Utilities are raising massive capital under sustainability banners, with Duke Energy's $1.7 billion bond offering extending to 2055 and PG deploying $25 million for climate tech startups. California's rebranded "cap-and-invest" program extends through 2045 with an $18 billion wildfire fund, while international partnerships like Ethiopia's €120 million EU deal promise grid access to millions. Yet these ESG-labeled investments lack independent verification of actual deployment effectiveness, creating opportunities for sophisticated greenwashing at institutional scale.
$26.9 Billion Grid Funding Wave Lacks Verification Oversight
Utilities are raising massive capital under sustainability banners, with Duke Energy's $1.7 billion bond offering extending to 2055 and PG deploying $25 million for climate tech startups. California's rebranded "cap-and-invest" program extends through 2045 with an $18 billion wildfire fund, while international partnerships like Ethiopia's €120 million EU deal promise grid access to millions. Yet these ESG-labeled investments lack independent verification of actual deployment effectiveness, creating opportunities for sophisticated greenwashing at institutional scale.