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TOP STORY
US pulls funding from international loss and damage, energy transition programmes
The US has withdrawn from the UN’s Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage from climate change and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at helping developing nations transition from coal to cleaner energy sources, the US Treasury Department announced this week.
VOLUNTARY
No current cookstove credits can use CCP label after tough fNRB conditions imposed by ICVCM
No cookstove credits currently in circulation can use the high-integrity stamp of the ICVCM, after the integrity watchdog imposed tough conditions to safeguard against over-crediting.
CDM panel approves “marginal”, more granular approach to clean cooking projects
A methodological panel for the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has endorsed a “marginal” approach for the fraction of non-renewable biomass (fNRB) for application in clean cooking projects, according to a meeting report published online this week.
ICVCM doing better job to identify project quality than CORSIA, says ratings agency
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) is doing a “much better job of separating out quality” carbon projects than the UN’s aviation offset scheme CORSIA, said the co-founder of a ratings agency on a webinar Thursday.
Tailings to treasure: Mine waste could yield billions in carbon credits -report
Mining companies could unlock a multibillion-dollar revenue stream by repurposing waste rock, including legacy tailings, for CO2 removals, according to a new report.
Verra launches public consultation on Scope 3 standard programme
Verra this week launched a public consultation on its preliminary programme documents for its Scope 3 Standard (S3S) Program, seeking feedback on key aspects of the initiative aimed at addressing corporate value chain emissions.
Boreal forests don’t quickly recover their CO2 storage abilities post-fire, study observes
Boreal forests fail to recover their ability to store CO2 even four years after a major wildfire, according to new research, raising concerns about the long-term carbon balance of these ecosystems.
Burgers on the menu: Global trade fuels huge surge in bioeconomy emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions linked to the global bioeconomy supply chain have surged by 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2e since 1995, with international trade accounting for 80% of the increase and beef and restaurants helping to drive that growth, according to new research.
Rooftop solar could cut global warming by up to 0.13C by 2050 -study
Rooftop solar panels could help reduce global temperatures by up to 0.13C by mid-century, according to new research that highlights their untapped potential in the fight against climate change.
Building sector emissions remain elevated as climate policy tracking falls short, research finds
Inadequate tracking of climate policies is impeding efforts to cut emissions from the building sector, which accounts for more than a third of global energy use, according to a new study.
AMERICAS
Virginia circuit court reverts to temporary RGGI halt until state appeals
A Virginia county circuit court that had ruled the state’s RGGI’s repeal unlawful last year, suspended its earlier decision, giving the government time to appeal the ruling.
Republican lawmakers seek Delaware’s exit from RGGI
A group of Republican legislators sponsored a bill in the state senate Thursday aiming to withdraw Delaware from participation in RGGI.
Canada opens investigation into US renewable diesel imports
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated an investigation into the dumping and subsidising of renewable diesel (RD) imported from the US, it announced this week.
Bipartisan US lawmakers propose renewable fuel bill for ocean vessels
A bipartisan bill that would allow companies to generate and retain Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits for biofuels used in marine shipping was introduced in Congress Thursday.
CFTC: Investors build CCA, RGGI length but retreat from LCFS amid regulatory hiccups
Investors built California Carbon Allowance (CCA) and RGGI Allowance (RGA) exposure but exited Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LFS) length on regulatory uncertainty over the week, according to latest figures from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Friday.
Alberta warns Canada’s clean electricity rules threaten grid reliability, affordability
The Government of Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) present significant risks to Alberta’s electricity reliability and affordability, according to a recent analysis.
BRIEFING: Oregon struggling with deployment of heavy-duty zero-emission trucks
Oregon has seen limited uptake of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks despite forthcoming regulation, which led the state governor to call on regulators to develop new policy solutions, state officials said Friday.
Natural disasters could flip Mass. forests from CO2 sink to source, imperilling state’s net zero plans -study
Massachusetts’ forests are expected to remain a long-term carbon sink, but hurricanes and land development could significantly weaken their ability to absorb greenhouse gases, according to a state-commissioned study.
INTERVIEW: New hot rocks technology to shake up heat and power market
A Canadian geothermal energy company is set to shake up the power and heating market after borrowing techniques in the oil and gas sector to drill deep below the earth’s surface to extract heat from dry hot rock, its founder told Carbon Pulse.
EMEA
UAE investment firm expands $1.2 bln portfolio into carbon
A Dubai-based investment company has allocated 8% of a $1.2 billion portfolio to carbon credits and reforestation projects as part of a broader strategy to diversify into high-growth opportunities across key industries, the firm announced Thursday.
EU member states approve Poland’s push for more free EUAs for district heating
EU member states have approved a draft amendment allowing district heating operators in Poland and other eligible countries to receive an additional 30% in free carbon allowances under the EU ETS.
IRA dismantling opens opportunity window for EU -researchers
The undoing of the subsidy-laden Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the US allows Europe to seize the opportunity to lead on green investments, rather than play catch-up, according to researchers.
Bids in EU’s latest clean hydrogen auction quadruple the available budget
Bids to develop renewable hydrogen projects in the EU amounted to more than €4.8 billion — four times higher than the budget for the European Hydrogen Bank’s second auction, the European Commission announced on Friday.
Euro Markets: EUAs suffer whiplash amid constant flow of headlines to post fifth weekly loss in a row
EU carbon prices posted their fifth weekly loss in a row despite a energy-wide rally on Friday morning, as traders reacted to overnight reports that Russian forces had attacked energy infrastructure in Ukraine, followed by whiplash volatility late in the day after US threats to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia were followed by reports that Russia is open to a ceasefire.
Denmark receives two bids for coastal CO2 storage permits
The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) on Friday said it has received two applications for permits to explore subsurface CO2 storage in three coastal areas, as part of a tender launched early this year.
West of England unveils industrial decarbonisation plan including CCS, clean power
The West of England industrial cluster has unveiled a local industrial decarbonisation plan, with potential to contribute £3.5 billion to the UK economy by 2040 through opportunities including carbon capture and storage (CCS), clean power, and alternative fuels.
ASIA PACIFIC
Australia’s Productivity Commission seeks opportunities for biochar beyond ACCUs
Australia’s Productivity Commission (PC) is seeking views on whether government efforts could help boost biochar production in the country without relying on them being eligible to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), it said in a report this week.
Japan’s SSBJ issues first corporate sustainability disclosure standards aligned with global frameworks
Japan’s Sustainability Standards Board (SSBJ) this week issued its inaugural sustainability disclosure standards, aligning closely with international frameworks in a move aimed at enhancing transparency and comparability in corporate reporting.
UNDP seeks local firm to develop national carbon registry in Vietnam
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a local IT firm in Vietnam to develop a national registry for emission allowances and carbon credits.
BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)
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INTERVIEW: US rollback on nature looms over resuming plastic treaty talks
The US administration’s recent rollback on environmental action is poised to overheat the debate on financing at the resuming talks on the UN plastic treaty, with the EU expected to adopt an even tougher stance than it did at last year’s summit, an observer to the negotiations told Carbon Pulse.
Harmonised biodiversity credit markets ‘promising’ tool to scale nature finance -report
Advancing biodiversity credit markets is among the key steps recommended by the World Government Summit to meet the $200 billion annual target set out under the Global Biodiversity Framework, provided that regulators develop a standardised framework to prevent greenwashing.
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NEW REPORT
How offtake agreements are shaping the future of biochar: Long-term offtake agreements are transforming the biochar carbon removal market — securing supply, stabilizing prices, and providing financial certainty. Supercritical’s latest report, Locked in or Left Behind?, explores key shifts in procurement strategies and what they mean for the future of carbon removal. With 62% of high-quality biochar credits for 2025 already committed and prices rising 18% in 2024, securing an offtake could be the key to guaranteeing supply and price stability.
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EVENTS
North American Carbon World (NACW) – Mar. 25-27, Los Angeles – The annual NACW conference addresses the most pressing issues in climate policy and carbon markets to the largest gathering of climate professionals in North America. NACW 2025 will dive into major new policies and developments that will shape and scale carbon markets and climate solutions with integrity and ambition. In addition to outstanding speakers, discussions, and insights, NACW provides premier networking opportunities with an active and engaged audience of carbon professionals. Join us for the content, community, and connections for successfully navigating the low-carbon landscape and advancing market-based climate solutions. www.nacwconference.com
European Climate Summit – Apr. 1-3, Lisbon – To kick off our Annual Regional Climate Summit Series of this year, we at IETA look forward to welcoming delegates this Spring to our flagship European Climate Summit (ECS) 2025, taking place at the Pavilhao Carlos Lopes. ECS will take place amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, even as carbon markets in the EU and globally continue to mature and expand. A new political cycle for EU climate action has begun, and the task of preparing carbon markets for their next stage presents both new challenges and opportunities. In this dynamic context, competitiveness, integrity, and innovation will be at the heart of our discussion. Be part of the conversation driving the next phase of carbon market evolution. Join us at ECS to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and climate market pioneers who are shaping the future of carbon markets. Organised by IETA, ECS is an in-person event. Register
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
AMERICAS
On your Mark – Former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Mark Carney, won the Liberal leadership race on Sunday in a landslide win with 86% of the party vote, CBC reported. Carney’s main competitor, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, finished in a distant second place with 8% of the vote. The win secures Carney as Canada’s next prime minister in replacement of outgoing PM Justin Trudeau. In his victory speech, Carney said that standing up to US President Donald Trump will take “extraordinary efforts” in light of an ongoing trade war. He also emphasised his private sector experience – as a former Goldman Sachs banker – as key to taking on opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in a federal election later this year, where the national price on carbon is expected to be a key issue for voters. Carney, also previously the governor of the Bank of England and the UN special envoy on climate action and finance, has long supported Canada’s carbon pricing efforts. However, on the campaign trail he announced that he would scrap the consumer-facing, revenue-neutral ‘backstop’ carbon tax in favour of “green” incentives and tougher targets for heavy industry. Carney does not hold a parliamentary seat and has never been elected to office. He is expected to select a new cabinet in the coming weeks upon formally taking office. A federal election must be held before Oct. 20 of this year.
Domain denied – Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) has signed HB 1052 into law, prohibiting the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipeline projects in South Dakota. In a letter explaining his decision, Rhoden emphasised that the legislation does not halt proposed projects but aims to encourage voluntary easements, rebuild trust, and foster productive discussions between developers and landowners.
Ahoy, truckers – The Trump administration is reported to have stalled a $1 bln initiative aimed at electrifying trucking at the Port of Los Angeles, which was intended to reduce diesel pollution and improve air quality, E&E News said. The region relies heavily on diesel vehicles that contribute significantly to smog and health issues. Experts have estimated that losing EPA funding could delay the transition to electric trucks by five years, leading to increased health risks and allowing China to gain a stronger foothold in the industry.
Setting sail for cleaner seas – Royal Caribbean Group, a global cruise company, has joined the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII), a cross-sector effort to reduce methane emissions in the maritime industry. Established in 2022 by Safetytech Accelerator, MAMII focuses on developing technologies to monitor, measure, and mitigate methane emissions from LNG-powered ships. Royal Caribbean joined other members, including BP, Shell, and Chevron, to support methane reduction across the sector.
Permitting power push – Several Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Crenshaw, Weber, Pfluger, and Goldman, requested that US EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin expedite the review of the Texas Railroad Commission’s (RCC) application for primary enforcement authority over Class VI underground injection control wells. In their letter last week, they stated that granting Texas this authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act would improve the permitting process for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) projects. The lawmakers cited the RRC’s regulatory experience and argued that state-level management could improve efficiency while maintaining environmental protections.
Turbine timeout – On Mar. 6, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced a moratorium on offshore wind development in Georges Bank, prohibiting the issuance of submerged land licences for wind projects in the area. The decision, announced by federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Nova Scotia Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau, aims to protect the region’s marine ecosystem and the commercial fisheries that rely on it.
Put a number on it – The Canadian government is working with cement producer Heidelberg Materials to finalise negotiation on a contribution agreement regarding the company’s CCUS plant, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Industry announced this week. The announcement builds on a 2023 MoU between the Government of Canada and Heidelberg Materials to provide up to a total of C$275 mln for the company’s demonstration plant. The Canadian government has already entered into a C$49 mln contribution agreement to support the first phase of the project.
Cleaner campus – The Government of Canada announced C$1.4 mln ($974,000) in funding for McMaster University to support two clean energy projects through the Decarbonisation Incentive Program. The university will receive C$500,000 to transition two buildings from natural gas heating to air-to-water heat pumps and C$923,000 to implement reactor heat reclaiming for the AN Bourns Science Building. The projects are expected to reduce over 2,600 tonnes of GHG by 2030.
New Canadian OECM parks – Five parks have been added to Canada’s Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM). The OCEMs protect nature by recognising areas that help conserve biodiversity, even if they’re not officially protected parks or reserves, according to the federal government. Ontario’s Navy Island National Historic Site, Fort George National Historic Site, and Rideau Canal National Historic Site, alongside Quebec’s Grosse-Île and Irish Memorial National Historic Site and Alberta’s Ya Ha Tinda Ranch are now recognised for their contributions to conservation.
Chunk of change – Fuel distributors associated with the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP) invested around R$4 bln ($690 mln) in CBIO biofuels credits under the national RenovaBio biofuels carbon market throughout 2024, according to Brazilian paper Veja Negocios. This investment translated into more than 46 mln CBIOs acquired. For 2025, the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) has established a preliminary goal for fuel distributors to purchase 40 mln CBIOs. A Dec. 31 law moreover imposes harsher penalties, including a maximum fine of R$500 mln, for non-compliant firms. RenovaBio has in the past faced criticism for appearing to place smaller fuel distributors, which may have more difficulty weathering CBIO volatility, at a competitive disadvantage relative to their larger peers.
EMEA
For sale – Five bidders have submitted non-binding offers for a minority stake in Eni’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) business, Reuters reported, citing two sources. The suitors include financial investors GIP, HitecVision, and Macquarie, alongside industrial players Snam and Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production Public Company. Eni plans to sell up to 49% of its CCS unit to fund growth, with investor talks set to intensify in the coming months.
State aid – The EU Commission has approved a €279 mln Czech scheme to support investments in electricity storage facilities to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy. The purpose is to reduce the reliance of Czechia’s electricity system on fossil fuels imports and at facilitating a smooth integration of renewable energy sources in the energy mix. Under the scheme, the aid, fully financed through the Modernisation Fund, will take the form of direct grants, to support the construction of at least 1,500 MWh of new electricity storage capacities. The measure will be open to all storage technologies directly connected to the transmission network or distribution network.
Funding cuts – The UK Treasury is drawing up plans to cut the funding for GB Energy in June’s spending review, the FT reports. The Labour government set up GB Energy as a publicly-owned company to invest in clean energy and accelerate grid decarbonisation, initially pledging it £8.3 bln in taxpayer money over the five-year parliament. But the organisation was only given an initial £100 mln in October’s budget for the first two years, and now ministers are reconsidering whether they can afford the full £8.3 bln, amid mounting pressure on government finances and defence spending. Some of the funds previously set aside for GB Energy may now go towards funding low-interest loans for rooftop solar and shared-ownership wind projects. Questions also exist over whether a previous pledge will be met to provide £13.2 bln for energy efficiency schemes over this parliament.
NO CBAM – The Norwegian government aims to introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from 2027. CBAM, also adopted by the EU, applies carbon pricing to imported goods such as electricity, cement, aluminium, iron and steel, hydrogen, and fertilisers to prevent carbon leakage and encourage emissions reductions in third countries. Norway plans to align with the EU regulation, with CBAM declarations expected to begin in 2026 before full implementation in 2027. The EU has recently proposed simplifying the regulation and may expand it to cover more goods. Norway’s Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said this week that the CBAM will ensure a uniform carbon price for goods produced in Norway, the EU, or imported from other countries, benefiting Norwegian industry and jobs. The Norwegian government decided last autumn to implement a CBAM, with the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljodirektoratet) overseeing its introduction. Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg said CBAM could help maintain Norwegian industry’s competitiveness while incentivising emissions reductions globally. The Norwegian Environment Agency will take the lead in implementing CBAM, coordinating efforts with the Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) and Customs (Tolletaten). The Tax Administration will authorise importers and collect penalties, while Customs will conduct border checks. The Ministry of Climate and Environment invites stakeholders to an information and consultation meeting on CBAM on Mar. 13.
PRA probe – Germany’s antitrust watchdog, the Federal Cartel Office (FCO), has launched an investigation into the impact of price information services provided by Argus Media and S&P Global on the oil wholesale market. This follows an initial inquiry that raised concerns about pricing transparency and competition. Price-reporting agencies (PRAs) such as S&P Global Commodity Insights (Platts) and Argus Media provide price quotations based on reported transactions, which influence wholesale procurement contracts and, indirectly, retail fuel prices. The FCO previously found that oil price quotations relied on limited data, making them susceptible to manipulation, and called for stronger regulations. FCO President Andreas Mundt stated that there were signs of structural competition disruptions in the fuel wholesale trade. In response, both Argus Media and S&P Global defended their methodologies, claiming their assessments reflect market value and promote competition. Argus emphasised that the FCO report did not allege wrongdoing, manipulation, or collusion but rather highlighted concerns about market structure and its effect on fuel prices. The investigation comes amid volatility in European fuel prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the EU’s subsequent ban on Russian refined petroleum products in early 2023. The FCO will use new regulatory powers introduced in 2023 to determine whether significant competition disruptions exist and, if confirmed, address their root causes. Both PRAs have pledged to cooperate with the investigation. (Reuters)
ASIA PACIFIC
Pakistani pushback – Pakistan is resisting the IMF’s proposal to impose a carbon levy on petroleum products, coal, and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, aimed at discouraging fossil fuel use. The IMF suggested raising the petroleum levy from Rs60 ($0.21) to Rs70 ($0.25) per litre over three years, starting with an initial Rs3 increase. The additional revenue would support green energy initiatives. During discussions on Friday, Pakistani officials expressed concerns over fund allocation and jurisdictional issues, particularly regarding coal, which falls under provincial authority. Unlike taxes shared with provinces, levy collections remain outside the distributable pool, though half of a carbon levy’s revenue would be allocated to provinces. The IMF has also recommended increasing federal excise duty on ICE cars as a form of carbon levy, a proposal supported by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Cars in Pakistan already face high taxation, accounting for 36% to 45% of their total price. The carbon levy was previously discussed during negotiations for the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), from which Pakistan seeks over $1 bln. Disbursements from this facility will be tied to actual climate-related spending. The government estimates that 10% of Pakistan’s carbon emissions come from transport, necessitating substantial investment in cleaner vehicle alternatives. A five-year New-Energy Vehicles (NEVs) policy is being developed, estimating at least Rs155 bln in additional funding by 2030 for the transition. Pakistan’s transport sector consumes 80% of imported oil, and shifting to cleaner vehicles could save foreign exchange reserves. However, the transition is costly, requiring subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure development. The IMF suggests using revenue from the carbon levy to subsidise electric two- and three-wheelers, which remain significantly more expensive than traditional models. The government aims for 90% of new two- and three-wheeler purchases and 30% of four-wheelers to be based on renewable energy by 2030. It is also planning National Vehicle Emissions Efficiency Standards to encourage more efficient vehicles. The World Bank also supports the idea of a carbon tax, highlighting Pakistan’s reliance on costly energy imports as a factor in its fiscal challenges. Meanwhile, Pakistan recently secured a $1.2 bln deferred payment oil deal with Saudi Arabia to manage its balance of payments. (Express Tribune)
Gas collab – Australian Woodside Energy and US service firm Baker Hughes will develop a joint initiative to, they said, “develop a lower carbon power generation technology solution” which will use technology from the New York Stock Exchange-listed Net Power designed with the oil and gas industry in mind. The power platform uses gas as power but captures the resulting CO2 emissions. The two plan to bring in other partners at a later date.
Orica on demand – Australia’s Orica, a chemicals and explosives manufacturer, has announced after-tax write-downs of up to A$350 mln ($220 mln) due to impairments and restructuring in its Latin American and EMEA businesses. This will reduce its first-half statutory net profit by A$300-350 mln, primarily from A$290-335 mln in Latin America and A$10-15 mln in EMEA. Despite this, Orica expects stronger-than-anticipated earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for the first half, with momentum expected to continue. Separately, Orica announced that it has installed emissions-reducing technology at its Kooragang Island chemicals site in Australia, cutting emissions by 1 Mt. The site, which produces ammonia, nitric acid, and ammonium nitrate, previously released N2O into the atmosphere. The newly implemented EnviNOx process, developed by thyssenkrupp Uhde, converts over 99% of N2O into harmless nitrogen and oxygen. The Kooragang Island site’s emissions have been reduced by 567,000 tonnes of CO2e annually, cutting its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48%. A similar installation at Orica’s Yarwun plant has reduced emissions by 50%, saving around 200,000 tonnes of CO2e per year. The project, supported by A$13 mln from the New South Wales government and A$25 mln from Orica via green investment financing, earns Australian carbon credits for each tonne of emissions avoided.
Clearing the way – Japan’s Cabinet has approved a bill amending the law on marine renewable energy to expand offshore wind projects into the country’s exclusive economic zone, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The amendment aims to support Japan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and grants the government authority to conduct environmental surveys before issuing permits for offshore renewable projects. It also establishes a system for designating development zones and granting provisional status to project developers. Japan targets 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and up to 45 GW by 2040.
Partners – The Nishiaizu Town Forestry Association, Toho Bank, and project developer Bywill have signed a partnership agreement aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and ensuring the sustainable management of forests for future generations. Under the agreement, Bywill will handle the application process for J-Credit generation from forests managed by the Nishiaizu Town Forestry Association. Toho Bank and Bywill will work together to find buyers for these credits, helping to promote regional decarbonisation and forest conservation. The initiative aligns with Nishiaizu’s efforts to maintain sustainable forestry, particularly following its post-earthquake forest restoration efforts. It builds on an earlier collaboration between Bywill and Toho Bank, which introduced Bywill to the forestry cooperative. The three parties said they will enhance cooperation by sharing information on environmental values and expanding initiatives supporting carbon neutrality and a circular economy. The revenue from J-Credits will help fund forest conservation and the broader goal of passing down healthy forests to future generations.
Tax me later – Indonesia recently sought France’s support for a technology transfer deal to help green its industries ahead of the EU’s incoming carbon border tax on imports such as fertilisers and aluminium. Coordinating Minister Airlangga urged France to conclude the long-delayed Indonesia-EU trade pact, citing benefits for exports and investment, according to a press release from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. He also pushed for cooperation on hydrogen technology and green financing under the Just Energy Transition Partnership to aid Indonesia’s industrial transition. The I-EU CEPA talks have dragged through 19 rounds over nine years amid rising global trade protectionism.
Fryer to flyer – Cosmo Energy Holdings will launch Japan’s first domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in April at its Sakai refinery, using used cooking oil, Reuters reported. The refiner aims to supply 300,000 kilolitres of SAF annually by 2030 through domestic production and imports, meeting 10% of its jet fuel sales. It plans to produce 30,000 kl at Sakai, expand output at Sakaide by 2029, and import from Thailand’s Bangchak and others. Japan targets 1.7 mln kl of SAF by 2030.
Sustainability platform – Malaysian project developer Karbon Hero has launched a platform Sustainability AI, designed to help businesses better understand and improve their sustainability reports. Powered by Google’s Cloud AI and machine learning solutions, the AHMAD.02 Model analyses corporate sustainability reports and provides companies with clear insights on how to improve and achieve compliance with sustainability frameworks. This will empower corporations, governments, and other organisations to accelerate their sustainability goals, the developer said in a statement.
INTERNATIONAL
UK-Japan offshore tie-up – The UK and Japan have struck a memorandum of cooperation for offshore wind energy development, the UK announced on Friday. The deal was agreed between the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. It builds on workshops the two sides have held on offshore wind, as well as ongoing collaboration on floating offshore wind technology development, technology standardisation, and supply chain development. Now, the two governments plan to exchange policy experiences and best practices, encourage the build-up of sustainable supply chain capabilities, support bilateral investment between the two countries, and encourage business-led initiatives.
VOLUNTARY
SBTi outreach – The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has partnered with Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) in an effort to provide trade associations with the tools and guidance needed to drive emissions reductions, the standard setter announced on Friday. The two sides plan to create a programme of outreach, engagement, and education with trade associations, with SBTi helping to educate associations on setting science-based targets and CAFA increasing its outreach through meetings, workshops, and webinars. The aim is to identify ways in which trade groups can engage with the SBTi.
SCIENCE & TECH
Fusion partners – The UK’s Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has partnered with Eni to jointly conduct R&D on fusion energy. The partnership will kick off with construction of the world’s largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle facility, a vital fuel for future fusion power stations. The “UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility”, located at Culham Campus near Oxford, will be complete in 2028. Tritium recovery and re-use will play a key role in the supply and generation of the fuel in future fusion power plants and will help to make the technology efficient. The partnership combines UKAEA’s expertise in fusion R&D with Eni’s established industrial-scale capabilities in plant engineering, commissioning, and operations.
Rock on – Rockfuel has unveiled a carbon-negative cement process by way of its carbon-neutral lime kiln, which efficiently produces quicklime (calcium oxide) while capturing CO2 emissions. The renewable-powered kiln works by heating limestone to produce quicklime while collecting and storing more than 500 cubic metres of hot CO2 per cubic metre of rock in a tank, reported agg-net. The captured CO2 is then repurposed within RockFuel’s carbon-negative cement production process. And once used in construction, the cement actively absorbs CO2, the company claims. Cement production accounts for an estimated 8% of CO2 emissions globally.
AND FINALLY…
Butterfly blues – A recently published study found a 22% decline in butterfly populations across the continental US from 2000 to 2020, based on data from over 76,000 surveys. Led by researchers from Michigan State University and the US Geological Survey Powell Centre, the study analysed records of more than 12.6 mln butterflies from 35 monitoring programmes. The findings indicate widespread declines across 554 species, with 107 species losing over half their populations. Scientists warn that this trend threatens biodiversity and essential ecosystem services, including pollination and nutrient cycling. The authors stress the urgent need for conservation measures at both local and national levels to reverse the decline. (ScienceDaily)
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