The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a nearly $1 billion program to strengthen America’s supply of critical minerals and materials. The funding will support mining, processing, and manufacturing within the country. These materials power clean energy technologies and are vital for national security.

This funding builds on President Trump’s Executive Order to Unleash American Energy. It also supports the DOE’s wider Critical Minerals and Materials Program, which focuses on boosting U.S. production, expanding recycling, and strengthening supply chain security.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright remarked:

“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Energy Department will play a leading role in reshoring the processing of critical materials and expanding our domestic supply of these indispensable resources.”

From Mines to Magnets: Where the $1B Goes

The DOE’s $1 billion plan targets key minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. These are essential for electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced electronics used in defense systems.

The funding is split across several areas:

• $500 million to the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) for battery material processing, manufacturing, and recycling projects.
• $250 million to the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to support facilities producing mineral byproducts from coal and other sources.
• $135 million to boost rare earth element production by extracting them from mining waste streams.
• $50 million to refine materials like gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide, which are crucial for semiconductors and high-performance electronics.
• $40 million through ARPA-E’s RECOVER program to extract minerals from industrial wastewater and other waste streams.

By investing from extraction to refining, the DOE aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, especially those in politically unstable regions. The plan also encourages public–private partnerships to scale production faster.

Why Critical Minerals Matter for America’s Future

Critical minerals lie at the heart of America’s economic transformation and defense strategy. In recent years, demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements has grown. This rise comes as clean energy technologies become more important.

The U.S. imports more than 80% of its rare earth elements, and most of this comes from one country – China. This heavy reliance creates risks during trade or geopolitical tensions.

The Trump administration has placed strong emphasis on closing this vulnerability. In March 2025, an executive order highlighted critical minerals as vital for national defense. It also set timelines to boost U.S. production and processing capacity. This aligns with broader economic priorities, including clean energy jobs, green infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing.

• RELATED: Donald Trump Uses Emergency Powers to Boost U.S. Critical Mineral (and Coal?) Production

The Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure programs have unlocked billions in grants and tax credits. These funds support electric vehicle manufacturing, battery plants, and renewable energy projects.

The DOE’s $1 billion critical mineral fund supports programs by focusing on materials essential for the clean energy economy. Also, by reusing existing industrial facilities to recover minerals instead of building entirely new ones, the DOE can speed up progress and reduce costs.

EV production is expected to grow faster than any other sector, with demand for minerals likely to be more than 10x higher by 2050. This surge will transform the global supply chain and is critical for the global Net Zero aspirations.

The combined impact of industrial strategy, financial incentives, and supply chain investments shows a clear push to:

• Move production back onshore,
• Boost innovation in materials recycling,
• Support the energy transition, and
• Cut down on foreign imports.

Building on Early Wins

The DOE’s new $1 billion investment boosts earlier funding for critical minerals. This aims to strengthen U.S. industrial capacity.

In 2023, the Department gave $150 million to various clean mineral projects. These include direct lithium extraction in Nevada and early-stage nickel processing partnerships in Oregon.

Since 2021, DOE has invested more than $58 million in research. This work focuses on recovering critical minerals from industrial waste or tailings. They are turning by-products into valuable feedstock.

• SEE MORE: DOE Supercharges the U.S. Battery and Critical Minerals Industry with $3 Billion Boost

These R&D projects created pilot facilities. They show how to recover lithium from geothermal brines and rare earths from coal ash. This approach models resource use without needing new mining.

Built on these early successes, the new $1 billion fund signals a shift from pilot programs to scaling proven technologies. It allows U.S. manufacturers to pivot from lab-scale experiments to full commercial operations. 

For example, lithium recovery projects are moving from test sites to large extraction facilities. This shift is supported by the technical help from DOE’s national labs.

Likewise, battery recycling pilots are set to grow. More recycling centers are being planned in the Midwest and Southwest.

This funding approach provides continuity. It supports U.S. firms from basic research to commercialization. This helps them quickly move from proof-of-concept to production-ready operations. It also reassures private investors that government backing is strategic and sustained.

McKinsey projects that developing new copper and nickel projects will require between $250 billion and $350 billion by 2030. By 2050, the broader critical minerals sector could grow into a trillion-dollar market to support the net-zero or low-carbon transition.

Washington’s Backing, Industry’s Buy-In

Political backing for the domestic minerals strategy is strong. A recent executive order aims to speed up mining permits and provide federal support.

The Defense Department has also invested $400 million in MP Materials, the largest stakeholder in the only U.S. rare earth mine. This deal includes a new plant to produce magnets for electronics and defense applications.

Industry players are moving in the same direction. Battery maker Clarios is exploring sites for a $1 billion processing and recovery plant in the country. These moves show a shared goal between government and industry to rebuild America’s mineral supply chains.

Opportunities—and the Roadblocks Ahead

The DOE’s program offers major opportunities:

• Less reliance on foreign countries for essential materials.
• Creation of high-quality U.S. jobs.
• Growth in recycling and recovery technologies.

However, challenges remain. Mining and processing must be done without harming the environment. Technology costs need to stay competitive. And benefits must be shared fairly with local and Indigenous communities.

Amid all this, the global race for critical minerals is intensifying. Many countries are already securing their own supplies. The U.S. wants to close its supply gap and become a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

The DOE’s nearly $1 billion plan is a key step toward reshoring America’s critical minerals industry. It builds on earlier successes and aligns with private investments and new policies. If successful, it could make U.S. supply chains more secure, support the clean energy transition, and strengthen national security.

• READ MORE: How AI and Clean Energy Are Competing for Critical Minerals?

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Bitcoin price surged past $124,000 upon writing, setting a new all-time high. Analysts credit several factors:

• strong institutional buying,
• increased inflows into Bitcoin ETFs,
• favorable regulatory changes allowing crypto assets in 401(k) retirement accounts, and
• growing market optimism over expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

The rally reflects both a recovery from previous market downturns and a renewed appetite for digital assets among mainstream investors.

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is also on the rise. It is now approaching its all-time high of around $4,800, last seen in November 2021.

Investor sentiment is rising because of Ethereum’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT marketplaces. Its better environmental profile, thanks to the switch to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model, also helps.

With both tokens in focus, let’s look at their energy use and carbon footprint. This matters for investors and policymakers who care about their climate and environmental impact.

How Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work Consumes Energy

Bitcoin’s network runs on a process called proof-of-work (PoW). Miners around the world compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles. The first to solve it gets to add a block of transactions to the blockchain and earn newly minted Bitcoin. This process secures the network but demands enormous computing power.

That computing power uses a lot of electricity. Bitcoin’s annual energy use is estimated at about 138–178 terawatt-hours (TWh). This is similar to the electricity consumption of countries like Poland or Thailand, and even greater than Norway.

The carbon footprint is equally large, at around 40 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. To put that into perspective, that’s similar to the emissions of Greece or Switzerland.

On a per-transaction basis, a single Bitcoin payment can use as much energy as a typical U.S. household does in one to two months.

Beyond electricity, Bitcoin mining also generates significant electronic waste. Specialized mining hardware, called ASICs, becomes obsolete quickly—often within two to three years—because faster, more efficient models keep being developed. This turnover contributes thousands of tonnes of e-waste annually.

• RELATED: Bitcoin Hits All-Time High, But Will Its Carbon Footprint Cloud the Rally?

Ethereum’s Post-Merge Energy Transformation

Before 2022, Ethereum also used proof-of-work, with high energy demands. But in September 2022, the network completed the Merge, switching to proof-of-stake.

Ethereum now uses validators instead of miners. These validators “stake” their ETH tokens as collateral. This helps confirm transactions and secure the network.

This change cut Ethereum’s energy use by over 99.9%. Today, the network consumes an estimated 2,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually—roughly 0.0026 TWh. That’s less electricity than a small town of 2,000 homes might use in a year.

The carbon footprint is also tiny compared to Bitcoin—under 870 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. That’s about the same as the yearly emissions of 100 average U.S. households. In environmental terms, Ethereum has gone from being one of the largest blockchain energy consumers to one of the most efficient.

Beyond Electricity: Hidden Environmental Costs

While electricity use is the biggest factor, it’s not the only environmental concern for both cryptocurrencies. Here are the other environmental impacts:

• Water Use:
  Large-scale Bitcoin mining facilities often require substantial cooling, which can consume millions of liters of water annually. This can put pressure on local water supplies, particularly in drought-prone regions. Ethereum’s low energy profile greatly reduces such needs.
• Heat Output:
  Mining facilities generate significant heat. In some cases, waste heat is reused for industrial or agricultural purposes, but in most situations, it is simply released into the environment, adding to local thermal loads.
• Land and Infrastructure:
  Bitcoin mining operations require large warehouses and access to high-capacity electrical infrastructure. This can limit available industrial space for other uses and put stress on local grids.

By using proof-of-stake, Ethereum avoids most of these impacts. It just needs standard server equipment. This can run in data centers with other low-impact computing tasks.

How the Industry Is Addressing Bitcoin’s Footprint

The crypto industry is aware of Bitcoin’s environmental challenges and is taking steps to address them. Some of the actions taken include:

• Renewable Mining: Some mining operations use only hydro, wind, or solar energy. This is common in areas with plenty of renewable resources.
• Waste Heat Recovery: A few miners capture and reuse waste heat for agriculture (e.g., greenhouse farming) or district heating systems.
• Carbon Offsetting: Companies and mining pools are buying carbon credits to offset emissions. However, how well this works depends on the quality of those credits.
• Policy Proposals: Governments may require Bitcoin miners to share their energy sources or meet renewable energy goals.

SEE MORE: Top 5 Sustainable Bitcoin Mining Companies To Watch Out For

While these efforts are promising, the core challenge remains: proof-of-work’s high energy requirement is built into Bitcoin’s security model.

Why This Matters for ESG-Minded Investors

For investors who care about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum is stark. Ethereum’s low-energy proof-of-stake model makes it easier to align with climate goals. Bitcoin’s high energy use and emissions, while partially mitigated by renewable adoption, remain a significant concern.

These factors may influence where ESG-focused funds allocate capital. Companies and institutions wanting exposure to blockchain technology without a large carbon footprint might prefer Ethereum or other PoS networks.

Bitcoin may still attract investors because of its market dominance and value as a store. However, it will likely keep facing environmental concerns.

The Road Ahead for Crypto and Climate

Bitcoin and Ethereum’s price rallies show that investor interest in crypto remains strong. As climate change and sustainability gain importance in policy and investment, environmental performance may play a larger role in the long-term value and acceptance of digital assets.

For now, Ethereum sets the standard for energy efficiency among major blockchains, while Bitcoin represents the ongoing challenge of balancing security, decentralization, and sustainability. Can Bitcoin cut its environmental impact without losing its key features? This will be an important question in the coming years.

• • READ MORE: The Energy Debate: How Bitcoin Mining, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Shape Our Carbon Future

The post Bitcoin Price Hits $124,000 Record High vs Ethereum Price Near $4,800: Which Crypto Is Greener? appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, approved up to $600 million in funding to support ENGIE Energía Perú’s push into non-conventional renewable energy. Of that, $250 million is from the IFC itself, and an additional $350 million comes from other mobilized investors.

The financing structure is a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL), which links financial terms to performance goals. Let’s uncover where the funds will go and how this will help ENGIE’s net zero and climate goals.

Where Will the Money Go?

The goals of the fundraising are to expand renewable energy, support climate adaptation, and promote gender diversity initiatives. The first tranche of $120 million will immediately fund the acquisition and development of key renewable infrastructure.

The first installment will finance these three major projects:

• Expand the Intipampa Solar Plant: Increase capacity by 51.4 MW in Moquegua, boosting total solar output.
• Wind Farm Acquisitions: Acquire existing wind capacity of 36.8 MW at the Duna and Huambos sites.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Develop or refinance the 26.5 MW Chilca battery system—the largest in Peru—to improve grid flexibility.

These investments help ENGIE reach its goal of adding 800 MW of non-conventional renewables in five years. This will transform the country’s energy mix.

• RELATED: ENGIE Supercharges 2.4 GW Battery Storage in Texas & California with CBRE Partnership

ENGIE’s Power Play in Peru’s Energy Market

ENGIE Energía Perú (EEP) is a dominant force in Peru’s energy sector. By 2024, it was the biggest electricity generator in the country. It owned about 2,694 MW from ten plants. This made up 19% of Peru’s total installed capacity and around 14% of national production.

EEP’s renewable and conventional installations include:

• Punta Lomitas Wind Farm (296 MW), the largest in Peru.
• Expanded solar capacity with Intipampa.
• Hydro and gas-fired plants such as Chilca and Ilo.
• The Chilca BESS, launched in 2023 with an investment of approximately $20 million, demonstrates its adaptability and drive for stability.

Peru’s Renewable Wave: From Hydro to Solar Growth

Peru’s electricity mix is shifting. In 2024, renewables accounted for arond 59% of electricity, with breakdowns of hydroelectricity at almost 50%, wind at around 6%, solar at almost 2%, and biomass at 0.8%.

The country boasts significant untapped renewable potential:

• Hydropower: Installed capacity stands at 5.7 GW (2020), with untapped technical potential of ~70 GW.
• Renewables Market Growth: In 2022, Peru’s renewables sector generated 34,727 GWh, valued at around $900 million, with moderate annual growth in both output and value.

Looking ahead, an IFC study predicts that by 2050, wind and solar could make up 45% of installed capacity in the country. This growth will be backed by investments in grid storage, which will help improve system resilience.

Other big investments show regional growth. For instance, Spain’s Zelestra is investing $1–1.5 billion in Peru’s renewable energy. This will support mining operations with a pipeline of 1 GW capacity.

How The Loan Could Change Peru’s Grid

The $600 million SLL from IFC is more than capital; it’s a catalyst for renewable energy growth in Peru. The key benefits include:

Increased Clean Energy: The financing helps deliver over 100 MW of additional wind and solar capacity, plus the country’s largest BESS, enhancing energy diversification.

Climate Action: IFC estimates the Intipampa expansion alone will save 61,461 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year by displacing fossil-based electricity.

Grid Modernization: Energy storage fosters a more flexible, renewable-friendly grid and supports off-grid electrification in rural areas.

Market Confidence: The SLL’s structure signals investor belief in Peru’s green energy potential and supports broader regional ambitions.

ENGIE’s expansion is part of a broader wave of renewable growth in Latin America. In Peru, ENGIE’s projects contribute to the broader energy transition—and set an example for public-private collaboration in sustainable infrastructure. 

More notably, it forms part of the energy giant’s net zero goals.

ENGIE’s Global Renewable Energy and Net-Zero Strategy

The company’s global stance reflects increasing corporate commitment to clean energy infrastructure. The infographics below shows ENGIE’s decarbonization ambitions. 

Globally, ENGIE has positioned itself as a leader in the clean energy transition. It aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company focuses on quickly increasing renewable energy capacity. It aims to phase out coal and expand energy storage solutions. This will help integrate more variable renewables.

By 2025, ENGIE targets 50 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity worldwide, growing to 80 GW by 2030. This expansion focuses on wind, solar, hydro, and green hydrogen projects, supported by digital tools for efficiency and performance monitoring.

ENGIE has cut its direct emissions (Scope 1) by over 40% from 2017 to 2024. This change came mainly from retiring coal assets and switching to clean energy. Below is the company’s 2024 carbon footprint.

The company is investing in large energy storage, aiming for 10 GW of battery capacity by 2030. This will help keep the grid stable as more renewable energy comes online.

ENGIE’s climate roadmap includes Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation, ensuring its emissions reduction pathway aligns with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.

These global efforts reinforce ENGIE’s operations in Peru, showing how the company’s local renewable expansions contribute to a broader, coordinated push toward a carbon-neutral energy system worldwide.

Moreover, ENGIE supports strong carbon pricing policies and systems that encourage investment in low-emission technologies, energy efficiency, and reduced energy use.

As part of its path to net zero, the company plans to carry out internal carbon absorption projects and use carbon removal credits. These credits will follow the Integrity Council’s ten principles, with a focus on transparency, proving real additional impact, and ensuring that reductions last over time.

With IFC’s backing, ENGIE Energía Perú is poised to expand its renewable energy footprint significantly. The financing supports solar expansion, wind farm acquisition, and advanced energy storage. This boosts Peru’s clean energy pipeline, strengthening grid reliability, and contributing to national sustainability targets.

As Peru works toward a greener energy future, ENGIE’s investments may become a model for transformative growth across Latin America.

• READ MORE: Spain’s €700 Million Plan to Boost Energy Storage and Renewable Power

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