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)

Wind

After a brutal 2023, offshore wind looks to overcome growing pains

Offshore wind is a key piece of the U.S. energy transition, but the emerging industry has been clobbered by financial challenges. Now, it’s trying to move forward.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 December 2023
Climatetech finance

After 2023's wild ride, climate venture capital poised for strong 2024

This year, cleantech startups tightened their spending and focused on revenue, but the latter months presaged a new year with plenty of fundraising.

By Julian Spector . 21 December 2023
Climatetech finance

UK’s Octopus Energy raises $800M to expand global clean energy push

The clean power provider is now worth nearly $8 billion and has plans to ramp up heat-pump manufacturing and move into overseas markets.

By Julian Spector . 19 December 2023
Electric vehicles

EV school bus rollout off to slow start despite billion-dollar subsidies

Some U.S. school districts face a learning curve in ditching their dirty diesel buses — even with big federal subsidies. But the challenges are solvable.

By Jeff St. John . 19 December 2023
Clean energy manufacturing

Clean energy factories, thermal storage get boost from new tax credits

The IRS just released rules on incentives for clean energy manufacturers that make stuff in the U.S. Long-duration storage and thermal batteries could benefit the most.

By Julian Spector . 15 December 2023
EV charging

Will universally compatible EV chargers ever be a reality in the US?

A fragmented business landscape is to blame for many of the problems that plague EV charging. Government-backed standards could change that — if the industry obliges.

By Jeff St. John . 13 December 2023
Solar

Innovative solar tracker startup Sunfolding has folded

Sources say the 11-year-old startup is winding down after struggling to gain a foothold in the multibillion-dollar solar tracker market.

By Eric Wesoff . 8 December 2023
Hydrogen

'Green' hydrogen debate heats up ahead of tax-credit decision

Leaked details about rules governing billions of dollars in hydrogen subsidies have added fuel to an already fiery debate. Proposed regulations could come next week.

By Jeff St. John . 6 December 2023
Climatetech finance

An IRA grant could help low-income residents in New Hampshire go solar

The state is seeking $70 million in federal funding and partnering with housing advocates to expand access to solar power for low- and moderate-income residents.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 December 2023
Climatetech finance

Chart: How much are oil and gas firms spending on clean energy? Not much

Fossil fuel companies accounted for just 1% of global climatetech funding last year — while continuing to invest lavishly in their planet-warming products.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 1 December 2023