The Week in Cleantech: 30 July 2023

Major Automakers Collaborate to Install 30,000 EV Charging Stations Across North America

General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis have teamed up to create a joint venture aimed at deploying over 30,000 electric vehicle charge points throughout North America. These high-powered charging stations will utilise the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, ensuring compatibility for all EV customers, regardless of their vehicle's brand. The network is scheduled to open in the summer of 2024, powered exclusively by renewable energy sources.

This collaborative effort by major automakers is a crucial step towards promoting electric vehicle adoption and decarbonising North America's transportation sector. By expanding the charging grid and providing convenient access to charging stations at strategic locations, the venture aims to enhance the overall EV customer experience and boost consumer confidence in making the switch to electric vehicles. With the projected growth of EVs expected to exceed 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, an extensive and reliable charging infrastructure is essential to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.

Covered in: Environment+Energy Leader and 16 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

TotalEnergies Acquires Total Eren to Boost Renewable Energy Portfolio and Green Hydrogen Ventures

TotalEnergies has acquired full ownership of renewable energy company Total Eren in a deal valued at €3.8 billion (~$4.2 billion). This strategic move follows a previous agreement that allowed TotalEnergies to purchase the entirety of Total Eren shares after five years of cooperation. With the acquisition, TotalEnergies gains access to Total Eren's 3.5 GW of operational renewable capacity and a pipeline of over 10 GW of solar, wind, hydro, and storage projects in 30 countries. The integration will also lead to a significant increase in TotalEnergies' integrated power net operating income and cash flow from operations, while green hydrogen activities will continue through a new "TEH2" partnership.

The acquisition of Total Eren strengthens TotalEnergies' position in the renewable energy sector, providing access to a diverse portfolio of operational assets and a robust pipeline of renewable projects worldwide. By tapping into Total Eren's expertise and global presence, TotalEnergies aims to accelerate its renewable energy growth strategy and achieve its ambitious targets of 35 GW of renewable production capacity by 2025 and 100 GW by 2030. Moreover, the new partnership "TEH2" for green hydrogen activities in North Africa, Latin America, and Australia demonstrates TotalEnergies' commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and contributing to the development of the green hydrogen market.

Covered in: Mercom and 5 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

UK Government Defers Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging, Launches New Consultation

The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a delay in the implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging, pushing it back to October 2025 from the initial October 2024 schedule. Defra has launched a new consultation seeking responses on the draft regulations for EPR and is seeking feedback on the responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in the scheme. The decision to defer the EPR scheme for packaging has prompted disappointment within the waste and resource sector.

The delay in the EPR scheme for packaging is a setback for the UK's recycling and sustainability goals. The government's new consultation seeks to address concerns and ensure smooth implementation, but it also indicates the complexity of the scheme and the need for clarity regarding stakeholders' responsibilities. However, the postponement could provide an opportunity to strengthen the EPR model and achieve better value for businesses while driving higher-quality recycling. The successful execution of EPR is crucial to minimise the cost of packaging recycling for the public, promote sustainability, and accelerate progress toward a greener economy.

Covered in: Packaging News and 16 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard

Top-3 Funding Rounds Raised by Cleantech Startups

• UK-based EV charging software provider ev.energy secured $33 million in its Series B funding round (Canary Media).
• Colorado-based battery charging technology innovator Iontra Inc raised an additional $29 million, bringing its Series B total to $67 million and $80 million raised to date (Batteries News).
• Israeli startup Brevel, a leading microalgae-based alternative protein company, has completed its seed funding round of $18.5 million (Forbes).

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