Sustainable IT and Climate Tech News 09 December 2024: Eaton, EnergyHub, iFixit, Net Zero Banking Alliance, More

Here is today’s sustainable IT services and climate tech news, research and analysis -- written for technology partners, green IT service providers, CIOs, chief sustainability officers (CSOs) and climate accounting professionals.

A. Sustainable IT, Talent, Partnerships and Green Tech Alliances

1. Net Zero Banking Alliance: Goldman Sachs is the latest financial services firm to quit the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), Reuters reported. Some Republicans allege that the alliance could breach anti-trust rules.

2. Partnership: Global asset manager Keppel and AWS are partnering worldwide on data centers, subsea cables, and renewable energy. AWS will help Keppel to accelerate the adoption of AI and machine learning across Keppel's operations. The effort will leverage Amazon Bedrock. 

3. Quantum AI Services:  Pasqal has launched its second Blaise Pasqal Quantum Challenge Hackathon. Students, startups, developers, researchers, and industry partners from around the world to develop quantum AI solutions for energy systems, resource efficiency and sustainable healthcare. Pasqal will honor winners in April 2025. The first-place honoree will receive €15,000 (approximately $19,100).

4. Net Zero School: Eaton will provide a renewable energy microgrid at Maplewood Intermediate/Middle School in Menasha, Wisconsin. The system will be the largest of its kind in the state and is anticipated to help the Menasha Joint School District save $190,000 in annual energy costs, Eaton said.

5. Smart Phones: Google is extending the lifespan of Pixel Fold, 6 and 7 devices with two extra years of operating system updates and associated support.

6. Right to Repair: iFixit has agreed to support official replacement parts for Microsoft Xbox Series S and Series X consoles. The partnership "aims to help gamers keep their consoles running longer, as issues with performance or hardware can often lead to frustration and the need for repairs," The Pinnacle Gazette reported.

7. Nuclear Energy: Three trends are driving renewed interest in nuclear technology, according to EY. Technology companies need larger quantities of clean energy for AI operations. Countries, too, are diversifying their green energy goals while also meeting their country’s demand. At the same time, advanced nuclear technologies have emerged, making adoption more viable, EY said.

B. Sustainability M&A, Climate Tech Investments, Funding and Green IT Business Launches

1. M&A - Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS): EnergyHub has acquired Kapacity.io, which specializes in heat pump performance optimization. The deal extends EnergyHub's footprint from the United States to Europe. Financial terms were not disclosed.

2. Complete M&A List: Here's our database of all M&A deals involving green IT and renewable energy buyers, sellers and investors.

C. Regional and Global Sustainability Policies and News

Nothing new to share today.

D. Sustainable IT and Green Technology Conference Calendar

1. International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Green Technology - SEGT 2024 (December 15-18, Thailand)
2. CES 2025 (January 7-10, Las Vegas, Nevada)
3. Sustainable and Impact Investments International Conference 2025 (January 14-15, Dublin, Ireland)
4. Davos 2025 -- World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting (January 20-24, Switzerland)
5. Sustainable Foods Summit 2025 (January 22-23, San Francisco, California)
6. Complete Calendar of Sustainability Conferences

E. Previous Updates & Future News

• Did You Miss Yesterday's Daily Update?: Here is our previous sustainable IT, climate tech and renewable energy news for technology partners.
• Future Updates: If you have news to share then please email me the details.