> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🌞 Energy Futures #50 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/energy-futures-50/ - Published: 2024-12-23T12:30:46.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-23T12:30:46.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Energy Newsletter dives into the latest developments in new energy, utilities, oil and gas, mining and metals and highlights the week's top skills and energy deals. - Author: QS - Tags: Green Skills **Happy Monday πŸ‘‹** The energy sector is seeing significant advancements in both renewable and traditional energy projects. [Microsoft's $9B initiative aims to develop 5GW of renewable energy](https://carboncredits.com/microsofts-9-billion-power-move-revolutionizing-u-s-clean-energy-and-communities/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in the US, while [PG&E secured a $15B loan](https://energycentral.com/news/doe-announces-15-billion-loan-guarantee-pge?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for climate resilience infrastructure. [Shell’s $5B deepwater project](https://www.offshore-energy.biz/shell-moves-forward-with-5-billion-deepwater-oil-gas-project-offshore-nigeria/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Nigeria seeks to enhance oil and gas production. Additionally, a [breakthrough in thermal energy storage](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08214-1?ref=newsletters.qs.com) could improve energy efficiency, while [ongoing US-China trade tensions are impacting the supply of critical minerals](https://carboncredits.com/us-china-trade-war-can-the-us-beat-chinas-critical-minerals-grip/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), posing challenges for clean energy development. These efforts reflect a growing push for energy innovation and infrastructure investment. **What's new?** *HolonIQ’s new* [*Green Skills Map*](https://www.greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) *and Workforce section reveal industry-wide sustainability skills and jobs, as well as workforce development initiatives, supporting upskilling for a sustainable economy.* *HolonIQ's new* [*skills newsletter*](https://newsletters.qs.com/tag/skills/) *is here! Get updates on emerging skills, workforce shifts, and industry insights across impact sectors.* [*Subscribe*](https://newsletters.qs.com/#) *now to stay ahead.* ## πŸŒ… New Energy **🌎 Microsoft's $9B Clean Energy Initiative.** Microsoft partnered with Acadia Infrastructure Capital to launch a [$9B Climate and Communities Investment Coalition](https://carboncredits.com/microsofts-9-billion-power-move-revolutionizing-u-s-clean-energy-and-communities/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) aimed at developing 5GW of renewable energy in the US. **⚑ Vast Hydrogen Reserves Beneath Earth Could Power Us for 200 Years.** Scientists discovered [vast reserves of hydrogen gas buried beneath the Earth's surfac](https://fuelcellsworks.com/2024/12/16/green-investment/just-a-fraction-of-the-hydrogen-hidden-beneath-earth-s-surface-could-power-earth-for-200-years-scientists-find?ref=newsletters.qs.com)e that could potentially provide enough energy to power the world for centuries and break our dependence on fossil fuels. **🌱 Breakthrough in green hydrogen production.** [Smoltek Hydrogen's breakthrough solution, validated by Dr. Felix BΓΌchi](https://fuelcellsworks.com/2024/12/17/energy-innovation/smoltek-s-groundbreaking-iridium-solution-for-green-hydrogen-verified-by-leading-expert?ref=newsletters.qs.com), reduces iridium usage while maintaining performance, enabling more efficient green hydrogen production. This innovation is expected to lower costs and improve sustainability, driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. ## πŸ”Œ Utilities **πŸ”‹ Breakthrough in thermal energy storage material.** Researchers developed a [new 'trimodal' material that can store large amounts of thermal energy](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08214-1?ref=newsletters.qs.com) by combining three distinct storage modes - latent, thermochemical, and sensible. This eutectic mixture of boric and succinic acids shows high reversible energy uptake and stability over many cycles. **🌍 COP29: 58 Nations Commit to Enhancing Energy Storage and Grid Infrastructure.** At the United Nations COP29 climate summit, 58 out of nearly [200 participating nations officially committed to enhancing energy storage and grid infrastructure](https://energycentral.com/news/cop-29-signatories-unveiled-grids-and-storage-commitment?ref=newsletters.qs.com), marking significant strides towards sustainability. **πŸš„ SunTrain aims to transport renewable energy via battery trains.** [SunTrain is exploring the use of battery systems to transport energy across railway](https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/12/17/moving-energy-via-batteries-on-railways/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)s, aiming to enable more flexible and efficient energy distribution, addressing challenges related to grid infrastructure and storage. By using railways as a platform for energy transport, the project could significantly improve energy access and sustainability. ## β›½ Oil & Gas **β›½ Shell Approves $5B Deepwater Project in Nigeria.** [Shell confirmed the advancement of a $5B deepwater oil and gas project](https://www.offshore-energy.biz/shell-moves-forward-with-5-billion-deepwater-oil-gas-project-offshore-nigeria/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) offshore Nigeria. This initiative is set to boost production in the region, utilizing cutting-edge technology for resource extraction. **πŸ”₯ Pakistan Faces Shocking 850% Surge in Gas Prices as Inflation Soars.** [Pakistan is experiencing a staggering 850% increase in gas prices](https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/pakistan-faces-shocking-850-per-cent-surge-in-gas-prices-as-inflation-soars/116232994?ref=newsletters.qs.com) over the past four months, along with surging electricity tariffs under the IMF program, driving inflation higher. **🌍 ADNOC and EnBW Sign Long-Term Low-Carbon LNG Supply Deal.** ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and EnBW, a German energy company, [signed a 15-year agreement for ADNOC to supply 0.6 million tons per annum of low-carbon liquefied natural gas](https://www.offshore-technology.com/news/adnoc-lng-supply-agreement-enbw/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) from its Ruwais project. ## πŸ’Ž Mining and Metals **βš”οΈ US-China Trade War: Impact on Critical Minerals Supply and Clean Energy.** The [ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China are impacting the supply of critical minerals](https://carboncredits.com/us-china-trade-war-can-the-us-beat-chinas-critical-minerals-grip/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), leading to rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and potential challenges for clean energy innovation. **🌍 New Device Produces Ammonia from Air, Reducing Carbon Emissions.** Researchers at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory [developed a device that produces ammonia directly from air](https://energycentral.com/news/new-device-produces-ammonia-thin-air-cutting-carbon-emissions?ref=newsletters.qs.com) using a mesh and sunlight, aiming to lower emissions associated with synthetic fuels. **🌳 Brazil Cracks Down on Illegal Amazon Gold Mining with Forensic Technology.** [Brazil is using forensic technology to combat the illicit gold trade](https://www.mining.com/web/forensic-technology-aids-brazils-crackdown-on-illicit-amazon-gold-trade/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in the Amazon region. The technology helps trace the origin of gold, even after it has been melted from different sources. ## **πŸ› οΈ** Skills and Workforce *HolonIQ is now tracking reskilling and upskilling initiatives critical in bridging workforce gaps. Impact industries are rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, decarbonization, geopolitical dynamics, and socio-economic factors. To that extent, these sectors require considerable workforce/professional development initiatives to enhance workers' capabilities, boost economic growth, and promote social well-being. Read on for this week’s insights, and discover more in HolonIQ's latest* [*Skills newsletter*](https://newsletters.qs.com/tag/skills/)*.* **πŸš— The Metropolitan Education District (MetroED) has received nearly $1 million in funding for its Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE)**. The grant, part of the K12 Strong Workforce Program, will help community colleges expand career technical education and workforce training, preparing students for high-wage employment in sustainable industries such as [EV technology and clean diesel technologies](https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/12/15/metroed-gets-state-grant-for-green-tech-programs/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). **πŸ› οΈ Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vishwakarma Institutes and University**. This initiative aims to advance concept development, skill-based training, and education. The partnership will [provide hands-on training, practical exposure, and real-world experience,](https://www.constructionweekonline.in/business/kinetic-green-partners-with-vishwakarma-institutes-and-university-to-boost-skill-training?ref=newsletters.qs.com) while VI&U will adapt its curriculum to meet industry needs. **πŸ’° The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have allocated $50 million to launch the Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence**. This center will focus on advanced [construction training and Modern Methods of Construction,](https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/tafes-future-of-housing-construction-centre-to-build-skilled-workforce-for-australia/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) aiming to enhance workforce productivity and serve as a hub for applied research in the sector. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-25-102758-1.png)](https://www.greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) HolonIQ has launched the [Green Skills Map](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), an open-source framework initiated for cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on [greenskills.org](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). ## **πŸ’°** Energy Deals **🌎 PG&E secures $15B loan for climate projects.** PG&E, a utility company, [secured a record $15B loan](https://energycentral.com/news/doe-announces-15-billion-loan-guarantee-pge?ref=newsletters.qs.com) from the U.S. Energy Department to fund infrastructure projects aimed at combating climate change and enhancing the electrical grid. **🌞 Neoen secures $1.4B debt financing for 1.3GW renewables.** French renewable energy company Neoen [secured $1.4B in debt financing](https://renewablesnow.com/news/neoen-bags-fresh-debt-to-back-1-3-gw-of-renewables-in-australia-1268299/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to fund an additional 1.3 gigawatts of wind, solar, and energy storage projects in Australia. **πŸ”Œ EVgo secures $1.25B loan to build 7,500 EV charging stations across the USA.** EVgo, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, [secured a $1.25B loan](https://www.electrive.com/2024/12/14/evgo-financed-to-make-7500-public-charge-points-available-across-the-usa/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) from the US Department of Energy to finance the construction of 7,500 public EV charging stations across the United States. **πŸ’° rPlus Energies Secures $304M in Financing.** rPlus Energies secured two major financing milestones, [raising $304M in project financing](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218444432/en/rPlus-Energies-Announces-Two-Major-Financing-Milestones?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for its solar projects and an additional $100 million from a strategic investor to further develop its renewable energy portfolio. **πŸ”‹ Grenergy Secures $299M Financing for Chilean Solar-Battery Project.** Grenergy [secured $299M in financing](https://renewablesnow.com/news/grenergy-closes-usd-299m-loan-for-3rd-phase-of-chilean-storage-project-1268223/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) from BNP Paribas and other lenders for the third phase of its Oasis de Atacama solar battery project in Chile. --- **Like getting this newsletter?* For unlimited access to over one million charts,*[ *request a demo*](https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/1uMbIPRqUeVuZ31jVtKWMWIuqU2ga1nKo8aotNdGihU16zgOzuTfRMb9XfIIGmcOT?ref=newsletters.qs.com)*.* --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)