Global
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Tech giants are converting old European power plants for data centres. Major technology companies are partnering with utilities to transform decommissioned coal and gas-fired sites into high-capacity data centres, accelerating grid connections and powering the next wave of AI infrastructure growth across the region.
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A U.S. judge allows antitrust lawsuit against asset managers. The case accuses BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street of conspiring to manipulate coal markets through sustainable investment initiatives, with claims that they pressured coal companies to reduce production to meet climate goals….
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Mars launches initiative to protect peanut crops from climate change. The Mars Protect the Peanut Plan is a new agri-science initiative aimed at safeguarding peanut crops against climate change impacts, including droughts, flooding, pests, and disease, to ensure the reliability of global supply….
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The European Commission launches a consultation on Circular Economy Act. The initiative aims to reduce resource dependence, enhance competitiveness, and address environmental impacts, focusing on creating a single market for secondary raw materials by 2026….
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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….
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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….
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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….
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Europe’s AI Act is now entering a pivotal new phase. General-purpose AI system providers must comply with sweeping transparency, risk and documentation requirements, facing fines up to €35 million for non-compliance.
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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….
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Britain’s steelmakers regain EU tariff-free access for Category 17. From 1 August, UK producers can export up to 27,000 tonnes of structural steel to Europe each quarter, restoring trade volumes and offering vital certainty for the sector after years of Brexit-linked restrictions.