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TOP STORY
FEATURE: Canadian election juggles fossil fuels, decarbonisation in face of Trump
Canada’s leading political parties are positioning energy expansion and fossil fuel decarbonisation as competing primary ideologies ahead of the country’s impending federal election.
EMEA
PREVIEW: IEA-UK summit a chance to tackle ‘Trojan horse’ of fossil fuel spending for energy security
The International Energy Agency’s London summit this week marks an opportunity for Europe to reframe the transition away from fossil fuels as key to achieving energy security and independence, despite US pressure to up its gas imports, according to energy and climate experts.
INTERVIEW: EU’s 2040 climate target must be met domestically – without Article 6 credits, MEP says
Allowing international carbon credits to meet the EU’s 2040 climate goal risks dealing a fatal blow to the bloc’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), warns Swedish MEP Emma Wiesner, who is mounting a pushback on the idea in the European Parliament.
BRIEFING: EU green hydrogen ambition thwarted by over-regulation, as race for cheaper alternatives accelerates
Europe’s strict rules in classifying ‘green’ hydrogen could mean as little as 17% of the current pipeline will come to the market by 2030, according to analysts, at a time when fast moving developments in natural hydrogen or processing oil could be a game changer for the industry.
EU’s next Paris commitment coming “in good time”, Commission official promises
The EU will submit its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) “in good time”, anchored by a new target for emissions reductions, a European Commission official promised lawmakers in Brussels on Wednesday, amid calls from some for a more relaxed approach.
Euro Markets: EUAs take back two days of losses amid macro relief rally and despite gas decline
EU carbon prices took back the previous two days’ losses in a strong session on Wednesday, benefiting from a wider relief rally that followed calming overnight headlines, while UKA prices advanced to their highest in a month as optimism grew ahead of an EU-UK meeting that will likely see market linking discussed.
Consultancy unveils blueprint to scale UK CCS sector via carbon trading
A global consultancy has published a report that outlines how the UK can transform its carbon capture and storage (CCS) sector into a self-sustaining commercial industry also generating revenue via carbon markets.
Netherlands readies new package of climate measures
The Dutch government is expected to present new proposals on Friday to reduce CO2 emissions in the Netherlands, including support for carbon capture and electromobility, Dutch media have reported. It is also expected to maintain a national CO2 levy on industry.
Non-profit urges UK bank to close financing loophole for oil and gas companies
A responsible investment non-profit will call upon the board of a large UK bank to close the loophole allowing it to continue financing oil and gas companies without a credible climate transition plan, during its annual general meeting on Wednesday.
German carbon marketplace acquires project financier
A Berlin-based carbon credit marketplace has announced its acquisition of a specialist investor in early-stage climate project financing.
AMERICAS
FEATURE: US-based ERW project developer awarded $50 mln for first place in XPRIZE competition
XPRIZE has awarded $80 million to six carbon removal companies developing “highly-scalable” technology, with a US-based Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) project developer taking the $50 mln grand prize, the non-profit announced Wednesday.
Flawed social cost of carbon metric inappropriate for US energy policy decisions -study
A new study released Wednesday questions the use of the social cost of carbon (SCC) in driving US energy policy choices.
SCOTUS hears arguments in case aiming to revoke California’s clean cars rule
The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case that ultimately aims to overturn an EPA waiver to California that allows the state to create its own vehicle emissions standards, but first the court must decide if the plaintiffs – liquid fuels producers – have standing in the case.
Approach to international climate diplomacy “fundamentally different” under Trump 2.0 -former US official
The second administration of US President Donald Trump is showing a stronger shift away from international climate action in its diplomatic efforts, a former Biden-era official said at a Wednesday press briefing.
ARB issuance undeterred even as US compliance market headline risks extend to offsets
California regulator ARB’s 2025 offset issuance rose more than 8% over the most recent two-week period, state data published Wednesday showed, even as headline risks plagued US compliance markets, collapsing offset prices.
Colombian ETS “more or less” on track for H2 pilot -official
Colombia’s long-awaited emissions trading system (ETS) is still slated to launch in a pilot phase this year despite political upheaval, an official told Carbon Pulse on the sidelines of the Colombia Carbon Forum in Bogota Wednesday.
Colombian tax authority sees spike in 2025 carbon revenues
Colombia’s tax authority expects 2025 carbon revenues to surpass last year’s after a substantial bump in Q1, according to updated figures revealed at the Colombia Carbon Forum on Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC
NZ court rejects bid to expand climate case
A New Zealand judge has rejected an effort to have the list of defendants in a landmark climate case for the Pacific country expanded.
NbS offer lifeline for India’s small farmers, but policy hurdles remain, conference hears
Policy reforms, clearer regulatory frameworks, and greater transparency to boost investments in nature-based solutions (NbS) can improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers in India, a conference heard on Wednesday.
BRIEFING: Financials seen as key to firm up Taiwan’s emerging demand for international carbon credits
Taiwan has started to see emerging interest in international carbon credits over the past few years, but lack of policy guidance is still considered a hindrance to engaging domestic financial institutions in the carbon space, a seminar heard this week.
Project developer teams up with Indonesian company on e-bike carbon programme
An international carbon project developer has formed a strategic partnership with an Indonesian company to develop a sustainable electric motorcycle crediting activity.
UPDATE – NZ climate commission recommends higher ETS auction volumes, but price settings unchanged
New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission (CCC) has recommended small tweaks to the country’s emissions trading scheme in its latest annual advice to the government, released Wednesday.
INTERNATIONAL
UN, Brazil in diplomatic push to collect NDCs on time for COP30
The UN and Brazil plan to push countries to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement by the end of the summer, officials told the media on Tuesday.
Colombia to issue criteria, not positive list for prospective Article 6 projects
Colombia is not curating a positive list of project types that will be automatically eligible for Article 6 agreements, and will instead issue broader criteria with case-by-case evaluation, according to an official and an external consultant speaking at the Colombia Carbon Forum conference in Bogota on Wednesday.
VOLUNTARY
Verra speeds up carbon project reviews after adopting risk-based approach
Verra has reported rapid progress in the processing of carbon projects since rolling out its new risk-based approach last November, the standard and registry said Wednesday.
Nestle partners on global cocoa project to cut 1.5 mln tonnes of CO2 by 2055
Nestle has partnered with a global cocoa supplier on an agroforestry initiative that aims to cut 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 over 30 years, the two companies announced Tuesday.
Biochar dominates Q1 CDR purchases as new buyers enter market
Biochar was the most purchased carbon removal method in Q1 2025, making up nearly a third of all contracted credits, with several new buyers entering the voluntary carbon market, according to a London-based carbon data platform.
Gold Standard publishes carbon market regulation guidance for governments
Switzerland-based standards body Gold Standard has last week released a set of factsheets that offer guidance for governments seeking to regulate carbon credit markets.
BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)
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Under half of Norwegian sovereign fund investees view nature as financially significant, report says
Less than half of the companies invested in by the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund manager view nature as financially significant, according to a survey released this week.
Groups launch biodiversity pilot market in Cote d’Ivoire
A trio of groups on Wednesday launched a pilot biodiversity credit framework in Cote d’Ivoire with a second scheme to be announced in France later in the week, in a push to drive the development of nature markets.
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WEBINAR
Mastering Carbon Removal Procurement: How to design effective RFPs and secure high-quality carbon removal – Join Supercritical on Thursday, May 8th at 1600 BST (1500 GMT) for a practical session on navigating the carbon removal procurement process. This expert-led webinar will explore how to design effective RFPs, evaluate supplier credibility, and structure contracts that deliver on both climate goals and business needs. Featuring insights from experienced corporate buyers Chris Minter (Zurich Insurance) and Emily Jackson (The Economist), you’ll gain actionable guidance to secure high-quality carbon removal, mitigate risk, and accelerate progress toward your net zero goals. Register
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EVENTS
Carbon Forward Turkiye – May 7-8, Izmir – Following the success of our inaugural event in Izmir, we are excited to host the second annual instalment of Carbon Forward Turkiye. With the country about to launch its national ETS, attendees will learn what’s in store for participants and other stakeholders. Also, take a tour of the region’s other carbon markets, consider the financial impact of the EU’s CBAM, and hear from experts about developments in the voluntary carbon market, CO2 removals, CORSIA, and decarbonisation in the power, industrial, and shipping sectors. The agenda will be released shortly but registration is now open, with a 30% super-early bird discount available for a limited time.
Innovation Zero – April 29-30, London – The UK’s largest net zero congress will bring together 10,000+ delegates, 400+ speakers and 250+ exhibitors in London at the end of the month to accelerate a just, global transition to a low-carbon economy. Supported by the UK Government, Innovation Zero provides a space and opportunity for collaboration, breaking down silos, and overcoming obstacles to drive large-scale, impactful progress towards global emissions reduction. The congress will feature 13 high-level forums and theatres, including a Carbon Markets Forum that will explore the potential of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) to unlock meaningful climate action. Register here
Sustainable1 Summit – April 30, London – S&P Global predicts $60 trillion in energy investment opportunities under global net zero investment scenarios through 2050. During this same period, there is also a projected $25 trillion in cumulative financial impact on the world’s largest companies due to changing climate exposure. Join us at the Sustainable1 Summit in London to unlock transition opportunities with specialist opinions, market outlooks, data insights, and strategic forums, providing insights to finance the energy transition, discover opportunities in climate resilience, and report your sustainability performance with confidence. Save your spot
East Africa Carbon Markets Forum – May 8-9, Kampala – Join the East Africa Carbon Markets Forum on May 8-9, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda, as project developers, policymakers, investors, and community representatives come together to shape the future of the region’s carbon markets. Centred on advancing policy, unlocking green finance, and fostering innovation, this free, high-impact event delivers curated sessions, expert insights, and meaningful networking opportunities. With attendance capped at 350 participants, EACMF2025 offers an exclusive platform for impactful connections and actionable engagement in East Africa’s sustainability efforts. Be part of the dialogue shaping tomorrow’s carbon markets. Join the conversation and learn more at www.carbonmarketsforum.com.
Carbon Removal Investment Summit – June 3, London – cCarbon is hosting this exclusive, one-day conference with the goal of accelerating carbon removals through a data and modelling-driven discussion. It will bring together a distinguished group of investors, capital providers, carbon removal buyers, leading developers, and other key stakeholders to unlock investment and create partnering opportunities. An invite-only investors’ conclave will take place during the summit to explore pathways for unlocking and chanelling capital into carbon removals. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in high-impact sessions to discuss the business case for nature- and technology-based removals. cCarbon will unveil a data-driven benchmarking tool designed to assess carbon removal providers based on key factors like feasibility, scalability, and maturity. Register here
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ADVERTISE WITH US
Carbon Pulse has published its 2025 advertising brochure and media pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. With that, bookings are now open for advertising on our website and in our newsletters.
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
INTERNATIONAL
Climate education – The Climate Action Center of Excellence (CACE) has launched a new learning module about Article 6 implementation and operationalisation, which is now live on the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) platform. The tool is designed to help governments, companies, and financial institutions make sense of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, wrote CACE Director Alexandra Soezer on LinkedIn. It covers both cooperative approaches under Article 6.2 and the centralized crediting system under Article 6.4, explaining how they enable the generation and transfer of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and foster transparency and accountability in climate finance.
Climate shaming – The US Treasury Secretary accused the World Bank and the IMF of prioritising climate change over investments in fossil fuels in a speech on Wednesday, E&E News reported. Sec. Scott Bessent issued the criticisms during the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, saying the role of the international entities was to promote economic development and reduce poverty, echoing messaging from the Trump administration warning against “woke” ideologies.
The Ag COP – Brazil’s COP30 President-Designate Andre Correa do Lago said Wednesday that the agriculture sector will play a leading theme during the climate conference held in Belem, Brazil later this year. During an event hosted by the Brazilian Agribusiness Association, Correa do Lago said COP30 will be an opportunity to show how Brazil’s national agriculture sector can provide climate solutions instead of just being a victim of climate change, according to the Brazilian news site Universo Online. In his first open letter in March, Correa do Logo emphasised forest conservation and climate finance.
EMEA
Targeting spot market – The EU is mulling the idea of a ban on spot purchases of natural gas from Russia as part of its plan to phase out energy imports from Moscow, according to an EU official, as reported by Bloomberg. Spot purchases of Russian gas account for a small share of the EU energy market, but banning them could be a simpler first step at cutting short-term reliance on Russian energy than tackling complex long-term contracts. The EU has so far avoided proposing sanctions on Russian gas imports due to opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, while there are doubts that trade instruments like tariffs would allow companies to abandon their contracts without penalty. European gas prices are now one-tenth of the peak reached in 2022, but the region’s supply is still tight as it needs to pay up for alternatives such as LNG, while new supply from the US and Qatar won’t occur until 2027 onwards. The suggestion to target spot gas purchases is among the options being explored by the European Commissions as it finalises a roadmap document due to be presented to member states on May 6.
Crude displacement – By tapping into gas from the upcoming Jafurah shale gas field set to start production this year, Saudi Arabia stands to displace up to 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil burn by 2030, according to Rystad Energy. Saudi Arabia burns huge volumes of oil to meet domestic electricity demand, however increased gas supply and renewable energy is expected to both curb domestic crude use and also free up more oil and refined products for export, boosting the country’s position in global energy markets. The Jafurah project will see more than $100 bln of investment in the next decade, positioning Saudi Arabia as the world’s third-largest shale gas producer.
Waste deadline – The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) has published updated guidelines for monitoring plans for municipal waste incineration facilities in the EU ETS. Monitoring plans for the 2024 reporting year must now be submitted via the DEHSt platform by June 6 at the latest. This takes into account delays to Germany’s transposition of the latest EU ETS reform into national law (the “TEHG”). Operators of municipal waste incineration plants over 20 MW have been subject to monitoring and reporting obligations under the EU ETS since Jan. 1, 2024. On behalf of the European Commission, an expert opinion is being prepared by July 31, 2026 to determine whether and if so, how, these installations should also be subject to emissions trading from 2028.
Cui bono? – In a new report, Amsterdam-headquartered Centre for Research on Multilateral Corporations (SOMO) has accused the World Bank for funding about $2 bln in oil and gas projects in Ghana, raising the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels and driving it into a “crippling debt”. The report claimed that the World Bank-backed projects have prioritised corporate profits while draining Ghana’s public funds and has burdened the nation with obligations it cannot afford. According to the NGO, the World Bank has issued a new $250-mln loan in June 2024, aimed at reducing transmission losses, improving planning, and expanding the use of metering systems, but has failed to address issues such as expensive power rates and excessive installed capacity. Without tackling these challenges, Ghana risks remaining stuck in a “cycle of fossil energy debt”. The report has also argued that real accountability would be an independent process that assesses the historical and current levels of fossil-related debt affecting Ghana’s finances, followed by the cancellation of this debt as part of the ongoing restructuring process led by the IMF.
Baby steps – UK scientists are set to launch small outdoor geoengineering experiments to provide data to better assess the technology, under a £50 mln government-funded programme. Along with another £11 mln project, it will make the UK one of the biggest funders of geoengineering research in the world. The controversial proposals for geoengineering involve blocking sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface, such as launching reflective particles into the atmosphere, but if successful could temporarily reduce surface temperatures and slow down climate change. The UK projects led by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria) won’t release any toxic substances, will conduct environmental impact assessments, and consult local communities, the Guardian reported.
Community carbon fund – The UK government has extended a fund to support community-led carbon reduction projects in the London borough of Haringey for another four years, also increasing the annual pot to £100,000, stated an email release Wednesday. Funding for the Haringey Community Carbon Fund comes from the council’s £2.23 mln Carbon Offset Fund, made up of payments through Section 106 agreements when developers prove they cannot meet the necessary net zero standards on site. So far the fund has supported 36 projects across the borough over four years, including retrofitting buildings, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy generation, circular economy initiatives, and climate awareness programmes.
ASIA PACIFIC
Capitalisation quest – Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Aisake Valu Eke, current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, and PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa have gone to the US this week as part of ongoing efforts to raise capital for the Pacific Resilience Facility, coinciding with the World Bank and IMF spring meetings. In a press release on Wednesday, Eke said it was a chance to engage development partners and multilateral organisations to support the Pacific-owned and -led grant investment vehicle. To date, the PRF has received $150 mln of the targeted $500 mln by 2026, including contributions from Japan and the US. In an interview earlier this month, the PRF’s general manager, Finau Soqo, told Carbon Pulse that the fund is open to co-financing initiatives with the private sector and potentially financing projects developed under Article 6.
Livestock project – Project developer Green Carbon has partnered with Hokkaido Bank and Megmilk Snow Brand, one of the largest dairy companies in Japan, to create domestically issued carbon credits derived from livestock waste management activities, it announced Wednesday. The companies seek to generate around 11,500 J-Credits over eight years, equivalent to the annual emissions of 1,500 cows. The J-Credit methodology (AG-002) aims to increase the fermentation rate and thereby reduce CH4 and N2O.
On the road – Carbon EX, which operates a carbon offset marketplace, has teamed up with Logisted Inc to decarbonise Japan’s logistics industry by registering the country’s first J-Credit project featuring a cooperative delivery model, it said in a statement released Wednesday. The methodology is applicable to activities that reduce fossil fuel consumption for delivery by consolidating deliveries from multiple shippers. No detailed business targets were disclosed in the statement.
More data – Tokyo-based information provider Exroad has started a service allowing users to view carbon credit rating information provided by Sylvera on its platform, it announced Wednesday. The collaboration, involving the disclosure of around 400 projects, is expected to help corporate clients access the quality evaluation of overseas credits, Exroad said.
From waste to product – US-based CO2 utilisation company HYCO1 signed an MoU on Wednesday with LNG manufacturer Malaysia LNG (MLNG) on a carbon capture and utilisation project on the Malaysian coast of Borneo, one of the country’s oil and gas regions. HYCO1 technology uses CO2 as a feedstock to displace natural gas and produce synthetic gas mixing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Using that technology with CO2 supplied by MLNG, the two companies will conduct a feasibility study for the low-cost, low-carbon production of syngas. No later than 2030, MLNG will provide 1 Mt of CO2 per year for 20 years to fully utilise at the new CCU plant, which is expected online by 2029.
AMERICAS
California here we come – Congress will vote next week on three joint resolutions to roll back California’s clean car rules, which rely on waivers issued by the EPA, E&E News reported Wednesday. The House is voting on HJ 87, HJ 88, and HJ 89, which each seek a repeal of the appropriate waiver EPA issued to California prior to the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Lawmakers are looking to make use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which permits an overturn of agency rules. It comes as SCOTUS is hearing a case that could ultimately overturn the waiver to California.
Please don’t go – California Governor Gavin Newsom asked the state energy regulator to keep oil refineries in business on Monday, E&E News reported. Newsom asked California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda to work closely with refiners on short-term and long-term planning, while protecting consumers from cost spikes. The letter followed an announcement last week from major California refinery Valero Energy Corporation about closing its Benicia Refinery by the end of Apr. 2026. Last October integrated downstream firm Phillips 66 announced plans to shutter its Los Angeles refinery in Q4 2025, after Newsom backed a law earlier in the month requiring oil refiners to keep a minimum supply of fuel onsite to prevent gas shortages and price spikes during maintenance outages.
Money matters – The New York State Common Retirement Fund announced Monday an approximate $2.4 bln in commitments to three funds as part of its Sustainable Investments and Climate Solutions (SICS) Program. These investments included: $2 bln to the FTSE Russell TPI 1000 Climate Transition Index, which examines companies’ fossil fuel reserves, carbon emissions, green revenues, management quality, and carbon performance; $250 mln to the Oaktree Power Opportunities Fund VII, which targets investments supporting infrastructure, including electric power, solar, and water systems, primarily in North America; and $150 mln to the Vision Ridge Partners Sustainable Asset Fund IV, which focuses on climate mitigation and adaptation across energy, transportation, and agriculture, primarily in North America. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli also said the pension fund has completed its annual review of thermal coal, oil sands, shale oil and gas, and integrated oil companies, and has newly restricted investment in eight coal and shale oil and gas companies that it has determined as not prepared for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Simultaneously, 11 coal and shale oil and gas companies were also removed from the restricted list, while the fund will continue to restrict investment in 39 others.
Nuclear restart – US DOE announced Tuesday a third loan disbursement of $46.7 mln to equipment supplier Holtec towards reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Plant. The funding is part of the agency’s $1.52 bln loan guarantee finalised last September to restart the 800MW baseload Michigan power plant shuttered in May 2022. Overall, DOE has paid out $151 mln of the loan in two tranches in January and March, and the restart is subject to approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Fire burning – Wildfires in the US could burn between 7-9 mln acres (2.8-3.6 mln ha) in 2025 as heat, drought, and the aftermath of extreme weather events in recent months have increased risks of another busy wildfire season, according to AccuWeather. This is close to the historical average of 7 mln acres burned every year between 2001-20. AccuWeather expects some 60,000 to 75,000 fires to ignite in 2025, around 7,500 to 9,000 of which are predicted to occur in California alone. The wildfires that ravished communities across Southern California earlier this year caused an estimated $250–275 bln in total damage and ecomonic loss, but this could increase with fire risk expected to rise again.
Emissions on the bus go zero – California has awarded $500 mln to 133 educational agencies for the purchase of 1,000 zero-emission school buses and related charging infrastructure to school districts and other local educational entities. Awardees received up to $375,000 to replace internal combustion engine school buses with zero-emission vehicles, in addition to awards up to $95,000 per school bus to purchase and install associated charging infrastructure. The Golden State requires all school bus purchases made by school districts to be zero-emissions by 2035, but this effort has faced implementation and infrastructure challenges. An Assemblymember this year introduced a bill to extend the 2035 deadline to 2025 in recognition of such hurdles.
Oil major signs major CCS deal – Exxon Mobil announced Wednesday that it has signed a CCS deal with the gas-based power producer Calpine Corporation to transport and geologically store up to 2 MtCO2 per year. The CO2 will be captured at Calpine’s Baytown Energy Center on the Texas Gulf Coast, which will then provide low-carbon energy to its Texas electric customers as well as steam to nearby industrial facilities. Calpine is Exxon Mobil’s sixth CCS customer, bringing the company’s total CO2 under contract to 16 MtCO2/year. The oil major’s most recent CCS deal before this with was to transport and store up to 1.2 MtCO2 annually from the planned New Generation Gas Gathering (NG3) project in Louisiana.
Ahoy vey – US Navy Secretary John Phelan announced Tuesday he is rescinding the Navy’s Climate Action 2030 programme, which was instituted by the Biden administration in 2022. The programme focused on climate change related threats to naval operations such as shoreline erosion and increasing storm activity. Climate Action 2030 laid out goals for the Navy, including a 65% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions, 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030, and 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Phelan said that the Navy’s focus should be on naval strength and preparedness.
Ahoy – A new marine decarbonisation hub was launched Wednesday in Victoria, British Columbia. The BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub was announced as a joint initiative between the University of Victoria and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST). The Hub aims to offer ocean sector companies the opportunity to test and demonstrate marine renewable energy capture, energy integration and management, and other innovative distribution and/or use of energy such as production, storage, and transmission of clean fuels. The new initiative was also funded by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the RBC Foundation to support operations until 2028.
Greener island – Wartsila has signed a decarbonisation services agreement with the Caribbean island of Curacao’s utility company Aqualectra, the tech company said in a release Wednesday. The agreement is tied to Wartsila’s achievement of key performance indicators such as how effectively it maximises renewable energy, reduces CO2 emissions, cuts costs, and improves energy reliability. The five-year deal will see Wartsila optimise Curacao’s energy use in partnership with Aqualectra through energy storage, grid balancing, and digital flexibility services, helping the island reach its goal of 70% renewables by 2027. Aqualectra has achieved renewable capacity of at least 30% baseload power generation in the last decade.
Out of the ashes – Climate technology manufacturer PHNX Materials, based in San Francisco, has developed technology to use coal ash waste in concrete production. The company told TechCrunch it can strip sulphur and carbon impurities from the fly ash in preparation for concrete manufacturers, also creating new sources for the compounds as well. The startup has raised a $2.5 mln seed round.
VOLUNTARY
Patch work – Carbon market platform Patch has formed a new advisory board to help guide its mission to scale up a transparent and high-integrity carbon market. The members are: Mark Kenber of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Initiative (VCMI), Lisa (Elisabeth) DeMarco of law firm Resilient LLP, Eve Tamme of consultancy Climate Principles, Ryan Williams of Peet’s Coffee, and Jayant Kairam of drinks company Diageo, the organisation stated on LinkedIn.
Front of the queue – Puro.earth has been named a ‘Leading Credit Issuer’ by Frontier. This designation signifies that Puro.earth meets all of the buyers’ club’s criteria for credit issuer excellence, including governance, scientific integrity, and transparency. As a result, the standard is positioned as a top choice for Frontier suppliers seeking certification for their carbon removal projects, pending the investor group’s approval of the specific methodology for each supplier’s pathway.
INVESTMENT
Powering up business – A new poll by London-based research consultancy Savanta suggested business executives across 15 countries support a rapid implementation of renewable electricity. Data indicated 97% of mid-market and large company leaders back a transition away from coal and other fossil fuels, and nearly 78% support shifting to a renewables-based electricity system by 2035 or sooner. Business leaders were surveyed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Türkiye, the UK, and the US.
AND FINALLY…
Save the trees – Researchers at Drexel University found that living near newly planted trees is linked to healthier birth outcomes, including higher birth weight, lower risk of small-for-gestational-age births, and reduced risk of pre-term births, Phys.org reported Wednesday. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, was conducted in Portland, Oregon, and analysed data from over 36,000 trees planted between 1990 and 2020 by the non-profit Friends of Trees. It controlled for factors like maternal education, BMI, and race. The authors speculated that established older trees near one’s address may provide more benefit than newly planted trees by also providing psychological restoration, as other studies have suggested that developed natural environments foster a “soft fascination”—in contrast with the psychologically draining characteristics of buildings and other aspects of built environments.
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