News
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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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The UK’s M&A market saw five major deals this week. Strategic buyers, from Wall Street banks to dairy giants, drove activity across financial services, consumer, and biotech sectors. Global capital, succession, and sector shifts shaped the dealmaking landscape.
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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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UK small and medium-sized businesses now invest over £1 trillion annually in technology. New data highlights rapid digital adoption, with 99% of firms now reliant on digital tools and platforms.
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A major UK probe has flagged serious concerns over cloud competition. Microsoft and Amazon’s dominance may now trigger tougher regulation and reshape the UK cloud market for years.
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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.
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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….