ESG

Helion begins construction of its first fusion power plant. The plant, located in Malaga, Washington, aims to supply Microsoft with carbon-free energy by 2028, marking a significant step toward commercial fusion power and supporting Microsoft’s sustainability goals….

EFRAG revises sustainability reporting standards, simplifying requirements significantly. The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has released revised drafts of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards, cutting reporting datapoints by 68% to reduce the burden on companies under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive….

Barclays exits the Net-Zero Banking Alliance amid global shifts. Barclays’ departure from the UN-backed coalition follows similar exits by major banks globally, amid political pressure. Despite leaving, Barclays maintains its net-zero commitment and sustainable finance goals….

APG commits A$1 billion to Octopus Australia’s energy platform. The partnership will enhance Octopus Australia’s renewable energy projects, marking a significant step in Australia’s clean energy transition with a focus on solar, wind, and battery storage developments….

US state officials warn investment firms against ESG integration. State treasurers and financial officers from 21 US states have cautioned major investment firms against incorporating sustainability and climate considerations into their strategies, expressing concerns about the erosion of traditional fiduciary duty….

Planted Solar secures $12 million to enhance solar project deployment. The California-based firm aims to accelerate solar development with its integrated software and hardware platform, reducing costs and land use. The funding will enhance digital solutions and expand international market presence….

Greenvolt secures €150 million investment from KKR for growth. The capital will support Greenvolt’s expansion, focusing on large-scale battery storage. The transaction, occurring in two phases, aligns with KKR’s acquisition strategy to enhance Greenvolt’s utility-scale capabilities….

Barclays reports £500 million in sustainable finance revenues. The bank’s sustainability presentation outlines progress towards its net zero goals, with significant achievements in emissions reduction across various sectors, although challenges remain in automotive and aviation….

The European Commission adopts a new voluntary sustainability standard. The Voluntary Standard for SMEs (VSME) aims to simplify sustainability reporting for smaller businesses, enabling them to address ESG data requests from financial institutions and large companies, amidst potential changes to the CSRD’s scope….

Australia expands clean energy scheme to target 40 GW by 2030. The government aims to accelerate renewable infrastructure, supporting its 82% renewable electricity goal by 2030. The initiative is set to attract investments worth A$73 billion in storage and solar technologies….