Bill Gates raises over $1bn for development of new energy solutions to combat climate change

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

Non-profit group Breakthrough Energy, owned by Bill Gates has announced on Monday that it has raised more than $1 billion for development of new energy solutions to combat climate change.

The fund was raised from seven major companies, including ArcelorMittal and General Motors, to fund clean energy development.

Early participants in the initiative, dubbed “Catalyst,” also include American Airlines, Bank of America, BlackRock, Boston Consulting Group and Microsoft.

The amount raised so far tops $1 billion and has been given in the form of grants, shares and commitments to acquire the technologies developed, a spokesman for the organization told AFP.

Launched in June, Catalyst has already forged partnerships with the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and the US Department of Energy.

“Avoiding a climate disaster will require a new industrial revolution. Half the technology needed to get to zero emissions either doesn’t exist yet or is too expensive for much of the world to afford,” Gates said in a statement.

“Catalyst is designed to change that and provide an effective way to invest in our clean technology future,” added the Microsoft founder-turned-philanthropist.

Several of the companies involved specified in separate releases the amounts contributed. The foundation of the investment company BlackRock and Microsoft have each donated $100 million.

American Airlines have pledged $100 million to the program, while ArcelorMittal has committed $100 million over the next five years through its XCarb Innovation Fund.
AFP