Industry News is paused — here's what Heartspace does today
We no longer actively update this news section; existing articles remain available below. Today, Heartspace is a managed PR agency specializing in opinion formation, public affairs and AI visibility (GEO/AEO). See what we offer or learn about Heartspace.
Industry News
BetaStay ahead with AI-powered media monitoring and human quality assurance. Our curated industry insights give you a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in your field
Local & industry wins build trusted proof, SEO signals, and prime national editors.
In 2025, global energy investment reached a record $3.3 trillion, with clean energy attracting over twice the investment of all other sectors. The U.S. cleantech sector experienced volatility with project cancellations and regulatory delays, but venture and growth capital investment rebounded to €6.7 billion in the third quarter.
Photo by Hacı Elmas on Unsplash
50 articles found
Vulcan Energy chose ABB as the main electrical services provider for its Lionheart project. The agreement, valued at over $50 million USD (€46 million), will support lithium production in Germany's Upper Rhine region. ABB will construct the electrical infrastructure for Vulcan's Landau lithium extraction plant and the Central Lithium Plant in Industriepark Höchst. The project aims to become one of Europe's first integrated lithium extraction and renewable energy production sites. Lionheart anticipates producing 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) annually. This output could supply batteries for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles each year. Vulcan's integrated approach combines lithium extraction with the generation of 275 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity and 560 GWh of heat. This supports both industrial operations and broader sustainable energy goals. Vulcan secured ten-year lithium supply agreements starting in 2028 with Stellantis and LG Corp. Construction, fully funded by a $2.56 billion USD package, is set to begin immediately. Full operation is expected within two and a half years. ABB's technology will ensure reliable and sustainable electrical operations for the project.
Photo by Victor Oonk on Unsplash
U.S. unemployment figures are prompting cautious optimism amid hopes for interest rate cuts. Recent job data presents a mixed picture, yet analysts suggest predominantly positive economic trends. Lower interest rates could stimulate further economic expansion. In parallel, the energy sector faces significant regulatory changes. Starting January 2026, new EU regulations mandate a shift away from SF6 gas in medium-voltage switchgear. SF6, a potent greenhouse gas, will be replaced by cleaner alternatives. Schneider Electric has developed a solution using purified air instead of SF6. This technology aims to meet forthcoming safety and environmental standards, directly addressing greenhouse gas emissions. The transition is crucial for sustainable energy transformation. Schneider Electric's solution combines new and established vacuum technology for robust grid infrastructure. Early adopters of SF6-free technology are expected to gain a competitive advantage. Compliance with the upcoming EU regulations will strengthen both environmental performance and business prospects for proactive companies. The move signals a broader industry shift towards environmentally sound practices and sustainable energy solutions.
Photo by Kevin Grieve on Unsplash
Google has signed a power purchase agreement to source solar energy from a 30-megawatt farm being built in Kedah, Malaysia. The Shizen Energy Inc. subsidiary-led project is expected to begin operations in 2027, supporting Google's sustainability goals and aligning with Malaysia's green energy strategy.
Photo by alester gabriel on Unsplash
Researchers are developing isothermal compressed air energy storage to improve large-scale energy storage sustainability. The AIR4NRG project aims to keep air temperature constant during storage. This process reduces energy loss and increases efficiency during compression and expansion cycles. A liquid piston enables reversible compression and expansion, boosting round-trip efficiency. The project moved from conceptual modeling to prototype development and experimental validation. Collaboration between academic and industrial partners accelerated the translation of research into practical improvements. The team successfully ran the initial test bench, providing a platform to study air and liquid interaction. Researchers can now measure temperature and pressure variations. Next, the project will produce a second-generation prototype. This prototype will demonstrate a scalable, industrial version of the system. The ultimate goal is a 200 kW energy storage product for the energy storage market. The project anticipates a round-trip efficiency of 70%.
Photo by Neeqolah Creative Works on Unsplash
Survey of PR challenges among 314 Nordic startup and scaleup companies.
Read the reportOrigin Energy's Eraring power station in New South Wales, Australia, will see a significant battery storage expansion. Wärtsilä secured a contract to deliver the project's fourth stage, adding 360 MWh of capacity. Scheduled for completion in early 2027, the expansion raises the Eraring battery's total capacity to 700 MW / 3,160 MWh. This makes it one of the largest battery energy storage systems globally. The expanded battery system will connect to Australia's national electricity market. It will provide essential grid services, including frequency regulation and enhanced system strength. These services are crucial for maintaining grid stability as renewable energy sources increase and coal-fired power plants retire. The project aims to support a transition to a power grid reliant on renewable energy. Wärtsilä's involvement underscores the growing importance of large-scale energy storage. The company will begin work on the fourth stage in December 2025. The project will help balance the grid and ensure reliable power supply. The Eraring battery expansion represents a major investment in Australia's energy infrastructure.
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
Uruguay dramatically shifted its electricity sector to renewable sources. In five years, the nation achieved 98% renewable electricity generation. This transformation was spearheaded by Ramón Méndez Galain, a theoretical physicist who became the country's Secretary of Energy in 2008. Galain's leadership spanned two presidential administrations. He oversaw the installation of substantial renewable energy infrastructure, including wind, biomass, and solar power facilities. Strong political backing enabled comprehensive changes. These changes included energy system infrastructure, regulations, and market design. Galain implemented long-term capacity markets. This provided predictability for investors and energy companies. It also reduced advantages for fossil fuels. Now, Uruguay generates almost 99% of its electricity from renewable sources. Hydropower and wind power constitute the majority of the energy mix. The transition had a significant economic impact. Electricity costs halved compared to fossil fuel alternatives. Renewable energy investments totaled $6 billion over five years. This created approximately 50,000 new jobs. It also contributed to an annual economic growth of 6–8%. Galain now leads Ivy, a non-profit organization. Ivy aims to assist other countries in implementing similar sustainable energy transitions.
Photo by Matias Contreras on Unsplash
Chinese firms invested roughly $80 billion in foreign clean tech projects in the past year, aiming to offset a domestic surplus. This brings their total overseas green tech investment since 2023 to over $180 billion, focusing on developing regions, especially Southeast Asia, to expand markets for their renewable energy, EVs, and battery technologies.
Photo by Jonathan Khoo on Unsplash
The MNRE has clarified it did not advise lenders to halt financing for the entire clean energy sector in India. Their prior request for a cautious approach to financing concerned only new, standalone solar module manufacturing plants due to oversupply concerns.
Photo by Dibakar Roy on Unsplash
A new study highlights reservoir thermal energy storage (RTES) as a cost-effective method for cooling data centers. Researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) published findings in *Applied Energy* demonstrating RTES's potential to lower energy consumption amid rising global electricity demands from AI and cloud computing. The study, released December 6, 2025, details how RTES systems store cold energy underground for later use during peak demand periods. RTES operates by chilling water and injecting it into subsurface reservoirs during cooler periods, leveraging inexpensive electricity and cold ambient air. When cooling is needed, the stored cold water is pumped up and used in heat exchangers to cool data centers. NLR's analysis indicates that RTES achieves nearly seven times the efficiency of conventional cooling methods. The study reports cost reductions from $15 per megawatt-hour (MWh) with traditional systems to $5/MWh using RTES. The research suggests that geothermal systems offer significant potential for economical cooling solutions. Ongoing investigations focus on optimizing energy use within RTES at low pressure to further decrease data center cooling expenses. The findings offer a pathway to reduce the carbon footprint of data centers, which are significant energy consumers.
Photo by tommao wang on Unsplash
Britain's battery energy storage systems (BESS) are projected to triple by 2030. The expansion addresses grid stability needs amid renewable energy adoption. A DNV report indicates potential growth to 50 GW by mid-century. This capacity increase supports decarbonization goals by managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the UK's energy storage landscape, representing approximately 95% of deployed projects. These systems balance energy supply and demand by storing excess power and releasing it during peak usage. DNV forecasts a potential rise to 50 GW and 140 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2050. The industry also focuses on safety protocols due to increased fire risks associated with battery technology. Responsible implementation and robust safety measures are crucial for energy storage to ensure a reliable and cost-effective electricity grid. The industry is actively working to improve safety standards and awareness. Successful deployment of BESS technologies will be central to the UK's energy transition.
Photo by Michael Förtsch on Unsplash
SolisStorage introduced its EverCore energy storage system in Chile on December 2nd. The move aims to capitalize on Chile's growing renewable energy sector. EverCore combines a hybrid inverter, battery system, and energy management system (EMS). This integrated design targets commercial and industrial energy storage needs. Two configurations are available: a 100/120 kWh system with a 50/60 kW hybrid inverter, and a 261 kWh system with a 125 kW hybrid inverter. Chile's commitment to decarbonization drives renewable energy integration. Supportive regulations and solar project growth create demand for energy storage. SolisStorage aims to meet this demand with EverCore. Sergio Rodríguez, SolisStorage LATAM's technical director, stated that EverCore is crucial for the company's Latin American expansion. Chile is expected to lead the region in adopting advanced energy storage technologies. The company views Chile as a key market for its integrated energy storage solutions. The EverCore system is factory-assembled for simplified installation and operation. SolisStorage intends to expand its presence in Latin America following the Chilean launch.
Photo by Michelle Celedon on Unsplash
Gunvor CEO Torbjorn Tornqvist is stepping down and selling his shares in a management buyout after the U.S. Treasury Department labeled the company a "Kremlin's puppet" because of past ties to Russia. Gary Pedersen, head of the Americas division, will become CEO as Gunvor aims to improve relations with Washington and grow its U.S. operations.
Photo by Jake Banasik on Unsplash
Renewable energy adoption accelerates globally, driven by economic advantages and national security needs. A Management Partners report indicates that declining costs and rapid deployment are key factors. Governments and businesses now view renewables as vital for economic strategy. Solar energy costs have plummeted to $43 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in 2024. This represents a significant decrease from over $350 per MWh in 2009. Wind power also demonstrates increased competitiveness, with prices around $44 per MWh. Renewables offer faster deployment times, crucial for rapidly expanding economies seeking energy independence. Renewable sources enhance national resilience by eliminating fuel dependency post-installation. This provides a stable, fuel-free energy supply. Policymakers are urged to establish stable, long-term regulatory frameworks. These frameworks will enable efficient grid access. The focus shifts from whether to adopt renewables to how quickly stakeholders can adapt strategies. The goal is to maximize opportunities within this critical energy transition.
Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash
Sara Lindstrand will become Foxway's Director of Sustainability on March 2, 2026, joining from AFRY where she headed sustainability efforts. Foxway highlights Lindstrand's experience and engineering background to accelerate circular economy initiatives and aid clients in implementing sustainable practices within their businesses.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Emicool and Yellow Door Energy began operating solar power installations in Dubai, furthering the city's sustainability goals. The collaboration resulted in four solar plants, generating a total capacity of 1.2 MWp. Located at key sites across Dubai, the facilities are projected to produce 1.5 million kWh of clean electricity annually. This output will cut carbon emissions by an estimated 600 tons each year. This reduction equals the annual energy consumption of approximately 100 homes. The project uses a solar leasing model, allowing Emicool to avoid upfront capital expenditure while securing a reliable supply of renewable energy. The installations incorporate rooftop panels, parking area shades, and vertical facade systems. These solutions maximize energy capture in a dense urban environment. The initiative supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE's net-zero emissions target by 2050. The project aims to position Dubai as a model for sustainable cooling infrastructure and renewable energy adoption in urban settings.
Photo by aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash
Finnish startup Sofi Filtration received €900,000 from EIT RawMaterials to scale their ultrasound water filtration for mineral recovery. This funding through 'ERMA Booster' and 'Fast Track' will help develop pilot projects and expand internationally, focusing on market entry in Europe, Türkiye, and North America.
Photo by Sonika Agarwal on Unsplash