Graphite from Biochar, Hong Kong AI Strategy, IPG to support JETP
G42 & NVIDIA partner on AI weather forecasting; IPG pledges billions for JETP; Brownfield Ammonia-Urea complex in Assam; Financing for biotech; bio-composites from olive-pruning waste;
CarbonScape Secures U.S. Patent for Breakthrough Graphite Technology, Advancing Domestic Supply of Critical Raw Materials for EV Batteries
(March 19)
CarbonScape, a deep-tech innovator in battery-grade graphite production, secured a U.S. patent (Patent No. US12187615B2) for its method of producing high-quality graphite from biochar. This process, instead of traditional mining, utilizes biomass as a renewable resource, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Recently, the company achieved a 90% spheroidization yield, indicating its efficiency in graphite production and has established agreements for sourcing woodchips in the U.S. to support its operations. CarbonScape also plans to build several industrial plants across Europe and North America, with operations starting at a demonstration plant in 2026.
CONAFER and Terra Bank Partner to Finance Genetic Improvement Projects
(March 19)
The CONAFER and Terra Bank agreed to finance R$ 5 billion for new reproductive biotechnology projects, including the successful +Pecuária Brasil program, which is Brazil's largest genetic improvement program. This partnership aims to enhance access to effective reproductive biotechnology for producers, promote sustainable agricultural models, and ensure environmental conservation. In addition to funding existing programs, Terra Bank plans to support new initiatives like +Genética no Sertão, which provides genetic improvement for livestock in northeastern Brazil. The initiative also aims to facilitate better credit access for farmers, particularly focusing on small-scale agriculturalists.
Confederação Nacional de Agricultores Familiares e Empreendedores Familiares Rurais
Polaron awarded £1 million for AI-driven materials innovation
(March 19)
The UK government awarded Polaron £1 million as part of the Manchester Prize for its innovative AI technology that accelerates the development of materials used in clean energy systems, such as wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries. This funding aims to support advancements that are crucial for the government’s Plan for Change to promote economic growth and achieve net zero targets. Polaron's AI solution utilizes microstructural images to rapidly assess material performance, which can significantly streamline the manufacturing process.
Investing in Canada’s hydrogen potential
(March 19)
The Canadian government announced a $49 million investment in HTEC to support the construction of a hydrogen liquefier facility in North Vancouver. This facility is part of HTEC's $472 million project, which aims to capture and liquefy 15 tonnes per day of industrial by-product hydrogen. Once operational, it will improve the distribution of low-carbon hydrogen and is essential for establishing the first full value chain ecosystem for heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks in Canada. The project will help facilitate the transition to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and will maintain up to 500 jobs in the region.
Canada Announces Support for British Columbia’s Forest Sector
(March 19)
The Government of Canada announced an investment of over $20 million for 67 projects to enhance the competitiveness of British Columbia's forest sector. This funding includes over $11.3 million for six projects under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program aimed at adopting low-carbon technologies. Additionally, over $7 million will support 50 projects through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), promoting economic development in Indigenous communities. A further $1.6 million will be allocated to nine projects through the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, encouraging the use of wood-based products in construction.
AI4Peat Project Revolutionizes Peatland Mapping in England
(March 19)
The AI4Peat project, led by Natural England, employs artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the mapping of peatland features across upland England. This initiative is part of the England Peat Action Plan, aiming to restore vital peatland ecosystems essential for carbon storage and biodiversity. The project utilizes deep learning models trained on high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR data to produce comprehensive national maps, significantly aiding restoration efforts. Its outputs are expected to be included in the England Peat Map, set to launch in spring 2025.
UK Government | Natural England
US and International Partners Group Support South Africa's Just Energy Transition
(March 19)
The International Partners Group (IPG) has pledged over $12.8 billion to support South Africa's transition from coal to a low-emission, climate-resilient economy. The US has contributed $56 million in grants and $1 billion in commercial debt/equity through the US International Development Finance Corporation. Despite the US's withdrawal from some aspects of the partnership, the IPG continues to express strong commitment to the just energy transition in South Africa, with over $2.5 billion of the pledged funds already allocated. South Africa remains a key partner in receiving ongoing international support to ensure the transition benefits all its citizens.
Carbonmark Launches Seamless Import & Export of ICR Credits
(March 19)
Carbonmark has launched a new integration feature with the International Carbon Registry (ICR), allowing carbon credit holders to seamlessly import and export their credits. This integration simplifies credit transfers, increases visibility, and provides control over transactions through Carbonmark’s non-custodial account system. Users can easily connect with ICR, manage their credits, and enhance accessibility while retaining full control of their transactions.
Graphyte’s First Carbon Rating Achieves BeZero AA Rating
(March 19)
Graphyte's Loblolly Project was awarded an 'AA' carbon rating from BeZero, marking it as the first biomass carbon removal company to achieve this distinction. The rating assesses the likelihood of the project achieving a tonne of CO2e avoided or removed, placing Graphyte in the top 2% of projects on BeZero's platform. This is significant as it represents the inaugural biomass-based carbon removal and storage method to receive such recognition, emphasizing Graphyte's commitment to high standards of carbon accounting and permanence for a duration exceeding 1000 years.
COMP0LIVE’s path to startup success with LIFE C2M support
(March 19)
The COMP0LIVE project has launched an innovative approach to convert olive pruning waste into bio-composites for industrial use, reducing waste and reliance on fossil-based plastics. With the support from LIFE's C2M initiative, the team has developed a solid business plan and aims to launch a startup to scale production of these sustainable materials. They have engaged with notable industry partners, including Ford and Caliplast, to explore various applications for their products beyond automotive parts.
European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)
Cabinet approves setting up of Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex in Assam
(March 19)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a new Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex with a capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of Urea production at Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) in Namrup, Assam. The project has an estimated cost of Rs.10,601.40 Crore and will be funded through a Joint Venture (JV) with a 70:30 Debt Equity ratio. The establishment of this unit is planned to be energy-efficient and aims to enhance Urea production capacity in the North-Eastern region, addressing the growing demand for Urea fertilizers in the area.
UK National Wealth Fund's Strategic Direction on Clean Energy Investment
(March 19)
The UK National Wealth Fund aims to unlock over £70 billion in private investment to foster economic growth, transition to clean energy, and enhance national security. Prioritized sectors include clean energy innovations like carbon capture and green hydrogen, with confirmed investments including £55 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and £9.6 million for heating infrastructure in Solihull. The initiative is bolstered by a recruitment drive for new leadership and collaborations with Great British Energy for increasing clean energy production.
Partners Group and Greenlink €1bn sale of undersea electricity interconnector
(March 19)
Partners Group and Greenlink announced the sale of the Greenlink undersea electricity interconnector cable, valued at over €1bn. This deal is significant for Ireland's energy sector, as the interconnector has a nominal capacity to power approximately 380,000 homes. The sale encompasses all Irish law aspects, indicating a comprehensive legal advisory engagement.
Hong Kong Government Develops Comprehensive AI Strategy
(March 19)
The Hong Kong Government has initiated several measures to advance the development of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key industry. They have launched a $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme to support universities and enterprises in leveraging computing power for breakthroughs. A $10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund will also be established, focusing on AI and robotics. Additionally, a Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute will be established with $1 billion earmarked in the 2025-26 Budget. Collaborations with the Mainland will be enhanced through various agreements to strengthen AI development and innovation exchanges.
The Government of Hong Kong, Digital Policy Office
AI Infrastructure Partnership Expands to Include NVIDIA and xAI
(March 18)
The AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), established by MGX, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Microsoft, expanded to include NVIDIA and xAI. This partnership aims to invest in AI infrastructure, attracting US$30 billion in capital and potentially mobilizing up to US$100 billion including debt financing. GE Vernova and NextEra Energy will collaborate with AIP to develop energy solutions for AI data centers. Their focus includes utilizing renewables and battery storage to support AI technology's demands.
G42 and NVIDIA collaborate to introduce AI-powered weather forecasting system
(March 18)
G42 and NVIDIA launched a hyper-local weather forecasting system under the Earth-2 Climate Tech Lab partnership in Abu Dhabi. The system uses a generative downscaling model to offer detailed 200-meter resolution forecasts, enabling better prediction of extreme weather events. G42 has conducted successful fog simulations across UAE, demonstrating enhanced visualization capabilities, while also committing to improve forecasting precision for climate-adaptive urban development globally.
ADQ and Energy Capital Partners to launch US$25bn investment partnership in US to expand power generation for energy-intensive industries
(March 18)
ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, and Energy Capital Partners (ECP), the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the United States, have entered into an agreement to establish a 50-50 partnership in new build power generation and energy infrastructure. They plan to invest more than US$25 billion across 25 GW worth of projects focused on meeting the growing power needs of data centres and other energy-intensive industries. The initial capital contribution from both partners is expected to be US$5 billion.
Infra, Aviation, Carbon Offsets, & more
Indonesia approves 21 infra projects;
First Moldova permit for industrial hemp;
Zero percent clinker cement;
Archer Aviation - Palantir partner on AI for next-gen aviation;