This week brings a mix of updates across transport, energy and asset finance, but there’s a common thread running through them. The focus is shifting towards how projects are actually being delivered and financed, rather than just what’s coming next.
Market Developments
BMW retools Munich plant for all‑electric production BMW is undertaking a €650m transformation of its Munich factory to prepare for series production of its next‑generation Neue Klasse EVs. From August 2026, the site will begin building the new BMW i3, before transitioning in 2027 to become the company’s first existing plant dedicated exclusively to all‑electric vehicles. The overhaul centres on BMW’s iFACTORY strategy, emphasising efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability. A newly constructed three‑storey body shop features around 800 robots and an automation rate of roughly 98%. Despite extensive construction, the facility has continued producing up to 1,000 vehicles per day. BMW expects the transformation to reduce overall production costs by around 10%.
UK EV registrations hit record March levels March delivered the strongest performance on record for UK electric vehicle registrations, according to data from the SMMT. Overall, new car registrations rose 6.6% year on year to almost 381,000 units, making it the busiest month since 2019. Electrified vehicles accounted for just over half of all new registrations, with battery electric vehicles reaching a new high of more than 86,000 units, up over 24% year on year. Plug‑in hybrid and hybrid models also recorded strong growth, while petrol and diesel sales declined sharply. Despite record volumes, BEVs represented just under a quarter of total sales, remaining below mandated targets.
Infrastructure & Policy
Mauritius has unveiled a three‑year programme to add approximately 405 MW of renewable capacity to its national grid, targeting reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels and improved energy security. The strategy prioritises clean generation paired with battery storage, with planned projects including 120 MW of hybrid solar‑and‑storage capacity, a floating solar plant of up to 20 MW at Tamarind Falls reservoir, expanded agrivoltaics, and additional rooftop solar schemes for businesses and households. Wind capacity at Plaine des Roches will also be extended. Only projects incorporating storage will be prioritised, alongside regulatory reforms to curb wastage and encourage private‑sector participation.
Deals
Jakson Green secures long‑term green ammonia offtake Jakson Green has signed a green ammonia supply agreement valued at approximately $456m with the Solar Energy Corporation of India under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Awarded through a competitive auction, the contract covers the supply of 85,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually to Coromandel International’s fertiliser plant in Kakinada. Deliveries are expected to begin later this decade, providing long‑term demand certainty for large‑scale production. The deal sits within India’s Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition programme and reflects the use of structured offtake mechanisms to stimulate investment, reduce costs and build domestic capability across the green hydrogen value chain.
EnerVenue raises $300m to scale long‑duration storage manufacturing EnerVenue has raised $300m in a Series B extension to accelerate the commercial scale‑up of its lithium‑free energy storage technology. The company’s nickel‑hydrogen batteries, adapted from space‑grade systems, are designed for long‑duration, infrastructure‑like performance with enhanced safety and extended lifetimes. Funding will support expansion of high‑volume manufacturing, supply‑chain development and international market growth, with near‑ and mid‑term production targets reaching hundreds of megawatt‑hours. Demand is rising from utilities, commercial and industrial users, and energy‑intensive sectors such as data centres. The round reflects growing investor interest in non‑lithium storage solutions as renewable penetration increases.
FirstGroup expands coach portfolio with Eagle Coaches acquisition FirstGroup has acquired Bristol‑based Eagle Coaches as part of its strategy to grow its UK coach operations. The family‑run business operates a fleet of 19 vehicles providing private hire, school transport and group travel services across the South West. All 28 employees will transfer to First Bus, with existing operations and contracts continuing unchanged. The acquisition strengthens FirstGroup’s presence in a key regional market while adding an established local operator with a long trading history. For Eagle Coaches, the transaction marks a generational transition, with founder Adrian Ball retiring while the business retains its brand identity and service standards.
See you next week!