News in the spotlight: Google bets on nuclear power to fuel the AI era – data centers to run on atomic energy by 2030.
Google has announced a landmark deal to power its data centers with advanced nuclear energy by 2030. The move comes as soaring AI demand drives unprecedented electricity consumption, pushing the company to seek reliable, zero-carbon alternatives. The decision highlights nuclear’s potential role in the clean energy mix, sparking both optimism and debate across the tech and sustainability sectors.
Products and Services
RGreen launches “evergreen” transition fund – a new era for renewable investments
RGreen Invest is preparing to launch an “evergreen” energy transition fund, marking a shift in how renewable projects are financed.
Unlike closed-ended structures, evergreen funds allow continuous inflows and reinvestment, making them well-suited for long-term infrastructure such as wind and solar. The initiative reflects growing investor appetite for vehicles that balance flexibility with climate impact. By targeting renewable energy and broader decarbonization assets, RGreen aims to position itself within a market where demand for sustainable finance continues to outpace supply. Industry observers note that evergreen models can help bridge funding gaps for projects requiring patient capital, though questions remain around liquidity and risk management. The launch underscores a wider trend of asset managers experimenting with innovative structures to accelerate the green transition while attracting institutional capital committed to sustainability goals (source: rgreeninvest.com).
UOB integrates nature into finance – biodiversity at the heart of new banking products
Singapore-based UOB has announced plans to embed biodiversity considerations into its sustainable finance products. The initiative reflects the increasing recognition that nature and ecosystems play a central role in long-term economic stability. By incorporating natural capital into lending and investment strategies, UOB hopes to develop products that support conservation and sustainable land use alongside climate goals. Financial institutions are under pressure to move beyond carbon metrics and capture the broader environmental footprint of projects they fund. UOB’s approach could set a precedent in Asia, where rapid development often collides with biodiversity loss. While details of specific products are still under development, the bank’s commitment highlights a growing trend in sustainable finance: integrating ecosystem services as material risks and opportunities. If widely adopted, this strategy could reshape how banks assess environmental impact, shifting finance toward a more holistic sustainability framework (source:uob.com).
Money market funds take the ESG spotlight – 2025 marks the year of the green asset class
European money market funds classified under Articles 8 and 9 of the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) have surged in popularity in 2025. Analysts note these funds have effectively taken the place of equities as the “sustainable asset class of choice,” though the reasons for the shift are not fully clear. Some observers attribute the trend to volatile equity markets, prompting investors to seek short-term instruments with ESG alignment. Others point to regulatory clarity and rising demand for safe, liquid options within sustainable portfolios. While money market funds are not traditionally seen as transformational for climate action, their growing share of ESG inflows reflects investors’ appetite for combining sustainability with security. Critics warn, however, that the impact of such products is limited compared to long-term infrastructure or transition finance. The development raises questions about balancing investor preferences with real-world sustainability outcomes (source:ecb.com).
Regulations, Law and Frameworks
UK brings order to transition finance – new guidelines end the labelling free-for-all
The UK has introduced draft guidelines for transition finance aimed at high-emitting sectors. Backed by government and shaped by industry consultation, the framework seeks to strike a balance between prescriptive requirements and flexible principles. Investors argue the guidelines will curb misleading “transition” labels and improve trust in sustainable markets. By setting clearer definitions, the UK hopes to prevent greenwashing and align capital flows with credible decarbonization pathways. The move comes amid a global debate on how to regulate financial products claiming to support the climate transition. While some critics argue the guidelines stop short of enforceable rules, others see them as a pragmatic first step. If implemented effectively, they could provide a template for other jurisdictions struggling with similar issues. The proposal underscores the UK’s ambition to maintain leadership in sustainable finance regulation post-Brexit (source:citioflondon.com).
US vs EU – pressure mounts to limit the scope of CSDDD
A new joint statement between the US and EU has intensified debate over the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The agreement signals US pressure to narrow the directive’s reach, particularly regarding civil liability provisions. Observers warn that watering down CSDDD could weaken corporate accountability for human rights and environmental harm. European lawmakers face a balancing act between international trade relations and the ambition of sustainability regulation. Critics argue that weakening the directive risks undermining its credibility and the EU’s reputation as a leader in responsible business standards. Supporters of a narrower scope claim excessive compliance burdens could deter investment and strain transatlantic relations. The outcome of this negotiation will likely set a precedent for future global standards, shaping how corporations are held accountable across borders for their supply chains and environmental impact (source:european-union.com).
California wins climate battle – disclosure law withstands court challenge
California’s climate disclosure law has survived a major legal challenge from business groups, reinforcing the state’s position as a pioneer in environmental regulation. The law requires large companies operating in California to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, aligning state policy with global reporting standards. Opponents argued the law imposed excessive burdens and conflicted with federal authority. A court ruling dismissed these claims, allowing the legislation to move forward. Advocates see the victory as a milestone in transparency, forcing companies to quantify and address their climate exposure. With California’s economy among the largest in the world, the law could have ripple effects across supply chains, effectively setting de facto national standards. Critics warn of compliance costs, but many investors welcome the clarity, seeing disclosure as a foundation for informed sustainable investment decisions (source:jdsupra.com).
ESG Data & Analytics
EU ESG ratings under scrutiny – regulation boosts transparency and comparability
The EU’s new regulation on ESG ratings is already driving improvements in transparency and comparability, according to analysts and industry insiders. Rating providers, long criticized for inconsistent methodologies and opaque criteria, are now required to meet stricter disclosure obligations. The rules are designed to help investors better understand how ratings are constructed, reducing confusion and improving accountability. Supporters argue that the regulation marks a turning point for sustainable finance, where credibility depends heavily on data quality. Critics, however, caution that harmonization could stifle innovation or create excessive compliance burdens for smaller firms. Despite concerns, the reform is widely seen as a necessary step to restore trust in ESG ratings, which underpin trillions of dollars in sustainable investment. By imposing greater oversight, the EU is positioning itself at the forefront of global efforts to standardize sustainability assessments (source:consilium-europa.com).
Net Zero Commitments
Google turns to nuclear – data centers to be powered by atomic energy by 2030
Google has signed a deal to power its data centers with energy from advanced nuclear technology by 2030. The agreement represents one of the most significant corporate commitments to nuclear as a low-carbon energy source. With artificial intelligence and cloud services driving exponential energy demand, tech firms face mounting pressure to decarbonize operations. Nuclear is seen as a reliable option that complements intermittent renewables. Advocates hail the move as a pragmatic step toward climate targets, while critics raise concerns about safety, waste, and cost. The partnership also signals growing private sector interest in supporting the next generation of nuclear reactors. If successful, Google’s strategy could influence other large technology companies, reshaping the energy mix for digital infrastructure. The announcement adds momentum to the debate on the role of nuclear in the global clean energy transition(source:techrepublic.com).
Breakthrough in CO₂ removal – North America’s first DAC storage achieved
Canadian firms Deep Sky and Skyrenu have announced the successful storage of carbon dioxide captured directly from the atmosphere, marking the first such achievement in North America. The milestone demonstrates that direct air capture (DAC) technology is moving from concept to practical deployment. DAC is considered critical for reaching net-zero targets, as it addresses emissions that cannot be eliminated through traditional mitigation. The project signals growing private sector investment in carbon removal solutions, although costs remain high and scalability uncertain. Supporters argue that early successes can help drive down expenses and attract more funding. Critics caution against relying too heavily on unproven technologies instead of accelerating emissions cuts. Still, the breakthrough represents a symbolic and technical step forward in demonstrating the viability of carbon removal at scale (source:breakthrough.com).
Philippines introduces carbon credit policy – new framework for the energy sector
The Philippines has announced plans to launch a carbon credit framework for its energy sector, aiming to encourage investment in cleaner technologies. The policy is designed to create a market-based mechanism where emitters can offset their emissions by purchasing credits linked to verified reduction projects. Supporters believe the initiative could help the country balance its growing energy demand with climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The move follows broader regional interest in carbon markets, particularly as Southeast Asia faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. Critics highlight the risk of weak oversight, warning that poorly designed credit systems can enable greenwashing. Nevertheless, the Philippines’ effort underscores the global expansion of carbon markets and their role in shaping national energy transitions. If implemented effectively, it could provide a model for other emerging economies seeking pragmatic pathways to lower emissions (source:philippines.com).
ESG- and Green Bond Issuances
Thailand debuts on the ‘blue bond’ market – IFC backs East Water’s issuance
Thailand’s East Water has raised around $19 million through its first-ever “blue bond,” supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The issuance highlights growing interest in bonds that target water-related sustainability goals, such as infrastructure resilience and clean supply. Blue bonds are a niche but expanding segment of sustainable finance, offering investors exposure to projects linked directly to oceans and freshwater. The IFC’s involvement provides credibility, addressing concerns about standards and monitoring. For Thailand, the deal represents a step toward diversifying funding sources for critical infrastructure in a climate-stressed region. Analysts see the bond as part of a broader trend in Asia, where governments and firms are experimenting with thematic instruments to attract ESG-conscious capital. The transaction could encourage other issuers in the region to tap into the developing blue finance market (source:ifc.com).
BBVA attracts €1 billion – record green bond issuance draws strong demand
Spanish bank BBVA has successfully raised €1 billion through its latest green bond issuance, highlighting robust investor demand for sustainable debt. The proceeds will finance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other environmentally beneficial projects. Analysts note the strong oversubscription reflects continued appetite for high-quality green instruments, even amid broader market uncertainty. The transaction reinforces BBVA’s position as an active player in sustainable finance, while also illustrating the maturity of Europe’s green bond market. Critics argue that ensuring transparency in how funds are allocated remains essential, as investor scrutiny over impact reporting is increasing. Still, the deal demonstrates how green bonds have become a mainstream financing tool, connecting institutional capital with climate-positive outcomes. The successful issuance may encourage other banks to follow suit with ambitious targets and larger transactions (source:bbva.com).
STX Group opens the SAF market – first certificates to boost sustainable aviation
STX Group has issued the first market certificates for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to accelerate adoption in the aviation sector. The certificates are designed to provide traceability and verifiable claims for airlines purchasing SAF, a critical technology for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. The initiative seeks to address barriers to scaling SAF production, including high costs and limited supply. By creating a tradable instrument, STX hopes to stimulate demand and unlock investment. The development comes as airlines face increasing pressure to decarbonize in line with international climate goals. While some observers caution that certificates must be carefully monitored to avoid greenwashing, the move is seen as a milestone in building market infrastructure for aviation sustainability. If widely adopted, it could help bridge the gap between ambitious climate targets and the industry’s current reliance on fossil fuels (source:stxgroup.com).