Infra, Aviation, Carbon Offsets, & more
Indonesia approves 21 infra projects; First Moldova permit for industrial hemp; Zero percent clinker cement; Archer Aviation - Palantir partner on AI for next-gen aviation;
Equatorial Guinea Relaunches Open-Door Licensing Process for Energy Sector
(March 17)
Equatorial Guinea has officially relaunched its open-door licensing process aimed at boosting hydrocarbon production and attracting investment. The initiative sets the stage for a significant licensing round at the end of 2025 or early 2026, featuring strategic fiscal reforms, including a reduction in corporate tax from 35% to 25%. The planned multi-client 3D seismic acquisition initiative will provide high-quality geological insights for investors. Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Mega Hub initiative is a central aspect of its energy strategy, collaborating with neighboring countries to enhance gas monetization projects.
Clean Fuels, Farm, Feedstock Groups Ask EPA to Set 5.25-Billion-Gallon 2026 RFS BBD Volume
(March 17)
The Clean Fuels Alliance America, along with organizations such as the American Farm Bureau Federation and the American Soybean Association, wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. They proposed that the EPA set the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2026 at 5.25 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel. The coalition aims to ensure consistent growth in advanced biofuel volumes to support clean transportation options and economic opportunities. The letter emphasizes the importance of clean fuels for U.S. energy security and calls for timely adjustments to RFS standards.
Green Carbon collaborates on carbon offset initiatives in Nara Prefecture
(March 17)
Green Carbon, a company specializing in nature-based carbon credits, has partnered with Paperal, a long-established paper company in Nara Prefecture, to measure emission reductions during the production of a new type of paper called 'kome-kami'. They have utilized rice paddy-derived J-Credits for carbon offset, marking the world's first instance of such a product. This initiative began under the Open Innovation Program initiated by Nara Prefecture, highlighting collaboration for practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Speech by Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action at the SBF Dialogue in 2025
(March 17)
Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action delivered a substantial speech at the Singapore Business Federation Dialogue on March 17, 2025, focusing on the need for businesses to adapt to climate change realities. The Ambassador stated that Singapore is committed to reducing emissions to "between 45 to 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035" as a step toward a 2050 net-zero target. Additionally, the carbon tax will be raised to $50–$80 per ton by 2030, which will support businesses in their decarbonisation efforts. The speech underscored the importance of transition planning for businesses to remain competitive in a changing climate.
National Climate Change Secretariat | Singapore
Moldova issued first permit for industrial hemp cultivation
(March 16)
The Medical Devices Agency in Moldova issued the first permit for industrial hemp cultivation, allowing for the production of seeds, fibers, and oil. This authorization aligns with the country's narcotics legislation and allows for cultivation based on agrotechnical standards. The digital permit process is available online and aims to ensure transparency. Industrial hemp is a sustainable crop with a rapid growth cycle of 90 days, enabling multiple harvests each year, while contributing to climate change mitigation by capturing carbon dioxide.
Taiwan's Target Price for Imported Green Electricity Set at NT$4
(March 16)
The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan announced that the target price for importing green electricity from abroad is set at NT$4 per kilowatt-hour. This aligns with the solar PV installation cost in the Philippines, which ranges from NT$2-3 per kilowatt-hour. The ministry affirmed the feasibility of this pricing due to matured international submarine cable transport costs, although these may vary by geographical conditions. They highlighted that battery shipping costs will decrease significantly with economies of scale and market proliferation. The Ministry also stated intentions to collaborate with like-minded democratic countries to enhance regional economic development and carbon reduction efforts.
Executive Yuan (Taiwan Cabinet)
2025 Development Plan for the national electricity grid presented - Terna spa
(March 14)
Italy-based Terna presented its 2025-2034 Development Plan, committing over €23 billion in investments to enhance the national electricity grid. The plan aims to integrate renewable sources and increase grid capacity, supporting Italy's energy transition. Key projects include the Tyrrhenian Link, Adriatic Link, and Italy-Tunisia energy bridge. The plan aligns with the 2024 Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, targeting significant CO2 emission reductions by 2030 and 2040.
MakinaRocks and Siemens DI MOU for Industrial Edge AI Innovation
(March 13)
On March 13, 2025, MakinaRocks, a leading industrial AI company in South Korea, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Siemens Digital Industries (DI) for industrial edge AI innovation. This partnership aims to enhance digital transformation in the manufacturing sector by combining AI technology with operational technology. The global market for edge AI is projected to grow from approximately $20.45 billion in 2023 to $269.8 billion by 2032. MakinaRocks will integrate its AI platform, 'Runway', with Siemens’ edge solutions to optimize operations in large-scale manufacturing facilities.
Italian airline Volotea partners with DAC startup 280 Earth to offset aviation emissions
(March 13)
Italy-based Volotea has partnered with 280 Earth, a Google X Lab startup, to explore high-quality carbon credits and develop certified emission reduction projects. This two-year collaboration marks 280 Earth's entry into the European market. Volotea aims to reduce CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer by 50% by 2030, potentially achieving this goal 4-5 years early. 280 Earth specializes in Direct Air Capture technology, with a plant in Oregon capable of removing 500 tons of CO2 annually, expanding to 20,000 tons.
Archer And Palantir To Build The AI Foundation For The Future Of Next-Gen Aviation Technologies
(March 13)
US-based Archer Aviation Inc. and Palantir Technologies Inc. announced a partnership to build the AI foundation for next-gen aviation technologies. They plan to leverage Palantir Foundry and AIP to scale Archer’s aircraft manufacturing capabilities in Georgia and Silicon Valley. The collaboration aims to develop AI-driven software for aviation systems like air traffic control and route planning, enhancing efficiency, safety, and affordability. The partnership was formalized at Palantir’s AIPCon with CEOs Alex Karp and Adam Goldstein.
Eve Air Mobility and UI Helicopter Collaborate to Accelerate Advanced Air Mobility in South Korea
(March 13)
South Korea has seen a collaboration between Eve Air Mobility and UI Helicopter to advance the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce eVTOL technical, operational, and ecosystem requirements to the local government and industry. This partnership aims to develop a technically rigorous AAM infrastructure, leveraging Eve's resources and UI Helicopter's local expertise. The initiative aligns with South Korea's efforts to enhance Urban Air Mobility, including the K-UAM Grand Challenge, and aims to improve connectivity and stimulate local economies.
H-UKR decarbonized cement 0% clinker from Hoffmann Green receives a Technical Approval (ATEc)
(March 10)
France-based Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies announced that its H-UKR cement, a 0% clinker cement, received a Technical Approval (ATEc), marking a world first for such a product. This approval confirms the cement's durability and safety, achieved after over seven years of research and collaboration with experts. The approval covers surface foundation applications in France and positions Hoffmann Green Cement as a leader in the low-carbon cement market. The company operates two production units in Bournezeau and plans to expand with a third factory in the Rhône-Alpes region by 2027-2028, aiming for a production capacity of 1,000,000 tons per year. Hoffmann Green Cement's innovative approach reduces energy consumption by 10 to 15 times compared to traditional Portland cement, contributing to the energy transition and promoting eco-responsible construction.
Indonesia Cabinet approves 21 infra projects including oil & gas, mining, agriculture
(March 04)
Indonesia has announced the acceleration of its national industrial downstreaming to enhance energy security, create jobs, and boost economic growth. In a meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto, 21 strategic projects were agreed upon with a total investment of USD 40 billion. Key projects include the construction of an oil storage facility on Pulau Nipah and a refinery with a capacity of 500,000 barrels per day. The government also plans to develop Dimethyl Ether (DME) production as an LPG substitute, leveraging domestic resources without foreign investors.
India-NZ FTA negotiations, Preventing malaria with GMO mosquitoes, India AI-for-Minerals Hackathon
Aichi Prefecture initiates sale of forest credits from public forests
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