> ## 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.

# 🌆 Infra Futures #15
- URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/infra-futures-15/
- Published: 2024-11-04T12:30:25.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-04T12:30:24.000Z
- Description: HolonIQ's Infra Newsletter covers the latest developments in energy infrastructure, transport infrastructure, buildings, and social infrastructure and highlights the week's top skills and infrastructure deals.
- Author: QS
- Tags: Green Skills

**Happy Monday 👋** 

Australia’s Powerlink, a 5,000 km undersea energy project, will connect the continent to Asia, aiming to [transport solar energy across the ocean](https://www.eldiario24.com/en/energy-project-aapowerlink-history/2763/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). Vietnam plans a [$4.86B infrastructure investment](https://www.worldhighways.com/wh10/news/us486-billion-infrastructure-works-vietnam?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for a 175 km expressway to link with Cambodia by 2026\. The University of Maine initiated construction on the Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building to support [sustainable manufacturing research](https://umaine.edu/news/blog/2024/10/29/construction-begins-for-the-first-of-its-kind-cutting-edge-sustainable-manufacturing-research-facility-at-umaine/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and immersive learning. In the UK, a [$1.2B increase](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/budget-1bn-boost-for-schools-and-homes-28-10-2024/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in capital budgets targets school and housing improvements. Additionally, HMC Capital will acquire data center operator Global Switch Australia [for $1.3B](https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/hmc-capital-to-buy-data-centre-operator-global-switch-australia-in-1-3b-deal-417081?ref=newsletters.qs.com), following Blackstone’s acquisition of data center group AirTrunk, expanding its digital infrastructure portfolio.

**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.* 

## 🏗️Energy Infrastructure  

**⚡ World's Largest Undersea Energy Project Links Australia and Asia.** A massive undersea energy project called the Powerlink, spanning [5,000 Km and linking Australia and Asia](https://www.eldiario24.com/en/energy-project-aapowerlink-history/2763/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) across two continents, is being undertaken as an innovative idea to send solar energy across seas.

**🌬️ OW receives approvals for a 1.3 GW offshore wind project in Massachusetts.** The renewable developer Ocean Winds (OW), a joint venture of EDP Renewables and ENGIE, received approvals from the US State of Massachusetts to develop its [1.3 GW SouthCoast Wind 1 offshore wind project](https://www.enerdata.net/publications/daily-energy-news/ow-receives-approvals-13-gw-wind-project-massachusetts-us.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

**🏭 Norway and UNDP strengthen partnership to accelerate Ukraine's energy recovery.** The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Norway are strengthening their cooperation to rebuild [Ukraine's energy infrastructure.](https://www.undp.org/ukraine/press-releases/norway-and-undp-strengthen-partnership-accelerate-ukraines-energy-recovery?ref=newsletters.qs.com#:~:text=Kyiv%2C%2024%20October%202024%20%E2%80%93%20The,towards%20a%20more%20diverse%20and)

## 🚘Transport Infrastructure  

**🚧 Vietnam Plans Massive Infrastructure Investment.** The Vietnamese government announced plans for infrastructure works worth [$4.86B covering 175km](https://www.worldhighways.com/wh10/news/us486-billion-infrastructure-works-vietnam?ref=newsletters.qs.com) of expressway linking Vietnam and Cambodia will start in 2026.

**🚆 Federal Government Allocates $2.4B for Railroad Projects Nationwide.** The federal government is providing [$2.4B in grants to fund 122 railroad projects](https://apnews.com/article/federal-railroad-grants-safety-56914d18696440b58e15e752fd83297d?ref=newsletters.qs.com) across the country, with a majority of the funding going to smaller railroads.

**🚢 Biden Announces $3B Investment for US Ports.** US announced a [$3B investment](https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/biden-announces-3-billion-investment-in-ports-vows-to-cut-costs-and-pollution?ref=newsletters.qs.com) from his Inflation Reduction Act to improve the country's port infrastructure, including $147M for the Maryland Port Administration.

## 🏛️ Buildings  

**🏦 University of Maine Breaks Ground on Cutting-Edge Sustainable Manufacturing Research Facility.** The University of Maine broke ground on the Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building, a facility designed to house the Factory of the Future, incorporating [digital manufacturing technologies](https://umaine.edu/news/blog/2024/10/29/construction-begins-for-the-first-of-its-kind-cutting-edge-sustainable-manufacturing-research-facility-at-umaine/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and immersive learning spaces.

**🏢 Massive Residential Development Proposed in Vaughan by Toromont Industries.** Toromont Industries has proposed a massive [17-building residential development](https://storeys.com/behemoth-17-building-development-vaughan/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Vaughan that could significantly transform the city's skyline.

## 🏫Social Infrastructure  

**💰 $1.2B boost for schools and housing by UK government.** The UK government announced an investment of $1.2B to increase capital budgets for [schools and housing in the next fiscal year](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/budget-1bn-boost-for-schools-and-homes-28-10-2024/?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

**🏠 Irish Government Aims to Exceed Housing Target.** Irish Prime Minister stated that the government would exceed its overall housing target, with the total figure expected to be well [above 40,000 units](https://www.laois-nationalist.ie/simon-harris-says-election-should-not-be-an-auction-on-housing-targets%5Farid-36168.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

## **🛠️** Skills and Workforce  

*HolonIQ is now tracking reskilling and upskilling initiatives that are 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.*

**🌱 UK must address green skills shortfall.** The City & Guilds Impact Report 2024 revealed a significant increase in demand for green skills, with the [organization providing 13,545 certifications in 2023-24](https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/environment/uk-must-address-green-skills-shortfall/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). The report showed particularly strong support among business owners (76%) for investment in ecological, environmental, sustainability, and other ‘green skills’ essential to boosting short- and long-term productivity. More than a quarter of business owners (27%) identified green skills gaps in existing roles. 

**📖 Cornwall College Empowers Students with Green Skills.** Cornwall College is providing a [Pre-16 Green Skills Construction Pathway](https://cornishstuff.com/2024/10/30/students-across-cornwall-dive-into-green-skills-cornwall-colleges-pathway-for-sustainable-futures/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to GCSE students across Cornwall to equip them with skills for a sustainable future. Partnering with local schools, Cornwall College has rolled out a series of workshops, assemblies, and after-school clubs, offering students a practical introduction to sustainable practices. The program has already generated a range of student-led projects, highlighting the efforts young people are making toward a greener future.

**🎓 CHIETA Highlights Skills Development, Green Hydrogen Milestones.** The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority successfully [trained and upskilled over 75,000 people in the chemical sector, of which 74% are youth](https://yiba.co.za/chiefta-highlights-skills-development-green-hydrogen-milestones/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). These people have acquired new skills that will significantly improve their employability and quality of life, contributing to employment creation and entrepreneurial opportunities across the country. 

**🏫 Milton Keynes College Group Opens New Green Skills Centre.** Milton Keynes College Group has opened a new Green Skills Centre, specializing in skills required to install [energy storage systems, electric car charge points, and solar panels](https://businessmk.co.uk/articles/business/precisely-what-the-city-and-country-need-mp-praises-milton-keynes-colleges-new-green-skills-centre/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). The courses have been designed with significant input from employers including SJD Electrical Contractors & Engineers and solar and electric vehicle specialist Eden.

[![](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 the purpose of 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).

## **💰** Infra Deals  

**💻 HMC Capital to Acquire Global Switch Australia for $1.3B.** HMC Capital, an investment firm, is set to acquire Global Switch Australia, a data center operator, in a [$1.3B deal](https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/hmc-capital-to-buy-data-centre-operator-global-switch-australia-in-1-3b-deal-417081?ref=newsletters.qs.com). This comes after a Blackstone-led consortium recently acquired the larger data center group AirTrunk.

**🚧 Construction Partners Acquires Asphalt Inc. for Expansion.** Construction Partners, Inc. plans to acquire Asphalt Inc., LLC (Lone Star Paving) for [$654.2M](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/construction-partners-acquires-asphalt-inc-122909824.html/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in cash and shares to expand its infrastructure capabilities and market position.

**🚗 Blacklane Raises €60M in Series G Funding.** Blacklane, a chauffeur services provider based in Berlin, Germany, raised [$63.6M in Series G funding](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/10/blacklane-raises-e60m-in-series-g-funding.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

**💰 Aecon Acquires United Engineers & Constructors for $33M.** Aecon Group Inc. agreed to [acquire](https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/usa/2024/10/aecon-acquires-united-engineers-constructors-inc?ref=newsletters.qs.com) United Engineers & Constructors Inc., a nuclear and conventional power contractor, from affiliates of CriticalPoint Capital, LLC for $33M.

**💰 OCU Group Acquires Drilling Firm Peter McCormack & Sons.** OCU Group, a private equity-backed utilities specialist, [acquired](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/ma/ocu-group-swoops-to-buy-drilling-firm-24-10-2024/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Peter McCormack & Sons, a drilling firm.

**💰 Artivo Surfaces acquires wholesale flooring distributor Tom Duffy.** Artivo Surfaces, a multi-regional flooring company backed by Transom Capital, [acquired](https://www.pehub.com/transom-capital-backed-artivo-surfaces-acquires-wholesale-flooring-product-distributor-tom-duffy/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) wholesale flooring product distributor Tom Duffy.

**🔩 Venturi Supply Acquires Cohn & Gregory.** Venturi Supply, a Phoenix-based distributor of industrial products backed by Trive Capital, has [acquired](https://www.pehub.com/trive-capital-backed-venturi-supply-acquires-industrial-products-provider-cohn-gregory/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Cohn & Gregory, a provider of industrial products.

⚡ Resa Power Acquires Canadian Electrical Engineering Firm. Resa Power, backed by Investcorp, has [acquired](https://www.pehub.com/investcorp-backed-resa-power-snaps-up-prime-engineering/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Prime Engineering, a Canadian full-service electrical design, engineering, supply, and services business.

---

**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/)