Your Week in Thought Leadership & Sustainability: June 9 — 13
On tap: Sustainability pros are on the A.I. train. Grid and storage technologies, the rapid rise of renewables and hydrogen, a nuclear energy renaissance, the critical role of AI, and the growing importance of industrial policy and sustainable construction.
Don’t fall victim to the June swoon.
In the first part of the month, sustainability conversations are dominated by breakthroughs in grid and storage technologies, the rapid rise of renewables and hydrogen, a nuclear energy renaissance, the critical role of AI, and the growing importance of industrial policy and sustainable construction. These solutions are at the heart of the global push to decarbonize energy, stabilize power systems, and meet the demands of a rapidly electrifying world.
Check out our weekly round up, click the headline above each summary to read more.
1. Breakthroughs in Grid-Forming Energy Storage
Grid-forming energy storage technology is a major focus, as it enhances grid stability and supports large-scale integration of renewables. This innovation is projected to unlock up to $5 trillion in new global renewable energy investments by addressing the challenge of maintaining stable power systems as renewable penetration increases.
2. Renewables Surpassing Fossil Fuels
Renewables-based electricity generation is set to overtake coal-fired generation in 2025, with wind and solar expected to surpass nuclear and hydropower in the following years. Major economies are accelerating renewable deployment through ambitious policies and investments, making this one of the most discussed trends globally.
3. Hydrogen and Clean Hydrogen Scale-Up
Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen produced via electrolysis, is rapidly gaining momentum as a clean, flexible, and scalable energy carrier. Governments and industries are investing billions in commercial electrolytic hydrogen projects, aiming to decarbonize power, transport, and industry. The UK, US, and the EU are at the forefront of this transition, with projections for exponential growth in low-emission hydrogen production by 2030.
4. Nuclear Renaissance and Fusion Energy
Nuclear energy is experiencing renewed interest as a stable, low-carbon power source to meet surging energy demands, particularly from AI-driven data centers. Small modular reactors and fusion energy are advancing, with significant public and private investment and new national strategies in Europe and the US. The EU’s “Competitiveness Compass” and the UK’s STEP prototype fusion plant highlight this momentum.
5. AI and Digital Innovation in Clean Energy
Artificial intelligence is being deployed across the energy sector to optimize renewable integration, manage smart grids, accelerate permitting, and improve operational efficiency. AI-powered robots and smart meters are helping scale solar and wind, while AI-driven virtual power plants aggregate distributed resources for grid stability.
6. Advanced Energy Storage Technologies
Innovations like sand batteries (thermal energy storage in silica sand) and large-scale battery storage are enabling more efficient capture and use of renewable energy, addressing intermittency and supporting grid reliability. The US is set for a record-breaking expansion of battery storage capacity in 2025.
7. Circular Economy and Sustainable Construction
The adoption of phase-change materials for insulation and smart inverters for grid-responsive buildings are making construction more sustainable. These solutions reduce emissions from the built environment and improve energy efficiency.
8. Industrial Policy and Cleantech Manufacturing
Governments are using industrial policy to accelerate clean energy technology deployment, boost domestic manufacturing, and secure supply chains. This trend is driving investment in cleantech and fostering innovation ecosystems.
And there’s more where that came from — visit 3BL.com here to see the latest news from our clients.