Germany elections winners announce EUR 500B for Infra + Defense, Japan's first sustainability disclosure standards
CO2 storage off coast of Norway; EUR450 million data centre fund; Funding factories for organic fertiliser and perovskite solar panels; Colorado to reduce Methane emissions; Enzymes to recycle plastic
Germany's Dual Investment Revolution in Infrastructure and Defence
(March 05)
Leaders of German parties, CDU & SPD, which garnered maximum votes in the national election, have announced a EUR 500 billion special fund for infrastructure and unlimited defence spending. This dual investment strategy aims to modernize transportation - roads, railways & bridges, energy, and digital networks while enhancing military capabilities.
Here’s an interesting read from ADVANT-beiten on the importance of the fund and which German industries and companies are set to benefit from the announcement:
The Defence Spending Reform is equally significant. The constitutional debt brake (Schuldenbremse) will be modified: It will exempt defence spending above 1% of GDP from debt restrictions, allow theoretically unlimited credit-financed defence expenditures, and enable Germany to meet and potentially exceed NATO's 2% of GDP target for defence spending. CDU leader Friedrich Merz has called for a "whatever it takes" approach to defence, signalling a political commitment to substantial military modernization in response to evolving security threats in Europe.
Leaders from CDU and SPD emphasized the urgent need for investment due to deteriorating infrastructure and evolving security threats in Europe.
Here’s the Statement from Leaders of the CDU & SPD (video in German)
UK Surpasses Germany in Battery Electric Vehicle Sales
(March 05)
The UK has achieved a 19% market share in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, surpassing Germany's 13%. This shift was propelled by the UK zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which sets increasing targets for ZEV sales through 2030. In contrast, Germany could not tighten its regulations, resulting in a drop in its sales share. Moreover, this performance was achieved without substantial financial incentives for buyers, emphasizing the effectiveness of strong regulatory frameworks in promoting the transition to cleaner transportation.
International Council on Clean Transportation
Maryland Legislation to Enforce Electricity Use Limits in Buildings
(March 05)
US-based Maryland's legislature has prepared HB 49, a bill that authorizes the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to set Energy Use Intensity (EUI) limits for large commercial and multifamily buildings. The bill will also impose fines for non-compliance, with estimates suggesting a cost of $8.8 billion for building owners to meet EUI targets. Beginning in 2030, non-compliance fees could reach $78 million per year for building owners in Montgomery County alone, as 63% of buildings are expected to be out of compliance by then. The fines are designed to increase electricity costs significantly for violators.
MIT study confirms Antarctic ozone layer is healing due to reduced emissions
(March 05)
US-based MIT has conducted a study confirming that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, primarily due to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances. The research indicates a 95% confidence in the recovering state of the ozone layer, linked directly to the Montreal Protocol that phased out CFCs. This study uses advanced climate simulation techniques and data from satellite observations to analyze the recovery patterns over several decades, offering hope for complete ozone restoration by 2035.
Framatome Advances Nuclear Fuel Technology for Sustainability
(March 05)
US-based Framatome has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing fuel capabilities for the U.S. light water reactor fleet by receiving acceptance from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to review their report on "High Burnup for Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs)". This initiative is part of the Advanced Fuel Management program focusing on innovative nuclear fuel technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce waste. The use of higher enriched fuel will help extend operational cycles from 18 to 24 months, thereby supporting cleaner and sustainable energy generation.
Announcement of acreage for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
(March 05)
Norway's Ministry of Energy has announced a new area for CO2 storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This is the eighth time an area has been designated for CO2 storage. The application deadline for interested parties to submit their applications is 23rd April 2025, encouraging applicants to act early. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to regulate and optimize carbon storage as part of Norway's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
Norwegian Offshore Directorate
INERATEC secures €70 million financing for e-Fuels in Europe
(March 05)
Germany-based INERATEC has secured a €40 million venture debt loan from the European Investment Bank and a €30 million grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to scale-up its e-Fuel production. This €70 million total investment aims to finance the construction of Europe's largest sustainable e-Fuel production plant in Frankfurt. The project is focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and will enable INERATEC to commercialize innovative reactor technology that uses green hydrogen and CO2 to create synthetic aviation fuel.
Turning plastic waste into a valuable resource: Epoch Biodesign
(March 05)
UK-based Epoch Biodesign has announced an oversubscribed $18.3M Series A funding round, aimed at building their first commercial-scale plant to tackle plastic waste. This funding, which includes participation from Inditex and a $1M grant from the UK government, will enable Epoch to expand their enzyme technology for recycling. The company focuses on enzymatic recycling to transform plastics into reusable monomers, addressing the urgent need for solutions to the plastic waste crisis.
South Africa and Chile's Cooperation on Decarbonisation and Trade
(March 05)
South Africa and Chile agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations by cooperating in trade, industry promotion, decarbonisation, and critical minerals during the 8th meeting of the Joint Trade and Investment Commission. The agreement involves enhancing opportunities for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women-led enterprises. Both countries aim to explore cooperation in battery manufacturing and fuel cells while also facilitating access to larger markets for Chilean companies through South Africa.
Study examines ecological impacts of deep-sea mining
(March 05)
Germany's GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel led a study investigating the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, focusing on polymetallic nodules at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters. The independent MiningImpact project monitored test operations of a nodule collector vehicle in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The study revealed sediment plumes generated by mining activities could reach up to 4.5 kilometers away, resulting in significant ecological changes. Researchers aim to inform regulations by the International Seabed Authority regarding the monitoring of future deep-sea mining operations.
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
EIB and European Commission Launch Gender Finance Lab for Commercial Banks
(March 05)
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission have launched the InvestEU Gender Finance Lab, a unique advisory programme aimed at enhancing access to finance for women-owned and women-led SMEs in Europe. This initiative is supported by 25 European banks that have committed to a masterclass programme. The programme includes various components such as designing gender-responsive financial products and understanding the contributions of women-led SMEs to economic growth. The gender-smart finance masterclass is set to commence in March 2025, focusing on inclusivity and gender equality in finance.
Iskandar Malaysia: The Cornerstone of The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone
(March 05)
Malaysia and Singapore have officially formed the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) on 7 January 2025, envisioned to enhance the economic potential of the region. The initiative is set to roll out 50 projects in its first five years, scaling up to 100 projects over a decade, which will create 20,000 skilled job opportunities across 11 key economic sectors, including Energy and the Green Economy. The project aims to align both countries as global economic hubs, leveraging Iskandar Malaysia's existing infrastructure and investment commitments that have already surpassed RM383 billion.
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Autonomous trucks set to operate on 44 highways in South Korea
(March 05)
South Korea has officially expanded the operational zones for autonomous trucks, allowing them to run on 44 highway routes totaling 5,224 kilometers. Previously, they were limited to only 4 routes covering 332.3 kilometers. This marks a significant step in the practical implementation of autonomous driving technologies, with an aim to enhance efficiency and safety in freight transportation. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to allow payment-based freight transport services following safety verifications and testing.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) | Republic of Korea
Foams, an emerging key material for fusion now available from HB11
(March 05)
Australia-based HB11 Energy has developed foams that are emerging as a critical material for fusion energy. During a successful experiment at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Germany, researchers utilized foams produced by HB11 Energy to generate high proton fluxes for fusion via laser technology. The company now offers these innovative materials for purchase to research groups at laser facilities. These foams, characterized by a low density of 5 or 10 mg/cc, were tested for the first time, demonstrating their potential in safe and sustainable fusion energy.
Areim raises EUR 450 million for data centre fund
(March 05)
Nordic-based Areim has completed an additional capital raise for its Nordic data centre fund, Areim DC Fund, bringing total raised capital to EUR 900 million. The capital raise was significantly oversubscribed and adds both Nordic and international institutional capital, further diversifying the investor base. Over the past two years, Areim has raised more than EUR 1.2 billion of capital to the platform, including equity, debt, and bond capital. The raised capital will be used to continue expanding EcoDataCenter, which is fully owned by the Areim DC Fund since 2023.
EU Automotive Industry Calls for Decarbonisation Strategy
(March 05)
The European Union automotive industry has acknowledged the European Commission's Action Plan, which aims to address global market challenges while promoting zero-emission mobility. European vehicle manufacturers have invested billions into this transition but emphasize the need for infrastructure, demand incentives, and cost reduction measures for vehicles. The Action Plan proposes flexibility in meeting CO2 targets and highlights the importance of infrastructure and zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. ACEA, representing major European car manufacturers, supports regulatory simplification and competitive enhancements in autonomous driving. ACEA is committed to collaborating with the European Commission to develop a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy.
SSBJ issues Inaugural Sustainability Disclosure Standards to be applied in Japan｜Sustainability Standards Board of Japan
(February 19)
Japan's Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) has issued its inaugural sustainability disclosure standards, aligning with the International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The SSBJ Standards include a Universal Sustainability Disclosure Standard, a General Disclosures Standard, and a Climate-related Disclosures Standard. The standards are expected to be applied by entities listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
ssb-j.jp | Overview of the standards in English
Nitricity announces $10M funding for organic fertilizer plant
(March 04)
US-based Nitricity Inc. has secured $10 million in funding to build a first-of-a-kind organic fertilizer plant in Delhi, California. The facility will utilize recycled almond shells and renewable energy to produce a sustainable, organic nitrogen fertilizer, with its full capacity already sold out through 2028 under binding agreements with local growers. This project marks a significant increase in production capacity and is expected to create around 20 jobs in the Merced community by 2026.
Tandem PV Secures $50M for U.S. Solar Manufacturing
(March 04)
US-based Tandem PV has secured $50 million in Series A funding to commercialize its perovskite solar panels. The investment, led by Eclipse and including Constellation Energy and others, will fund the construction of a manufacturing facility in the U.S. Tandem PV's panels, which achieve 28% efficiency, aim to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign solar manufacturers and enhance energy security. The company plans to surpass 30% efficiency by late 2025, offering a sustainable path toward decarbonization.
Scientists create recipe for fast-spectrum molten salt reactor
(March 03)
US-based Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has developed a recipe for the world's first critical fast-spectrum molten salt reactor, the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE). After five years of research, the team successfully converted uranium metal into uranium chloride for use as fuel, achieving a 90% efficiency in the process.
Europe’s Largest Battery Goes Live in Blackhillock, Scotland
(March 03)
UK-based Zenobē has launched Europe's largest battery site at Blackhillock, Scotland, with an initial capacity of 200MW, expanding to 300MW. The site is the world's first to provide Stability Services, addressing grid congestion from offshore wind farms. This project is expected to lower consumer bills by over £170 million over 15 years and prevent approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Zenobē partnered with Wärtsilä, EDF Wholesale Market Services, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks for this pioneering project.
Colorado acts to reduce methane emissions in oil and gas
(February 21)
US-based Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has approved updates to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is targeted alongside volatile organic compounds to improve air quality. The new rule mandates phasing out natural gas-driven pneumatic devices, with a complete phase-out by March 2029, ahead of federal deadlines. This initiative is expected to cut 16,000 metric tons of methane annually, equivalent to emissions from over 104,000 gasoline-powered vehicles.
State poised to power planes with pulp, not petroleum - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives
(February 10)
The United States is exploring the potential of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from residual wood products and other non-petroleum-based sources to reduce the carbon footprint of airplanes. Rick Horton, Executive Vice President of Minnesota Forest Industries, highlighted the need for scaling up the technology. Jeff Davidman from Delta Air Lines noted that SAF costs two to five times more than conventional jet fuel, but demand is high as airlines aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. Andrea Vaubel from the Department of Agriculture emphasized Minnesota's readiness with available feedstocks and urged legislative support for tax credits to boost the SAF industry.
These are just 24 out of the 400 stories we covered in the Telborg briefing today.
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