Corporate clean energy contracts have hit an impressive 100 gigawatts (GW) globally, a major milestone for renewable energy, as reported by the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). This shows that more businesses are opting for clean energy to cut their carbon footprint and move toward sustainable energy.

As more companies invest in clean energy, the global renewable market is growing and changing the energy landscape. 

The Rise of Corporate Renewable Energy Procurement

Over the past decade, corporations have become major players in the renewable energy market. Big multinational companies, like tech giants, retail chains, and manufacturers, are signing power purchase agreements (PPAs). These agreements help them get clean electricity for their operations.

These contracts allow businesses to buy electricity from wind and solar farms. This, in turn, helps fund new projects and increases the use of renewable energy.

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) reported that companies bought 21.7 GW of clean energy in 2024 alone. This was the highest amount in a single year. This brings the total corporate-driven clean energy capacity in the U.S. to 100 GW since 2014.

One gigawatt (GW) of electricity can power about 750,000 U.S. homes for a year. This shows how much corporations affect the energy grid.

One of the key drivers behind this trend is the push for sustainability. Companies face growing pressure from investors, customers, and regulators to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses can buy renewable energy, helping them rely less on fossil fuels. They can also lower costs and reach their climate goals.

The Role of Solar, Wind, and Emerging Technologies

Solar and wind power have been the primary sources of clean energy adopted by corporations. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that in 2024, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations hit 2.2 terawatts (TW) worldwide. Wind energy capacity grew significantly, too, as shown below.

Corporate PPAs are key to this growth. They give developers a steady income and speed up project development.

In 2024, solar energy made up 73% of corporate clean energy contracts. This happened even with problems like permitting delays and grid interconnection issues. 

• RELATED: 2025: The Year Clean Energy Dominates with Record $670 Billion Investment, Trumping Oil & Gas

Wind energy made up 7.7%, while nuclear power surprisingly entered the market with 1.5 GW in corporate procurement.

• Battery storage capacity increased by a remarkable 300%. This highlights the growing emphasis on energy storage solutions.

Google’s 115-megawatt (MW) deal with Fervo in Nevada is a big move for geothermal energy. This contract uses a new tariff system. It helps protect customers from the costs of new technologies.

Microsoft and Amazon have taken the lead in nuclear power deals. This shows how companies are diversifying their clean energy plans. Nuclear energy was not part of corporate contracts in 2023, but in 2024, companies bought 1.5 GW.

Which Companies Are Leading?

Tech companies have been at the forefront of corporate renewable energy procurement. In 2024, Amazon remained the top corporate buyer for the 5th year in a row. It invested in more than 600 renewable energy projects worldwide.

In Mississippi, for example, projects backed by Amazon now account for 24% of solar electricity on the state’s grid.

• SEE MORE: Amazon Expands Renewable Energy with 17 New Projects in Spain & First in Portugal

Other major corporate buyers include:

• Google: With extensive investments in wind, solar, and geothermal projects.
• Microsoft: A leader in nuclear and battery storage agreements.
• Meta (formerly Facebook): A major purchaser of wind energy for its data centers.
• General Motors and Ford: Investing in clean energy to power manufacturing operations.

Rehonally, the United States is the top market for corporate PPAs. It accounts for almost 50% of all global contracts.

However, Europe and Latin America are rapidly expanding, with companies in India and China also increasing their commitment to clean energy.

The Impact on Global Energy Markets

Corporate clean energy contracts are growing. This trend impacts the global energy sector in several ways:

1. Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition. Corporate demand is driving investment in new wind, solar, and battery storage projects.
2. Decarbonizing Supply Chains. Many companies are encouraging suppliers to transition to renewable energy, magnifying the impact beyond individual businesses.
3. Job Creation and Economic Benefits. Renewable energy projects generate jobs and boost local economies, particularly in rural areas where large-scale wind and solar farms are developed.
4. Grid Stability Challenges. Rapid clean energy adoption presents challenges for power grids, necessitating modernization and investment in energy storage.

Beyond 100 GW: Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the rapid growth of corporate clean energy procurement, challenges remain. 

For instance, many power grids require upgrades to handle the increased load from renewable sources. Moreover, complex regulations in certain countries make it difficult for businesses to sign PPAs.

Also, the rising demand for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage may lead to material shortages and project delays.

The IEA reports that global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, outpacing the average 1.3% growth between 2013 and 2023. Most of this demand was met by low-emission energy sources. Now, global renewable capacity is about 700 GW.

Nuclear power hit its fifth-highest level in fifty years, showing the growth of low-carbon energy options.

Looking ahead, corporate demand for clean energy is expected to continue growing. Advances in battery technology, the rise of green hydrogen, and continued government incentives will further accelerate clean energy adoption.

With increasing commitments from businesses worldwide, the transition to a low-carbon economy is gaining momentum. The next major milestone — 200 GW of corporate clean energy procurement—may not be far off.

• INTERESTING READ: Trump’s EPA Cancels $20 Billion in Climate Funding: What It Means for Clean Energy

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Xpansiv, a leading infrastructure provider for global energy transition markets, has announced the launch of its CBL GEO® CORSIA first compliance phase (GEO CP1) standardized spot contract on April 29, 2025. This contract will help the international aviation sector meet carbon offsetting needs. It supports the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

The new contract will trade on Xpansiv’s CBL spot exchange. It will also be available through partner exchanges. These include the Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE), which CBL runs with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s JSE Ventures Carbon Market will also offer it.

This expansion is a big step in blending voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Airlines are now entering the first compliance phase of CORSIA.

The Growing Need for Carbon Credits in Aviation

The aviation industry is responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon credits are becoming more essential for airlines aiming to cut emissions. This is because alternative technologies, like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), are still costly and not fully developed.

Under CORSIA, airlines must offset emissions above 2019 levels. They do this by buying carbon credits from approved projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases.

The demand for high-quality carbon credits will likely rise. This increase comes as more airlines and industries join compliance markets. ICAO recently projected that 100-150 million tons of CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) will be required during the first compliance phase.

• RELATED: CORSIA Credits Soaring Costs: How They Are Reshaping Aviation’s Future

Xpansiv’s new GEO CP1 contract aligns with this growing demand, as remarked by John Melby, Xpansiv CEO: 

“The transition into the compliance phase of CORSIA is a watershed moment for the rapidly converging voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Our new GEO CP1 contract has been carefully designed based on an extensive market consultation, which revealed a clear consensus to launch the contract only when deliverable supply was available and sufficient clarity around the ICAO framework was achieved. Those conditions have now been met.” 

Standardized Trading and Market Transparency

One of the key features of the GEO CP1 contract is its alignment with CORSIA EEU eligibility criteria. When launched, EEUs from this contract will be sourced from top environmental credit registries. These include:

• ART TREES,
• ACR,
• Climate Action Reserve,
• Gold Standard, and
• Verra.

When more registries get CORSIA approval, their credits can be used in the contract, too.

Xpansiv is using its strong market infrastructure to boost transparency and efficiency in trading. A unique sub-account structure developed for IATA’s recent EEU procurement events will also be available for GEO CP1 participants. This setup allows traders to trade the contract without needing main accounts for each credit standard. It makes access to CORSIA-compliant credits easier.

An analysis by Abatable suggests that demand for CORSIA credits could surpass available supply by 2030. Without new projects, CORSIA demand in Phase 2 can be 14x bigger than the supply.

Market Growth and the Role of Carbon Credits

The launch of the GEO CP1 contract comes at a time when the carbon market is experiencing rapid growth. In 2023, global carbon market revenues reached a record $104 billion.

Companies in aviation, energy, and manufacturing are turning to carbon credits. They use these credits to meet sustainability goals and follow regulations.

Regulatory frameworks like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are boosting the demand for verified carbon offsets. Also, consumer demand and investor interest in sustainability have pushed companies to join carbon markets. As a result, investment firms and financial institutions are integrating carbon offset projects into their portfolios.

Even with this growth, the carbon market has struggled with price swings and unclear regulations. In 2024, carbon credit prices dropped due to shifts in global climate policies.

The global average carbon price stood at $32 per ton of CO₂, falling short of the estimated $50 per ton needed by 2030 to achieve Paris Agreement targets. Localized markets like California’s cap-and-trade system saw carbon prices hit $42 per metric ton in 2024. They are expected to rise to $46 per ton in 2025.

Xpansiv’s Performance in the Carbon Market

Xpansiv has seen significant growth in its trading volumes, particularly on its CBL platform. In November 2024, trading volumes almost doubled. This surge was fueled by Nature-Based Global Emission Offsets (N-GEOs). More than 600,000 tons were traded at prices between $0.30 and $4.10 per metric ton.

• SEE MORE: Voluntary Carbon Market Growth: Nature-Based Credits Double Xpansiv CBL Trading Volume

By mid-December 2024, over 2 million tons of carbon credits were traded on the platform. This made up 16% of all transactions for the year.

In January 2025, Xpansiv’s CBL spot exchange made headlines. It recorded over $27 million in Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) transactions. This amounted to a total of 251,758 MWh.

These market trends show the increasing reliance on Xpansiv’s infrastructure for carbon trading and emissions management.

The Future of Carbon Markets and CORSIA Compliance

Looking ahead, Xpansiv is well-positioned to support the expansion of carbon markets. As companies and governments push for net-zero goals, the need for quality carbon credits will grow. Standardized trading tools like the GEO CP1 contract boost the trust and ease of access in carbon markets.

Government policies will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of carbon markets. Initiatives like carbon pricing, cap-and-trade, and carbon taxes will likely affect credit demand. Also, new tech like blockchain for credit tracking will boost market transparency. This helps stop problems like double counting.

Xpansiv’s latest GEO CP1 contract marks a significant step forward in providing aviation stakeholders with the resources needed to comply with CORSIA while supporting global sustainability efforts.

• READ MORE: Xpansiv Boosts Transparency in North America’s Renewable Energy Certificate Market. EXCLUSIVE Interview Inside

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Nickel is a key metal used in many industries. It’s found in stainless steel, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and other high-tech uses. The nickel market has been volatile lately. This is due to global economic concerns and changes in supply. This article explores recent trends, factors affecting prices, and the future of nickel.

Nickel Market Swings: Why Prices are Fluctuating

Nickel prices have been highly volatile in early 2025. Worries about a U.S. recession, shaped by Trump’s economic policies, have hurt investor confidence. Nickel started the year at around $17,000 per metric ton but dropped below $16,000 in March, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights data. This decline was driven by weaker industrial demand and fears of slower economic growth.

China, the world’s largest consumer of nickel, has also shown mixed demand signals. Demand for EV batteries is high, but slower infrastructure growth has held back nickel use.

Will EV Push Prices Up or Keep Them Low?

The electric vehicle industry is a major driver of nickel demand. Nickel plays a key role in lithium-ion batteries. It’s vital in high-performance types like nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) batteries.

Despite short-term price fluctuations, the long-term outlook for nickel in EVs remains strong. Many automakers are ramping up EV production, increasing the need for battery-grade nickel.

According to industry estimates, global nickel demand from EV batteries is set to grow by 15-20% annually through 2030.

• RELATED: Nickel Demand to Triple by 2030: Can the Market Keep Up?

To secure nickel supplies, major automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen have signed long-term agreements with mining companies. This trend is expected to continue as companies try to avoid future supply shortages.

Meanwhile, Indonesia, the top nickel producer in the world, keeps boosting its output. This move adds more pressure on global prices.

How The World’s Top Nickel Producer is Reshaping Supply

The global nickel supply has risen due to increased output from Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia has become a dominant player in the nickel market, contributing nearly 50% of the world’s nickel supply. In 2024, the country produced over 1.6 million metric tons, and further growth is expected in 2025. However, this increase in supply has led to concerns about market oversupply, pushing prices down.

The Philippines, another major producer, is also expanding its mining activities. New mining projects are expected to boost production in 2025. However, environmental concerns and government regulations could slow this growth.

• RELATED: Philippines Aims for Nickel Dominance with New Mining Reforms

In contrast, Russian nickel production faces challenges due to ongoing Western sanctions. This has caused supply issues and shifted trade routes. Now, more Russian nickel goes to China instead of Western markets.

Challenges in Nickel Supply Chains

Although nickel production is increasing, supply chain issues remain. Many nickel mines are located in regions with environmental and social risks. Mining operations in Indonesia and the Philippines have raised concerns over deforestation, water pollution, and labor rights.

Another challenge is the processing of nickel. Most nickel mined in Indonesia is converted into nickel pig iron (NPI) or ferronickel, which is not suitable for EV batteries. Refining nickel for battery use costs more and slows supply growth.

China is investing a lot in nickel processing plants in Indonesia. This effort aims to tackle the problem. Several high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) projects are underway to produce battery-grade nickel. However, these projects face high costs and technical challenges.

Geopolitics and Trade Wars

Government policies play a significant role in shaping the nickel market. In Indonesia, the government has maintained its ban on nickel ore exports to encourage domestic refining. This policy has helped Indonesia dominate the global nickel supply chain but has also led to trade tensions with other countries.

In the United States, efforts to secure critical minerals have intensified. The Biden administration supported domestic mining and refining. But Trump’s policies might change that focus. 

Recently, President Trump used emergency powers to ramp up the production of critical minerals, including nickel. Tariffs and trade restrictions on Chinese nickel imports could also impact market dynamics.

Meanwhile, the European Union aims to cut reliance on Chinese nickel. They are building stronger ties with alternative suppliers, such as Canada and Australia. These shifts in trade policies could reshape the global nickel supply chain in the coming years.

Nickel Price Forecasts and Future Outlook

The future of nickel prices depends on several factors:

• Economic Conditions: If the U.S. enters a recession, industrial demand for nickel could weaken, keeping prices low.
• EV Demand: Strong EV growth could drive up nickel demand, supporting higher prices.
• Supply Growth: Indonesia’s increasing production could put downward pressure on prices.
• Geopolitical Risks. Sanctions on Russia and trade restrictions on China could affect supply chains and pricing.

Most analysts predict nickel prices will stay between $15,000 and $18,000 per metric ton in 2025. S&P Global forecasts the LME 3M nickel price to average $16,026/t in 2025. But unexpected events, like supply disruptions or new government policies, can lead to sudden price changes.

Overall, the nickel market is undergoing significant changes. Increased production, shifting trade policies, and growing EV demand are shaping its future. While short-term price volatility remains, the long-term outlook for nickel is positive due to its crucial role in clean energy and advanced technologies.

• READ MORE: Top 4 Nickel Companies Driving Electrification and Clean Energy in 2025

The post Nickel’s Wild Ride: What’s Driving Prices and Future Demand? appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Apple’s China Clean Energy Fund Initiatives

On March 24, 2025, Apple launched its second China Clean Energy Fund. The company is committing $99.3 million (RMB 720 million) as the main investor. The fund, managed by Schroders, aims to grow renewable energy projects across China. 

It builds on the success of Apple’s first clean energy fund, which started in 2018. That first fund helped develop over 1 gigawatt of renewable energy across 14 Chinese provinces. Some of the projects it financed include:

• Concord Jing Tang and Concord Shen Zhang Tang wind farms in Hunan Province, and 
• Wind facility developed by Fenghua Energy Investment in Hubei Province. 

These projects collectively supplied 134 megawatts of renewable energy, significantly advancing China’s renewable energy targets.​ The country’s 14th Five-Year Plan aims for renewables to supply 33% of its electricity by 2025. By 2026, solar power is set to surpass coal as the top energy source, reaching 1.38 terawatts—150 GW more than coal.

• RELATED: China’s Renewable Energy Boom: A Record-Breaking Shift or Still Chained to Coal?

The new fund will add about 550,000 megawatt-hours of wind and solar energy to China’s power grid each year. This number is expected to rise as more investors join. 

Apple’s strategy is to support renewable energy projects at an early stage. This makes it easier for suppliers to switch to clean energy. 

• Currently, two-thirds of Apple’s production in China runs on renewable energy. More than 100 suppliers are working toward using 100% renewable energy for Apple products.

Apple CEO Tim Cook stressed the importance of these efforts. He stated, 

“The business community has a big role to play in the development of China-U.S. relations. Apple is willing to contribute to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of bilateral relations.”

This comes at a critical time when the U.S. and China are engaged in a trade war, with tensions rising over technology, tariffs, and economic policies. Despite these challenges, Apple continues to strengthen its ties with China while advancing its clean energy goals.

Progress Toward 2030 Carbon Neutrality

Apple has made major progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. According to its 2024 Environmental Progress Report, the company has reduced emissions by over 55% since 2015. Apple aims to cut emissions by 75% from 2015 levels before reaching full carbon neutrality by 2030.

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, said, “We’ve slashed emissions by more than half, all while serving more users than ever before.”

Apple is taking several steps to reach this goal. The company is moving to low-carbon electricity, using recycled and renewable materials, and improving shipping methods. 

One key focus is shifting product transportation from air freight to ocean shipping, which has a lower carbon footprint. These actions are part of Apple’s 2030 plan, a strategy to eliminate net emissions across its entire business.

This approach reflects Apple’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact. It is also setting a standard for corporate responsibility in the tech industry. The image below shows the company’s progress by the numbers.

Here are the other areas where Apple is showing progress in its sustainability efforts.

• SEE MORE: Can Apple Win The Race to Net Zero With Its Bold Clean Energy Plan?

Supplier Clean Energy Commitments 

Apple is also working with its suppliers to help them transition to clean energy. As of April 2024, over 320 suppliers, making up 95% of Apple’s direct manufacturing spending, have committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2030. This number has grown significantly, with more than 50 new suppliers joining in the past year. 

These commitments are part of Apple’s Supplier Clean Energy Program, which aims to decarbonize the company’s global supply chain.

In 2021 alone, Apple’s suppliers generated 18.1 million megawatt-hours of clean energy. This avoided 13.9 million metric tons of carbon emissions, a 62% increase over 2020. 

The big tech company has also invested in nearly 500 megawatts of renewable electricity projects to help cover upstream emissions. All these show the company’s commitment to encouraging suppliers to also adopt sustainable practices. 

Innovations in Product Design

Apple is also reducing its carbon footprint through product design. In September 2023, the company introduced its first carbon-neutral products in the new Apple Watch lineup. Thanks to design improvements and clean energy, product emissions dropped by over 75% for each carbon-neutral Apple Watch.

Apple has also eliminated leather across all its product lines. Instead, the company introduced a new material called FineWoven, which has a much lower carbon footprint. The company is also using entirely fiber-based packaging for its Apple Watch models.

In 2024, Apple reported a 30% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for its iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. This was achieved by using clean electricity, more recycled materials, and better shipping methods.

Challenges and Criticisms: Facing Greenwashing Claims

Despite these efforts, Apple has faced criticism over its environmental claims. In February 2025, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the company. The lawsuit alleges that Apple misled consumers by labeling certain Apple Watch models as “carbon neutral.” 

Plaintiffs argue that Apple’s reliance on carbon offset projects in Kenya and China does not deliver real emissions reductions. The lawsuit seeks damages and an order preventing Apple from marketing these watches as carbon neutral.

These challenges highlight the need for transparency in corporate sustainability claims. In response, Apple continues to emphasize its dedication to real carbon reductions and long-term environmental progress.

• READ MORE: Apple’s Best Quarter Ever: Q1 FY 2025 Revenue Hits $124.3 Billion, Carbon Emissions Drop

Apple remains a leader in corporate sustainability. The company’s $99.3 million China Clean Energy Fund will expand renewable energy and help suppliers transition to 100% clean power. By pushing for clean energy, improving product design, and encouraging supplier commitments, the tech giant is setting an example for the tech industry. 

The post Apple Boosts China’s Clean Energy With $99 Million: Can It Power a Carbon-Neutral Future? appeared first on Carbon Credits.