Nanotech, Nukes, and Turbines: Clean Energy’s Next Big Power Plays


Nov-15 to Nov-22

Happy Friday,

Geothermal energy is heating up with new global partnerships, while green hydrogen is stepping into the spotlight with strategic investments. Microsoft’s carbon removal bake-off is putting innovative offset solutions to the test as AI’s energy demands soar. Flower Turbines are bringing sleek renewables to local communities, and thermal energy networks are redefining urban decarbonization. Nuclear startups are shaking up the energy game, from fuel innovations to fierce competition. From sustainable nanotech breakthroughs to decentralized energy systems, clean tech is evolving fast, and the investment opportunities are hotter than ever.

*As of Market Close 11/21/2024

  • 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

  • Green Innovation Shows New Markets Don’t Have to Be Disruptive (HBR)
  • Thermal energy networks can decarbonize neighborhoods. Meet the US cities giving them a shot. (UD)
  • Microsoft bets a carbon removal bake-off will help offset its skyrocketing AI emissions (TC)
  • Rice University harnesses nanotech to revolutionize clean water access (IM)

Clean & Alternative Energy

  • Flower Turbines Now Available To Everyone to Invest in Small-Scale Wind Energy (REM)
  • Seequent and the International Geothermal Association Partner to Unlock Geothermal Energy’s Potential for a Sustainable Future (FP)
  • Google has just found the energy of the future: It’s in the most inaccessible place on Earth (TM)
  • Trump’s pro-fracking energy secretary pick has also invested in geothermal and nuclear startups (TC)
  • Nuclear startups face new competition as energy giant Enel enters the ring (TC)

Investments & Startups

  • JPMorgan unveils ratio of green energy to high carbon financing following shareholder proposal (UD)
  • Winners revealed for the first-ever Playing for the Planet awards (PG)
  • Hydrogen Mem-tech Secures Strategic Investment To Accelerate Green Hydrogen Production (BWD)
  • Columbia University students’ biotech AI startup raises $4 million seed round (TAB)
  • Altman-backed startup acquires Atomic Alchemy to boost nuclear fuel supply (CM)
  • General Galactic Raises $8M Seed For Clean Fuel Tech (PAY)

The Breakdown

Investor Insights: Green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and carbon capture are driving new investment opportunities in clean tech. Strategic funding for Hydrogen Mem Tech and collaborations like Seequent’s geothermal partnership showcase growth in sustainable energy solutions. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s carbon removal efforts highlight rising demand for scalable offsets driven by AI’s energy needs.

Investments in nuclear startups, like Atomic Alchemy, and urban-focused innovations, such as Flower Turbines and thermal energy networks, signal momentum in decentralized energy. However, regulatory shifts and increased competition in saturated markets, such as nuclear, require strategic focus. Investors should prioritize decentralized energy and scalable carbon solutions while navigating evolving market dynamics.

TLDR: The clean tech sector is advancing with notable innovations and investments. Key trends include:

  • Hydrogen and Geothermal Energy: Green hydrogen production is accelerating, with strategic investments in tech like Hydrogen Mem Tech, while partnerships like Seequent’s are unlocking geothermal’s sustainable potential.
  • Carbon Capture Solutions: Microsoft’s carbon removal bake-off highlights the rising demand for scalable offsets, driven by AI’s growing energy footprint.
  • Decentralized and Localized Energy: Urban decarbonization efforts, such as thermal energy networks and Flower Turbines, show momentum in localized renewable energy systems.
  • Nuclear Tech Growth: Investments in startups like Atomic Alchemy reflect confidence in advanced nuclear solutions, despite increasing competition.
  • Investment Shifts: The evolving regulatory landscape and funding competition signal the need for strategic focus in decentralized energy and scalable carbon solutions.

These trends underscore the clean tech sector’s innovation-driven growth, offering substantial opportunities amidst evolving challenges.

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