Global Scans · CleanTech · Weekly Summary

• [New] Chemical recycling feedstock is expected to represent 39.0% share in 2026, supported by rising investment in advanced recycling technologies and growing demand for verified circular material streams. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation and Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office have announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity of $69 million for technologies or processes that advance the domestic production and refining of critical materials. Energy.gov
• [New] Technology improves (faster screening, higher bars) Focus consolidates (climate and sustainability favored, non-aligned sectors disadvantaged) Geography expands (more opportunities outside US, more global competition). Spectup
• [New] 40% of the energy sector's decarbonization targets for 2030 depend on digital technologies, making AI a critical pathway - not an optional efficiency play. The Thinking Company
• [New] Effective water governance will be as important as technological investment in determining the long-term sustainability of U.S. irrigated agriculture. Nebraska Today
• [New] The convergence of sustainability goals and tech innovation will make 2026 a landmark year for electric scooters. GYROOR
• [New] Samsung's 2 nm GAA process technology and Taylor fab are central to its strategy for recovering foundry share, though meaningful gains are expected to take until 2027-2028 to materialize. Tech Insider
• [New] Beyond Zero Emissions modelling found that capturing just 30 to 40% of key supply chains of critical clean energy technologies through domestic manufacturing could generate more than $215 billion in revenue and create 53,000 jobs by 2035. https://www.facebook.com/TheNewDaily/
• [New] With the EU planning new sustainability initiatives for 2026, many embassies will highlight green technologies, renewable energy and climate-friendly tourism. Hotel Washington
• [New] Coordinated policy among Canada and the Nordic states could strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, renewable energy technologies, and advanced materials necessary for the global energy transition. ArcticToday
• [New] GlobalData observes that for the technology sector, the bigger black swan is specialty materials, especially helium, pointing to a hidden vulnerability in semiconductor and AI supply chains. Indian Transport & Logistics
• [New] The mining industry in 2026 is poised for significant disruption through technological advancements, innovative methodologies, and a strong focus on sustainability. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] Technological Fragmentation & Incompatibility: The development of separate AI stacks could lead to a splinternet for AI, where models, data formats, and APIs are not interoperable, stifling global scientific collaboration and business efficiency. FrontierWisdom
• [New] The next five years will be pivotal in transforming marine drones from experimental prototypes into essential components of global ocean stewardship, with significant implications for environmental policy, corporate sustainability strategies, and technological innovation ecosystems. Verified Market Reports
• [New] By 2026, the fastest electric scooters will incorporate advanced materials, aerodynamic designs, and next-generation battery technology to achieve speeds previously thought impossible for personal electric vehicles. GYROOR
• As environmental standards tighten globally, especially in emerging economies, the demand for advanced, resource-efficient treatment technologies will accelerate, shaping a future where sustainability and profitability are deeply intertwined. Verified Market Reports
• The future focus will be on deploying digital twin technologies, smart monitoring, and integrated resource management systems to enhance resilience, sustainability, and compliance, ensuring the UK remains a key player in global pollution treatment innovation. Verified Market Reports
• Major projects include a roughly USD 107 million steel manufacturing facility in Duqm that will use lower-carbon electric arc furnace technology and a USD 91 million EV battery materials project in Salalah, strengthening Oman's position in clean energy and electric vehicle supply chains. MUFG Research
• The global energy crisis could be fomenting a massive surge of clean energy tech adoption and innovation as countries around the world scramble to replace the fossil fuel imports they typically depend on. Yahoo Finance
• An economic security alliance-focused on addressing shared vulnerabilities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, clean energy technology, and others in which China controls chokepoints - would be a strong foundation. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• The U.S. is hellbent on building mining stations on the moon before China does because of another kind of dust, moondust, replete with helium-3, touted to be the fuel for an emerging technology that will provide clean, abundant energy. International Action Center - Founded in 1992 by Ramsey
• By 2030, the state of building materials will be defined less by singular technological breakthroughs and more by coherent systems that integrate technology, standards, procurement, and data. Brightpath Associates
• Upgrades will increase treatment capacity from 75 million gallons per day to 100 million gallons per day, significantly reducing pollution entering the Colorado River and enhancing worker safety with new technology. Yahoo News

Last updated: 17 May 2026