Executive Summary
- Australia weighs grid-scale batteries as “virtual transmission” to unlock congested renewable zones; NSW’s EnergyCo signals more SIPS-style contracts as costs of new lines surge.
- Sweden plans subsidies for up to 5 GW of new nuclear over two decades, a shift that could further undercut offshore wind’s investment case.
- The U.S. Interior Department ordered Ørsted to halt work on the 80%-complete Revolution Wind project, citing national security; governors object and jobs are at risk.
- Porsche scraps in-house battery cell manufacturing, pivots to development, and prepares ~200 job cuts at Cellforce.
- Mercedes-Benz to sell its 3.8% Nissan stake (~$346m), sending Nissan shares down ~6% as the automaker pursues a restructuring.
- German export expectations fall on the 15% U.S. “base tariff,” with chemicals a relative bright spot.
- BNEF flags a new record for global renewable investment and issues a long-term carbon credit supply outlook.
- Austria’s climate law remains stuck amid political infighting.
Cleantech
Porsche exits battery cell manufacturing, focuses on development
Porsche will not pursue its own battery cell production due to scale limits, shifting resources to development and cutting roughly 200 roles at subsidiary Cellforce. The planned 1 GWh “Anlauffabrik” and subsequent scale-up are shelved; labor groups seek to avoid forced layoffs. Strategic takeaway: premium OEMs may increasingly partner for cells while differentiating via integration, software, and pack engineering. Read more.
Renewables investment hits new record as risk views shift
BNEF reports global renewable investment reached a new record as investors reassess macro and project risks, suggesting capital depth despite policy volatility. Watch for cost of capital and grid queue dynamics to determine deployment pace. Read more.
Carbon markets: long-term supply outlook
BNEF’s 2025 outlook assesses long-term carbon credit supply, informing procurement and abatement pricing strategies for corporates planning beyond 2030. Read more.
Electricity
NSW considers giant batteries as a cheaper “virtual transmission” tool
New South Wales’ EnergyCo is exploring more System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) contracts with Transgrid to push more power through existing lines, after allocating only 3.5 GW of access in the South-West REZ versus ~15–20 GW applied. The 850 MW/1,680 MWh Waratah Super Battery shows the approach; proposals include Squadron Energy’s 1,500 MW/12-hour Gol Gol battery. Implication: non-network solutions can unlock stranded renewables faster and at lower capex than new lines. Companies: EnergyCo NSW, Transgrid, AEMO, Squadron Energy, ENGIE, Neoen. Read more.
Sweden backs up to 5 GW new nuclear; offshore wind feels the squeeze
Sweden aims to subsidize as much as 5 GW of new nuclear over the next two decades. Market participants say this could further weaken the investment case for offshore wind. Strategic note: long-duration price cannibalization risk for wind may rise if nuclear receives stable support. Companies: Vattenfall. Read more.
U.S. halts Ørsted’s Revolution Wind on “national security” grounds
The Interior Department directed Ørsted to stop work on the 704 MW Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island/Connecticut, reportedly ~80% complete. The order cites national security while governors push back, warning of job and supply-chain impacts. For developers, federal permitting and political risk are now central project-finance variables. Read more.
Chemicals
Chemicals show relative optimism amid German export gloom
Germany’s Ifo export expectations fell to −3.6 in August (from −0.3) as a 15% U.S. base tariff bites. Chemicals, furniture and electrical equipment are relative bright spots. Implication: diversified demand and energy-intensive exporters still face tariff and cost headwinds despite pockets of resilience. Read more.
Policy
Austria’s climate law stalemate continues
Political parties remain locked in dispute over the Klimagesetz, delaying clarity on national targets and instruments. Policy uncertainty risks slowing investment decisions in efficiency and renewables. Read more.
Geopolitics
Mercedes exits Nissan stake; governance and capital priorities shift
Mercedes-Benz Group will sell its 3.8% stake in Nissan, worth about $346 million, saying the holding lacks strategic relevance. Nissan shares fell ~6%; new CEO Ivan Espinosa targets capacity and site reductions after a $535 million quarterly loss. Read-through: legacy cross-shareholdings continue to unwind as OEMs husband capital for software/EV transitions. Read more.
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