> ## 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. # ๐ŸŒ† Infra Futures #22 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/infra-futures-22/ - Published: 2024-12-23T12:30:48.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-23T12:30:52.000Z - 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 ๐Ÿ‘‹** The US DOE finalized a [$9.63B loan](https://batteriesnews.com/doe-announces-963-billion-loan-to-blueoval-sk-to-further-expand-us-manufacturing-of-electric-vehicle-batteries/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for BlueOval SK to build three EV battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky, boosting US EV production. Italian Rail Group announced a [$108B investment](https://www.railway.supply/en/italian-rail-group-to-invest-e100-billion-in-infrastructure-by-2029/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to modernize infrastructure and expand high-speed rail by 30% by 2029\. In Ireland, the worldโ€™s first 3D-printed concrete social housing project delivered three homes [35% faster than traditional methods](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/ireland-gets-worlds-first-printed-social-houses/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). Lithuania will renovate [700 apartment buildings](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/e100m-from-eu-to-boost-lithuanian-housing-renovation/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) through a $108M EIB loan, improving energy efficiency. Meanwhile, Slip Robotics secured [$28M in Series B](https://www.mmh.com/article/slip%5Frobotics%5Fraises%5F28%5Fmillion%5Fin%5Fseries%5Fb%5Ffinancing%5Fled%5Fby%5Fdcvc?ref=newsletters.qs.com) funding led by DCVC to advance automated truck-loading solutions. **What's new?** *HolonIQโ€™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.* ## ๐Ÿ—๏ธEnergy Infrastructure **๐Ÿ”‹ DOE Finalizes $9.63B Loan for BlueOval SK EV Battery Plants.** The US Department of Energy finalized a $9.63B loan for BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On, to build [three EV battery plants](https://batteriesnews.com/doe-announces-963-billion-loan-to-blueoval-sk-to-further-expand-us-manufacturing-of-electric-vehicle-batteries/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Tennessee and Kentucky. **โ˜€๏ธ US Engineer Jacobs to Build Massive Solar Farm and Battery System in the Philippines.** Jacobs, a US engineering firm, is hired to help build a $3.3B, [3.5GW solar farm and a 4.5GW battery system](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/jacobs-hired-for-3-3bn-solar-farm-in-philippines/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in the Philippines to help the country cut its dependence on coal for power generation. **๐Ÿ”Œ California Announces $1B Electric Vehicle Charger Initiative.** The California Energy Commission pledged more than $1B to a [four-year plan](https://mashable.com/article/california-approves-billion-dollar-electric-vehicle-charging-plan?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, aiming to add 17,000 chargers. ## ๐Ÿš˜Transport Infrastructure **๐Ÿš… Italian Rail Group Plans $108B Infrastructure Investment.** Italian Rail Group announces a [$108B investment](https://www.railway.supply/en/italian-rail-group-to-invest-e100-billion-in-infrastructure-by-2029/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to modernize infrastructure, improve mobility, and expand high-speed rail access by 30% by 2029. **โšก Zero Emission Port Alliance Releases Guidelines for Upgrading Port Infrastructure.** The Zero Emission Port Alliance, an organization focused on sustainable port operations, released [key findings and guidelines](https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/zero-emission-port-alliance-releases-key-findings-demand-design-standards-and-guidelines-for-terminal-infrastructure-upgrading-the-electricity-grid/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for upgrading terminal infrastructure and the electricity grid to support zero-emission operations. **๐ŸŒ China and Peru collaborate on major infrastructure projects.** China and Peru are partnering on a new infrastructure project called the 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI) to develop the Chancay port in [Peru into a major hub and gateway](https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/from-chancay-to-shanghai-new-china-peru-bri-project-to-become-hub-gateway-port-of-latin-america/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for Latin America. ## ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Buildings **๐Ÿ  World's First Printed Concrete Social Housing Project in Ireland.** A terrace of three, 3-bedroom [social houses made using 3D printing technology](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/ireland-gets-worlds-first-printed-social-houses/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) is constructed in Dundalk, Ireland. The terrace was finished in just 132 days, 35% faster than traditional construction methods. **๐Ÿ  European firms to build rice-straw houses in Nigeria.** Companies from Sweden and Czechia have partnered with the [Nigerian government](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/european-firms-plan-to-build-rice-straw-houses-in-nigeria/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to construct houses partially made from rice straw, investing $250M in establishing 10 factories in Nigeria. ## ๐ŸซSocial Infrastructure **๐Ÿ˜๏ธ $108M loan from EIB to boost Lithuanian housing renovation.** The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the government of Lithuania have approved a $108M loan to fund [housing renovation in Lithuania](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/e100m-from-eu-to-boost-lithuanian-housing-renovation/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), for the renovation of 700 apartment buildings. **๐Ÿซ West Virginia School Building Authority Approves $65M for Infrastructure Investments.** The West Virginia School Building Authority [approved $65M](https://wchstv.com/news/local/wva-school-building-authority-allocated-65m-in-funding-for-12-infrastructure-projects?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in funding for infrastructure investments. Additional funds will go toward upgrading existing facilities in eight counties. ## **๐Ÿ› ๏ธ** 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 weekโ€™s insights, and discover more in HolonIQ's latest* [*Skills newsletter*](https://newsletters.qs.com/tag/skills/)*.* **๐Ÿš— 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). **๐Ÿ› ๏ธ 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. **๐Ÿ’ฐ 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). ## **๐Ÿ’ฐ** Infra Deals **๐Ÿค– Slip Robotics Raises $28M Series B Funding Led by DCVC.** Slip Robotics, a provider of automated truck-loading robots-as-a-service, [raised $28M in Series B](https://www.mmh.com/article/slip%5Frobotics%5Fraises%5F28%5Fmillion%5Fin%5Fseries%5Fb%5Ffinancing%5Fled%5Fby%5Fdcvc?ref=newsletters.qs.com) financing led by venture capital firm DCVC. **๐Ÿ”Œ Power Grid Components Acquires Elliott Industries.** Power Grid Components, a company in the energy industry, [acquired](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217884174/en/Power-Grid-Components-Acquires-Elliott-Industries?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Elliott Industries, a leader in custom electrical equipment for utilities and industrial customers. **๐Ÿ—๏ธ White Cap Acquires Site Supply, Inc..** White Cap, a leading distributor of construction supplies and safety products, [acquired](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/white-cap-announces-acquisition-of-site-supply-inc-302333409.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Site Supply, Inc. **๐Ÿค Xylem Acquires Heusser Water Solutions AG.** Xylem Inc., a leading global water solutions company, completed the [acquisition](https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/xylem-inc/xylem-acquires-heusser-water-solutions-ag?ref=newsletters.qs.com) of Heusser Water Solutions AG, its long-standing distributor in Switzerland. --- **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. 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