Barbados debt-for-climate-resilience, EU regulation on new genomic techniques for plants, Nuclear to power mining
Plastic pyrolysis to make fuel oil; Scandinavia countries contribute to Moldova Energy Fund; Samsung to acquire 10% of newly issued Nel shares; Standard Chartered's first adaptation finance deal
Brazil and Japan strengthen relations through strategic partnership
(March 14)
The Brazilian government has initiated a visit to Japan and Vietnam by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from March 24 to March 29, 2025, to enhance bilateral relations. In Japan, key discussions on enhancing trade, notably in beef and pork products, are expected, alongside engagement in sectors such as science, technology, and renewable energy. Significant cooperation in carbon reduction initiatives was highlighted, focusing on the use of ethanol for aviation fuel production and biomass for electricity generation. Following Japan, a visit to Vietnam aims to reinforce strategic partnership and cooperation in key economic sectors, building on recent discussions of trade expansion reaching a goal of $15 billion by 2025.
Barbados Launches Innovative Climate Resilience Project
(March 14)
The Government of Barbados, in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has initiated the USD 110 million Barbados Climate Resilient South Coast Water Reclamation Project (SCWRP).
First announced in December 2024, the project aims to enhance climate resilience by upgrading the south coast sewage treatment plant into a water reclamation facility capable of producing water for agricultural irrigation and groundwater recharge.
This groundbreaking operation, which is the world’s first debt-for-climate resilience conversion, is funded through GCF finances and has significant implications for improving water management and safeguarding public health in the region.
The country will issue a Sustainability-linked Bond or Loan (SLB/SLL) supported by Water Resilience Commitments, which will enable the repurchase and retirement of current sovereign debt.
The Debt for Climate Conversion is expected to generate savings derived from the interest rate differential between the repurchased debt and the SLB/SLL.
This fiscal space will enable Barbados to invest in climate resilient infrastructure. Specifically, these savings will primarily be used to cover the SCWRP investment over a period of 10 to 15 years. The Excess Savings will be allocated to an independent account to support additional investments in climate resilience measures through specific projects, such as pipelines to the irrigation and groundwater recharge areas, groundwater recharge facilities, solar panels with battery and storage facilities, investments for conservation and protection of the Graeme Hall site, Non-revenue water interventions, amongst other interventions that will enhance the impact of the SCWRP.
Here’s the financing breakup
Green Climate Fund (GCF) | Project Funding Proposal (PDF)
New genomic techniques regulatory mandate approved by the Council
(March 14)
The Council of the European Union has endorsed a negotiating mandate on the regulation of new genomic techniques (NGTs) aimed at enhancing innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector. The proposed regulation establishes two pathways for NGT plants: category 1, which can occur naturally, exempting them from current GMO regulations, and category 2, which must comply with existing GMO rules, including assessments and labeling. Member states will have the authority to prohibit the cultivation of category 2 NGT plants. The Council also mandates a study on the impact of patenting on innovation within the plant breeding sector one year after the regulation comes into force.
Bioenergy Europe Backs Clearer Rules for Green Claims & Carbon Removals
(March 14)
Bioenergy Europe has joined a coalition of 33 organizations to support the EU Green Claims Directive, which aims to establish clearer rules for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and credible climate claims. The coalition emphasizes the importance of enabling businesses to invest in CDR before achieving net-zero. Their priorities include applying the Like-for-Like principle for offsetting fossil fuel emissions with permanent removals and ensuring that only high-quality carbon removal credits are used in compensation claims. This well-balanced directive aims to combat greenwashing while fostering the development of a €220 billion carbon removal industry.
ACER is gathering Power Purchase Agreement templates for EU energy markets
(March 14)
The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has started a process to gather templates for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) within EU energy markets. This initiative aims to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources through standardized agreements. By compiling these templates, ACER seeks to enhance market accessibility and efficiency for electricity consumers and producers. The collection is intended to support the transition to a more sustainable energy system across Europe.
European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)
3 Plastic Pyrolysis Plants Arrive in Finland for Installation
(March 14)
Beston Group has delivered three plastic pyrolysis plants to Finland, where they aim to convert waste plastics into fuel oil using advanced pyrolysis technology. The equipment has successfully arrived at the installation site after transportation from China, overcoming challenges presented by Finland's winter climate. Installation preparations are underway to ensure efficient setup for resource recycling and sustainable energy development.
Approval of Offshore Wind Power Project Off Akita Prefecture
(March 14)
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan certified the occupation plans for an offshore wind power project located off Akita Prefecture, specifically in the areas of Hachibiki Town and Noshiro City. The selected operator is "合同会社八峰能代沖洋上風力", and the project is approved under the Renewable Energy Marine Utilization Act. This certification allows for the use of the sea area from December 1, 2025, to March 13, 2055. The certified occupation plan's validity is 30 years, beginning from March 14, 2025.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry | Japan
Tima Networks to Create $100M Fund with African Energy Chamber (AEC)
(March 13)
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) signed two Memoranda of Understanding at the Invest in African Energies Forum in Shanghai. The first agreement with Tima Networks will implement automated fleet management technology to enhance EV efficiency across Africa. The second agreement with Yunan County Chuangxing Industrial Investment Group aims to establish a platform for technological exchange and resource-sharing in the energy and chemical industries. The AEW: Invest in African Energies conference is set for September 29 to October 3, 2025 in Cape Town, focusing on collaboration and investment in Africa's energy sector.
South Africa-European Union Summit concludes with €4.7 billion Investment Package
(March 13)
The South Africa-European Union Summit concluded with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a €4.7 billion Global Gateway Investment Package aimed at supporting a clean and just energy transition in South Africa. This package focuses on critical raw mineral processing, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and resources for skills development. A Clean Trade and Investment Partnership will be negotiated to support cleaner value chains and renewable energy development. The partnership is expected to enable Sasol to export sustainable fuels to the EU.
South African Government News Agency
UK Government Invests in Water Infrastructure to Enhance Climate Resilience
(March 13)
The UK Government announced a £7.9 billion investment to modernise water infrastructure, particularly focusing on the East of England, to address an anticipated water deficit of 600 million litres a day by 2050. Key initiatives include the Fens Reservoir project to support sustainable growth. The government has also secured £104 billion in private-sector investment for nine new reservoirs across the country. Anglian Water is investing £794 million for supply upgrades over the next five years, which includes £154 million designated for the Fens Reservoir. The strategic pipeline network project, covering 300km, aims to boost regional water resilience and is expected to be operational by 2030.
Investing in BC Hydro projects across British Columbia
(March 13)
The federal government has invested more than $156.8 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support eight BC Hydro projects across British Columbia. These projects aim to electrify existing facilities, improve transmission capacity, and contribute to a cleaner electricity grid. Notable projects include the electrification of the BC Cancer Centre, the construction of new capacitor stations, and the connection of several facilities to the BC Hydro grid.
Standard Chartered scales finance for resilient infrastructure as economic cost of extreme weather hits over $2 trillion
(March 13)
Standard Chartered announced the completion of its first adaptation finance deal for JinkoSolar, facilitating the delivery of storm-resistant solar modules to US, UAE, and Saudi Arabian solar photovoltaic farms. The bank provided Bank Guarantees to support the trade of Tiger Neo N-type solar modules which are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. This deal is part of a broader effort to promote resilience against climate-related economic losses, which amounted to over $2 trillion in the last decade, and highlights the bank's commitment to sustainable finance and investment in infrastructure adaptation.
Scandinavian countries contribute to Moldova energy fund through UNDP
(March 13)
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden contributed a total of 24.35 million USD to the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF) in Moldova through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Denmark provided 5.59 million USD, Norway contributed 8.86 million USD, and Sweden 9.9 million USD. These funds will help provide energy compensations to vulnerable households for the current cold season. The EVRF, established in 2022, has already supported over 895,000 households with compensations, ensuring access to sustainable energy in Moldova.
Great British Energy Bill
(March 13)
The UK Parliament has introduced the Great British Energy Bill to establish a framework for energy management and services. Originating in the House of Commons, the bill is currently at its final stages, having undergone readings and committee reviews in both the Commons and the Lords. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is sponsoring the bill, with key figures being Ed Miliband and Lord Hunt of Kings Heath. This legislative effort aims to enhance the national energy strategy.
Celtic Freeport Drives Growth for Clean Energy Future
(March 13)
The Celtic Freeport, based in South West Wales, was officially launched by the UK Government and Welsh Government. It offers significant tax breaks and customs exemptions to drive economic growth and industrial reinvigoration. The initiative secured planning consents for projects including LanzaTech’s sustainable aviation fuel plants and RWE’s Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant, alongside additional projects in floating offshore wind and battery energy storage. The project involves a potential investment of £26 million from the UK Government, targeting over £8bn in total public and private investment, with confirmed support from multiple government entities.
Lloyd’s Register joins global nuclear pledge
(March 13)
US-based Lloyd’s Register (LR) joined a cross-industry group of large energy users in signing a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. The group includes Amazon, Google, Meta, Dow, Occidental, Allseas, OSGE, and IHI, along with 14 major global banks and financial institutions, 140 nuclear industry companies, and 31 countries. This initiative, facilitated by the World Nuclear Association, aims to enhance energy security and resiliency by expanding nuclear power. The pledge highlights nuclear energy's potential to support electrification and industrial processes, advocating for equal access to finance for nuclear energy.
Northvolt files for bankruptcy in Sweden
(March 12)
Sweden-based Northvolt AB has filed for bankruptcy following financial challenges in the battery sector, including rising capital costs and supply chain disruptions. Despite efforts to restructure financially and support from lenders, the company could not secure the necessary conditions to continue. Northvolt's production improvements included doubling cell output and achieving a 50% improvement in production yield. The company delivered its first million battery cells produced with 100% fossil-free energy to a European customer. The bankruptcy process will be overseen by a Swedish court-appointed trustee, with Mikael Kubu nominated as Trustee.
National Grid Partners commits $100 million to invest in AI startups advancing the future of energy
(March 12)
US-based National Grid Partners committed $100 million to invest in AI startups advancing energy solutions. This investment aims to enhance grid efficiency, reduce emissions, and support climate goals. National Grid Partners has previously invested $150 million in 18 AI companies, including Amperon, AiDASH, and Exodigo, to improve energy forecasting, infrastructure monitoring, and risk management. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate AI into energy operations, ensuring a resilient and modern grid for the U.S. and U.K.
Prodigy TNPP project
(March 11)
Canada-based Prodigy Clean Energy and Lloyd’s Register announced a collaboration to develop lifecycle requirements for Transportable Nuclear Power Plants (TNPPs) with a CAD $2,750,000 investment from the Government of Canada. The project aims to deploy TNPPs in Canada by 2030, enhancing power plant modularity and reducing environmental impact. Prodigy is working with a multinational mining company to supply power to a remote critical minerals cluster in Canada, offsetting diesel generation with carbon-free electricity. The initiative is expected to strengthen critical minerals value chain activities and promote economic development in isolated Indigenous communities.
Nel ASA partners with SAMSUNG E&A for hydrogen projects
(March 11)
Norway-based Nel ASA has signed a collaboration agreement with SAMSUNG E&A to offer complete hydrogen plants using Nel’s electrolysers. SAMSUNG E&A will purchase 10% of newly issued Nel ASA shares, becoming the largest shareholder with a 9.1% stake. The agreement allows SAMSUNG E&A to develop hydrogen plant designs based on Nel’s technology, enhancing global delivery capabilities. The transaction is valued at NOK 353 million, with shares priced at NOK 2.1125 each. SAMSUNG E&A will also nominate a member to Nel's Board of Directors.
Italy to Enhance Ports for Offshore Wind Energy
(March 06)
Italy has announced an imminent decree to enhance coastal ports for offshore wind energy projects. The decree, already signed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and the Ministry of Culture (MIC), awaits final approval from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). It identifies Augusta and Taranto as priority sites, with Brindisi and Civitavecchia as additional sites for developing infrastructure to support offshore wind energy. This initiative aims to reduce costs, improve competitiveness, and foster economic development in coastal communities, contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon energy model.
Big Tech pledges support for nuclear, Sand reclamation, e-Fuels, Power-to-Heat
TotalEnergies partners with RWE for e-fuels;
UK pledges GBP 5 billion for food production support;
Renewables to process steam at Leuna site;
First Washington cap-n-invest auction
Biogenic coal for producing silicon, Ammonia cracking for shipping
EU Council grants greater investment flexibility to EIB;
Standard Chartered issues Social Bond;
SMRs for steel production;