Today’s ESG Updates
- Trump Media Merges With Fusion Power Company: Trump Media & Technology Group announced an all-stock merger with TAE Technologies valued at more than $6 billion, with plans to begin construction on a 50 MW fusion power plant next year.
- Germany Launches Fund to Mobilize Private Investment: Germany aims to boost competitiveness by mobilizing private capital for investments in the energy transition, technology and industrial modernization sectors.
- Microsoft Signs Carbon Removal Deal with InPlanet: Microsoft has entered a carbon credit purchase agreement with InPlanet for the removal of more than 28,500 tonnes of CO2 between 2026 and 2028 using enhanced rock weathering technology.
- Google Signs Deal to Build 150 MW Solar Project in India: ReNew Energy Global has signed a long-term agreement with Google to develop a 150 MW solar project in Rajasthan, scheduled for commissioning in 2026 and expected to generate 425,000 MW-hours of electricity annually.
Trump media expands into energy as fusion startup seeks path to commercialisation
Trump Media & Technology Group has announced plans to merge with TAE Technologies in an all-stock transaction valued at more than USD 6 billion, marking an unexpected expansion into fusion power as data centers scramble for electricity amid the AI boom. TAE has raised nearly $2 billion from investors including Google, Chevron Technology Ventures, and New Enterprise, and has been valued at approximately $1.8 billion according to PitchBook.
TMTG CEO Devin Nunes stated that the acquisition would “cement America’s global energy dominance for generations.” The companies plan to site and begin construction on what they describe as “the world’s first utility-scale fusion power plant (50 MWe)” next year, with additional plants expected to generate between 350 and 500 megawatts of electricity.
Many have voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest with the U.S. Department of Energy. Last week, industry representatives met with Energy Department officials urging billions in funding for fusion projects, raising questions about whether the president’s financial stake could influence federal support decisions.
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Further reading: Trump Media is merging with fusion power company TAE Technologies in $6B+ deal
Germany launches 30 billion euro initiative to encourage flow of funds
Germany launched its 30 billion euro “Deutschlandfonds” initiative, aiming to boost competitiveness by mobilising private capital for investments in the energy transition, technology and industrial modernisation. The government describes the fund as “temporary seed financing” for Germany’s economic transformation after years of stagnation. It aims to attract around 130 billion euros of additional private investment. “What is crucial is to direct private capital specifically to where innovation is created, where we can make our supply chains more resilient and make Germany fit for the future,” said economy minister Katherina Reiche.
The association said, the United States invested 510 euros per capita in startups in 2024, France: 108 euros and Germany: 90 euros.
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Further reading: Germany launches 30 billion euro fund to mobilise private investment
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Microsoft signs carbon removal deal with InPlanet
Founded in 2022, Brazil and Germany-based InPLanet is developing Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) as a pathway for durable carbon dioxide removal and regenerative agriculture. The company’s process applies finely crushed silicate rock to tropical soils, accelerating the natural weathering process that permanently sequesters CO2. InPlanet announced today the new carbon credit purchase agreement with Microsoft, for the removal of more than 28,500 tonnes of CO2 between 2026 and 2028.
Phillip Goodman, Director at Microsoft said, “InPlanet’s commitment to measurement and monitoring bolster the integrity of their enhanced rock weathering carbon removal credits, which will contribute to Microsoft’s goal to be carbon negative by 2030. Their project illustrates how applying silicate rock to soils can offer benefits for farmers by improving soil health and supporting productivity. Enhanced rock weathering is a promising pathway to high-impact carbon removal, and we are encouraged by its potential to contribute to durable, positive climate outcomes.”
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Further reading: Microsoft Signs Enhanced Rock Weathering Carbon Removal Deal with InPlanet
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Google signs deal to build 150 MW Solar Project in India with ReNew
ReNew Energy Global announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Google to develop a 150 MW solar project in Rajasthan, India. Google will purchase the environmental attribute certificates from the project, which the company said it will allocate to its Scope 3 emissions. The solar farm, scheduled for commissioning in 2026, is expected to generate roughly 425,000 MW-hours of electricity annually, which the companies said is enough to supply more than 360,000 Indian households.
Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Sustainability at ReNew said, “This partnership with Google reflects the growing confidence in India’s clean energy ecosystem and ReNew’s ability to deliver climate-positive solutions at scale. Long-term agreements of this kind are catalytic, they enable new renewable capacity, support India’s energy transition and help global companies meet ambitious sustainability commitments.”
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Further reading: Google, ReNew Sign Deal to Build 150 MW Solar Project in India
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
