Japan aiming for 10GW offshore power by 2030, Philippines forest carbon project, Google AI for Energy accelerator
Sweden-Ghana Article 6 projects; High-performance robot batteries; Self-destructing plastics; Ammonia solid-oxide fuel cells; Autonomous sea robotics; Australia AUD1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund
Japan Cabinet Approves Amendments for Marine Renewable Energy
(March 07)
Japan's Cabinet has approved an amendment to a law promoting the use of marine areas for the establishment of marine renewable energy power generation facilities. This move aims to position offshore wind power as a key energy source in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with goals of forming projects by 2030 for 10 million kW (10 GW) and up to 45 million kW (45 GW) by 2040. The law introduces a system for the economic minister to designate areas for installation and collaborate with stakeholders for approvals, while also considering marine environment protection.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry | Japan
WTO Committee on Market Access discusses greening the Harmonized System
(March 04)
The European Union discussed its process for tracking trade in products related to fluorinated greenhouse gases and deforestation, utilizing databases that enhance customs operations. The EU suggested that the World Customs Organization improve classification for green technologies. The United Kingdom emphasized collaboration between trade and customs to resolve limitations in the current Harmonized System, reporting a case study about recycling-related trade barriers. The Dominican Republic successfully integrated Multilateral Environmental Agreements into its customs tariff system, creating a Green Customs Department. Jamaica highlighted its challenges in enforcing environmental policies, particularly in dealing with plastics pollution and renewable energy development.
Indigenous leaders sign landmark carbon deal in Philippines
(March 06)
Philippines-based Indigenous leaders signed a landmark agreement to establish the country’s first locally owned forest carbon project. The initiative, which aims to protect 39,000 hectares of forest, will generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits to combat deforestation. This agreement encourages community management of resources and aims to set a standard for integrating biodiversity and community engagement into carbon trading.
Can hydrogen plasma revolutionize the steel industry?
(March 06)
Norwegian SINTEF has researched the use of hydrogen plasma as a method to replace fossil carbon in metal production. The goal is to achieve a completely emission-free process while maintaining high quality and efficiency in steel production. Preliminary results from pilot projects suggest that this technology could significantly reduce CO2 emissions from the steel industry, which currently contributes to about 7% of global emissions. Challenges such as green hydrogen access and financial investments for infrastructure remain, but the approach could lead to sustainable steel production in Norway.
North Ammonia and Höegh Evi explore clean ammonia supply chain
(March 06)
Norway-based North Ammonia developed renewable fuels of non-biological origin ammonia facilities and has partnered with Höegh Evi, a leader in marine energy infrastructure, to create a clean ammonia supply chain to Europe. They aim to produce green ammonia for hydrogen transport, exploring the technical and commercial aspects of a scalable infrastructure to support hydrogen distribution to industrial users in Europe. This aims to enhance energy cooperation and align with Europe’s climate and energy goals.
Sandia National Laboratories Develops Self-Destructing Plastics Technology
(March 06)
US-based Sandia National Laboratories has developed innovative microencapsulation technology aimed at creating plastics that can self-destruct when they reach the end of their useful life. This new concept allows for the inclusion of compounds within plastics that can be triggered to break down the material, addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste that can take hundreds of years to decompose. The team, including scientists Brad Jones and Oleg Davydovich, focused on utilizing a common rubber, polybutadiene, to demonstrate the effectiveness of their method, achieving significant recycling capabilities that traditional processes lack.
Sandia National Laboratory | USA
Imperial Global Singapore researching ammonia solid oxide fuel cells and maritime decarbonisation
(March 06)
Singapore-based Imperial Global Singapore has been actively working on climate and energy transition projects. It received significant funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) to support a program on Decarbonisation that aims to develop direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells (DA-SOFCs). This initiative aims to create sustainable clean fuel sources and enhance capabilities in hydrogen utilization. Through partnerships with local institutions like Nanyang Technological University, the project focuses on non-fossil fuel pathways for producing sustainable aviation fuel. Additionally, Imperial has partnered with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to support eco-friendly maritime practices.
New Empa laboratory to unlock the quantum potential of carbon
(March 06)
Switzerland-based Empa opened a new laboratory focused on harnessing quantum effects from carbon, with the vision to create sustainable quantum technologies including computers. The CarboQuant project, supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation, aims to investigate quantum effects in carbon nanostructures using state-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscopes. This laboratory will help advance the understanding and practical applications of carbon-based quantum materials, running from 2022 to 2032.
USITC Releases USTR-Requested Report on U.S. Aluminum and Steel Emissions Intensities | United States International Trade Commission
(February 27)
US-based U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released a report requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) calculating the greenhouse gas emissions intensities of U.S. steel and aluminum industries. The report provides detailed emissions intensity estimates for various steel and aluminum products, highlighting the production pathways and material inputs that influence these intensities. The findings show significant differences in emissions based on production methods and material use, with primary unwrought aluminum having the highest emissions intensity due to its energy requirements. The report does not make policy recommendations but provides factual findings and analyses.
US: Minnesota Bill would increase funding for soil and water conservation districts
(March 06)
US-based Minnesota House of Representatives has proposed a bill, HF1066, to increase funding for soil and water conservation districts from $12 million to $22 million starting in 2025. This funding aims to help these districts carry out their mission of managing natural resources with private landowners. The initiative was supported by Rep. Liz Reyer and emphasized by Sheila Vanney from the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, highlighting projects like lakeshore stabilization and urban rain gardens. This bill underscores a collaborative effort towards sustainable land management and improved water quality in Minnesota.
Minnesota House of Representatives
Brazil establishes international cooperation agreements
(March 06)
Brazil has sent international cooperation agreements to the National Congress, signed with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The agreement with Bangladesh focuses on technical cooperation in sustainable forest management and renewable energy, aiming to strengthen social and economic development between the two nations. The cooperation will include aspects of agriculture, livestock, and management of natural resources.
EU Highlights Importance of Hydrogen in Multiannual Financial Framework
(March 06)
The European Union has underscored the critical role of hydrogen in its upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). As part of its strategic focus on sustainability and energy security, the EU initiated a public consultation to invite stakeholders to advocate for continued investment in hydrogen technologies. This initiative aims to ensure robust financial support for the hydrogen sector, emphasizing its significance in fostering competitiveness and decarbonizing the European economy. The consultation will influence the allocation of resources post-2027 for hydrogen research, innovation, and infrastructure development.
Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy applications are open
(March 06)
US-based Google has launched the first-ever Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy, a 10-week program aimed at supporting startups focused on integrating AI into their energy solutions. The program includes mentorship and technical support for selected startups, enhancing their capacity to contribute to the energy sector. It targets themes such as grid optimization, demand response technologies, and energy efficiency, helping startups accelerate their development and impact in the field. Applications for the North American cohort opened on March 6, 2025.
Nauticus Robotics Announces Intent to Acquire SeaTrepid International
(March 05)
US-based Nauticus Robotics, Inc. announced its intent to acquire SeaTrepid International, LLC, enhancing its capabilities in autonomous subsea robotics. This acquisition aims to integrate Nauticus' AI-powered software ToolKITT with SeaTrepid's ROV fleet, boosting operational performance and power efficiency. The transaction is expected to complete by May 2025, significantly increasing combined revenue. Nauticus CEOs remarked on the growth potential and importance of this merger for future underwater solutions.
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (KITT)
Sweden and Ghana Collaborate on Emission Reduction Projects
(March 04)
Sweden has partnered with Ghana to finance two new emission reduction projects under the Paris Agreement. The Swedish Energy Agency is supporting an e-mobility project by Solar Taxi, deploying 48,000 electric motorcycles to replace fossil-fueled vehicles in Ghana. Additionally, TFI Power Company will develop a 60 MW solar power park connected to the national grid. These initiatives aim to cut emissions by 450,000 tons of CO2 by 2030 and create job opportunities in Ghana.
Eos Energy Secures Naval Base Project for Energy Storage
(March 04)
US-based Eos Energy Enterprises announced an $8 million standalone BESS order for the Naval Base of San Diego, funded by a grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC). This project aims to enhance energy resilience for the U.S. Navy’s western fleet, supporting mission-critical functions and national security. The project will utilize Eos Z3™ Cubes, known for their safety and low operational costs, manufactured in Pennsylvania. This order is part of Eos' efforts to improve grid resilience in California and expand its partnership with the CEC.
GRP Becomes Asia’s Lead Supplier of Zero Carbon Endless Hot Rolled Coil to Europe Following Landmark Deal with Primetals Technologies
(February 25)
Indonesia-based Gunung Raja Paksi Tbk (GRP) has signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Primetals Technologies to become Asia's first supplier of zero carbon hot rolled coil (HRC) outside of China, trading into Europe. GRP will integrate Primetals Technologies' Arvedi ESP technology, which eliminates fossil fuel use and reduces greenhouse gas emissions to zero. The project will double GRP's production capacity to 2,500,000 tons of low carbon steel by 2027, with over 50% exported to the EU. This initiative aligns with the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism and supports Indonesia's net zero goals by 2060.
Hyundai Motor, Kia and Samsung SDI Collaborate to Develop High-Performance Robot Batteries
(February 24)
South Korea-based Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced a partnership with Samsung SDI to develop high-performance batteries specifically for robots. The collaboration aims to increase energy density, output, and usage time of robot batteries, addressing space and capacity limitations in robotics. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Hyundai Motor Group’s Uiwang Research Center. The partnership seeks to stabilize battery supply for robots and enhance price competitiveness through market expansion.
Australia launches $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund
(March 06)
Australia has announced the $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund to enhance green iron manufacturing and develop supply chains. The fund allocates at least $500 million to projects across the country and aims to support the Whyalla steelworks transformation. This initiative is crucial in positioning Australia to meet global demand for green metals, projected to reach about 852 million tonnes by 2050. The fund will also help create significant economic value, potentially adding $85 billion to GDP and creating over 1,500 jobs. The fund was first announced on February 20.
Department of Industry, Science and Resources | Australian Government
SEK 20 billion to capture and store over 11 million tons of biogenic carbon dioxide
(February 14)
Sweden has taken a significant step towards achieving negative emissions with the decision by the Swedish Energy Agency to support bio-CCS technology. Stockholm Exergi won the first reverse auction under the new support scheme, which covers the full cost of capturing, transporting, and storing biogenic carbon dioxide. The project will receive over 20 billion SEK, paid over a maximum of 15 years, to capture and store biogenic CO2. The initiative is part of a larger SEK 36 billion scheme approved by the European Commission to support projects removing biogenic CO2 emissions through permanent CCS.
These are just 20 out of the 250 stories we covered in the Telborg briefing today.
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