With so much happening in the world of corporate sustainability, SustainabilityOnline has introduced The Sustainability Brief – a regular round-up of some of the top stories making headlines around the world.
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Flogas launches Ireland’s first SRESS solar farm
Flogas has commenced operations at the Meadhill Solar Farm in County Wexford, the first solar farm in Ireland to operate under the Irish government’s Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS). The 1.5-acre farm diversification project features more than 1,000 solar panels. “We see significant potential for this model to support more farmers, SMEs and independent renewable developers across rural Ireland,” commented Ken O’Byrne, managing director of Flogas Energy.
Starbucks revises sustainability targets amid $2 billion cost programme
Starbucks has revised several of its sustainability goals while pursuing a $2 billion cost-reduction programme, according to the Financial Times. Targets covering water use, landfill waste and greenhouse-gas emissions have been changed or removed from the company’s latest reporting. Starbucks’ recent 2025 Impact Report said Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions were 17% below those of FY2019.
India’s sustainable debt market passes $60bn as investors identify financing gaps
Climate Bonds Initiative’s 2026 India sustainable debt investor survey found that cumulative green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked (GSS+) issuance in India exceeded $60 billion by December 2025. The survey draws on responses from 60 investors managing about $26 trillion in total assets, including approximately $12 trillion in debt investments.
Waratah Super Battery reaches full commercial operations in Australia
Akaysha Energy has reached final commercial operations at the 850MW/1,680MWh Waratah Super Battery in New South Wales. Built on the former Munmorah coal-fired power station site, the project attracted more than A$1 billion of private investment and is designed to provide rapid grid support during network disturbances while enabling additional renewable electricity to flow through the transmission system. “Bringing the Waratah Super Battery to final commercial operations is a landmark moment for Akaysha Energy, our project partners and most importantly, for NSW,” said Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter.
Saudi Arabia awards Gotion utility-scale battery tender
Gotion High-Tech has secured 6GWh, or approximately 75%, of Saudi Arabia’s first utility-scale battery storage tender. The G1 programme comprises 2GW/8GWh of storage across three sites, with the overall programme valued at approximately $1.16 billion. Gotion will supply three 500MW/2GWh systems and says its technology is designed to operate from -30°C to 55°C, with desert-specific thermal management.
Haffner Energy receives €3.2 million order for Quebec biomass hub
Haffner Energy has signed a €3.2 million order with INCAD for Quebec’s first Multi-Energy Hub in Bécancour, Canada. Six equipment units are already manufactured, with delivery scheduled before the end of 2026. The facility is designed to produce 400 Nm³/h of renewable natural gas from residual biomass, together with biochar and thermolysis oil for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel demonstrations. Commissioning is scheduled for Q2 2028.
Gigasun signs SEK6.4 million Chinese solar order
Gigasun has signed a 20-year agreement with a furniture manufacturer in Sichuan, China, for a 0.63MW solar installation. Gigasun will invest approximately SEK2.9 million in the facility, which is expected to generate annual electricity-sale revenue of about SEK0.32 million and total contract revenue of approximately SEK6.4 million. The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 270 tonnes annually.
Direct Travel establishes Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions baseline
Direct Travel has published its first annual Direct Impact Report, following its acquisition of ATPI. The travel management company established a Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions baseline and made its first CDP climate disclosure, receiving a B rating. It supported six carbon projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America representing 1,963 tonnes of CO₂e, while about one in six employees volunteered for more than 4,525 hours globally.
EU funds gas-storage upgrades in Romania and Bulgaria
The European Union is supporting three projects to modernise and expand strategic gas-storage infrastructure in Romania and Bulgaria through the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy. The projects are intended to strengthen regional security of supply and improve the ability of the energy system to respond to demand and supply disruptions.
