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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EIB targets €30 billion in climate adaptation finance over five years
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group will launch the second phase of its Climate Adaptation Plan at COP31, targeting at least €30 billion in financing between 2026 and 2030 to help countries address risks from extreme weather. The plan will support project preparation, mobilise public and private investment and finance resilience technologies. The EIB also highlighted record global climate finance of $163 billion from multilateral development banks in 2025, including $103 billion for low- and middle-income economies. The Group is also promoting the EU-led Global Green Bond Initiative, which aims to mobilise €20 billion in green investment in emerging economies, and the City Climate Finance Gap Fund, which has supported more than 400 cities in developing climate projects.
COP31 must deliver on climate finance and justice, says Climate Action Network
Climate Action Network (CAN) has called on governments attending COP31 in Antalya to turn existing climate commitments into measures that protect communities, support workers and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. In a statement, the network identified four priorities for COP31: establishing a mechanism to support a just transition, increasing adaptation finance, ensuring climate finance reaches vulnerable countries and communities, and accelerating electrification and emissions reductions. “”We know how to protect people from climate disasters, create decent jobs and bring safe, affordable energy to communities,” said Tasneem Essop, executive director of Climate Action Network International. “Promises don’t protect people. International law and finance do.”
Sungrow signs Australian distribution agreements covering 4GWh of battery storage
Sungrow has signed three distribution agreements with Australian partners Solar Juice, Supply Partners and Raystech Group, covering a combined 1.5 GW of solar photovoltaic products and 4 GWh of battery energy storage systems. Solar Juice accounts for 2.5 GWh of the storage volume, Supply Partners for 1 GWh and Raystech for 500 MWh. The agreements cover residential and commercial and industrial applications, expanding Sungrow’s distribution network across Australia and New Zealand.
Equinix opens $290m data centre in Singapore with liquid cooling and renewable energy
Equinix has opened SG6, its sixth data centre in Singapore, following an initial investment of approximately $290m. The facility will provide 8 MW of capacity in its first phase, with potential to reach 20 MW. It incorporates liquid cooling, rooftop and façade solar photovoltaic systems, rainwater harvesting and lower-embodied-carbon construction materials. Its Singapore data centres have maintained 100% renewable energy coverage since 2020. “Singapore sits at the intersection of global commerce, digital technology and sustainable development,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, CEO and president, Equinix.
EU member states agree to delay methane reporting requirements for fossil fuel importers
EU member states have agreed to postpone methane monitoring, reporting and verification obligations for crude oil, natural gas and coal importers by one year, moving the application date from 1 January 2027 to 1 January 2028. Methane-intensity reporting requirements will also be delayed by one year, as will maximum methane-intensity levels. The Council said that it will negotiate with the European Parliament to secure agreement before the existing requirements take effect.
National Trust members vote to seek a bank with stronger environmental commitments
Members of the UK’s National Trust have voted by 53,256 to 4,094 to begin a competitive tender for the organisation’s banking arrangements, according to reports. Prospective banks will be expected to demonstrate a positive commitment to biodiversity and addressing human-caused climate change. The vote follows concerns among members about Barclays’ financing of fossil fuel expansion. The decision is not binding on the trustees, and the tender process may not begin for at least a year.
Vensum Power raises €9m to scale power-conversion technology
Finnish deep-tech company Vensum Power has raised €9 million in a Series A round co-led by Lifeline Ventures, Larsen & Toubro Group and Eviny Ventures. The funding will support the move towards mass production in 2027 of its software-defined power-conversion technology, designed to reduce electricity losses in applications including EV charging, battery storage and DC microgrids. The company also plans to expand into AI data centres. The funding brings its total capital raised to €15.2 million.
Recurrent Energy brings 20MW solar farm in Devon into commercial operation
Recurrent Energy has started commercial operations at its 20 MWp Court Barton Solar Farm in South Devon. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to supply approximately 8,500 homes annually and avoid more than 6,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions a year. “The UK remains a key market in the energy transition, and bringing projects like Court Barton into commercial operation demonstrates our ability to turn our development pipeline into clean energy infrastructure that delivers tangible benefits,” commented Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy.
Scania targets 240-tonne annual waste reduction at engine plant
Scania has said that it expects a new process for recovering cutting fluid and metal particles from crankshaft production to reduce waste by approximately 240 tonnes annually. A compression machine separates the cutting fluid for reuse, while the remaining material is compressed into briquettes containing 80–85% metal particles. The change is expected to reduce material requiring waste handling from approximately 360 tonnes to 120 tonnes a year, while reducing demand for new cutting fluid, chemicals and water.
Minesto’s Irish tidal energy project receives European strategic technology recognition
Swedish marine energy developer Minesto has received the European Commission’s STEP Seal for its proposed Euro Dragon Farm tidal energy project in Ireland. The recognition follows the project’s selection to enter grant agreement preparation for €20.2 million in funding from the EU Innovation Fund. The project is intended to contribute to the development of tidal energy as a source of predictable renewable electricity.
Willdan secures engineering work on 643 MW of energy infrastructure projects
US engineering and energy services company Willdan has received notices to proceed on projects covering 643 MW of energy infrastructure. The work includes a 75 MW battery energy storage system in Texas, substations supporting 300 MW of renewable energy in Texas and two further renewable energy projects of 88 MW and 80 MW in Illinois. The announcement reflects the infrastructure investment required to connect renewable generation and storage to electricity networks.
