparts. The lab-size test cell demonstrated an impressive front-side efficiency of 23% and retained 91-93% efficiency from the backside, operating effectively from both sides.

With the front-side efficiency approaching that of commercially available monofacial cells, like Oxford PV's 28.6%, and the back-side efficiency closely trailing, this innovation showcases the potential of perovskite materials as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional crystalline silicon in photovoltaic technology. The continued research and commercialisation of bifacial perovskite cells could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, driving further sustainability in the global energy landscape.

Amazon Makes Strides in Reducing Plastic Usage and Advancing Sustainability Efforts

Amazon has reported progress in reducing its plastic footprint, as stated in its latest sustainability report. In 2022, the company used 85,916 metric tons of single-use plastic, representing an 11.6% decrease from the previous year. This reduction is attributed to Amazon's increased use of paper-based packaging, shipping items in their original containers, and phasing out padded plastic mailers in favor of recyclable alternatives. The move to eliminate padded plastic mailers is considered significant, especially in addressing marine plastic litter, a major environmental concern.

As the world's largest retailer, Amazon's actions can set a precedent for other corporations to follow suit and adopt more sustainable packaging practices. However, stakeholders and environmental advocates emphasise the need for the company to continue advancing its plastic reduction initiatives and enhance transparency to drive meaningful and lasting change.

Top-3 Funding Rounds Raised by Cleantech Startups

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