Microsoft inks long-term PPA for Washington solar project
Google-Fervo geothermal deal underscores baseload power scarcity, analysts say
Fervo Energy announced on Tuesday a 396 MW geothermal power purchase agreement with Google, the largest geothermal PPA in history, which Google plans to use for a potential data center in Utah. The agreement includes an option to expand by approximately 600 MW, totaling nearly 1 GW. Analysts noted that the deal underscores baseload power scarcity, but Fervo's stock has recently faced pressure due to execution risks.
Fewer than 25% of enterprises have scaled AI successfully
The latest Gartner survey reveals that despite widespread AI adoption efforts, fewer than a quarter (22%) of enterprises have successfully scaled AI across multiple business units. The survey covered over 1,300 leaders from organizations with annual revenue exceeding $50 million. Meanwhile, 85% of technology leaders plan to increase AI investment next year, but about 11% of organizations lack visibility into their 2025 AI spending. Experts warn that without rigorous measurement tied to business outcomes, resources may be wasted and expectations may fall short.
Lowe’s, BofA, AT&T, Nvidia, more launch workforce training initiative
The Lowe's Foundation announced the formation of the 'Building Future Skilled Trades Alliance' with nearly 80 companies and organizations, including Bank of America, AT&T, and NVIDIA, planning to train 1 million skilled trades workers by 2035. The alliance is described as the largest cross-industry skilled trades coalition in U.S. history, aimed at addressing an anticipated shortage of up to 2.1 million skilled trades positions.
Consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability for e-commerce packaging: Ryder
Ryder's 2026 e-commerce consumer research shows that consumer preferences for e-commerce packaging are shifting from a pure focus on low prices to a balance of environmental friendliness and experience. Compared with 2025, the proportion of consumers choosing corrugated boxes who recognize their "eco-friendly" attribute rose by 6 percentage points, and the proportion citing packaging sustainability as a driver of repeat purchases also increased by 6 percentage points.
Three legal challenges to building a global carbon market for companies
The global carbon market is entering a critical phase, with governments expanding carbon pricing schemes, companies pursuing emission reduction targets, and the Paris Agreement supporting cross-border transfers of carbon assets. However, the legal infrastructure underpinning this market remains fragmented. Carbon credits are increasingly flowing across borders, but the laws governing their creation, ownership, transfer, and use remain confined to the national level. Regulators are also scrutinizing environmental claims involving carbon credits. Companies should focus on three major issues: the legal status and ownership of carbon credits, environmental integrity and accounting and claims risks, and the allocation of regulatory and performance risks in carbon contracts.
CheckSammy Doubles ZeroPoint Facility Network to Four Locations to Meet Growing Demand | ESG Dive
CheckSammy has expanded its ZeroPoint Facility network from two to four locations, with new sites in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Lakeland, Florida. The expansion responds to surging demand for secure, data-backed recycling and diversion services, with additional facilities planned for 2026 in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
