Oct-12 to Oct-18
Happy Friday,
Wave energy is making a splash, data centers are going green with AI, and micro-nuclear is getting small but mighty—clean tech is leveling up! Methane’s going from planet-warmer to farm-fertilizer, and batteries are breaking records. From fusion dreams to EV booms, the future is looking electrifying, and investors are charging full speed ahead
- VOO – S&P 500 Index, representing 500 of the largest U.S. companies
- ICLN – This ETF tracks companies involved in clean energy production, such as wind, solar, and other renewables, with global exposure
- EFIV – This ETF tracks companies in the S&P 500 index that meet certain environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria
- NLR – This ETF provides exposure to companies involved in nuclear energy production, including those involved in uranium mining and nuclear power plant construction and maintenance
- NULG – Focuses on large-cap U.S. companies with superior ESG ratings
Headline Roundup
Climate Tech & Sustainability
- 2024 Cleantech 50 to Watch List Highlights Promising Early-Stage Companies in Global Cleantech Innovation (CE)
- Clean energy technologies save households serious money, but the barrier to entry increased in 2024: report (FP)
- Investment constraints holding back advance of carbon capture industry (OS)
- AI data centers tackle the sustainable energy challenge (IA)
- This Startup Wants to Turn Planet-Warming Methane Into Fertilizer (INC)
Clean & Alternative Energy
- In case you missed it: Five big solar stories in the news this week (PVM)
- Revolutionary LMFP Battery Breakthrough by Integrals Power (EM)
- CorPower Ocean Secures Funding To Commercialize Wave Energy (REM)
- IEA: Australia tops the globe for low-emission electricity generation (PVT)
- Google Boosts Data Centre Power with Nuclear Energy (EM)
- Michigan bets on EVs to revive its economy — and hopes jobs will follow (EC)
- US startup plans micro nuclear project in Wales (KS)
Investments & Startups
- The US Election Has Climate Tech Investors in Wait-and-See Mode (FP)
- Amazon backs carbon capture startup Paebbl in $25m round as governments commit billions to the tech (SFD)
- This startup can help you set up solar panels and lower your energy bill (TCD)
- Form Energy Secures $405M in Series F Financing to Expand Iron-Air Battery Business and Operations (FM)
- Fusion Reactor Startup Zap Energy Raises $130 Million (ESG)
- UK Startup Mission Zero Technologies Begins Delivery of Direct Air Capture Plant in Canada (BW)
- Beyond extraction: 6 mining tech startups leading path to decarbonization (TFN)
- Total of $3M in grants to 41 in catalyst and clean tech start-ups (ROI)
The Breakdown
Investor Insights: The rapid advancements in LMFP battery technology, methane-to-fertilizer conversion, and wave energy commercialization point to increasing opportunities for investors in breakthrough energy storage and emissions-reduction technologies. While innovations in sectors like micro-nuclear and AI-driven energy efficiency for data centers present promising investment prospects, underfunding in carbon capture remains a bottleneck, potentially delaying large-scale adoption. Notably, large funding rounds for iron-air batteries and fusion energy suggest growing investor confidence in long-term energy solutions. Investors should keep an eye on startups pushing decentralized energy (e.g., micro-nuclear and EV infrastructure) as these could redefine future energy grids. However, the evolving policy landscape, particularly surrounding the 2024 US election, may introduce near-term uncertainties in the clean tech space
TLDR: The cleantech industry is accelerating with innovations in renewable energy, energy storage, and carbon capture. Major trends include:
- Breakthrough Technologies: Advancements in battery tech (LMFP, iron-air), fusion energy, and wave energy are pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy storage and generation.
- Carbon Solutions: Startups are addressing carbon capture and methane-to-chemicals, while underinvestment remains a challenge for scaling carbon capture tech.
- AI and Data Centers: AI is being integrated into energy-efficient data centers and energy management, showcasing tech’s role in optimizing sustainability.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Micro-Nuclear: Michigan’s EV push and micro-nuclear projects demonstrate a shift toward decentralizing and decarbonizing power generation.
- Investment and Policy Uncertainty: While investment in cleantech is rising, uncertainty around the US election and economic conditions could influence future growth.
These innovations highlight the growing intersection of sustainability, technology, and finance, despite challenges related to investment and policy
Recourses
