Climatetech finance

This MIT-backed fund wants to solve the toughest climate problems

The Engine Ventures just raised $400M to help fill the vast funding gap for “tough tech” companies, including firms working to decarbonize heavy industries.

By Maria Gallucci . 27 June 2024

Katie Rae helmed The Engine from 2017 to 2023 and now leads its venture capital arm. (Tony Luong/The Engine Ventures)

Climatetech finance

Chart: Clean energy set to attract double investment spent on fossil fuels

In a first, more than $2 trillion will be invested in clean energy this year. It’s a staggering sum, but much more is needed to transition from fossil fuels.

By Carrie Klein . 14 June 2024
Climatetech finance

Chart: US sets new record with $71B in clean energy investment

In the first quarter of this year, private investors poured 40% more money into clean energy and electric vehicles than they did in Q1 2023.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 7 June 2024
Electric vehicles

Anatomy of a failed EV startup

Zevvy, a startup that offered creative financing to democratize electric vehicle access, shut down recently. The firm's founder has a lot to say about why.

By Julian Spector . 29 April 2024
Climatetech finance

EPA’s new $20B ‘green bank’ will benefit disadvantaged communities most

The program will not only fund billions of dollars worth of climate projects in these communities, but try and convince private investors to join in, too.

By Jeff St. John . 4 April 2024
Nuclear

Michigan nuclear plant aims to be first ever to reopen in US

The Palisades Nuclear Plant won a $1.5B conditional federal loan to reopen. Plant owner Holtec plans to move fast — but the path ahead is murky.

By Eric Wesoff . 28 March 2024
Clean industry

The 'clean cement' projects getting $1.5B in Biden admin funds

From carbon capture to alternative cement chemistries, the U.S. is funding a range of projects that aim to slash the enormous CO2 footprint of the cement industry.

By Jeff St. John . 27 March 2024
Energy storage

This Kentucky coal mine could transform into pumped-hydro grid storage

With $81M from DOE, Rye Development aims to build the first pumped-hydro project on the site of a former mine to bolster the grid and revitalize the local economy.

By Julian Spector . 27 March 2024
Clean industry

Biden admin invests $6B to cut carbon from steel, cement — and snacks

The Energy Department’s historic new investment aims to decarbonize the dirty, energy-intensive sectors that underpin the modern global economy.

By Maria Gallucci . 25 March 2024
Geothermal

Geothermal is the hottest thing in clean energy. Here’s why

Advances in next-generation geothermal have policymakers and investors excited about the tech’s promise of “clean, firm” power — though many barriers remain.

By Maria Gallucci . 25 March 2024
Solar

A Boston grocery store is bringing community solar to a low-income area

An 81-kilowatt project on the roof of the Dorchester Food Co-Op will test a community ownership model. New federal climate policies could help make it scalable.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 March 2024