News in the spotlight: IFC Commits USD 100 Million to Brookfield Fund for Emerging Markets Energy Transition
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is investing USD100 million in Brookfield Asset Management’s Catalytic Transition Fund LP, a USD 5 billion fund focusing on energy infrastructure and sustainable solutions in emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Products and Services
TotalEnergies Expands Power Portfolio with USD 5.9 Billion Deal for European Gas Plants
TotalEnergies plans to strengthen its power trading portfolio by investing in a new USD 6 billion gas-fired power plant in the Czech Republic, in partnership with Czech billionaire Roman Kretinsky. The facility, expected to start operations in 2028, will add 800 MW of capacity to support clean energy transition efforts in Central Europe by providing a cleaner alternative to coal. This expansion aligns with TotalEnergies’ strategy to diversify its energy mix and enhance its trading capabilities in electricity markets as demand for flexible and reliable power grows. The project is part of a broader push to develop efficient gas infrastructure that can complement renewable sources and ensure grid stability. TotalEnergies aims to leverage this investment to tap into growing regional energy trading opportunities while contributing to decarbonization goals. The plant’s location in the Czech Republic positions TotalEnergies well for expanding its footprint in European energy markets, especially as countries phase out coal and increase renewables. This initiative illustrates the company’s commitment to balancing energy security with sustainability as Europe’s energy landscape evolves.
IFC Commits USD 100 Million to Brookfield Fund for Emerging Markets Energy Transition
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is investing USD 100 million in Brookfield Asset Management’s Catalytic Transition Fund LP, a USD 5 billion fund focusing on energy infrastructure and sustainable solutions in emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. This fund targets investments in business transformation, scalable power technologies like distributed energy and battery storage, and sustainable solutions such as energy efficiency and waste management. IFC also has an additional USD75 million co-investment envelope for future deals with the fund. The fund is anchored by a USD 1 billion commitment from ALTÉRRA, a climate-focused investor. This partnership aims to accelerate energy access, economic growth, and decarbonization while demonstrating the commercial viability of climate investments in underserved markets.
Scottish National Investment Bank commits GBP 100m to Octopus affordable housing strategy
Octopus Capital has announced a GBP 100 million investment by Scotland’s national development bank, the Scottish National Investment Bank (“the Bank”), into its Affordable Housing Strategy. This investment aims to support the development of over 1,000 affordable homes in the UK, addressing the significant shortfall in accessible housing. The Octopus Affordable Housing Strategy focuses on building high-quality, energy-efficient homes that are affordable for individuals and families on modest incomes. The homes will be delivered in partnership with housing associations and local authorities, supporting inclusive regeneration and sustainable communities. The Bank’s backing aligns with its mission to address inequality and promote wellbeing across Scotland while supporting a just transition to net zero. The strategy will prioritize biodiversity enhancement, climate-resilient development, and long-term social impact measurement. Octopus Capital’s broader ambition includes unlocking scale investment in the affordable housing sector, reflecting growing institutional interest in real assets with positive societal outcomes. The initiative is part of Octopus’ Impact Real Estate platform, further expanding its role in ESG-aligned residential and infrastructure projects.
Regulations, Law and Frameworks
SEC Clarifies Non-Binding Role in Shareholder Proposal Exclusions
The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance has adjusted its role in administering Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 for the 2025–2026 proxy season, largely due to resource constraints after a prolonged government shutdown and a heavy workload of filings requiring prompt review. For this season, the Division will no longer provide substantive responses to most no-action requests seeking to exclude shareholder proposals, except where companies invoke Rule 14a-8(i)(1), which concerns proposals that may be excluded under applicable state law. Companies must still submit Rule 14a-8(j) notices at least 80 days before filing definitive proxy materials, but these notices are informational and do not require a staff response. Where a company wishes to exclude a proposal on grounds other than Rule 14a-8(i)(1) and still receive a letter, it must include an unqualified representation that it has a reasonable basis for exclusion under Rule 14a-8, existing guidance, or judicial decisions; in such cases, the Division will simply state it will not object, without evaluating the merits. A parallel, substantially similar process will be followed by the Division of Investment Management for investment companies.
ESG Data and Analytics
Google Unveils Free Tool to Boost Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing
Google has launched a free, self-service Energy Assessment tool designed for manufacturing facility and plant managers to identify energy-saving opportunities. The tool addresses common barriers like the high cost of energy consultants and lack of in-house expertise by enabling users to perform preliminary energy assessments without specialized knowledge or onsite visits. By inputting basic facility data, users receive customized recommendations across over 20 key systems such as air compressors, boilers, chillers, and lighting. The tool supports analysis across multiple facilities for prioritizing investments and fosters collaboration by enabling teams and suppliers to work together, sharing summary data while maintaining privacy and security. It offers multilingual support including Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese, targeting key manufacturing regions. The assessments correspond to an ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit standard, leveraging robust methodologies from engineering experts.
Net Zero Commitments
Rio Tinto to Power Utah Copper Mine with 320MW Wind Deal Starting 2025
The provided text describes Rio Tinto’s strategic actions and corporate structure, focusing heavily on its commitment to decarbonization and sustainability. Specifically, one source details a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with TerraGen for 78.5 MW of renewable energy from a new Texas wind farm to power Rio Tinto’s Kennecott operation. This agreement, along with existing and nearing completion solar projects, supports the company’s ambitious goals to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, aiming for 90% renewable electricity globally by 2030. The surrounding corporate information outlines Rio Tinto’s global operations, key products like copper and lithium, extensive governance framework, and investor relations, reinforcing its business focus on providing critical materials while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Amazon Expands Water Restoration Efforts With Projects Targeting 2.4 Billion Liters Annually
Amazon is expanding its water replenishment efforts by launching four new projects aimed at restoring freshwater supplies in water-stressed regions across the U.S. These initiatives focus on replenishing groundwater and improving watershed health to support communities and ecosystems that rely on these vital water sources. Amazon’s approach includes partnering with local organizations and leveraging technology to monitor water usage and optimize water conservation. The new projects build on Amazon’s broader sustainability strategy, which targets reducing water consumption across its operations and supporting regenerative water practices. These efforts align with global concerns about water scarcity and the need to protect freshwater resources amid growing industrial demands and climate change. By investing in water replenishment, Amazon aims to contribute to long-term water security and environmental resilience while setting a corporate example for responsible water stewardship in the tech and retail sectors.