New report by the African Circular Economy Alliance shines light on ‘Five Big Bets’ for circular economy

Whether it’s the billions of dollars being invested in green and sustainable instruments, serious institutional efforts to address ESG as a risk factor in lending and investing, big banks restructuring themselves to adopt net zero pledges, or fintechs developing new solutions to address climate-related issues, all these efforts point to recognition that the financial services industry can play a major role in addressing ESG objectives.  ESG-focused fintechs have a unique ability to achieve rapid growth, deliver ESG-focused innovation, and attract investment capital to support their efforts to improve the environment and society while generating substantial returns.

Solar power has again delivered more than 100 per cent of local demand in South Australia, in what is expected to become an increasingly regular occurrence.  The combination of rooftop solar (1275MW, or 80.9 per cent of local demand) and large scale solar (331MW, or 21 per cent) delivered a combined 101.9 per cent of local state demand for a 5-minute period.  At the time there was a little bit of wind generating (just 22.2MW), and about 275MW of gas generation. The state’s three big batteries were charging (72MW) and a total of 326MW was being exported to Victoria.  And while the 100 per cent level was reached for just one five minute period, from 1030 to 1530 – a period of five hours – solar contributed more than 90 per cent of state demand.