Clean energy in general and carbon capture projects in particular were the key focus for energy sector investors in the first quarter of this year.

Iris Jensen, formerly senior associate at the German clean energy company Baywa RE’s CVC arm, has taken up an investment manager role.

Orano Venture Fund will run for five years and invest in about 20 industrial startups.

ABN Amro earmarked $1.1bn for green technology funding, with Nordic Alpha Partners’ Fund II being its fourth climate-related fund investment.

Mark Ritzmann has become CEO at German utility E.On’s innovation and incubation subsidiary, after six years at the firm.

Daniel Barth and Ryan McCrackan have been promoted from senior associates to principals at Yamaha Motor Ventures.

Ana Troncoso Ceola will lead ABB Motion Ventures focused on sustainability and energy transition, which falls under the ABB Ventures umbrella.

Corporate investors are disproportionately involved in the biggest funding rounds by energy sector startups.

Steve Smith, the new head of National Grid Partners, has shifted focus to technologies that directly impact the operation of the power grid.

There will not be enough rare earth metals to make the magnets industry needs in the next decade so the race is on to find alternatives.