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Volvo Cars and Basquevolt discuss what's concerning Europe's EV players and next steps.

Automotive World

What do Europe’s EV players think of China’s tech and IRA?

Investment in decentralized renewable energy can offer a new way to support peace in South Sudan.

ESI Africa

Renewable energy could rid South Sudan of 'cursed dependence on oil'

The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is expected to take several years to adjust to last year's shake-up, and high prices will spur the hunt for long-term deals.

Reuters

With years of high prices ahead, LNG buyers covet long-term deals

President Biden, who has championed a zero-carbon emissions future, acknowledged that the United States would need oil and natural gas for at least another decade. However, his silence on exploration and production permitting reform was deafening for some politicians and industry groups.

Natural Gas Intelligence

‘We Are Going to Need Oil…At Least Another Decade,’ Biden Says

The Danish Energy Agency has suspended reviewing existing and new applications to install new wind farms and other renewable energy projects in the country over a potential conflict with European Union law.

Denmark suspends reviewing wind power projects over possible EU law conflict

Italy has become the latest country to join the U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership that promotes ethical mining.

Italy Joins US-Led Mineral Security Partnership for Ethical Mining

The Swedish EU Presidency, the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina held today a Conference entitled “Action for energy transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sarajevo Times

2023 can be a Year of Action for Energy Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The shortages in supplies of crucial basic and precious metals, which are just as concerning to Africa’s business leaders as those in energy, and agriculture – have garnered far less coverage and attention.

African Business

Uncertainties in Base and Precious Metals Supply: Is Africa ready?

French oil major TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) posted a record net profit of $36.2 billion in 2022, double the previous year, joining in the sector's bumper earnings thanks to higher oil and gas prices since Russia invaded Ukraine.

TotalEnergies net profits double to record $36.2 bln in 2022

Myanmar’s military-led government, working with Russia’s state atomic energy company, has inaugurated a nuclear power information center as a step toward developing atomic power to fill energy shortages in the strife-torn Southeast Asian nation.

ABC News

Myanmar, Russia sign pact on developing nuclear power

Western sanctions on Russia have significantly reduced state oil revenues and diverted tens of billions of dollars towards shipping and refining firms, some with Russian connections.

Lost Russian oil revenue is bonanza for shippers, refiners

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that European Union moves to add what he called "exemptions" to its price cap on oil products showed that Russian oil was still in demand.

Russia says EU price cap exemptions show its oil is still in demand

Volvo AB is joining a growing roster of manufacturers considering moving investments to the US if Europe doesn’t bolster aid in response to Joe Biden’s landmark green subsidy push.

BNN Bloomberg

Volvo May Move Investments to US If Europe’s Green-Tech Push Falls Short

India has committed to net zero carbon emission by 2070 and has repeatedly emphasised that 'dirty' fuels like oil and coal, on which the economy is two-thirds dependent, will have to continue to be in use in the foreseeable future. An immediate shift from low-priced coal and oil to expensive fuels of the future such as hydrogen will entail huge costs in a nation with low per capita income.

Economic Times

Energy transition has to ensure surviving present

Tankers in Iran's “ghost fleet” have switched to carrying Russian oil since western curbs on Moscow intensified in December

Financial Times

Iran’s ‘ghost fleet’ switches into Russian oil

Beijing's energy policy will indirectly support Europe. A post-Covid economic rebound will increase the country's appetite for liquefied natural gas, which Europeans covet after shunning supplies from Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 



China energy rethink can keep Europe warm

Indonesia and Malaysia lead criticism of legislation that bans imports of products linked to clearing of forests 

EU deforestation law triggers ire of its trading partners

European Union lawmakers will vote next week on plans to auction carbon permits early to raise cash for countries to quit Russian gas, soothing concerns of a postponed vote that some analysts said helped to drive up carbon prices last week.

EU lawmakers to vote next week on early CO2 market auctions

The US is preparing to slap a 200% tariff on Russian-made aluminum as soon as this week to keep pressure on Moscow as the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine nears, according to people familiar with the situation.

Bloomberg

US Plans 200% Tariff on Russia Aluminum as Soon as This Week

France and Germany’s economy ministers will ask the US to lay off making “aggressive” overtures to European companies in a bid to lure their green investments across the Atlantic.

France and Germany set to push back against US green tech poaching

The European Union and the G7 have stepped up sanctions against Russia's fossil-fuel export industry, putting new pressures on the country.


Time

Europe and the G7 Are Stepping Up Fossil Fuel-Related Sanctions on Russia

"Focus on only energy transition is incomplete," Singh said at the G20 Energy Transition Working Group Meeting. Energy storage is essential as the world moves towards Renewable energy sources and investment in the area is equally important, he added. Until investment is made in storage, round-the-clock electricity supply cannot be achieved as renewable energy takes centerstage.

The Economic Times

Power minister says global energy transition discourse needs to move together with energy security

By 2030, some 2% of Germany's land mass is supposed to be designated for wind turbines. Berlin has faced criticism for falling behind on its climate goals, and sees wind power as a way to catch up.

DW News

Germany's Scholz pledges rapid onshore wind power expansion

Saudi Arabia plans to develop its own nuclear power industry using local uranium, according to energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Global Finance Magazine

Saudi Arabia: The Next Nuclear Power?

Japan is planning to expand offshore wind power generation beyond its territorial waters and into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in a push to achieve carbon neutrality and ensure energy security amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Japan Times

Japan looks beyond territorial waters for wind power amid green push

Survey of 100 Asia-headquartered fund general partners with over US$1 billion in assets under management shows only 29 per cent always require the inclusion of clauses in investment documents to enhance or ensure ESG compliance

South China Morning Post

Asian private-equity firms must pull up socks amid mounting regulatory and investor scrutiny

 Talks to send more US natural gas to Europe have stalled as the continent's climate goals deter buyers from making long-term fossil fuel commitments.

US companies say EU climate goals are deterring new gas deals

Russia was willing to meet India's oil needs at 'market price', the CEO of top Russian oil major told Reuters on Monday.

Russia ready to meet India's oil needs at 'market price', Rosneft says

‘Sensitive’ document suggests momentum behind EU Farm to Fork strategy has stalled.

Politico

From farm to flop? Political risks choke EU’s green food plan

The EU’s new green tech funding plan has sparked concerns about an escalating global subsidy race.

The Next Web

EU’s green tech funding plans divides bloc over global subsidy race

Azerbaijan`s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met up with EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson who is in Azerbaijan to participate in the 9th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and 1st Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting held in Baku.

Azertag

EU, Azerbaijan exchange views on green energy transition strategy

The heating plant in Munich’s southern Sendling neighbourhood has been run for more than a century on gas, often imported from far away. But increasingly, it is the hot waters from deep underground the station that provides the energy.

Business Recorder

Europe looks to geothermal energy as gas alternative

The latest row comes as the IAEA chief hopes for progress in a potential visit to Tehran in February.

Al Jazeera

Iran and the West clash over IAEA report on Fordow nuclear plant

When, in December 2022, the Chinese carmaker BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric cars, the news resounded round the world like thunder in a clear sky. The performance was coupled with price cuts of almost 20% that Tesla had to concede to stay in the Chinese market. Clearly, not a single company, even those acclaimed as tech stars of the Silicon Valley, seems to be able to stand in the way of Chinese ventures.

Forbes

How Chinese Strategy Ate Western Strategy For Breakfast

India, France and the United Arab Emirates have agreed on a trilateral initiative to undertake energy projects with a focus on solar and nuclear sources, fight climate change and protect biodiversity, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.

India, France, UAE to work on climate change, biodiversity

The Belgian government is assessing whether to extend the life of three nuclear reactors that had been due to close in 2025, citing a need to "reduce risks in the energy supply" in lieu of the war in Ukraine.

Belgium looks to extend lives of oldest nuclear reactors

Members of the Lords will discuss the main principles and purpose of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill during second reading

UK Government

Lords debates Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill

On 24 January, UNESCO dedicated the day to girls and women in Afghanistan who have been deprived of their right to education and has been calling for the immediate lifting of the ban restricting their access to school.

UNESCO

Three inspiring Afghan women call on the international community to urgently support girls’ and women's education

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presents a "communication" detailing the EU's "Green Deal Industrial Plan" to ensure the bloc plays a leading role in clean tech production, partly in EU's response to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which will provide $369 billion of subsidies for electric vehicles and other green products

Policy Watch: Europe beefs up Green Deal in response to Biden’s climate subsidies

Many EU leaders are worried the local content requirements of $369 billion of green subsidies in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act will encourage companies to relocate, making the United States a leader in green tech at Europe’s expense.

Euronews

Germany's Habeck optimistic trade dispute with U.S. can be avoided

Reliable and sustainable geothermal energy seems like the perfect alternative to gas.

France24

European natural gas headed for the biggest weekly gain in two months, with colder weather set to bear down on much of the region.

European Natural Gas Set for Weekly Surge as Colder Weather Approaches

Members of the Lords will discuss the main principles and purpose of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill during second reading, on Monday 6 February.

France leads push for EU to boost nuclear-produced hydrogen

EU member states have agreed on the level of price caps to be imposed on shipments of Russian refined oil products, which will come into effect on Sunday as part of a G7 effort to cut Moscow's export revenues.

EU agrees price caps on Russian oil products

Russian fighters clash with rebels as Kremlin tries to extend power in mineral rich country

The Guardian

Wagner mercenaries sustain losses in fight for Central African Republic gold

Europe’s looming ban on almost all Russian fuel is sparking a scramble for alternatives, not least from Middle Eastern petrostates.

Gulf Oil Refiners Struggle to Be Ready as EU Bans Russian Fuels

Today, the Commission presents a Green Deal Industrial Plan to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support the fast transition to climate neutrality. 

European Commission

The Green Deal Industrial Plan: putting Europe's net-zero industry in the lead

Far-right Danish politician Paludan's actions 'spoon-feeding racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism,' says Swedish political scientist

Anadolu Ajansi

 Allowing Quran burning in Sweden, Denmark threatens other religious groups: Rights defender

U.S. exports of LNG declined 5% to 6.84 million tonnes in January compared to the prior month as cold weather boosted domestic demand and as producers sent less gas to European customers.

U.S. LNG exports fall 5% as shipments to Europe slip

News | Geopolitics

The mechanization of gold mining is accelerating the destruction of forests and farms, as well as polluting waterways in northern and eastern Ghana.

Mongabay

Mechanization of illegal gold mining threatens Ghana’s forests

Energy entrepreneurs to get the chance to turn their green technology ideas into reality thanks to government funding.

Next generation innovators powering UK towards net zero to get £24 million cash boost

For Nuñez and her friends, the fight against the project — known as Rio Grande LNG — is about protecting their community from air pollution.

Krgv

In South Texas, opponents say planned natural gas export facility’s carbon capture promises are “greenwashing”

Next generation energy innovators will receive a £24 million cash boost to develop “new technologies that will decarbonise UK industry, build home-grown energy supplies and help prepare the country for a net zero future.”

Envirotec magazine

Net zero innovators receive £24 million cash boost from UK government

The China Certified Emission Reduction CCER scheme is considered an important part of the country’s environmental goals. It was suspended six years ago because of low trading volume and a lack of standardisation in carbon audits.

China’s voluntary carbon market a step closer to relaunch after suspension for underuse in 2017

Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC, has announced the assembly of a consortium of organizations for the purpose of bringing direct air capture technology (DAC) to California. 

Carbon Herald

Direct Air Capture And Storage Is Coming To California!

New global modelling predicts the devastating socioeconomic impacts of future extreme coastal flooding for developing nations caused by climate change, with Asia, West Africa and Egypt facing severe costs in the coming decades.

Science Daily

Devastating cost of future coastal flooding for many developing nations predicted in new study

Owners of the world’s largest carbon capture facility plan to restore operations at the $1 billion plant three years after it shut down, providing a test case for a nascent industry that experts believe is essential in achieving climate goals.

The World's Largest Carbon Capture Plant Gets a Second Chance in Texas

Two tech companies just demonstrated that it's possible to store CO2 in concrete.

The Washington Post

We may be storing carbon in concrete someday

The most powerful climate policy tool available to the federal government is a single number. It's called the social cost of carbon, and it represents the cost to humanity of emitting greenhouse gas pollution into the atmosphere.



NPR 

Why the EPA puts a higher value on rich lives lost to climate change

A material that sucks up water while leaving behind contaminants such as oils, metals and microplastics could help improve water quality in regions without electricity



New Scientist

Loofah-inspired gel purifies contaminated water with warmth of the sun

Australia's environment minister on Wednesday declined to grant permission for a new thermal coal project owned by mining magnate Clive Palmer near the Great Barrier Reef.

Australia denies permission for coal mine near Great Barrier Reef

Whether you live in a city, a rural area or by the ocean, it’s likely you have noticed a decline in biodiversity. Maybe fewer birds visit your urban feeders, larger mammals are less common in the fields and forests around you, or your catches on those fishing trips are getting smaller.

World Economic Forum

50% of the global economy is under threat from biodiversity loss

Forest fires across south-central Chile that have left 24 people dead and swallowed up hundreds of houses spread into new areas on Wednesday after raging overnight, burning up the habitats of vulnerable woodland animals.

Chilean wildfires destroy hundreds of homes, endanger world's smallest deer

South Korea's anti-trust regulator said on Thursday it would impose a combined fine of 42.3 billion won ($33.48 million) on three German automakers for colluding to rig emissions of its diesel cars using software.

South Korea fines German automakers for rigging diesel car emissions

The Inflation Reduction Act was hailed for its climate funding – but some are concerned several provisions will worsen a growing environmental disaster

‘A national scandal’: how US climate funding could make water pollution worse

The Australian government on Wednesday turned down a proposal for a new open-cut coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef, invoking environmental laws and the risk of “irreversible damage.”

Australia rejects a coal mine near Great Barrier Reef due to risk of ‘irreversible damage’

Claimants ClientEarth say the oil company’s plan puts the company at financial risk as the world transitions to clean energy

Shell directors personally sued over ‘flawed’ climate strategy

Nine global banks have invested a total of $45 million in a new platform to help scale up transactions of voluntary carbon credits and make it easier for their customers to participate in the market.

Nine global banks invest $45 million in carbon credit platform

Assessment shows 20% global loss since 1700 – far less than thought – but Europe, US and China bear the brunt

Half the wetlands in Europe lost in past 300 years, researchers calculate

South Asian weather is becoming increasingly difficult to forecast as monsoons grow more erratic — and global warming is raising the risks posed by violent rain storms.


Nature

How India is battling deadly rain storms as climate change bites

Will Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s move to create a dedicated Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero be good news for climate policy, or simply open up loopholes for policymakers to ignore non-energy emissions?

Edie

Prioritising net-zero or ignoring non-energy emissions? UK’s green economy reacts to Sunak’s department shake-up

Oil giants for years have said that they'll pave the path toward energy transition, investing in everything from renewable projects to climate tech startups.

Axios

Oil giants slow down their energy transition talk

Denmark has awarded its first exclusive licenses for full-scale carbon storage exploration in the Danish North Sea to TotalEnergies and a consortium featuring INEOS and Wintershall. 

Denmark Grants First Carbon Storage Permits In The North Sea 

Climate-related events have been confirmed to have a negative effect on mental health, according to new research published this week.

Climate extremes: Could high heat and humidity take a toll on mental health?

Is TikTok’s new ‘deinfluencing’ trend genuinely an antidote to our culture of overconsumption, or is it just a symptom of our economically turbulent times?

Dazed

The rise of the deinfluencer

Resolution follows reports on the severe environmental damage caused by armed conflict, including to Ukraine's environment and infrastructure following the Russian invasion.

Environment Analyst 

Council of Europe calls for EU ‘ecocide’ law

The lapwing’s English and scientific names both refer to its distinctive flight: how its wings flash as they pass overhead.

Birdwatch: listening to the lapwing’s ‘peewit’ ring out over Somerset Levels

Sewage, poor sanitation and a lack of regulation give rise to antimicrobial resistance and threaten global health, report says

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