I was just sampling some of the recommendations our system is sending out this morning and marveling at the usefully inspiring work being done by so many organizations we're tracking. More than inspiration, though, I hope that ongoing exposure to the work of others empowers each of us by expanding and refining both our vocabulary and our perception.

I hope these stories will strengthen your perception to pick up on risks and opportunities when you come across something new in your own work, thanks to strengthened pattern recognition. ("I've read about problems/opportunities like this before, in related projects!")

And I hope these updates will strengthen your vocabulary, by exposing you to more options, perspectives, and stories that we can deploy from others to our own work. Pathways out of problems, and toward success in our endeavors.

There is no grand "solve it all" button we can push, but we can advance our work, step by high-leverage step, hopefully sending fractals of sustainable principles out from the micro across the macro.

Ok, let's go!

-Marshall Kirkpatrick

Founder, Earth Catalyst

Daily super-personalized email and strategic consulting based on two decades of tech startup trailblazing, now focused on green tech and sustainability.

Visual of the Day: Memorial for a Beautiful Bear

The US Department of Interior shared sad news that the oldest reproducing female grizzly bear in Yellowstone has died. The 28 year old bear known as bear 399 has been closely watched for decades but was hit by a car Tuesday night. Her year-old cub's whereabouts are unknown.

In 2022, High Country News called her "Wyoming’s true reigning celebrity" and more famous than Kanye West in the state. "For charisma, it’s hard to beat Bear 399, with her trailing kite of adorable cubs and a posse of protectors and persistent paparazzi."

Grizzly bears are  essential ecosystem participants, distributing seeds and nutrients from the bodies of salmon throughout forests. Life Magazine recently published a beautiful collection of photos of bears around the world.

Quote of the Day: War & Ecology

From The Revelator's War Threatens Ukraine’s Unique Red Seaweed Fields. Here’s How Scientists Monitor Them From Afar

And now...

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (7 stories) - AI-powered LaserWeeder, Asparagopsis seaweed for methane reduction, Israel's agrifoodtech decline, plant-based meat sales shift, regenerative agriculture scrutiny, organic fertilizers' carbon storage benefits, Vietnam's rice cultivation innovation

• Carbon (8 stories) - Climeworks partners with CapturePoint for US carbon storage; State CDR Atlas and WattTime expand data coverage; experts push for carbon pricing and methane reduction strategies

• Ecosystems (15 stories) - Mercury levels in fish, Amazon deforestation, CLIMOS Project, Indonesian biodiversity loss, Mundano's mural, urban bird diversity, Black Sea seaweed, global water cycle imbalance, Brazilian bee pollination, ocean treaty, microplastic contamination, and Attenborough's call for collaboration

• Efficiency (1 story) - Anthropic's Claude AI automates computer tasks, with limitations

• Finance (4 stories) - AI-powered environmental tracking, data journalism fellowships, climate storytelling grants, and World Bank scrutiny over fossil fuel financing

• Grid (4 stories) - Utility challenges, WattTime's global emissions data, performance-based regulation trends, and U.S. natural gas pricing dynamics shape grid landscape

• Indigenous (13 stories) - NICHI, Canada invest $97M in Indigenous housing; KoBold Metals showcases Zambian mining; PowerMakers 2024 selects 35 First Nations leaders for clean energy program

• Industry (5 stories) - Verdagy's DOE-backed gigawatt electrolyzer plant; China's covert fishing fleet tactics; industrial safety tech advancements; Zambia's mining history documented

• Policy (21 stories) - EPA targets landfill methane; IRA incentives at risk; state utility commissions shape clean energy; Project 2025 threatens climate action; COP29 focuses on finance and emissions

• Renewables (8 stories) - Aurora Solar expands in France, geothermal apprenticeship launches, AMPIN Energy secures India project, LNG concerns in Baja, Texas solar opposition, Ohio court to rule on community resistance, NJ offshore wind poll, Democrats warm to nuclear, '24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition' forms, Stellantis plans solid-state EV fleet

• Transport (3 stories) - Stellantis and Factorial partner on solid-state EVs; QuantumScape ships high-density cells; California's Delta tunnel project advances

Agriculture

AI-powered LaserWeeder, Asparagopsis seaweed for methane reduction, Israel's agrifoodtech decline, plant-based meat sales shift, regenerative agriculture scrutiny, organic fertilizers' carbon storage benefits, Vietnam's rice cultivation innovation

• Carbon Robotics eyes new regions, products with $70m raise: ‘We’re focused very intently on the field’ (AgFunderNews) - Carbon Robotics secures $70 million in Series D funding to expand its AI-powered LaserWeeder platform globally and develop new agricultural robotics solutions.

• Feeding cattle whole seaweed is more effective than bromoform alone for methane reduction, says study (AgFunderNews) - Researchers discover feeding cattle whole Asparagopsis seaweed slashes methane emissions by 95.6%, outperforming isolated bromoform in livestock methane reduction efforts.

• Israel-Gaza conflict not “the whole story” behind plunge in agrifoodtech funding (AgFunderNews) - Israel's agrifoodtech funding plummeted 72% since October 2023, with global economic trends and alt-protein focus playing larger roles than the Israel-Gaza conflict.

• Plant-based meat, US retail: Refrigerated remains in freefall, frozen starting to plateau (AgFunderNews) - US retail sales of refrigerated plant-based meat alternatives plummet, while frozen options stabilize, new Circana data reveals.

• Big Ag Is Using  ‘Regenerative Agriculture’ to Mask Business-as-Usual (DeSmog) - Report reveals leading food and agriculture firms employ ambiguous "regenerative agriculture" terminology to obscure minimal alterations to environmentally harmful methods.

• Researchers make stunning discovery after examining farmland treated only with organic fertilizers for decades: ‘[Will] help us to move forward’ (Phys.org) - Researchers at Kansas State University found organic fertilizers boost soil carbon storage by 32% through pore preservation and mineral attachment, surpassing chemical alternatives in effectiveness.

• Vietnam’s MARD endorses Mechanized Direct Seeding combined with Fertilizer Deep Placement as an advanced technology for rice cultivation (CGIAR) - Vietnam's agriculture ministry has endorsed a new rice cultivation technique for the Mekong Delta, combining mechanized direct seeding with deep fertilizer placement, aiming to boost yields and reduce environmental impact.

Carbon

Climeworks partners with CapturePoint for US carbon storage; State CDR Atlas and WattTime expand data coverage; experts push for carbon pricing and methane reduction strategies

• Climeworks collaborates with CapturePoint Solutions for CO₂ storage (Climeworks) - Swiss firm Climeworks partners with CapturePoint Solutions to transport and store CO₂ in Louisiana, advancing plans for a million-ton direct air capture hub in the United States.

• State Policymakers Can Enact Real Change by Enabling Carbon Dioxide Removal (RMI) - The State CDR Atlas tool empowers policymakers to pinpoint carbon dioxide removal prospects and supportive policies within their states, enhancing climate action strategies.

• The methodology behind our latest global data expansion (WattTime) - WattTime's carbon data signal now covers 99% of global electricity consumption, expanding from 40 to 210 countries using synthetic demand modeling where real-time grid data is unavailable.

• Voices of Pioneers, Stefano (Climeworks) - Swiss carbon removal firm Climeworks highlights Stefano, a freelance content producer who offsets work-related travel emissions and champions individual climate action through their service.

• Let’s tax carbon: Ross Garnaut on why the time is right for a second shot at carbon pricing (The Conversation) - Economist Ross Garnaut advocates for Australia to reinstate carbon pricing, aiming to reach net-zero emissions and transform into a renewable energy powerhouse.

• 20 Years of Atmospheric Physics Group WOLKE (ETH Zurich) - The Atmospheric Physics Group WOLKE at ETH Zurich marks two decades of impactful research in cloud microphysics and climate science, led by Professor Ulrike Lohmann.

•  (EESI) - International experts convene to address methane emissions reduction, focusing on the Global Methane Pledge and sector-specific strategies, in preparation for COP29.

• Biden-Harris Administration Announces $162 Million Loan Guarantee to LongPath Technologies to Support Deployment of Methane Emissions Monitoring Network (Energy.gov) - The Department of Energy has approved a $162.4 million loan guarantee to LongPath Technologies for constructing a nationwide methane emissions monitoring network across U.S. oil and gas production areas.

Ecosystems

Mercury levels in fish, Amazon deforestation, CLIMOS Project, Indonesian biodiversity loss, Mundano's mural, urban bird diversity, Black Sea seaweed, global water cycle imbalance, Brazilian bee pollination, ocean treaty, microplastic contamination, and Attenborough's call for collaboration

• An Investigation of Factors Related to Levels of Mercury in Human Hair (Greenpeace USA: Study finds hair mercury levels significantly associated with fish consumption, age, race, gender, and geographic region in U.S. volunteers.) - A new study reveals hair mercury levels in U.S. volunteers are strongly linked to fish consumption, demographics, and location, with significant variations across age, race, gender, and regions.

• CLIMOS Project (UNDRR) - The CLIMOS Project seeks to mitigate Sand Fly-borne Disease risks across Europe by integrating climate monitoring, advanced modeling techniques, and targeted public health recommendations.

• Indonesian Forests & Palm Oil (Greenpeace USA) - Indonesia's forests, housing up to 15% of Earth's known species, face rapid destruction from palm oil production, endangering biodiversity and releasing vast carbon stores.

• US Billionaires Called on to End Forest Destruction in Mega Mural by Famous Brazilian “Artivist” (Amazon Watch) - Brazilian artist Mundano's massive 17,000 sq ft mural in São Paulo demands Cargill-MacMillan billionaires halt deforestation and human rights violations across South America.

• Want to built healthier cities? Make room for bird and tree diversity (The Conversation) - Research reveals Canadians living in urban areas with greater bird and tree diversity report better mental health outcomes, according to a new study.

• War Threatens Ukraine’s Unique Red Seaweed Fields. Here’s How Scientists Monitor Them From Afar (The Revelator) - Ukrainian researchers employ satellite data to assess risks facing distinctive Black Sea red seaweed habitats, inaccessible due to Russia's ongoing military actions.

• Earth’s Water Cycle Off Balance for ‘First Time in Human History’ (Common Dreams) - A new report warns Earth's water cycle is off balance for the first time in human history, citing climate change, deforestation, and resource mismanagement as key factors.

• As abelhas sem ferrão viajam longas distâncias para polinizar as árvores do Cerrado (Meli-bees.org) - Brazilian researchers discover three stingless bee species in the Cerrado visit up to 50 plant species, preferring small white tree flowers within 600m of their nests.

• Stingless bees travel far to pollinate Cerrado trees (Meli-bees.org) - Research reveals three stingless bee species in Brazil's Cerrado pollinate approximately 50 plant species within a 600m radius, showing preference for small, white, pollen-rich flowers.

• Conservationist prescribes hope in the horror (Conservation International) - Posthumous book by esteemed conservationist Thomas Lovejoy presents hopeful approaches to safeguarding crucial tropical forests in the face of climate change and species decline.

• What are the High Seas (and why should we care?) (Mongabay) - A new global treaty seeks to safeguard biodiversity in international waters, covering 64% of the ocean's surface and regulating activities beyond national borders.

• Studies identify microplastics contamination along entire Brazilian coastline (Mongabay) - Brazil's entire 7,500 km coastline faces widespread microplastic contamination, with the south and southeast regions experiencing the highest levels, according to recent studies.

•  (YouTube) - Sir David Attenborough calls for cross-party collaboration on worldwide ecological and societal issues, highlighting human intelligence as a crucial asset in tackling these problems.

•  (UN) - Global leaders adopt action plan linking nature protection with health preservation, as UN warns biodiversity loss poses significant threat to human well-being.

•  (YouTube) - Human activities threaten ecosystems and biodiversity, with experts warning that urgent action is needed to restore balance and protect the natural patterns vital for sustaining life on Earth.

Efficiency

Anthropic's Claude AI automates computer tasks, with limitations

• 🤯 An AI intern in your pocket (Exponential View) - Anthropic's Claude AI now interacts directly with computers, automating tasks like a digital intern, though execution limitations remain, according to Exponential View.

Finance

AI-powered environmental tracking, data journalism fellowships, climate storytelling grants, and World Bank scrutiny over fossil fuel financing

• The Nature Tech Directory: new database tracks 1,000 companies worldwide applying nature tech solutions (Nature4Climate) - Global database tracks 1,000 firms using AI and satellite data to tackle environmental issues, showcasing tech's role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

• DEADLINE: David Donald Fellowship for Data Journalism (SEJ) - The Investigative Reporters and Editors organization is providing fully-funded data journalism training opportunities for educators through the David Donald Fellowship, covering expenses for either the NICAR Conference or Data Journalism Bootcamp.

• DEADLINE: NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship (SEJ) - The NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship will award $20,000 grants to three screenwriters for climate-focused scripts, providing mentorship and a December 5, 2024 application deadline.

•  (Climate Reality Project) - Ahead of annual meetings, World Bank faces pressure to halt fossil fuel funding, boost climate finance transparency, and support clean energy transition.

Grid

Utility challenges, WattTime's global emissions data, performance-based regulation trends, and U.S. natural gas pricing dynamics shape grid landscape

• The 2024 Data Center Fantasy Draft (Orennia) - Data center expansion is projected to significantly boost energy demand, potentially impacting utilities, power generation, gas production, coal plant longevity, and consumer electricity costs.

• WattTime expands marginal emissions dataset globally to cover nearly 100% of world's electricity consumption (WattTime) - Nonprofit WattTime expands hourly electricity emissions data to 210 countries, empowering global climate action and strategic emissions reduction decisions.

• Tying utility profits to actually doing a good job (Volts) - Performance-based regulation, gaining traction in numerous states, seeks to align utility profits with grid modernization by linking earnings to metrics rather than solely cost recovery.

• Market dynamics vary at key natural gas pricing hubs (EIA) - U.S. natural gas pricing hubs exhibit diverse market dynamics influenced by regional factors, with Henry Hub maintaining its role as the national benchmark, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Indigenous

NICHI, Canada invest $97M in Indigenous housing; KoBold Metals showcases Zambian mining; PowerMakers 2024 selects 35 First Nations leaders for clean energy program

• Mines and Minds: The People’s Journey in Zambia’s Mining Legacy (Celebrating 60 Years of Zambia) (KoBold Metals) - Mining firm KoBold Metals unveils a mobile exhibition chronicling Zambia's six-decade mining legacy, curated by Samba Yonga, in celebration of the nation's independence.

• NICE Nepalgunj (PreventionWeb) - Nepali NGO NICE Nepalgunj works to foster social cohesion, empower marginalized communities, and bolster economic growth initiatives across Nepal.

• How beef became a marker of American identity (The Conversation) - Cattle ranching's rise in 19th-century America displaced Native Americans and bison, shaping the nation's dietary preferences and cultural landscape.

• NICHI announces Ontario recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs (Indigenous Services Canada) - NICHI invests $58 million in 12 Indigenous housing projects across Ontario, contributing to a national $277.8 million initiative aimed at constructing over 3,800 units to address critical housing needs in urban, rural, and northern areas.

• NICHI announces Nunavut recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs (Indigenous Services Canada) - The Canadian government has allocated nearly $13 million for three Indigenous housing projects in Nunavut, part of a $277.8 million national initiative addressing urgent housing needs.

• NICHI announces Northwest Territories recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs (Indigenous Services Canada) - The Canadian government has earmarked $26 million for seven Indigenous housing projects in the Northwest Territories, as part of a larger $277.8 million national initiative addressing urgent housing needs across the country.

• Department of Education & Career Services has funding for Drivers Education Course (Penobscot Nation) - The Penobscot Nation's Tribal Department of Education & Career Services is providing financial support for community members to undertake Drivers Education courses.

• Here’s how to reform multilateral funding to get more money directly to communities (commentary) (Mongabay) - Global climate and biodiversity funding requires significant overhaul to boost direct support for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who steward vast areas of the world's forests and biodiversity.

• PowerMakers 2024 ready to roll! (First Nations Clean Energy Network) - Thirty-five First Nations individuals have been chosen for the PowerMakers 2024 program in Walyalup, aimed at fostering clean energy leadership and capacity building within indigenous communities.

• Cerimônia do 46º Prêmio Vladimir Herzog será na próxima terça-feira (29), no Tucarena, em São Paulo (Instituto Socioambiental) - São Paulo hosts the 46th Vladimir Herzog Journalism Award on October 29th, celebrating human rights reporting and paying homage to significant historical figures.

• Thank you for attending our 9th Annual Black Sustainability Summit (part 1) 🌱 (YouTube) - The Black Sustainability Summit's 9th annual event spotlights environmental challenges and sustainable practices within African American communities, drawing attention to these critical issues.

•  (Ninth Annual Black Sustainability Summit) - The three-day Black Sustainability Summit in Georgia offered virtual and in-person sessions, workshops, and networking, highlighting sustainability initiatives in African American communities through an inaugural state report.

•  (Elders Climate Action) - Tamara Staton outlines coping strategies for climate and election stress, focusing on resilience-building methods tailored for senior environmental advocates.

Industry

Verdagy's DOE-backed gigawatt electrolyzer plant; China's covert fishing fleet tactics; industrial safety tech advancements; Zambia's mining history documented

• Verdagy Announces Grand Opening of its Gigawatt-Scale Silicon Valley Factory (Verdagy) - Silicon Valley-based Verdagy launches the first gigawatt-scale electrolyzer manufacturing facility backed by the Department of Energy, aiming to boost green hydrogen production and reduce costs.

• China’s Pacific fleet reportedly using squid ship as hospital to evade scrutiny (Mongabay) - China's Pacific squid fishing fleet allegedly employs vessel Zhe Pu Yuan 98 as a covert hospital ship, potentially circumventing regulations and oversight in international waters.

• Embedding a Safety Culture at Industrial and Manufacturing Firms Should Be a Narrative That Many Types of Vendors Can Readily Get Behind (ABI Research) - Experts urge industrial firms to adopt advanced technologies like EHS software, asset tracking, and AI to enhance workplace safety and improve key performance indicators.

• Embedding a Safety Culture at Industrial and Manufacturing Firms Should Be a Narrative That Many Types of Vendors Can Readily Get Behind (ABI Research) - Experts urge industrial firms to adopt advanced technologies like EHS software, asset tracking, and AI to enhance workplace safety and improve key performance indicators.

•  (YouTube) - Zambia's six-decade mining legacy, pivotal to its independence and economic growth, is chronicled through personal narratives and historical records in a new documentary.

Policy

EPA targets landfill methane; IRA incentives at risk; state utility commissions shape clean energy; Project 2025 threatens climate action; COP29 focuses on finance and emissions

• A NEW COMPASS FOR COUNCILS (Centre for Thriving Places: New Thriving Places Index data for England released, offering local governments a tool to guide decision-making towards creating thriving communities beyond economic growth.) - New data from the Thriving Places Index provides English local authorities with a comprehensive tool to foster community well-being beyond economic metrics.

• Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) (UNDRR) - Sweden's Folke Bernadotte Academy, a government agency, bolsters global peace efforts through training, research, and recruitment for international operations and development cooperation.

• DEADLINE: Hong Kong International Film Festival (SEJ) - Hong Kong's prestigious film festival is now accepting entries for its 2025 edition, with winners in short film and documentary categories eligible for cash prizes and potential Oscar® qualification.

• DEADLINE: European Press Prize (SEJ) - The European Press Prize is accepting entries until December 14, 2024, offering 10,000 euro awards across five categories to recognize outstanding achievements in European journalism.

• DEADLINE: Metcalf Institute Climate and Environment Science Fellowship for Local Journalism (SEJ) - Metcalf Institute launches fellowship program for 10 New England newsrooms, offering specialized training to enhance climate change reporting in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

• Alberta’s ‘Scrap the Cap’ Attack Part of an ‘Endless Propaganda War,’ Say Critics (DeSmog) - Alberta's "Scrap the Cap" campaign against federal emissions limits faces criticism as misleading propaganda, diverting attention from urgent climate action, reports suggest.

• Trump Megadonor Tim Dunn Has a Plan More Extreme Than Project 2025 (DeSmog) - Texas oil tycoon Tim Dunn, a major Trump donor, supports a controversial initiative to amend the U.S. Constitution via the Convention of States project, promoting climate skepticism and conservative agendas.

• Tory MPs Join Fuel Tax Campaign Led by Reform UK Climate Science Denier (DeSmog) - Conservative MPs support a fuel tax campaign spearheaded by Reform UK's Howard Cox, a climate science denier, despite his party's opposition to net zero policies and rejection of human-caused global warming.

• ‘Terrifying’: Leak Shows Industry Plot to Worsen Methane Emissions — If Trump Wins (DeSmog) - Leaked documents expose oil industry group's strategy to dismantle Biden's climate policies, including methane regulations, if Trump secures the presidency in 2024.

• 3 Small Elections With Big Consequences for Clean Energy (Heatmap News) - Voters in Arizona, Montana, and Louisiana face crucial public utilities commission elections that could shape clean energy policies and electricity costs for millions of residents.

• The IRA Programs Most At Risk from a Trump Victory (Heatmap News) - Former American Clean Power strategist Jason Clark identifies EV tax credits and renewable energy incentives as top targets for repeal under potential Republican control of IRA programs.

• Taking the Methane Out of Trash (Heatmap News) - New EPA policies could slash U.S. landfill methane emissions by 56% within three decades, a report from Industrious Labs reveals.

• Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice Federal Grants Toolkit (Environmental Protection Network) - The Environmental Protection Network has unveiled a comprehensive Federal Grants Toolkit, providing environmental justice community leaders with step-by-step guidance and personalized support for navigating grant applications.

• Office of Energy Transformation Represents a Visionary Step Forward for Massachusetts (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts establishes pioneering Office of Energy Transformation to spearhead strategic planning for gas-to-electric transition and energy system decarbonization, marking a significant step towards cleaner energy goals.

• Energy Affordability, Rate Increases, and Regulatory Solutions in Connecticut (Acadia Center) - Connecticut grapples with steep electricity costs and energy burdens, prompting regulatory action and stakeholder recommendations to enhance affordability and equity in the state's energy landscape.

• Oct. 2024 ECA National Call: Climate & Election Anxiety with Tamara Staton (Elders Climate Action) - Climate psychologist Tamara Staton discusses strategies for managing climate anxiety and election stress during Elders Climate Action's October 2024 national call.

• Briefing for Elected Officials: Protecting Democracy from Project 2025 (YouTube) - Former officials caution that Project 2025, a conservative blueprint to overhaul federal agencies post-2024 Republican victory, could challenge democratic principles.

• Adaptation Fund Board Enhances Access to Climate Finance by Advancing Locally Led Adaptation Programme, Key Partnerships (Adaptation Fund) - The Adaptation Fund Board has advanced its Locally Led Adaptation programme, reaccredited key partners, and approved new climate adaptation projects, enhancing finance access for vulnerable nations.

• What’s on the Table for the Negotiations | Briefing Series: What Congress Needs to Know about COP29 (Wilson Center) - COP29 talks will prioritize climate finance, loss and damage funding, and global stocktake implementation, with developed nations' pledges and support for vulnerable countries under scrutiny.

• Methane Mitigation on the Global Stage, What Congress Needs to Know about COP29 (YouTube) - U.S. lawmakers debate methane reduction plans and potential impacts on national climate goals ahead of COP29, as revealed in recent congressional testimony.

•  (EESI) - Global climate talks at COP29 will tackle crucial issues including a new finance target, national emission reduction plans, and reporting standards, amid ongoing disputes over funding and ambition.

Renewables

Aurora Solar expands in France, geothermal apprenticeship launches, AMPIN Energy secures India project, LNG concerns in Baja, Texas solar opposition, Ohio court to rule on community resistance, NJ offshore wind poll, Democrats warm to nuclear, '24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition' forms, Stellantis plans solid-state EV fleet

• Aurora Solar and projetsolaire.com: Simplifying the solar process in France (Aurora Solar) - French solar market sees boost as Aurora Solar's 3D design tech reaches 500+ installers through projetsolaire.com partnership, aiming to simplify complex permitting and accelerate installations amid rapid sector growth.

• Fervo Energy, Southern Utah University, and Elemental Impact Launch Geothermal Apprenticeship Program (Fervo Energy) - Fervo Energy, Southern Utah University, and Elemental Impact have launched a geothermal apprenticeship program, aiming to train oil and gas workers and local residents for enhanced geothermal industry jobs.

• Independent power producer AMPIN Energy financial closure (AMPIN Energy) - Independent power producer AMPIN Energy has secured financial closure for a 200MWp Solar-Wind Hybrid project in Rajasthan, India, marking a significant advancement in the country's renewable energy sector.

• Anatomy of a Texas NIMBY (Heatmap News) - A handful of Bandera, Texas residents are battling Pine Gate Renewables' 132-megawatt Rio Lago solar project through legal action and local protests, challenging renewable energy expansion in the pro-energy state.

• A Midwestern Shot/Chaser for Renewables (Heatmap News) - Ohio's highest court will rule on whether community resistance can halt major solar installations, following an appeal against Savion's 2,500-acre Oak Run agri-voltaics project in Madison County.

• Offshore Wind Isn’t Swinging Votes (Heatmap News) - A recent poll reveals that offshore wind opposition in New Jersey has minimal electoral impact, with just 17% of voters indicating it would significantly influence their candidate choice.

• Are Democrats the Party of Nuclear Now? (Heatmap News) - Democratic support for nuclear energy surges as tech firms invest in advanced projects and candidates endorse new plants, signaling a shift in party stance on atomic power.

•  (The Climate Group) - Six major companies join forces in the '24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition', aiming to accelerate the global shift towards continuous clean electricity supply.

Transport

Stellantis and Factorial partner on solid-state EVs; QuantumScape ships high-density cells; California's Delta tunnel project advances

• Stellantis and Factorial Take Next Step to Accelerate the Future of Electric Vehicles with Solid-State Battery Technology (Stellantis) - Stellantis plans to deploy a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona EVs equipped with Factorial's solid-state batteries by 2026, accelerating the adoption of high-energy-density battery technology in the automotive sector.

•  (QuantumScape) - QuantumScape has initiated shipments of its pioneering solid-state battery cells, boasting an impressive 800 Wh/L energy density and 15-minute fast-charging capability, to automotive customers for testing.

•  (Bay City News) - California's ambitious Delta Conveyance Project aims to construct a 45-mile underground tunnel, extending the State Water Project to address ongoing water management challenges in the region.