Sungrow, a leader in PV inverters and energy storage, has connected 400 MWh of ENGIE’s 200 MW/800 MWh battery project in Vilvoorde, Belgium, to the grid. This marks the start of mainland Europe’s largest battery project, featuring 320 units of Sungrow’s PowerTitan liquid-cooled technology.

The company highlights that the second phase will be connected by late 2025. It will provide reliable, clean power to nearly 96,000 Belgian households. Located just north of Brussels, this project is a major step toward green energy and energy security for Belgium.

From Gas to Gigawatts: ENGIE’s Bold Battery Investment

Vilvoorde has been linked to electricity generation since the 1960s, mainly using fossil fuels. But ENGIE is transforming the 30-hectare site by adding a three-hectare battery park next to its gas plant.

Belgium’s Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auctions began in 2021. They ensure enough supply to prevent shortages, especially in winter. ENGIE won the project through this mechanism. Construction started after Elia, the national grid operator, approved the plan in late 2023.

Moving on, the Vilvoorde battery park will launch in two phases, each with 100 MW, spaced three months apart. Phase one is already operational. Phase two should be completed by late 2025. ENGIE is investing €230–290 million. This project is the first of its size in continental Europe, outside the UK.

Vilvoorde Battery Park

Scaling Energy Storage

Belgium’s experience with energy storage has been limited to pilot projects, like the smaller Battery Park in Drogenbos. With Vilvoorde, ENGIE is moving from testing to large-scale deployment.

“This project shows One ENGIE in action,” said Quentin Renoy, ENGIE Belgium’s BESS Business Developer. “It’s about flexible generation and teamwork across market analysis, legal, and public relations.”

The battery park has a 15-year contract with Elia. This ensures a steady income while supporting Belgium’s renewable grid.

A Reliable Backup

While storage offers clean energy, Belgium still faces gaps between demand and renewable capacity. In October 2023, authorities confirmed that ENGIE’s former gas power plant in Vilvoorde will serve as a backup unit for three years, with options to extend.

This dual approach—using flexible storage and legacy plants—ensures Belgium can transition without supply shortages.

ENGIE also plans similar projects in Kallo (near Antwerp) and Drogenbos, expected to start in 2024.

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

Europe’s Modern Infrastructure for a Net-Zero Future

• Data shows that the European Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market is expected to jump from US$18.1 billion in 2024 to US$87.34 billion by 2033, growing at a 19.11% CAGR.

This rise is attributed to increased renewable energy use, government support, and lower battery costs. BESS boosts energy efficiency by storing extra renewable power, helping grids stay stable.

Countries such as France, Germany, the UK, and Spain are rapidly expanding BESS to enhance grid resilience with innovative battery technologies.

The Vilvoorde project does more than provide electricity for households. It modernizes Europe’s energy infrastructure. By absorbing excess renewable power during high-production times and releasing it during peak demand, the system tackles clean energy’s biggest challenge: intermittency.

Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) like this ensure stability, prevent grid congestion, and create a model for integrating renewables into existing grids across Europe.

Safe, Smart, and Scalable Technology

Both phases of the Vilvoorde project use Sungrow’s PowerTitan liquid-cooled storage units. These units have compact, modular designs that optimize land use and allow quick deployment.

They include intelligent cooling to maintain temperature stability, extend battery life, and reduce costs. This setup ensures safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium, said,

“With the first series of batteries now operational in Vilvoorde, ENGIE is delivering part of the additional flexibility the electricity grid requires to balance supply and demand. The efficient construction of this battery park is only possible thanks to strong partnerships. By working hand in hand with trusted and innovative partners such as Sungrow, we can continue to accelerate the integration of renewables into the grid, and help deliver a more reliable, sustainable and affordable energy system.”

Sungrow’s Growing Footprint in Europe

Sungrow has a solid presence in the BeNeLux region, providing technical support, sales, and after-sales services from local offices and its R&D center in Amsterdam. The company engages with the market through industry events like Intersolution and Laadinfra Congress, while hosting its own summits, such as the EV Charging Summit in Amsterdam.

This local presence ensures Sungrow delivers effective solutions to partners, reinforcing its commitment to Europe’s clean energy transition.

Globally, Sungrow has over 28 years of experience in renewable power solutions, having installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide by June 2025. BloombergNEF consistently ranks Sungrow as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage provider.

Carbon Neutral Goals

The company has pledged to achieve operational carbon neutrality by 2028 (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) while managing Scope 3 emissions across its supply chain.

Its strategy includes:

• Phasing out fuel-powered vehicles and forklifts for electric alternatives.
• Electrifying all new canteens and eliminating gas use in operations.
• Removing SF6-based equipment from distribution systems.
• Expanding renewable electricity use across facilities.
• Improving energy efficiency in production and manufacturing.

Sungrow is committed to staying on track. It has joined initiatives like RE100, which focuses on 100% renewable electricity, and EP100, which aims for better energy productivity.

It has set measurable performance targets, including energy consumption per production unit. Annual monitoring ensures transparency and accountability.

Vilvoorde Battery Park: A Blueprint for Europe

The Vilvoorde battery park is a model for Europe’s energy transition. It shows how large-scale storage can stabilize grids, support renewables, and cut fossil fuel use.

By combining ENGIE’s expertise in energy management with Sungrow’s technology, Belgium is positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s clean energy transformation.

As the continent works toward its 2050 net-zero goals, projects like Vilvoorde show us the future of energy. They rely on flexibility, innovation, and strong partnerships. This battery project marks a key step in Europe’s clean energy journey.

It proves that large-scale storage can power homes and balance renewable supply. With ENGIE’s investment and Sungrow’s technology, Belgium leads the way to a greener, stronger power grid. As phase two nears, the project shows that energy storage is crucial for Europe’s net-zero goals.

• ALSO SEE: Sungrow and Algihaz Join Forces for 7.8 GW Energy Storage in Saudi Arabia 

The post Sungrow Powers ENGIE’s €290M Vilvoorde Battery Park, Europe’s Largest of Its Kind appeared first on Carbon Credits.

High-quality carbon credits are becoming more valuable than ever, with prices reaching record levels in late 2025, according to Sylvera. This finding reflects a deeper change in the voluntary carbon market. Companies are no longer buying credits only to meet pledges. They are looking for projects that prove real impact and deliver measurable results.

This shift matters because it shows how trust is shaping the carbon market. Buyers are signaling that only carbon credits backed by evidence and durability will support their net-zero goals.

Data Doesn’t Lie: Sylvera’s Market Snapshot

Sylvera’s Q3 2025 Carbon Data Snapshot gives a clear view of where the market is heading. Prices for afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) credits reached $24 per tonne in September. At the start of the year, the average was closer to $14, as seen in the chart below. This jump shows how much buyers are willing to pay for quality.

Quoting Allister Furey, CEO at Sylvera: 

“The growing premium for high-quality credits demonstrates that integrity is now a key driver of value. Buyers are becoming more selective and project developers are responding by meeting higher standards.”

Retirements also stayed strong. In Q3, about 31.86 million tonnes of credits were retired, almost unchanged from the 31.49 million in Q3 2024. Year-to-date retirements reached 128.15 million credits, one of the highest totals ever recorded.

• RELEVANT: ARR Carbon Credits: The Next Gold Rush Backed by Google and Microsoft

Supply, however, has slowed. Issuances fell to 63.2 million credits in Q3, down from 76.9 million in Q2. This creates a tighter market where demand outpaces new supply.

Another important trend is the shift toward higher-rated credits. In the first half of 2025, 57% of retired credits reviewed by Sylvera were BB grade or higher. In 2024, that figure was 52%. Buyers are clearly moving away from lower-quality offsets and investing in verified projects that prove long-term climate value.

• See LIVE carbon prices here.

Real Projects Driving Change

Behind these numbers are real-world examples that show how the market is evolving. Forestry projects remain central, but the focus has shifted toward ones that demonstrate permanence and co-benefits:

• Pachama works with reforestation and forest conservation across Latin America. Their credits are tied to satellite monitoring and AI verification, which improves transparency.

• Verra-certified projects in Africa and Asia have begun linking biodiversity protection with carbon storage, attracting buyers willing to pay premiums.

• On the technology side, Climeworks in Iceland is scaling direct air capture plants that store CO₂ underground. These credits cost far more than forestry but offer permanence, making them appealing to firms with strict climate goals.

These examples show why high-quality credits command higher value: they combine measurable climate impact with added social or environmental benefits.

Billions in Play: Carbon Market Expansion

Sylvera’s numbers fit into a much larger trend. The voluntary carbon market was valued at $4.04 billion in 2024, per Grand View Research data. Estimates suggest it could grow to between $50-$100 billion by 2030.

Nature-based and renewable energy credits remain central to this growth. In 2024, they made up a significant share of total revenues. Meanwhile, carbon removal credits are expected to expand even faster. MSCI projects removal could reach $4 to $11 billion by 2030, making it a key driver of future growth.

Prices are also spreading across a wide range. Nature-based credits typically trade between $7 and $24 per tonne. Technology-based removals, such as direct air capture, are much higher—between $170 and $500 per tonne. These differences reflect the varying durability and permanence of different credit types.

Why High-Quality Credits Cost More

The surge in premium prices for carbon credits comes from several forces working together. Companies with net-zero targets want credits they can defend publicly. That means verified, durable credits with strong evidence of climate benefit.

Supply is another issue. Many projects take years to produce verified credits, and issuances have slowed. Buyers are competing for fewer top-tier credits, which pushes prices higher.

Rating systems like Sylvera’s add more transparency. Buyers now have a clearer way to separate weak projects from strong ones. This transparency builds confidence and influences purchasing decisions.

Policy also plays a role. In Europe and elsewhere, regulators are exploring how voluntary credits may fit into compliance markets. Credits with higher integrity are more likely to qualify, which increases their value.

Finally, projects with added co-benefits—such as biodiversity protection or community development—attract more buyers. Sylvera has reported that credits offering four or more strong co-benefits command higher prices.

All of these drivers show how the market is evolving from a quantity focus to a quality-first approach.

• RELATED: Carbon Credit Market Gains Integrity With ICVCM’s Approval of 6 New Removal Standards

The Great Divide: Carbon Removal vs. Avoided Emissions

A big divide exists between avoided emissions and carbon removal. Avoided emissions come from projects like preventing deforestation. Carbon removal means pulling carbon dioxide directly out of the air and storing it.

Market forecasts suggest removals will grow faster than reductions. But they are also far more expensive. Engineered removals currently trade at hundreds of dollars per tonne, while nature-based projects remain in the lower range.

As technology improves, costs for engineered removal may fall. Still, removal will likely hold a premium because of its permanence. Buyers see value in removal. For example, Microsoft has signed long-term contracts with Climeworks and other carbon removal firms.  This reflects a growing recognition that permanent removal is necessary for reaching long-term climate goals.

Integrity Under Pressure: Barriers to Growth

Despite progress, several challenges remain:

• Verification: Forestry credits face risks from fires, disease, or illegal logging, making permanence hard to guarantee.

• Scaling technology: Engineered removals are still in pilot phases and remain costly.

• Liquidity: Fewer high-quality credits means market swings are sharp when demand spikes.

• Fragmentation: Multiple registries and standards create confusion, slowing investment.

These challenges underline the importance of building a system of integrity. If standards weaken, the market risks losing trust.

Future Value: Where Carbon Markets Go Next

Sylvera’s latest report makes the trend clear. Prices for high-quality credits are rising fast, and the market is demanding better integrity. Other industry data supports this, showing billions in future growth and a shift toward removal.

Challenges remain, from verifying permanence to scaling new technology. But one theme stands out: credibility now drives value. The voluntary carbon market is entering a new phase where only proven results matter.

For companies, this means buying credits is no longer just about cost. It is about quality, durability, and trust. For the market, it signals a move toward maturity. High-quality carbon credits are not just commanding record prices—they are setting the new standard for climate action.

As Furey further stated:

“This alignment between quality expectations and market demand is critical for scaling carbon markets to deliver genuine climate impact at lower economic cost.”

• READ MORE: Singapore to Buy $76.4M Worth of Nature-Based Carbon Credits

The post High-Quality Carbon Credit Prices Hit Record Levels, Driven by Integrity and Market Shifts appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Governments and private investors are investing heavily in quantum computing. This is pushing the technology toward real-world applications. Experts predict the market will hit about $4.24 billion by 2030. It is expected to grow roughly 20.5% each year from 2025 to 2030.

Artificial intelligence has changed investing. When paired with quantum computing, it may create big wealth-building chances in the coming decades.

Investing in Top Pure-Play Quantum Stocks: The Next Tech and Climate Revolution

Recent breakthroughs in qubit stability and new partnerships for larger quantum networks are driving growth. Leading pure-play quantum stocks have risen as investors bet on widespread commercial use.

These companies are at the forefront, turning advanced research into real solutions. They could reshape industries like pharmaceuticals and energy.

Investors can now position themselves in top pure-play quantum stocks. This lets them capitalize on rapid innovation and a growing market.

Quantum computing is ushering in a new era of technological innovation—and nowhere is this impact more pronounced than in climate solutions. The leading pure-play quantum stocks – IonQ (IONQ), D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT), and Rigetti Computing (RGTI) – are actively driving advances in clean energy, carbon reduction, and climate science. Here’s how each company plays a vital role:

1. IonQ (IONQ): Betting Big on Quantum’s Future

Strong Cash Position Fuels Growth

As of July 2025, IonQ had $1.6 billion in cash and raised a record $1 billion in equity from a single institutional investor—the largest in the industry. This fund allows IonQ to grow rapidly. Additionally, the company’s market cap stands at $16.5 billion.

Tempo Hits AQ-64, Expanding Quantum Horizons

IonQ recently revealed that its Tempo system achieved a record AQ-64 ahead of schedule. This achievement doubles the useful computational space with each step. Now, the system can address real-world challenges like energy optimization, drug discovery, and supply chain modeling. At #AQ 64, IonQ is 36 quadrillion times more powerful than IBM’s current systems.

Investor Outlook

Recent acquisitions in networking, sensing, and space, including Oxford Ionics and Capella Space, enhance IonQ’s ecosystem. Significantly, it has been broadening its cloud presence through integrations with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google Cloud Marketplace.

2. D-Wave (QBTS) Poised for Growth with Quantum Advantage

D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS) is charting its own path. Rather than developing general-purpose quantum computers, it specializes in quantum annealing. This method excels in optimization tasks like logistics and statistical modeling. This focused strategy helps D-Wave capture valuable use cases without trying to cover the whole quantum market.

Notably, it stands out as the only company offering both annealing and gate-model systems. Over 100 clients, including government and enterprise customers, are using its solutions.

Additionally, the company announced in March that Ford Otosan has used D-Wave’s technology to improve production sequencing for its Ford Transit line.

Revenue and Cash Boost

The company reported a record Q1 fiscal 2025 revenue of $15 million. This is a 509% increase from $2.5 million last year. Its cash balance climbed to $304.3 million, bolstered by $146.2 million raised through its ATM program.

Advantage2 Expands Commercial Reach

D-Wave launched its sixth-generation Advantage2 system. It has over 4,400 qubits, making it the most powerful quantum computer they’ve created so far. This system addresses real-world issues that classical computers struggle with. Commercial adoption is accelerating, with bookings in APAC rising 83% in 2025.

Investor Outlook

Wall Street is optimistic. We also see that Piper Sandler raised its target to $22, Stifel set a $26 target, and Benchmark maintained its $20 Buy rating. Strong demand, solid funding, and growing commercial applications make QBTS a leader in the quantum field. Most significantly, analysts see the revenue jump as a solid path to profitability.

Quantum Solutions for Cleaner Cities

D-Wave’s technology and quantum computers help save energy and cut down pollution. D-Wave worked with a utility company in Europe to manage solar and wind power, making those clean energy sources more reliable and efficient. Their computers help balance the flow of energy so that less is wasted, meaning fewer fossil fuels are needed.

In Tokyo, D-Wave helped set up smart trash collection. Their computers figured out how trucks could use shorter routes and fewer vehicles. This cut down driving by 57% and saved a lot of fuel. In other tests, D-Wave’s technology helped reduce traffic jams by 17% and cut emissions in supply chains by 20%.

D-Wave’s newest computers use much less energy than big data centers. Their systems let companies manage energy and deliveries in ways that were never possible before, helping cities get cleaner and businesses save money.

• SEE MORE DETAILS: D-Wave Quantum (QBTS Stock) Powers Climate Action Through Quantum Computing 

3. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT): A High-Risk, High-Reward Quantum Play

Quantum Computing Inc. (Nasdaq: QUBT) focuses on photonic chip integration. It also launches Quantum AI and cybersecurity products. Currently, its early revenues are low. The company relies on government and industry partnerships. This dependence brings execution and adoption risks.

The company recently disclosed that it has $850 million cash position, strengthened by a $500 million private placement in September 2025. These funds support fab scaling, hiring, strategic acquisitions, and commercialization efforts.

Some commendable product developments include delivering a quantum photonic vibrometer to Delft University of Technology. It also shipped its first entangled photon source to a lab in South Korea. Meanwhile, a top-five U.S. bank adopted the Quantum Cybersecurity Solution. These wins show that QUBT’s products solve real-world challenges.

Foundry Powers Scale and Performance

The company’s thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) foundry in Tempe, AZ, is now fully operational. It integrates nano-photonic chips into quantum systems. This improves size, weight, power, cost, and performance. External services also boost revenue in datacom, telecom, sensing, and quantum computing.

However, QUBT faces strong competition from IonQ and D-Wave. High risks in execution and adoption make this suitable for risk-tolerant investors. They seek asymmetric upside in early-stage quantum photonics.

Tracking Pollution and Saving Energy

QUBT builds quantum computers that help track pollution and save energy every day. Their machines are easier and cheaper to run than the biggest supercomputers. In 2024, QUBT invested millions to help forecast climate changes and make electric grids better. Their computers measure carbon pollution in the air almost twice as accurately as older methods, which means cities and governments can know what’s happening and act faster.

By working with power companies, QUBT found ways to cut energy waste by 37%. They believe their technology will help make big improvements – up to 52% – in just a few years. QUBT computers are also making it easier for countries and companies to test how well climate laws work and fix problems quickly.

With better data and faster answers, QUBT is helping people support a cleaner future through smarter science and technology.

• READ MORE: QuantumScape’s Battery Breakthrough Powers Safer EVs – and Sends QS Stock Up 20% 

4. Rigetti Computing (RGTI): The Future of Quantum Hardware

Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) is a top quantum computing stock drawing strong investor interest. The company is pushing forward with superconducting qubit technology and bold innovations. However, its revenue is small compared to its high valuation.

Leading in Quantum Hardware

Rigetti employs a chiplet-based approach to scale its quantum processors, distinguishing it from IBM and Google. Its Cepheus™-1-36Q system is live on Rigetti’s Quantum Cloud Services and will soon be on Microsoft Azure.

In September 2025, the company launched a 36-qubit processor that cut two-qubit errors in half and achieved 99.5% gate fidelity. This progress shows it can scale to over 100 qubits.

Market Momentum and Funding

Revenue for Q2 2025 is $1.8 million, which is modest. Shares are trading around $32, up over 4,000% in the past year. Rigetti has about $571 million in cash and no debt. This provides a strong runway for research, partnerships, and production.

Key collaborations include Quanta Computer’s $35 million investment, contracts with the U.S. Air Force, and ties with India’s C-DAC for hybrid quantum systems.

Risks and Outlook

Most analysts rate RGTI stock a “Buy,” but its stock price exceeds many targets. The price-to-sales ratio is around 900x. This means Rigetti offers high-risk, high-reward exposure to next-generation quantum computing. It suits investors willing to bet on long-term breakthroughs and tolerate short-term volatility.

Building Better Batteries and Clean Tech

Rigetti is building quantum computers that help scientists create new batteries, solar panels, and even machines to capture pollution. Their computer chips work with very few mistakes, so testing new clean tech designs is quicker and cheaper. In 2025, Rigetti joined with governments and technology companies to set up projects using quantum computers in clean energy labs.

Rigetti’s computers helped make battery and solar designs three times as fast as before. A recent U.S. Air Force project spent $5.8 million to test Rigetti’s computers for national security and energy grid science. With international orders for their systems, Rigetti’s technology is helping researchers all over the world find the fastest ways to cut pollution and improve clean energy.

Rigetti is proving that new quantum computers can help jumpstart the next wave of green inventions.

Power Needs and Efficiency of Quantum Computing

Quantum computers demand significant energy to operate, especially superconducting qubit systems that must stay near absolute zero—about 0.015 Kelvin. And cooling consumes a significant 70% of the total power.

• A single quantum system can consume 220,000 to 438,000 kWh annually, similar to the energy use of 20 to 40 average homes.

As qubit numbers grow, larger systems may need hundreds of kilowatts continuously. Researchers are testing energy-efficient cooling methods and developing qubits that can work at higher temperatures, which could significantly lower energy demand.

However, even with these requirements, quantum computers still use far less electricity than traditional supercomputers. Companies are also adopting sustainability measures, using renewable energy, modular hardware designs, and recycling rare materials to reduce their carbon footprint.

Accelerating Clean Tech and Materials Innovation

Quantum computing is changing how we approach materials and clean energy. A McKinsey report highlighted the following:

• It is helping develop sustainable batteries, high-efficiency solar panels, and improved catalysts for carbon capture.
• Researchers are creating battery chemistries that rely less on lithium and cobalt and designing solar materials that are safer and more effective.
• Quantum simulations can also uncover compounds that make CO₂ capture and storage cheaper and more energy-efficient.
• In energy systems, quantum machine learning and annealing help forecast supply and demand, optimize production, and integrate renewables into the grid.

These advances boost reliability, cut emissions, and make clean energy solutions more affordable, moving the world closer to sustainability goals.

As these companies advance their technology and scale operations, these pure-play quantum stocks may unlock massive growth. This makes it one of the most exciting sectors to watch.

The post Investing in Quantum Computing: How IONQ, QUBT, RGTI & QBTS Stocks Are Revolutionizing Technology and Climate Solutions appeared first on Carbon Credits.