India-NZ FTA negotiations, Preventing malaria with GMO mosquitoes, India AI-for-Minerals Hackathon

Aichi Prefecture initiates sale of forest credits from public forests

(March 17)

Aichi Prefecture initiated the sale of forest credits derived from its public forests as part of the 'Yahagi River and Toyokawa Carbon Neutral Project'. They utilized the J-Credit system for this purpose, having received applications for 287t-CO₂ against a sale volume of 200t-CO₂. The selected buyers will use these credits for carbon offsetting related to CO₂ emissions at local events and factories. Future sales of forest credits are planned for the next financial year.

Aichi Prefectural Government | Japan

India and New Zealand announce launch of FTA negotiations

(March 16)

The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, have launched negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on March 16th, 2025. This significant step aims to enhance bilateral economic co-operation, improve supply chain integration, and provide better market access. The negotiations were marked by a meeting between India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, Hon'ble Shri Piyush Goyal, and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon'ble Mr. Todd McClay, laying the groundwork for a stronger economic partnership.

Government of India

Telecom Three Giants Layout Offshore Wind Power and Sign Long-Term Green Power Contracts

(March 16)

Telecom giants in Taiwan have established long-term contracts for green energy to support offshore wind power project development. This initiative aligns with Taiwan's commitment to bolster renewable energy usage. The move is part of a broader strategy to facilitate sustainable energy transitions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Through these contracts, the companies aim to contribute to meeting national energy targets.

Overseas Community Affairs Council, Taiwan

Norwegian Infrastructure Must Be Climate and Nature Positive by 2050

(March 13)

The Grønn Byggallianse and Grønn Anleggssektor launched a roadmap for Norwegian infrastructure towards 2050. It emphasizes that infrastructure projects must be climate and nature positive, utilize climate-positive materials, and form part of circular value chains. The reports also state that significant land will be used for infrastructure, hence the importance of incorporating environmental considerations in planning. The roadmap recommends ambitious goals from politicians to reduce emissions and restore nature. A commitment to a circular economy and sustainable infrastructure is necessary for future developments.

SINTEF

India's First Exploration Licence Auction and AI-Driven Mineral Targeting Hackathon Launched

(March 13)

The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, organized a landmark event on March 13, 2025, to launch India's first-ever auction of Exploration Licenses (ELs). Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the auction of 13 EL blocks, targeting critical minerals such as Rare Earth Elements (REE), Zinc, and Copper. This auction aims to enhance mineral exploration, increase private sector participation, and reduce India's import dependency. Furthermore, an AI Hackathon focused on 'Mineral Targeting using AI' was also inaugurated during the event, leveraging technology to improve mineral discovery. Certificates were awarded to three newly recognized Private Exploration Agencies as part of the initiative. Discussions at the accompanying review meeting highlighted the importance of sustainable and responsible mining practices.

Government of India

Gene drive modified mosquitoes offer new tool for malaria elimination efforts

(March 13)

The Transmission Zero project, co-developed by researchers from Imperial College London and the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, aims to combat malaria by genetically modifying mosquitoes to render them incapable of transmitting the malaria parasite. This effort could significantly reduce malaria cases, especially among vulnerable populations such as children. Supported by a $15 million grant from the Gates Foundation, the research seeks to establish local partnerships and capabilities for ongoing malaria mitigation.

Imperial College London

Terabase Secures $130 Million Series C from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 to Accelerate Construction of Utility-Scale Solar

(March 13)

US-based Terabase Energy has secured $130 million in a Series C financing round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, bringing its total funding to over $200 million. The funding will accelerate the deployment of Terabase's technologies for large solar projects, reducing costs and construction timelines. Terabase's platform, which combines robotics, AI, and a digital ecosystem, will support the manufacturing scale-up of its robotics-assisted assembly line, Terafab. This investment comes as breakthroughs in battery storage economics enable solar power plants to deliver cost-competitive electricity 24/7.

terabase.energy

ABB and Charbone to Develop Green Hydrogen Facilities in North America

(March 13)

Canada-based Charbone Hydrogen Corporation and ABB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop up to 15 modular green hydrogen production facilities across North America over the next five years. This collaboration positions ABB as the preferred supplier for electrical substations and potentially automation solutions. The initiative supports the Québec government’s 2030 energy roadmap to reduce petroleum consumption by one billion liters annually. The first facility, located in Sorel-Tracy, Québec, will connect to the Hydro-Québec grid by 2025, using hydroelectricity to power green hydrogen electrolyzers.

new.abb.com

AIIB and IFC Invest in Green Energy Transformation in Central and Eastern Europe

(March 13)

AIIB and IFC each invested up to €100 million in a senior unsecured bond issued by Kommunalkredit Austria AG. This investment aims to finance infrastructure projects in Central and Eastern Europe, specifically focusing on renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon footprints in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Türkiye. The initiative is part of the European Green Deal, accelerating the green energy transition in these regions.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

EPA Reconsiders Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

(March 12)

US-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a reconsideration of the mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). The program requires over 8,000 facilities and suppliers in the United States to calculate and submit their emissions reporting annually. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the program costs hundreds of millions of dollars, which could be better used to improve environmental controls. This announcement is part of a series of deregulatory actions to advance President Trump's executive orders and aims to lower costs for Americans and give power back to states.

epa.gov

CO2RE funds five durable GGR storage projects

(March 11)

CO2RE has awarded funding to five innovative projects aimed at enhancing durable Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) storage solutions. These projects received up to £75,000 each and focus on technologies to permanently store CO2 for at least 1000 years. Key projects include SEWING, which evaluates seagrass meadows for carbon dioxide removal, and CalyChar, which aims to effectively capture and store CO2 from biowaste at a lower cost than existing technologies. Other projects involve synergistic approaches combining BECCS with biochar production and predictive modeling for biochar durability.

CO₂RE – The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub

New projects enough to power nearly every Australian home with cheap, clean renewable energy

(March 06)

Australia has approved new renewable energy projects capable of powering nearly every household in the country. The Albanese Government's initiative includes three wind farms in New South Wales: the 1,332 MW Liverpool Range Wind Farm, the 700 MW Spicers Creek Wind Farm, and the 372 MW Hills of Gold Wind Farm. These projects are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6.5 million tonnes annually and create 1,340 construction jobs and 80 ongoing jobs. The government has approved a total of 77 renewable energy projects, enough to power over 10 million homes, marking a significant milestone in Australia's renewable energy efforts.

minister.dcceew.gov.au

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