Today’s ESG Updates
- Singapore’s Renewable Power Hits Record High: Solar and regional imports lift renewables to 2.58% of national energy mix.
- EU Backs Cheap Power Plan for Italian Industry: New scheme offers discounted electricity tied to clean energy investment.
- Singapore SMEs Push to Delay Climate Rules: Small firms cite cost and complexity in call to postpone reporting.
- Meta Secures 791 MW More Clean Power: New wind and solar deals will expand the United States data center energy portfolio.
Singapore powers up renewables share
In May 2025, Singapore hit a record-high 2.58% share of renewables in its power mix, thanks to a sharp surge in domestic solar output (its strongest since March 2024) and its third consecutive monthly increase in renewable imports. From January to May, the city-state imported 122.7 GWh of clean electricity via the Lao Thailand Malaysia Singapore (LTMS) power trade, up from zero during the same period in 2024. These renewables displace some gas-fired generation—gas still accounts for about 95% of Singapore’s capacity. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to expand LTMS imports and ramp up solar to meet rising demand, especially from data centres. Companies can keep up with the latest regulations and industry updates through the use of ESG tools.
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Further reading: Singapore’s renewables usage hits record high as imports, solar output rise
EU green‑lights Italian “energy release 2.0” support plan
The European Commission has approved Italy’s “Energy Release 2.0” scheme, set to offer power‑intensive industries electricity at a fixed €65/MWh—well below the 2024 average of €108.50/MWh. Under EU state‑aid compliance, participating companies must reinvest the savings into renewable energy infrastructure, either on-site or via projects managed by Italy’s GSE. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin described the measure as a strategic move to protect jobs, strengthen supply chains, and attract investment, not corporate favoritism. The approval follows lobbying from Confindustria, which highlighted industrial energy costs exceeding 35% above the EU average.
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Further reading: EU approves Italian energy scheme to support power-intensive industries
Singapore firms seek delay on climate reporting roll‑out
Several Singapore-based companies have formally asked the government to delay the mandatory climate reporting requirements scheduled for smaller businesses . They argue that the current compliance timeline places a disproportionate burden on SMEs lacking dedicated sustainability teams, citing challenges with data collection, verification, and costs. While larger corporations have already adapted, smaller firms are requesting more lead time, technical assistance, and clearer guidelines. The push reflects broader tension between ambitious national sustainability goals and the operational realities of Singapore’s diverse business ecosystem. The government is reportedly reviewing these concerns to ensure a fair, phased implementation that balances ambition with feasibility.
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Further reading: Singapore Companies ask to Delay Mandatory Climate Reporting for Smaller Businesses
Meta locks in 791 MW of renewable energy for US data centres
Meta Platforms has signed four new renewable energy contracts with developer Invenergy, securing an additional 791 MW of wind and solar power to support its U.S. data centre operations. This brings the total from Invenergy to 1,800 MW, following 760 MW of deals last year. The projects span Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas. Though the power will feed into regional grids, Meta will claim the clean energy via renewable energy credits. This forms part of Meta’s broader clean-energy strategy, which includes investments in solar, geothermal innovation, and exploration of nuclear options. Companies can keep up with the latest regulations and industry updates through the use of ESG tools.
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Further reading: Meta Secures Nearly 800 MW of Renewable Energy to Power U.S. Data Centers
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: American Public Power Association
