Energy & Sustainability

Don't miss these upcoming energy and sustainability events!

One billion people around the world currently live without access to electricity, and many more do not have a reliable energy source. Until recently, energy consumers relied almost exclusively on centralized grid infrastructure for their energy needs, aided by government subsidies and public utilities. Today, however, with significant advancements and reduced costs associated with renewable energy technology, a growing opportunity has emerged for decentralized, off-grid energy solutions to bridge the gap in energy access in the United States and abroad.

The New Year has officially arrived, bringing with it exciting goals and predictions for the clean energy industry around the world. According to projected trends published by Forbes and the Open Energy Market, there are several key developments to look for in the upcoming year.

For the first time ever, electric vehicle (EV) sales growth is surpassing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales growth in China.

Following the November 6th United States Federal elections, Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) is expected to become the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  Pallone issued a statement on the Democrats winning the House majority, indicating his intent to take on the role of Chairman.  “Last night’s election results were a big win for our nation and for the American people. In the coming days, I will be asking my Democratic colleagues for their support to lead our party as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee.”

Do you work for an impact company, or know an impact company that is leveraging the engine of capitalism for greater profit and greater good?

As the sustainability movement grows, so too do the ambiguities under which boards of directors govern. In this article published by the National Association of Corporate Directors, Thomas R. Burton and Benjamin D. Stone provide suggestions for how boards can navigate this exciting but still developing sector and help corporations generate both profits and positive impact.

A law recently enacted by the Massachusetts legislature and signed by Governor Charlie Baker will increase the use of renewable fuels to produce electricity, allow the development of more offshore wind farms, enable more technologies to qualify for energy efficiency incentives and increase the use of technologies that store electricity.

A hot new area for the development of energy efficiency storage technology is refrigeration. Last month, this blog covered the recent success of Mintz client Axiom Exergy.

At the Northeast Clean Energy Council’s (NECEC) latest Emerging Trends Seriesforum on July 11, 2018, leaders from the clean energy industry and the public sector convened to discuss the future of energy efficiency in the Northeast.

It has been over two years since Governor Baker enacted the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program, and nearly one year since the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) released its final set of proposed regulations for the program.

In May, Mintz Levin client Axiom Exergy closed an impressive $7.6 million Series A round to scale its cold-storage device for grocery stores, bringing its total fundraising to $12.5 million.

In a report titled Moving Electrons, investment firm Village Capital highlighted the transportation sector as the next big focal point for cleantech investors seeking opportunities to support firms and sectors that are likely to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

On May 10, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing to discuss the state of the country’s electric transmission infrastructure. This hearing was a continuation of the Subcommittee on Energy’s Powering America series, a series of hearings dedicated to examining aspects of the nation’s power sector.

Wind is blowing up in the Commonwealth! A report from Environment Massachusetts shows that offshore wind could help power the state’s electricity needs 19 times over – and major generators are already working to make it happen.