Electricity Markets

UK to strengthen renewable energy network (3 min read)

Next Geosolutions has secured two contracts worth €41 million with Prysmian Group to strengthen the UK's renewable energy network. The projects involve developing submarine electrical infrastructure known as Eastern Green Link (EGL) 1 and 2, creating 2 GW HVDC 'electrical superhighways' to improve energy connection between Scotland and England. The work includes terrestrial topographic surveys and marine geophysical investigations, with operations starting in Q2 2025 for EGL 1 and 2026 for EGL 2. This infrastructure development represents a crucial component in Britain's energy transition strategy.

Octopus Energy becomes GB's largest household supplier (3 min read)

According to new data from Cornwall Insight, Octopus Energy has become Great Britain's largest domestic household energy supplier, capturing 23.7% market share with 12.9 million household energy accounts as of October 2024. This marks a historic shift in the market, as Octopus Energy grew from zero market share in 2015 to surpass traditional suppliers. The energy market has consolidated significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with six companies now controlling over 90% of the household energy market, compared to 2019 when small and medium suppliers held over 30% market share. This development represents the biggest change in the domestic retail energy market since its liberalization in the 1990s.

Solar

Solar panel firm Ohk makes fourth purchase after Melior deal (3 min read)

Ohk Energy, an installer of solar panels and heat pumps, has acquired Crest Pro Power Pro-Ex Engineering, marking its fourth acquisition since private equity firm Melior Equity Partners took a 44% stake in late 2023. The combined value of all four acquisitions exceeds €30 million. The latest acquisition strengthens Ohk's position in providing renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers. The company, formerly known as NRG Panel, continues to expand under CEO Conor Foley's leadership, with its co-founders maintaining significant equity stakes in the business.

EDF Renewables UK progresses 800MW solar NSIP (3 min read)

EDF Renewables UK's application for an 800MW solar plant with battery storage has been accepted by the national planning inspectorate. The Springwell Solar Farm project, located between Lincoln and Sleaford, will cover 1,972 hectares with a 27% reduction in panel coverage following public consultation. The development, classified as a nationally significant infrastructure project, has received strong local support with 82% of surveyed residents backing solar farm development. The project is now in pre-examination phase, with potential for a final decision by end of 2025 if the process moves at maximum speed.

Push Power celebrates most successful year yet (3 min read)

Solar energy solutions provider Push Power Ltd marked its most successful year in 2024, completing 21 PV and battery projects for major clients including Tesco and Silverstone Race Circuit. The Colchester-based company achieved 500% overall growth between 2014-2024 with a 19.5% compound annual growth rate and 50% staff increase. Push Power completed installations for clients like David Lloyd Leisure clubs and Mercedes, while developing new sites totaling 250MW. The company manages entire project lifecycles in-house, from design to maintenance, with Managing Director Andy Khan attributing their success to robust company values and industry adaptability.

Pioneers in Irish solar energy (5 min read)

Power Capital Renewable Energy (PCRE) has evolved from modest beginnings in 2011 to become a major Irish independent power producer, with 3.9 GW of solar and battery storage systems. CEO Justin Brown details how the company navigated challenges to secure deals with Microsoft and Google, while succeeding in all four rounds of Ireland's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. PCRE aims to reach 5.6 GW of operational assets by 2030, despite Ireland's challenging environment for solar development. The company has diversified from pure development to full lifecycle management, including power trading and corporate PPAs, while also expanding into energy storage solutions to support Ireland's renewable energy targets.

Wind

Cerulean Winds floating wind farm on track for operation before 2030 (3 min read)

Cerulean Winds is advancing its 3 GW+ UK floating offshore wind project towards pre-2030 operation following successful completion of offshore surveys. The company has finished geophysical and environmental investigations along the cable corridor and turbine array area, positioning for a final investment decision in 2026. Working with partners GoBe and Gardline, they've conducted comprehensive seabed mapping and environmental assessments. The project's rapid progress is attributed to strong collaboration with government bodies, fisheries, and environmental groups, with Dan Jackson, Founding Director, emphasizing the urgent need to secure UK investment, jobs, and skills in floating offshore wind development.

Geotechnical Surveys to Start at Hornsea Four Site in February (2 min read)

Ørsted is set to begin geotechnical seabed investigations at the 2.4 GW Hornsea Four offshore wind farm site in February 2025. The survey work, expected to last 170 days, will utilize multiple vessels including Connector, Geoquip Saentis, and Geoquip Seehorn to conduct boreholes and cone penetration tests. Located 69 kilometers off Yorkshire's coast, the project received government consent in July 2023 and secured a Contract for Difference in September 2024. Ørsted plans to make a final investment decision within 18 months and aims to commission the wind farm before 2030.

Corio Generation's Sceirde Rocks wind farm submits planning application (3 min read)

Corio Generation has submitted a planning application for the Sceirde Rocks offshore wind farm off Ireland's western coast, marking a significant step in the country's renewable energy development. The project aims to power 350,000 homes and save 550,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, supporting Ireland's goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The proposed development includes 30 turbines and will contribute €3.5 million yearly to local community initiatives over 20 years, totaling €70 million. As Ireland's first west coast offshore wind project, it's expected to begin construction in 2026 with electricity generation starting in 2030, potentially establishing Connemara as a crucial offshore wind hub in a sector valued at up to €38 billion for the Irish economy.

Giant turbines heading to Highlands? (2 min read)

Fred. Olsen Renewables has proposed the Invercassley Wind Farm project in the Scottish Highlands, featuring 22 turbines up to 230m in height. Located 5km northwest of Rosehall, Sutherland, the project aims to generate 158MW of clean electricity with 30MW battery storage capacity. The development includes a community benefit fund exceeding £25 million to support local initiatives throughout the wind farm's lifetime, with initial public consultations scheduled for February 24th and 25th.

Energy Storage

Brill Power launches 'world-first' battery management as a service plan (3 min read)

Battery intelligence firm Brill Power has launched what it claims is the first battery management as a service (BmaaS) offering. The subscription-based service combines BrillCore hardware, BrillOS firmware, and BrillAnalytics cloud software to provide advanced BESS monitoring and optimization. The service promises to extend battery life by 27% and increase utilization by 71% through active loading technology. This launch comes as UK BESS market revenues reached £84,000/MW/year in December 2024, with the UK ranked as the world's third-strongest BESS market, indicating growing demand for sophisticated battery management solutions.

Regulatory

Great British Energy's start-up board appointed (3 min read)

Great British Energy has appointed five non-executive directors to its start-up board, marking a significant step for the new publicly-owned energy company. Backed by £8.3 billion in government funding, the board will help deliver the UK's Plan for Change to become a clean energy superpower. The appointees, including Frances O'Grady, Frank Mitchell, Kate Gilmartin, Dr. Nina Skorupska, and Valerie Todd, bring diverse expertise across industry, public, and private sectors. Working alongside Chair Juergen Maier, they will establish the company's Aberdeen headquarters and develop strategies to drive investment in clean energy technologies, create skilled jobs, and enhance UK energy security while protecting consumers from price spikes.

An Bord Pleanála publishes record on green energy decisions following judge's criticism (3 min read)

An Bord Pleanála has released data showing it approved two-thirds of 69 wind and solar applications over the past two years, following criticism from High Court Justice Richard Humphreys who accused the planning authority of 'sabotaging' Ireland's climate commitments. The board approved 47 projects and rejected 21, with most rejections citing multiple reasons. The disclosure comes after Justice Humphreys criticized the board for being 'almost petrified' to approve renewable energy proposals that contravene local development plans since late 2022, marking a significant shift from its previous more permissive approach.

Ofgem hands over cash for heat pump rollout (2 min read)

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has received £449,687 from Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund for their EqualLCT project to boost heat pump adoption. The initiative aims to use network data to coordinate heat pump installations with energy efficiency upgrades, potentially reducing customer bills and deferring millions in network reinforcement costs across Scotland and southern England. The project focuses on overcoming barriers to low-carbon technology adoption while promoting renewable technologies and managing peak electricity demand.

BlackRock launches BFM Brown to Green Materials Fund for UK investors (3 min read)

BlackRock has launched a new fund targeting companies transitioning to low-carbon operations in the materials sector. The BlackRock BFM Brown to Green Materials Fund, which qualifies for the UK's 'Sustainability Improvers' label, focuses on companies in metals, mining, cement, chemicals, and construction materials that are actively decarbonizing. The fund, managed by BlackRock's Thematics and Sectors team, has an OCF of 0.92% and builds on its European counterpart launched in June 2023, which has grown to $78 million in assets. Current portfolio metrics show 88% investment in companies meeting decarbonization goals, with 76% targeting over 20% emissions intensity reduction in the medium term.

Biogas

Glanua Acquires UK-Based Marches Biogas (2 min read)

Loughrea-based Glanua has acquired Marches Biogas, a UK engineering firm specializing in anaerobic digestion and biogas production, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition positions Glanua as a specialist in biogas plant design and operations, expanding their capabilities in transforming wastewater and biomass into energy. Marches Biogas, which recorded £6 million in sales in 2023 with 27 employees, brings expertise from building over 30 AD plants. This marks Glanua's second acquisition in six months, increasing their total workforce to 600, with 130 UK-based employees, strengthening their presence in the UK's water and wastewater industry.

Energy Saving

Families could save £8bn with better insulation (2 min read)

According to climate charity Carbon Copy, UK households could reduce energy bills by £8 billion annually through improved insulation and efficiency upgrades. The charity's '25 Big Local Actions in 2025' campaign highlights Scotland's Warmer Homes program as a successful model, having helped 35,000 households. Beyond cost savings, improving homes to EPC C standard could prevent 650,000 new childhood asthma cases by 2030. The initiative emphasizes the need for local authorities to ensure support reaches vulnerable residents while addressing both economic and health impacts of poor home insulation.

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Global Roundup

These stories are relevant to multiple regions in Europe and Globally.

Electricity demand

• 90% of global electricity consumption growth in 2025 will come from renewables, according to Rystad (3 min read) Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy forecasts that renewables will account for 90% of global electricity consumption growth in 2025,. The report predicts total electricity growth of 1,350 TWh, with solar PV growing by 600 TWh to match annual oil-based energy growth for the first time. Key findings highlight a shift from energy scarcity to abundance, with both fossil fuel and renewable capacity growth exceeding demand. The analysis also notes increasing intermittency challenges leading to record negative pricing periods, emphasizing the critical need for reliable energy storage solutions in 2025.

Electricity demand

• How climate-friendly waterwheels are coming around again (5 min read) Traditional waterwheels are experiencing a revival as a sustainable energy solution, with successful implementations from the Himalayas to Northern Ireland. Research from the Technical University of Munich shows these systems can generate 300W to 1kW of electricity with up to 85% efficiency. Recent installations include a waterwheel in Kashmir providing energy independence to remote villages, and a restored historic wheel in Northern Ireland powering a restaurant. The technology offers reliable, zero-carbon electricity generation with minimal environmental impact, though initial costs can be significant ranging from $1,000 to $49,000 for installation.

Electricity markets

• Digital Solutions and AI for Advancing Renewables and Community Resilience (3 min read) The IRENA Innovation Day at the World Future Energy Summit focused on digital solutions for energy transition, highlighting how AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies can help achieve the goal of tripling renewable power by 2030. Experts emphasized that digital technologies are essential for improving grid stability, optimizing energy storage, and enabling new business models. However, they cautioned that implementation must address the digital divide between developed and developing nations to ensure an equitable transition. The event concluded that while digitalization is crucial for accelerating the energy transition, solutions must be tailored to specific regional contexts, particularly in Global South countries.

Electricity markets

• Chiusure settimanali dei mercati del 17 gennaio (2 min read) International oil markets saw significant movement with Brent crude reaching $82 before declining, while WTI rose above $80 before pulling back. Tensions among traders remain high due to concerns about potential supply constraints following new US sanctions that could impact fleet operations. The full market impact and specific details are only available to Staffetta Quotidiana subscribers.

Electricity markets

• Demand drives up some European electricity prices (3 min read) According to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting's analysis, European electricity markets showed mixed price trends in the second week of January 2025. While Belgian, British, Dutch, German, and Nordic markets saw price increases due to higher demand, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish markets experienced decreases due to lower gas prices and increased wind energy production. The British market recorded the highest average price at €152.37/MWh, with prices exceeding €85/MWh in all markets except the Nordic market, which averaged €50.50/MWh. Solar energy production increased in France and Germany but declined in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, with analysts expecting prices to rise in most markets during the third week of January due to increased demand and reduced wind energy production.

Electricity markets

• In brief | 17 January '25 (2 min read) Key energy and automotive updates from Europe and China: Chinese buyers are showing interest in German Volkswagen factories; Partners Group is investing €400 million in German battery storage platform 'green flexibility'; EU auto lobby calls for changes to decarbonization roadmap to protect carmakers; EU environment commissioner emphasizes recycled raw materials opportunities; EU carbon prices reach one-year high near €80/t while UK prices decline; and China's coal power usage increased despite clean energy growth, challenging climate efforts. The developments highlight ongoing tensions between industrial interests, environmental goals, and market dynamics in the global energy transition.

Electricity markets

• Electricity Market Design: Deadline for transposing new rules into national law (1 min read) January 17, 2025 marks the deadline for EU Member States to implement new Electricity Market design rules into national law through Directive EU/2024/1711. The reforms aim to stabilize energy prices and reduce fossil fuel dependency, requiring member states to implement measures for more predictable energy costs, expanded consumer contract options, and better consumer protections. Key features include long-term price locking options, protection from disconnection for vulnerable consumers, and new energy-sharing opportunities. These changes precede the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal and are designed to enhance EU industrial competitiveness while ensuring better consumer protection.

Energy storage

• University of Hawaii Advances Wave Energy Research Through TEAMER (3 min read) The University of Hawaii is advancing wave energy technology through the TEAMER program, focusing on oscillating water column (OWC) technologies. Their Project Hālona, inspired by Oahu's Hālona blowhole, is designed to power ocean observation platforms and autonomous underwater vehicles. Through TEAMER's support, the team accessed testing facilities at Oregon State University and Texas A&M, leading to successful scale model tests and Navy funding. The project has progressed from academic research to commercialization through Hawaii Ocean Power Solutions LLC, demonstrating how wave energy technology can effectively support marine research while moving toward practical applications.

Energy storage

• DBJ to invest in Form Energy, Inc. (3 min read) Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) has announced an investment in Form Energy, Inc., a U.S. startup that has successfully commercialized iron-air battery technology for long-duration energy storage. Founded in 2017 by former Tesla executive Mateo Jaramillo, Form Energy's batteries can discharge for 100 hours, addressing growing U.S. power grid challenges from renewable energy expansion, increased AI/data center demand, and retirement of conventional power plants. The technology has attracted significant interest from major U.S. utility companies for its ability to enable multi-day power supply-demand adjustments, supporting DBJ's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality through innovative financial solutions.

Energy storage

• What will happen to lithium-ion battery prices in 2025? (3 min read) According to TrendForce analysis, lithium-ion battery prices are expected to stabilize in 2025 after hitting historic lows in 2024. While material costs are projected to increase, this will be partially offset by production efficiencies and economies of scale. The Chinese EV market is forecast to grow 30% year-over-year, supported by government incentives. Battery manufacturers are likely to push for price increases to mitigate losses after experiencing compressed margins in 2024. The energy storage sector expects reduced production in Q1 2025 during its traditional low season, with prices remaining stable as material costs stabilize.

Hydrogen

• Next milestone of Ukraine's integration in European hydrogen value chain (3 min read) The Gas TSO of Ukraine and several European organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor initiative. The project aims to develop renewable power and hydrogen production in Ukraine and transport it via existing pipeline networks through Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria and Germany after 2030. Key partners include Stadtwerke München, Wien Energie, Open Grid Europe, and others, with TSOUA planning to complete technical feasibility studies for pipeline repurposing within 12-18 months.

Hydrogen

• 12 States to Benefit from $23 Billion in US Federal Energy Loans (5 min read) The Biden administration has committed $22.92 billion in utility loan guarantees to modernize the U.S. energy grid and advance clean energy initiatives. The Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office will distribute funds across 8 utility companies serving 14.78 million customers in 12 states. A notable allocation includes a $1.7 billion loan guarantee to Plug Power for hydrogen production facilities. The initiative, part of the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment program under the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to upgrade grid infrastructure, expand renewable capacity, and support emerging technologies like hydrogen. While political uncertainties exist with the upcoming administration change, experts believe already-allocated funds are likely secure, marking a significant step in the nation's transition to sustainable energy.

Hydrogen

• Plug Power closes loan guarantee from US DOE to help finance up to six hydrogen projects (3 min read) Plug Power has secured a $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office to finance up to six hydrogen production and liquefaction projects across the United States. The first project in Graham, Texas, will utilize wind power and the company's own electrolyser stacks and liquefaction systems, creating hundreds of jobs. With current facilities producing 45 tons of hydrogen daily, this expansion aligns with national security interests by strengthening America's energy independence and grid resilience while maintaining US leadership in clean energy innovation.

Hydrogen

• Hydrogen's Balancing Act: Cutting Costs, Building Demand, and Creating a Clean Energy Future (8 min read) The IEA's Global Hydrogen Review 2024 reveals significant challenges in hydrogen adoption despite its promise as a clean energy carrier. Current projections show low-emissions hydrogen production could reach 49 Mtpa by 2030 if planned projects succeed, but may only hit 26 Mtpa without acceleration. Green hydrogen remains 1.5-6x more expensive than fossil fuel-derived alternatives, creating a market bottleneck. While electrolyzer capacity grew ninefold between 2021-2024, supply chain issues have kept costs high. The report emphasizes the need for balanced supply-demand development, with the current $100 billion global funding focusing mainly on supply-side issues rather than demand creation. Success requires addressing infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages, and policy support to achieve the 90% annual growth needed in the electrolyzer sector by 2030.

Regulatory

• Weekly renewables M&A round-up (Jan 13 – 17) (2 min read) The article appears to be locked behind a paywall, with only the headline visible. Without access to the full content, I cannot provide a meaningful summary of the M&A activities and deals covered in the weekly roundup.

Regulatory

• DOE finalizes $9.8B in financing for Rivian, Plug Power, Sunwealth, and Ioneer (5 min read) The Biden administration's Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (LPO) has finalized several major clean energy loans before Trump's inauguration. The package includes $6.57B for Rivian's EV factory, $1.66B for Plug Power's hydrogen facilities, $289.7M for Sunwealth's solar projects, and $996M for Ioneer's lithium mining operation. These deals are part of LPO's broader $55B clean energy investment initiative, though their future remains uncertain under Trump's administration, which has promised to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act. Despite Republican criticism of potential conflicts of interest, LPO officials maintain these legally binding contracts would be difficult to undo and note the program's historical profitability with $5.4B in interest and $15B in principal payments against $1.03B in losses.

Regulatory

• U.S. clean energy tax subsidies to cost $825 billion over 10 years (2 min read) The Congressional Budget Office reports that U.S. clean energy tax subsidies under Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will increase budget deficits by $825 billion from 2025-2035, significantly higher than the initial $270 billion estimate. CBO Director Philip Swagel attributes the cost increase to a different budget window and expanded electric vehicle subsidy uptake due to new leasing provisions and emissions standards. This substantial revision highlights the growing fiscal impact of America's clean energy transition initiatives.

Regulatory

• Wealth of US 'oil-garchs' went up 15% in nine months as industry figures plan Trump inauguration party (5 min read) A new report from the Climate Accountability Research Project reveals US fossil fuel billionaires' wealth increased by 15% ($40.2bn) in the past nine months, reaching $307.8bn. The oil and gas industry has donated over $75m to Trump's campaign and expects to benefit from his promised policies to undo Biden's climate initiatives, exit the Paris accord, and expand drilling. Key beneficiaries include Richard Kinder, Lyndal Stephens Greth, and Charles Koch. The industry is celebrating Trump's upcoming inauguration with exclusive parties, while his incoming administration, set to be the wealthiest in US history with a combined net worth over $300bn, includes several fossil fuel executives in key positions.

Renewable energy

• Amazon bought more renewable power last year than any other company (3 min read) Amazon emerged as the largest corporate purchaser of renewable power in 2024, adding approximately 100 new projects and expanding its portfolio to over 33 gigawatts of generating capacity – 10 gigawatts more than Apple, its closest competitor. The company's portfolio, split between utility-scale wind/solar farms and on-site solar projects, can power 8.3 million homes. While this has helped reduce Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity, Amazon still faces challenges with Scope 3 emissions as it works toward its 2040 net zero goal.

Solar

• Solar corporate funding falls 24% to $26.3 billion in 2024 (3 min read) Mercom Capital Group reports that solar sector corporate funding decreased 24% to $26.3 billion in 2024, down from $34.3 billion in 2023. The decline affected multiple funding categories: venture capital funding fell 36%, public market financing dropped 59%, and debt financing decreased 6%. The downturn is attributed to inflation, high interest rates, trade disputes, and policy uncertainty. Despite overall decreases, large-scale project funding increased 21% to $53.8 billion, while M&A activity fell 15% with 82 transactions. The largest deal was Brookfield Asset Management's $6.54 billion acquisition of a majority stake in Neoen.

Solar

• Jet stream shift brings gloom to Northern Europe in December (3 min read) According to Solcast's analysis, December 2024 saw dramatic contrasts in solar irradiance across Europe due to an unusual northerly jet stream shift. Northern Europe experienced up to 30% below average irradiance levels, while regions south of major mountain ranges saw up to 30% above normal levels. The northern shift of the Azores High brought persistent cloud cover to France, UK, Germany, Poland, and Baltic states, while the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Italy enjoyed clearer skies. The Eastern Mediterranean saw mild reductions of up to 10% below normal due to low-pressure systems pushing moisture onshore.

Solar

• Global solar module prices vary based on demand expectations (3 min read) OPIS reports that global solar module prices are showing varied trends across regions. Chinese TOPCon module prices dropped 1.15% to $0.086/W FOB, with manufacturers continuing to lower offer prices despite rising raw material costs. In Europe, prices decreased slightly to €0.098/W as the market awaits new year pricing guidance, with potential small increases expected after Chinese New Year. US TOPCon module prices increased 0.71% to $0.284/W, with future prices projected between $0.282-0.293/W through 2026, while concerns about potential Inflation Reduction Act changes impact purchasing strategies.

Solar

• Tecnologie net-zero: a che punto è la manifattura europea? (5 min read) A new EU study examines the state of net-zero technology manufacturing across member states. While Europe leads in grid infrastructure and shows promise in biogas and hydrogen electrolyzers, it faces significant challenges in solar PV production due to Chinese competition. The EU satisfies 85% of internal wind turbine demand but is losing global market share. Battery production is growing from 5% global share in 2023, with expected expansion to 15% by 2030. Germany, Poland, and Hungary lead in various sectors, while Italy excels in grid technology. The report highlights that 19 member states have incentive programs totaling €15.6 billion to boost net-zero manufacturing capacity.

Solar

• TOPCon IP battle intensifies with Qcells launching infringement notices (3 min read) Qcells has initiated intellectual property disputes against several global manufacturers over alleged unauthorized use of its patented laser-enhanced contact opening (LECO) technology in TOPCon solar cells. The company has issued infringement notices requesting manufacturers to cease production and sales of products using LECO technology. This dispute adds to mounting TOPCon patent battles in the industry, with other cases involving JinkoSolar, Longi, First Solar, and others. The LECO technology, acquired by Qcells in 2022, enhances power output and reduces degradation in TOPCon cells, though questions remain about whether widespread laser-assisted metallization techniques infringe on Qcells' specific patents.

Solar

• Solar sales burnout – This Week in Cleantech (15 min listen) This Week in Cleantech podcast episode covers major cleantech developments, featuring Brendan Koerner's WIRED Magazine story about door-to-door solar sales burnout. The episode highlights five key stories: California's insurance crisis amid wildfires, LA utilities' power decisions during fires, natural gas ban controversies, REC Silicon's polysilicon production shutdown, and the challenges faced by solar panel salespeople. The episode also spotlights Will Heegaard of Footprint Power, whose team is supporting 92,000 LA wildfire evacuees with mobile solar power solutions.

Wind

• RWE's climate targets align with 1.5 degree pathway, confirms SBTi (2 min read) The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated RWE's climate goals, confirming their alignment with the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree warming limit. RWE aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 71.1% per MWh by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040. The company's comprehensive plan includes cutting Scope 3 emissions by 42% by 2030 and 90% by 2040, with remaining emissions to be neutralized through carbon credits. This validation from SBTi, which collaborates with global organizations like CDP and WWF, follows RWE's initial target approval from 2020.