With so much happening in the world of corporate sustainability, SustainabilityOnline is introducing The Sustainability Brief – a regular round-up of some of the top stories making headlines around the world.
In other words, we scour the world for the most important sustainability news, so you don’t have to. If you have a news story you’d like to send us, you can contact us here.
Syzygy Plasmonics and IFC partner on sustainable aviation fuel projects in Latin America
Syzygy Plasmonics and the International Finance Corporation have signed a framework agreement to advance sustainable aviation fuel projects across Latin America. The partnership will assess and develop projects using Syzygy’s light-driven technology, with the companies working together on project development and financing opportunities. The agreement covers the potential deployment of SAF production capacity across the region.
“The transition to lower-carbon aviation will depend on technologies that are not only innovative, but commercially viable and scalable,” said Raphaël Eskinazi, IFC regional investment manager for manufacturing and forests in Latin America and the Caribbean.
ENGIE signs 48MW solar PPA with QTS for Texas data centre
ENGIE has signed a 48MWac solar power purchase agreement with data-centre operator QTS for electricity from ABEI Energy’s Lubio Solar project in Texas. The agreement will supply renewable electricity to QTS under a long-term PPA as the data-centre company expands its infrastructure. “Data centre customers continue to seek long-term, dependable renewable energy solutions that align with both operational and sustainability goals,” commented Taymur Bunkheila, regional vice president, key accounts and Energy+, ENGIE North America
US Department of Agriculture proposes changes to roadless-area protections
The US Department of Agriculture has proposed removing restrictions under the federal roadless-area rule that limits road construction and timber harvesting on designated national forest lands. The USDA says the proposed change is intended to address wildfire risk and improve forest management. The proposal has implications for land management, forestry, wildfire prevention and the use of national forest resources.
Gradiant expands water-management services for AI and data centres
Water technology company Gradiant has announced new US operations, leadership appointments and long-term service contracts focused on water infrastructure for data centres and semiconductor facilities. The company says its systems will address water consumption and wastewater requirements associated with expanding AI infrastructure. “AI infrastructure doesn’t get built without solving for water first, whether that’s a fab, a data centre, or a power plant,” commented Prakash Govindan, CEO of Gradiant.
Sabah plans carbon-value framework around natural assets
The Malaysian state of Sabah is developing plans to move from its existing carbon-negative positioning towards a ‘Carbon Value State’, according to reports, with the aim of generating economic value from its forests, biodiversity and carbon resources. The state government is examining mechanisms that could link natural assets to carbon markets and other sources of environmental value. Sabah has previously highlighted its forest resources as a major carbon sink.
