Daily Digest for

Sweden-based Echandia has secured SEK 220 million in a new funding round to expand its maritime battery system operations globally. The funding was led by Alantra’s energy transition fund Klima, along with Industrifonden, SEB Greentech VC, and EEI. The capital will be used to enhance production capabilities in Sweden and the US, including a new facility in Washington State. Echandia aims to meet the growing demand for its battery solutions, which are crucial for reducing CO₂ emissions in the shipping industry.

Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Technology (IPM) developed sensor systems and measuring devices that reliably detect hydrogen leaks in pipelines and tanks. The devices utilize various sensor technologies to ensure safety in hydrogen transport and industrial applications. The project was part of the federal Hydrogen Pilot Project TransHyDE, aimed at developing solutions for hydrogen transport and storage. Dr. Carolin Pannek led the sub-project focused on safe infrastructure.

UK-based Zenobē has launched Europe’s largest battery site at Blackhillock, Scotland, with an initial capacity of 200MW, expanding to 300MW. The site is the world’s first to provide Stability Services, addressing grid congestion from offshore wind farms. This project is expected to lower consumer bills by over £170 million over 15 years and prevent approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Zenobē partnered with Wärtsilä, EDF Wholesale Market Services, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks for this pioneering project.

UK-based House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee continued its inquiry into the efficient use and management of reactive nitrogen. The session included testimonies from Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers Union, and other experts on innovative farming methods and fertiliser application. Discussions focused on nitrogen management approaches, catchment sensitive farming schemes, and the effectiveness of nature-based approaches to reducing nutrient pollution. The inquiry aims to explore the role of supermarkets and suppliers in supporting a reduction in nitrogen pollution.

Canada has announced a $50 million investment in 32 projects to develop its critical mineral value chains. This initiative aims to create jobs, support economic opportunities, and enhance energy security by reducing reliance on authoritarian governments. The funding will support infrastructure development, innovation, and data collection, with a focus on Indigenous community engagement. Notable projects include Denison Mines’ work on uranium projects in Saskatchewan and E3 Lithium’s Clearwater Project in Alberta. The initiative is part of Canada’s strategy to become a leader in sustainable and responsibly sourced critical minerals.

Skyfora, based in Finland, has secured €4 million in a funding round led by Danish Ugly Duckling Ventures and Dutch LUMO Labs, with participation from Voima Ventures and the EIC Fund. This investment will accelerate the deployment of Skyfora’s Telecom GNSS Meteorology solution, which transforms cell towers into high-resolution weather sensors. The technology enhances AI-driven weather forecasts and provides new revenue streams for mobile network operators without additional hardware investments. The funding builds on previous support from the European Space Agency, EIC Accelerator, and Business Finland.

Poland-based ORLEN has partnered with Norway’s Equinor to explore Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) technology opportunities. The collaboration focuses on the transport and storage of CO₂ in Poland, aiming to reduce emissions and support industrial decarbonization. ORLEN and Equinor will identify potential CO₂ storage sites, including land-based and Baltic Sea locations, and assess project feasibility. This initiative aligns with ORLEN’s strategy to achieve a 4 million tonnes annual carbon capture capacity by 2035, contributing to its net-zero goals and offering services to other firms. The partnership reflects compliance with the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act, which mandates a 50 million tonnes annual CO₂ injection capacity by 2030.

Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have launched the first phase of the Equatorial Guinea-Gabon Border Power Interconnection Project, constructed by POWERCHINA. The project transmits clean electricity from the Djibloho Hydropower Plant to border towns in Gabon, significantly improving the quality of life for border residents. It also supports Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to reduce dependence on oil and diversify its economy.

Ghana International Bank (GHIB) and British International Investment (BII) announced a $50 million trade finance facility to support businesses in Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. This partnership aims to address the trade finance gap in Africa’s frontier economies by enabling local businesses to import essential commodities and equipment. The collaboration leverages GHIB’s extensive network and BII’s financial capacity to provide foreign exchange liquidity, crucial for importing key goods. The initiative is expected to enhance economic opportunities and sustain business growth in these regions.

US Senators Ben Ray Luján and Kevin Cramer announced the reintroduction of the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) to address the issue of abandoned gas and oil wells. These wells can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and pose safety risks. The AWRRDA aims to enhance existing remediation programs by funding research to develop technology for detecting and cataloging wells, quantifying methane emissions, and exploring alternative uses for wells, such as geothermal power production. This initiative builds on the REGROW Act, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and seeks to create jobs and boost economic growth.