Battery storage is essential for making renewable energy more reliable. It collects extra energy from solar and wind, making electricity ready when needed. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking battery management to the next level.

Experts say AI software is now essential for managing large battery systems. Companies are using AI for more than basic tasks. They apply it in energy trading, safety monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

Advanced AI Techniques Enhancing Battery Storage

Battery systems use smart tools like machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics, and reinforcement learning. They are emerging as a crucial tool in managing large-scale battery systems.

By combining these technologies, AI ensures:

• Batteries store and release energy effectively based on demand.
• Processes real-time data to optimize performance by reducing waste and improving efficiency.

These upgrades provide a steady and reliable power supply, making battery energy storage more viable and cost-effective.

S&P Global says that the need for battery energy storage systems is rising. However, AI integration is still just starting out. However, lithium-ion battery storage developers are well-placed to meet this demand.

Henrique Ribeiro, principal analyst for batteries and energy storage at S&P Global Commodity Insights, says,

“What is likely to happen is, as the market gets more and more competitive and you have more capacity being deployed, it starts to become more difficult to maximize revenues. So these types of tools can be an edge.”

Boosting Battery Storage Safety

Scientists, researchers, and experts consider manufacturing high-quality batteries technically complex and challenging. AI-powered analytics will grow in importance as lithium-ion battery production rises, especially in China and the U.S

One major challenge is the rapid pace of innovation. If manufacturing mistakes are missed, they can cause serious problems. One issue is thermal runaway, which can lead to dangerous fires. However, AI can help detect problems early and prevent costly failures.

Batteries, just like other energy storage systems, also have safety risks. This is very concerning. Yet, this challenge presents an opportunity for the industry to improve safety measures.

Groups like the Industrial Electrotechnical Commission and UL Solutions are raising safety standards. Therefore, managing these risks effectively is crucial to sustaining the industry’s momentum.

As energy storage evolves, AI will help optimize operations. It will also ensure a reliable and sustainable power grid.

• READ MORE: EIA Expects Explosive Growth in U.S. Battery Storage—Can America Ascend to Dominance? 

Tesla Cybertruck Gets Smarter with Electra’s EVE-Ai™ 

Electra, a leader in AI-powered battery management, has introduced its advanced EVE-Ai™ technology in the Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast at CES 2025. This marks Electra’s second major global showcase, following its debut at MOVE 2024, highlighting its mission to transform energy management for EVs.

Smarter Battery Management with AI

EVE-Ai™ uses artificial intelligence to improve battery performance, predict energy use, and extend battery life. Key benefits include:

• Accurate range estimates – Reduce errors by up to 20%, helping drivers plan trips with confidence.

• Longer battery life – Extends lifespan by up to 40% through predictive maintenance and smart charging.

• Operational efficiency – Detects potential issues early, reducing downtime for EV fleets and energy storage systems.

Translating Data into Action

Recently, Electra has also integrated large language model (LLM) technology into EVE-Ai™, making complex battery analytics easy to understand. Now, anyone—not just experts—can get clear, real-time insights into battery health, risks, and performance.

This is how Electra is making battery management easier and more effective in terms of longevity, performance, and reliability. On a larger scale, its technology is helping businesses, fleet operators, and energy storage managers make smart decisions based on real data—without needing technical expertise.

AI in Battery Storage Dominates in Solar-Rich Markets

An interesting analysis by S&P Global revealed that battery storage is thriving in regions where solar power dominates. This means companies located there are advancing AI technology in battery storage.

For example, in California and Texas, energy storage capacity skyrocketed between 2020 and 2024, surpassing pumped hydro for the first time. Last year, new battery installations even outpaced gas-fired power additions—a major milestone for the industry.

As a result, AI is mostly used in these battery storage systems in solar-rich markets.

During the day, they store extra power at lower costs, then release it in the evening when electricity prices rise. This strategy, known as energy price arbitrage, has been especially profitable in the U.S. Southwest, where it’s also helping reduce dependence on natural gas. As a result, battery storage is rapidly gaining ground over traditional power sources.

UBS Asset Management’s AI Strategy for a Smarter Grid

UBS Asset Management is revolutionizing AI use to boost safety, reliability, and profitability in energy storage. By adopting advanced AI solutions, the company improves battery performance, reduces risks, and ensures long-term efficiency in the growing energy storage sector.

The company has partnered with leading AI firms to optimize its energy storage projects in Texas.

• In 2022, UBS Asset Management acquired four ERCOT battery projects with a total capacity of 730 MW.
• These projects will start operating in 2024 and early 2025, helping the Texas grid stay flexible and reliable.

Mark Saunders, co-head of Energy Storage Infrastructure, UBS Asset Management, said,

“Integrating Avathon’s Industrial AI platform will allow us to focus on operations and asset management tasks that directly benefit the profitability of our commercial battery storage investment projects. The use of generative AI for compliance management alone is a value-add, on top of the many other features.”

ACCURE’s AI-Powered Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance

ACCURE Battery Intelligence is crucial to UBS Asset Management’s energy storage plan. Notably, its AI-driven software integrates seamlessly with existing battery management systems.

The company’s predictive analytics platform monitors battery health and spots potential failures early, and suggests fixes.

• It analyzes data from more than 6 GWh of batteries. This helps find hidden risks that might cause performance issues, such as overheating.

ACCURE recently won the Solar Media Energy Storage Award for “Safety Product of the Year” for its significant contributions to battery safety.

Avathon’s Industrial AI Platform Maximizes Profits

Other than ACCURE, UBS has also partnered with Avathon Inc. and Habitat Energy Ltd. to boost its battery storage investments. Avathon’s Industrial AI platform enhances operational efficiency, cuts costs, and raises profitability.

Notably, their AI helps wind turbines and solar panels run better while cutting maintenance costs by up to 40%. Additionally, by providing a clear picture of battery storage assets, it helps companies stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Battery storage is one of the key technologies pushing the energy transition and helping in mitigating emissions. With AI integration, the technology would only become more advanced, accurate, and efficient.

• READ MORE: Are EVs Truly Green? How Battery Recycling is Powering a Cleaner Future

The post How AI is Revolutionizing Battery Storage for a Greener Future appeared first on Carbon Credits.

BYD hit new highs in 2024, reporting record revenue and accelerating its sustainability efforts. Quite interestingly, it has taken down Tesla. What fueled the Chinese EV giant’s record-breaking success? Surging EV sales and bold green energy initiatives propelled BYD to the top.

BYD’s Profits and Sales Hit New Highs

BYD’s net profit jumped 73.1% in Q4 2024, reaching a record 15 billion yuan ($2.1 billion). Strong sales and competitive pricing fueled this growth. Revenue surged 52.7% to 274.9 billion yuan.

Yahoo Finance revealed that for the full year, profit rose 34% to 40.3 billion yuan. Revenue climbed 29% to 777 billion yuan ($107 billion). BYD’s stock in Hong Kong soared 51% this year, nearing an all-time high.

The company sold 4.25 million vehicles in 2024, surpassing Volkswagen to lead China’s auto market, as reported by Reuters.

Targets Global Growth

The Yahoo report also stated that BYD plans to double overseas sales to over 800,000 units in 2025. Last year, it sold 417,204 EVs outside China. The company sees Britain as a key market due to its openness to Chinese brands. It’s also opening showrooms worldwide, including in Australia and Germany, to reduce reliance on China’s crowded market

It expects strong growth in Latin America and Southeast Asia. To stay competitive, BYD will assemble cars locally while sourcing key components from China.

BYD is building factories in Brazil, Thailand, Hungary, and Turkey, aiming to run these plants independently. It’s also in the recent news that BYD is planning to expand in India by increasing local production and launching new EV models.

However, BYD has paused its U.S. and Canada expansion due to trade tensions and tariffs. The company expects a big share of future profits to come from global markets.

• READ MORE: EV Wars and Breakthroughs: BYD to Overtake Tesla, CATL’s New Battery With 1.5M KM Range

BYD’s Road to Carbon Neutrality

BYD aims to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2045, using 2023 as the baseline.

According to its 2024 sustainability report, it has launched key initiatives to reach these goals. They are:

• Increase green electricity use to 35% by 2025 and develop new energy-saving technologies for manufacturing

• Expand solar power projects and switch to renewable energy.

Milestones Achieved in 2024

The company launched 410 energy-saving projects, cutting carbon emissions by over 210,000 tons of CO₂. It procured 2.23 million green certificates and used 468 million kWh of green electricity.

It also led the market, selling 4.27 million new energy passenger vehicles and delivering 127,000 commercial EVs, including 85,000 electric buses and 41,000 trucks. It is evident from its revenue how rapidly it is expanding worldwide, bringing low-emission, high-quality EVs to global markets.

Investing in Clean Energy Solutions

The company has set up an advanced “photovoltaic-storage integration” model that focuses on capturing, storing, and using clean energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Rechargeable Batteries

BYD is also a leader in battery technology, having a portfolio of nickel-metal hydride, lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, and ternary lithium. These power EVs, electronic devices, and energy storage systems. The company also recycles batteries, processing over 10,000 tons of used power batteries in two factories.

Solar Power

BYD develops a full range of solar solutions ranging from silicon wafers and battery cells to PV modules and complete solar power systems. Its solar technology supports energy independence and a greener future.

Energy Storage

The company operates energy storage systems in 110 countries, with over 75 GWh in commercial use. To date, it has completed 350 projects and gathered 17 years of operational data to improve performance.

Most significantly, the EV maker follows China’s Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals. It remains committed to using technology to create a cleaner, more sustainable world. With a sharp focus on innovation and carbon reduction, BYD is driving the future of clean mobility.

• LATEST: BYD’s 5-Minute EV Charging: A New Era for Electric Cars or Just Hype?

The post BYD’s Billion-Dollar Surge: Dominating EV Sales and Driving the Green Revolution appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Apple is pushing forward with its environmental and sustainability efforts. The company has set a goal to be carbon-neutral across its entire business by 2030. This includes manufacturing, supply chain, and product life cycles.

As part of this effort, Apple recently announced a $99.3 million investment in its second China Clean Energy Fund to expand renewable energy projects. To reach its goal, the company is investing in clean energy, working with suppliers, and designing lower-carbon products.

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.

Soccer, also known as football, is the world’s most popular sport, with billions of fans and a vast global reach. While football is the commonly used term in most countries, soccer is widely recognized in regions like North America. Regardless of the name, the sport’s environmental impact remains a major concern, and its carbon footprint is growing.

Recent studies, particularly the New Weather Institute report “Dirty Tackle: The growing carbon footprint of football“, estimate that soccer’s total carbon footprint is around 64-66 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO2e) annually. This is comparable to the annual emissions of Austria and 60% more than those of Uruguay.

Knowing the main causes of soccer’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is key to reducing its impact. So, what are the main culprits of the game’s growing carbon emissions?

The Major Contributors to Soccer’s Carbon Emissions

Here are the top three major sources of the sports’ rising GHG emissions:

Sponsored Emissions: The Hidden Environmental Cost

One of the largest sources of football’s emissions is its sponsorship deals with high-carbon industries. The New Weather Institute report shows that 75% of soccer’s carbon footprint comes from sponsorships. This includes polluting companies like fossil fuel corporations and airlines. These deals promote high-emission lifestyles, such as frequent air travel and gas-guzzling vehicles.

For example, FIFA signed a deal in 2024 with Saudi oil giant Aramco, the world’s largest fossil fuel company. UEFA also has ongoing sponsorships with Qatar Airways and Emirates, both major airline polluters.

• The 2022 FIFA World Cup had four big sponsorship deals, causing over 16 million tCO2e. Also, the top four European clubs with airline sponsorships added 8 million tCO2e.

RELATED: UEFA’s Green Goals: $7.6M Climate Fund for EURO 2024 Carbon Footprint

Travel Emissions: The Heavy Cost of Mobility

Soccer matches require significant travel, both for teams and spectators. The reports highlight that spectator travel is the biggest contributor to non-sponsorship emissions. Air and car travel make up the bulk of these emissions, particularly for international competitions.

• One Men’s FIFA World Cup match emits 44,000-72,000 tCO2e, equivalent to 31,500 to 51,500 average UK cars driven for a year.
• A single English Premier League (EPL) match emits around 1,700 tCO2e, with spectator travel accounting for half of this.
• Matches in international club competitions increase emissions by 50% due to air travel.
• The FIFA World Cup, including qualification matches, emitted 6.5 million tCO2e over four years.

Expanding tournaments and increasing international matches worsen the problem. The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will need a lot of air travel. This will greatly raise emissions. The growth of international club competitions, like UEFA’s Champions League and FIFA’s new Club World Cup, makes this problem worse.

Efforts to promote greener travel among spectators remain insufficient. While some clubs encourage fans to use public transport, overall adoption is low. More teams should step up. They could offer discounted match tickets for fans who use low-carbon transport.

Stadium Construction: Arenas of Pollution

Stadiums cause a lot of carbon emissions. This happens both during their construction and while they are maintained. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar saw the construction of new stadiums emitting 270,000 tCO2e per stadium. Major clubs continue to renovate or build new stadiums, adding to their carbon footprint.

• New stadiums for top-tier clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford resulted in significant emissions.
• Clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona have large stadium expansion projects underway, which will further increase emissions.

Moreover, stadium energy use contributes to ongoing emissions. Many stadiums still use non-renewable energy. They have high electricity use on match days. While some clubs have implemented solar panels and LED lighting, these efforts must be expanded across all leagues.

Green Goals: Are Soccer’s Climate Commitments Enough?

Despite these staggering numbers, soccer’s governing bodies have done little to curb its carbon footprint. FIFA and UEFA have pledged to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040, but their actions seem to contradict these commitments.

• FIFA’s continued partnership with Aramco directly undermines its climate promises.
• UEFA’s expansion of the Champions League and FIFA’s decision to increase the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 will only lead to higher emissions.
• Top clubs keep signing big deals with airlines and fossil fuel companies. This trend makes carbon-heavy activities seem normal.

Also, overloading players with longer schedules can harm the environment in other ways. Players travel more often, which raises emissions from team transport. Moreover, medical treatments for overworked athletes add an extra environmental burden.

Notably, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, further stirs environmental concerns. The tournament will expand to 48 teams. This means more travel and better infrastructure are needed. This leads to higher GHG emissions. Recent developments have further highlighted these concerns.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Emissions

In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a task force to oversee preparations for the event. This task force aims to leverage the World Cup to promote American excellence and attract foreign investment.

However, Trump’s assertion that political and economic tensions with co-host nations Canada and Mexico would “enhance the excitement” of the tournament has raised eyebrows. This view might overlook the urgent environmental issues tied to holding such a big event.

Estimates suggest that the event could generate over 3.6 million tonnes of CO₂. Most emissions come from air travel, stadium construction, and fans getting to games. These exceed the emissions from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which was one of the most polluting ever.

These changes highlight the need for strong plans to reduce the environmental impact of the 2026 World Cup.

Kicking Off Sustainability: A Playbook for Change

Soccer has the power to lead climate action given its global influence. Here’s how the sport can reduce its environmental impact:

1. End High-Carbon Sponsorships: Just as tobacco advertising was banned in sports, governing bodies must phase out sponsorships with high-carbon emitters.
2. Reduce Air Travel: Football clubs and leagues should encourage train and bus travel for domestic matches. Ticketing policies can prioritize local fans to cut travel emissions.
3. Smaller, Regional Tournaments: FIFA and UEFA should prioritize regional competitions. This change can help cut down on long-haul flights.
4. Sustainable Stadiums: Clubs should invest in low-carbon stadiums. They can use renewable energy sources like solar panels and LED lighting.
5. Encourage Low-Carbon Fan Behavior: Clubs can offer incentives for public transport use, cycling, and electric vehicle travel to matches.
6. Stronger Climate Rules: Football federations need to set sustainability standards for competitions. Clubs must hit carbon reduction goals to take part.
7. Player-Led Advocacy: Many professional soccer players are already speaking out about climate change. Their influence can drive awareness and push governing bodies toward stronger climate commitments.

Time for Football to Act

Soccer’s carbon footprint is undeniable, but so is its potential to drive climate action. With its unmatched global reach, football can be a powerful force for sustainability. However, without real leadership from FIFA, UEFA, and major clubs, emissions will continue to rise.

The moment to act is now—before climate change threatens the very sport billions love. If football is truly committed to securing its future, it must move beyond words and take real, measurable action to cut emissions across all levels of the game.

• READ MORE: The First-Ever Green Superbowl: Powered by 100% Renewable, Carbon-free Energy (CFE)

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