BusinessEnergyInnovation

Clean Energy Investment Faces Setbacks as Projects Worth $1.6B Canceled in September

Companies canceled or scaled back nearly $1.6 billion in clean energy projects in September, contributing to over $24 billion in withdrawn investments this year. Despite some new project announcements, analysts suggest the clean energy sector’s growth trajectory has sharply slowed in 2024.

Significant Clean Energy Project Cancellations

Companies canceled or scaled back nearly $1.6 billion in clean energy projects during September alone, according to reports from clean energy advocacy group E2. This brings the total amount of withdrawn investment to more than $24 billion so far this year, indicating substantial challenges facing the renewable energy sector.

AIBusinessEnergy

AI Expansion Driving Up Household Utility Costs, Bank of America Analysis Warns

Household utility payments have increased 3.6% year-over-year as AI development strains power grids. Analysts suggest the trend will continue as electricity demand outpaces supply capacity improvements.

AI Boom Fuels Rising Utility Bills

Consumers are facing increasing utility costs partially driven by the artificial intelligence sector’s massive electricity demands, according to a recent analysis from Bank of America Institute. The report indicates average utility payments rose 3.6% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, with further increases expected as power infrastructure struggles to keep pace with growing demand.

BusinessEnergyStartups

Battery Recycler Redwood Materials Secures $350M to Expand Energy Storage for AI Data Centers

Redwood Materials, founded by ex-Tesla CTO JB Straubel, has raised $350 million to support its growing energy storage business. The funding will help meet rising power demands from AI data centers using repurposed EV batteries.

Major Funding Round for Battery and Energy Storage Expansion

Battery recycling and materials firm Redwood Materials has raised $350 million in a Series E funding round, according to reports from TechCrunch. The investment, led by venture firm Eclipse with participation from Nvidia’s venture arm NVentures, will support the company’s expansion into energy storage and scaling of its cathode and battery material production. Sources indicate the company’s valuation reached approximately $6 billion, a notable increase from prior estimates.

EnergyStartupsTechnology

Rightcharge Secures €1.8 Million to Expand Fleet EV Charging Payment Platform Across European Markets

London-based Rightcharge has secured €1.8 million in seed funding to expand its automated EV charging payment solution for fleets across Europe. The platform addresses the critical challenge of home charging reimbursement through direct energy account integration. Through a partnership with Octopus Electroverse, the technology will be deployed across multiple European markets.

Funding Round and Expansion Plans

London-based electric vehicle charging platform Rightcharge has reportedly secured €1.8 million (£1.6 million) in a seed funding round to accelerate its European expansion, according to recent reports. Sources indicate the investment was led by Soulmates Ventures, with participation from Blackwood Ventures, Unruly Capital and Purple Ventures.

AIEnergyTechnology

Digital Transformation in Energy Sector Focus of Upcoming GIZ Webinar

Energy sector leaders are preparing for the second GIZ webinar focusing on digital transformation in asset management. The October 29 event will showcase how AI and data analytics can optimize energy infrastructure and enhance sustainability across South Africa’s energy value chain.

Digital Revolution in Energy Asset Management

The energy sector is undergoing significant transformation as digital tools and artificial intelligence reshape how infrastructure is managed, according to industry analysts. The German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with Creamer Media, is hosting its second webinar on October 29 to explore these developments specifically within the South African context.

BusinessEnergyManufacturing

JERA Acquires $1.5 Billion U.S. Shale Gas Assets in Strategic Energy Expansion

Japan’s leading power generator JERA is making its first move into shale gas production with a major U.S. acquisition. The $1.5 billion deal for Louisiana assets comes as Japan prepares for increased electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence development.

Strategic Expansion into U.S. Energy Production

Japan’s largest power generation company JERA is reportedly making its first entry into shale gas production through a significant $1.5 billion acquisition of United States-based natural gas assets, according to company announcements made on Thursday. The move represents a strategic expansion of JERA’s North American energy portfolio as Japan anticipates rising electricity demands from technology sectors.