Off-grid solar funding concentrated in just three companies
With a previous 50-50 split between equity and debt investment funding for the off-grid market shifting to 84% debt, and commentators stating most of this year’s backing was agreed before the onset of Covid-19, fears are mounting about the prospects for the sector.
Nuclear ‘not an effective low carbon option’
Researchers in the UK have analyzed 25 years of electricity-production and carbon emissions data from 123 countries. Their findings show renewables are considerably more effective than nuclear in reducing carbon emissions from energy generation and that the two technologies tend to get in each other’s way when considered in a joint approach.
Investing in equitable access to solar energy for Hispanic communities
As one of the fastest growing American communities, the Hispanic population has been historically underrepresented in solar energy. The barriers that have excluded Hispanic people from solar, however, are not permanent and work can be done to ensure an equitable energy transition.
Is BlackRock just ‘tinkering at the edges’ of its commitment to sustainability?
New report calls out BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, Vanguard and other investment managers for slow-walking on commitments to hold corporate boards accountable for real progress on climate goals and the transition to clean energy.
Solar installation spotlight: balancing modernity and heritage at the Boulder Jewish Community Center
Sustainability, lower operating costs and return on investment all became paramount issues for the development of this system that will serve the Colorado nonprofit and surrounding Jewish community.
Tesla’s ‘Battery Day’ puts clean energy’s ESG paradox centerstage, underscores need for better data
Major global brands can’t stake their future on a business supply chain that is not sustainable.
Cleantech investing: Carbon tracking and sequestration startup wave, SPACs for late-stage energy transition capital
Carbon monitoring, accounting and sequestration startups are in vogue — as is raising late-stage capital via a SPAC. Plus $30M for small-scale utility and community solar.
North America’s first lithium-ion battery recycling hub is coming to New York
Li-Cycle, a Canadian battery recycling firm, has chosen Rochester as the home for its planned $175 million recycling facility, which promises to deliver recycled battery materials, beyond just lithium-ion, at market scale.
How long will the lithium supply last?
Researchers have sounded the alarm. If no serious efforts are made on second-life battery use, recycling and vehicle-to-grid applications, decarbonization efforts may hit the buffers a lot sooner than expected.
Student-led initiative puts Pennsylvania school district on 100% renewable path
A group of students in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, have successfully petitioned their school district to set a goal of transitioning to 100% clean, renewable electricity by 2030, and to electrify all other energy needs, including heating, cooking, cooling, and transportation, by 2040, with the help of Sierra Club
