Editor'snote: From a new solar panel pilot for a bus company to Houston ranking abysmally on a list of greenest cities, these are the top headlines that resonated with EnergyCapital readers on social media and daily newsletter this week.
Solar panel-topped bus pilot program to launch with Houston, Dallas routes
FlixBus and Greyhound have teamed up with global solar company Green Energy to install roof-mounted solar panels on its buses. Photo via FlixBus
Texas roadways will soon see buses with solar panels thanks to a new partnership.
FlixBus and Greyhound have teamed up with global solar company Green Energy to install roof-mounted solar panels on its buses. The companies will pilot the program with buses operating between Houston and Dallas.
“Expanding the use of solar panels on buses across the United States, FlixBus and Green Energy demonstrate how innovation, sustainability, and profitability can go hand-in-hand,” James Armstrong, president CEO of the Americas at Green Energy, says in a news release. “This partnership is a great example of how modern technology can contribute to a more sustainable future for the transportation and long-distance travel industry.” Continue reading.
Houston industrial decarbonization-focused PE firm scores $725M to launch new business unit
HF Capital, the Knoxville, Tennessee-based investment arm of the Haslam family, made the multimillion-dollar commitment to set up Ara Energy Decarbonization. Photo via arapartners.com
Houston-based Ara Partners, a private equity firm that focuses on industrial decarbonization investments, is receiving up to $725 million from a Tennessee-based family office to launch an energy decarbonization unit.
HF Capital, the Knoxville, Tennessee-based investment arm of the Haslam family, made the multimillion-dollar commitment to set up Ara Energy Decarbonization. The new business will work toward reducing carbon emissions at ethanol plants, natural gas power plants, and other traditional energy assets. Continue reading.
Houston receives abysmal ranking on list of greenest cities in the US
Yikes, Houston is very far from being considered among the greenest cities in the country. Photo via Getty Images
Bad news, Houston. The Bayou City is the third worst metro when it comes to the country's greenest cities.
According to WalletHub's recently released Greenest Cities in America report, Houston is No. 98 out of 100 of the largest cities that were ranked in the study, which was based on information from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Trust for Public Land, U.S. Department of Energy - The Alternative Fuels Data Center, and more. Continue reading.
Houston energy company focused on decarbonization raises $53M series C
Utility Global’s technology enables reduction of greenhouse gas emissions along with generation of low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Photo courtesy of Utility Global
Houston-based Utility Global, a maker of decarbonization-focused gas production technology, has raised $53 million in an ongoing series C round.
Among the participants in the round are Canada’s Ontario Power Generation Pension Plan, the XCarb Innovation Fund operated by Luxembourg-based steel company ArcelorMittal, Houston-based investment firm Ara Partners, and Saudi Aramco’s investment arm. Continue reading.
Houston energy transition leader dies, leaves legacy of innovation, collaboration
Scott Gale, executive director for Halliburton Labs, has died after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Photo via Rice University
Houston energy and innovation leader Scott Gale died on September 24 after a years-long fight with cancer. He was 40 years old.
Gale was the inaugural executive director for Halliburton Labs, which launched in 2020. Prior to that role, he lead global strategy initiatives for Halliburton. A Brigham Young University graduate, he received his MBA from Rice University in 2019, where he co-founded the Jones Student Association for Executives. After his graduation, he served on the the Rice Business Alumni Association Board and the Energy Advisory Board for the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator.
"Scott made an impact with his incredible kindness, energy, and talent," Dale Winger, managing director at Halliburton Labs, tells InnovationMap. Continue reading.