Japan's greenhouse gases emissions drop 4% to a record low in FY23/24
Government data released on Friday showed that Japan's greenhouse gases emissions dropped by 4%, reaching a new record low for the fiscal year ending March 2024. This was due to lower energy consumption, increased use of renewable energies, and restarting nuclear power plants. The data of the Environment Ministry showed that emissions for 2023/24 dropped from 1.116 billion to 1.071 billion tons of carbon dioxide. This is the second consecutive year that the figure has declined. The industrial sector experienced a decline of 4%, while the commercial sector and service sector suffered a drop of 6.2%.
Government data shows that Britain's greenhouse gases emissions decreased by 4% between 2024 and 2025.
The government released preliminary data on Thursday showing that Britain's greenhouse gases (GHGs) will fall by 4% between 2024 and 2025. This is due to the closing of the last coal-fired plant in the country, and the reduction in emissions from the industrial sector. Britain's goal is to achieve net zero emissions in 2050. This will require an increase in renewable energy and the switch to cleaner electric cars. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, or DESNZ, said that total greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be 371 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2024.
Nigeria’s Refining Revolution is Reshaping West Africa’s Energy Landscape
The launch of the Dangote Refinery near the Port of Lagos presents an exciting opportunity to transform the energy and shipping markets in West Africa. And it stands to boost Nigeria’s role as an influential player in the global oil industry, fostering economic growth and regional development.Nigeria’s standing in the global energy landscape is getting a boost with domestic refining capacity expanding in 2025. The Dangote Refinery near Lagos presents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria’s economy and is expected to reshape global tanker routes and trade flows.The country has long been a leading exporter of crude oil…
Bosch plans to generate billions of dollars in revenue from hydrogen by starting production of electrolyser components
Bosch announced on Wednesday that it will start producing electrolyser parts for hydrogen production and expects its hydrogen business revenue to reach billions of Euros by 2030. Germany is looking to increase its reliance on hydrogen for future energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from highly polluting industries that can't be electrified, such as steel or chemicals. It also wants to reduce the dependency on fossil fuel imports. Hydrogen is made by electrolysers that use energy to split water into hydrogen.
Equinor, Norway's largest oil company, scales back its climate ambitions due to wind change
Equinor, the Norwegian energy company, has weakened its plan for energy transition as it struggles with delivering on promises to invest in renewable energy technologies and low-carbon technology. It cited practical difficulties and shifts in political priorities. In 2022, the oil and gas producer laid out short and medium term steps to achieve net zero emission, including those from using its products, by 2050. In February, however, the company reneged on its pledge to dedicate more than half of its capital expenditures to low-carbon and renewable solutions by 2030.
German emissions dropped 3.4% in 2024 and are on track to meet 2030 climate goals
The Federal Environment Agency of Germany said on Friday that greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 3.4% in the last year in Europe's largest economy, which puts it on track to reach its 2030 climate goals. Carbon dioxide emissions dropped to 649 millions tons in 2018, the agency reported. This is below the 656 million metric tonnes published by Berlin's Agora Energiewende in January, and also the legal target for 2024 of 693.4. Germany wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 65% compared to 1990 by 2030, and become carbon neutral by 2045.
Antara reports that Indonesia is planning to launch a carbon offset trading system based on forestry soon.
State news agency Antara reported that Indonesia is planning to sell carbon offsets soon from its forest sector, as authorities work towards recognising international standards. The Southeast Asian nation stopped the cross-border carbon trading in late 2021. It wanted to meet its own carbon reduction goals as it set up broad rules for carbon trading. In 2023, the government established a domestic carbon market. In January, it began selling carbon credits to foreign buyers. However, all certificates were based on carbon reductions from projects.
The world must adhere to climate goals, despite what the US and UK envoys say
Britain's climate ambassador said that despite the United States pulling out, the world must continue to pursue the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions outlined in Paris Agreement. The UK is also moving forward with its goals. Last month, Donald Trump, the president of the United States, withdrew his country as the second largest emitter in the world from an agreement that seeks to limit global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius. Rachel Kyte said in an interview during a trip to Pretoria, South Africa. "Around world, people have noticed that the U.S. pulled out of Paris.
Japan adopts new policies on energy, climate and industry through 2040
The Japanese government approved new targets on Tuesday to reduce the country's emissions of greenhouse gases through 2040. It also approved a revised energy policy and updated industrial policies for the same time period. The measures are aimed at enhancing long-term stability of policy for businesses. They focus on decarbonisation and ensuring stable energy supplies, as well as strengthening industrial capacities to drive economic growth. Japan's new climate policy aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from 2013 levels by 60% by 2035, and 73% by 2020, exceeding its previous 2030 target of a 46% reduction.
After EU ruling, Indonesia expects EU to change its stance on palm oil biofuels
Indonesia has welcomed the World Trade Organization's ruling in the case of the European Union involving palm oil-based Biodiesel. The bloc is expected to amend its regulations to conform to the ruling. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer, brought the case before the WTO dispute panel in 2019. The EU had decided that palm-oil-based diesel was not to be considered as a biofuel because of its connection to deforestation. Its use in transportation fuel would also be phased out from 2023 to 2030. Indonesia claimed that the EU uses climate issues as an excuse to implement trade protectionist measures.
Sources say that India's steel minister is seeking $1.7 billion from the budget to assist mills reduce emissions.
Two government sources who are directly involved in the matter said that the Indian steel ministry requested 150 billion rupees (1,74 billion dollars) to be allocated to the budget as incentives for mills to produce low carbon steel. Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, will present the federal Budget for 2025-2026 on February 1. India, which is the second-largest steel producer in the world after China, is working on a policy to decarbonise the production of the alloy. This effort forms part of an overall push for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of a net-zero goal set by Narendra Modi.
WTO panel backs EU in palm case against Indonesia
The World Trade Organization panel ruled in favor of the European Union in the case filed by Indonesia on Friday against the bloc's ban on biofuels based on palm oil. Indonesia, the largest palm oil producer in the world, took the case before the WTO after the EU concluded palm oil cultivation leads to excessive deforestation, and shouldn't count towards its renewable energy target. Palm oil-based diesel was not considered a biofuel, and its use as a transport fuel was effectively phased out from 2023 to 2030. Indonesia claimed that the measures unfairly target Southeast Asian palm oil manufacturers.
China estimates greenhouse gas emissions will reach 13 billion tonnes in 2021
China's latest official submission to United Nations was published on Friday by the state media. It said that China had emitted climate-warming, greenhouse gases of 13 billion metric tonnes in 2021. This is an increase of 4.3% compared to a year ago. This is the most recent official calculation of China's annual greenhouse gas emissions. China is by far the largest carbon polluter in the world. The latest official estimate measured total emissions of 11.55 billion tones in 2017. China, as a signatory of the Paris Agreement is now required to submit detailed emission numbers every two-years…
Trump weighing executive order protecting gas stoves, sources say
Two sources familiar with Trump's plans say that the President-elect is considering an executive order to protect gas appliances, such as stoves and heaters, from federal and state regulators who are trying to phase out these appliances in homes and businesses. Republicans, including Trump have spent the past few years attacking local Democratic attempts to limit gas-powered devices in new construction projects due to environmental and health concerns. The U.S. In 2023, regulators will say that. It was reviewing gas appliances, and their links to respiratory conditions like asthma.
Biden team offers nuclear pathway to hydrogen tax credit
Biden's administration announced on Friday that portions of nuclear power plant will be eligible for tax credits in order to produce clean hydrogen, if these credits prevent the reactors from being retired. The new rules deal with one of the most controversial issues in the Inflation Reduction Act. This law, which is set to be implemented by 2022 and aims to combat climate change through subsidizing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, was enacted to help fight the effects of global warming.
Biden Administration offers nuclear industry a path to hydrogen tax credits
The Biden administration announced on Friday that nuclear power plants would be eligible for lucrative tax credits if they produce what it calls "clean hydrogen" and if these credits prevent the reactors from being retired. The new rules resolve one of the most controversial issues surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act. This law, which is set to be implemented in 2022 and is designed to combat climate change through subsidizing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some environmental groups claim that nuclear reactors, as clean energy sources, should not be eligible for the IRA’s clean hydrogen program.
Dallas Fed: US oil executives will expect quicker permits under Trump
According to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas study released on Thursday, U.S. Energy executives expect quicker permitting times for drilling federal lands in the Trump administration. According to a survey conducted in December of 134 energy companies in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, the overall outlook improved, activity levels increased, and uncertainty decreased in the fourth quarter of 2024. Trump's "drill baby drill" slogan has led him to promise lower gas prices and faster approvals for energy projects.
Sources say that the US will issue a hydrogen credit rule next week with a path for nuclear.
Two sources with knowledge of the situation say that the U.S. Treasury Department will release guidance this week on how to obtain tax credits under the 2022 inflation reduction act for the production of hydrogen. Sources said that the long-awaited guidance would provide a way for hydrogen produced by nuclear power to be eligible for credits. However, details were not made clear. Environmentalists have argued that only hydrogen generated with clean energy sources such as solar and wind should qualify for the subsidies. According to one source, the guidelines are likely to be released this Friday.
Japan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 2013 levels by 2035
The Japanese environment and industry ministers finalised on Tuesday a plan that will cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 60% compared to 2013 levels by the year 2035. This is an increase from their 2030 goal of 46%. Officials said that states could achieve this goal even if Donald Trump, the president-elect, reverses federal policy. In November, Japanese Ministries unveiled a draft Plan aiming to reduce GHG by 60% by fiscal 2035, and 73% by Fiscal 2040. The plan is based on an linear trajectory from Japan's current goal of a reduction of 46% by 2030, and reaching net zero by the year 2050.
US pressures EU to align LNG methane regulations
A letter obtained by showed that U.S. officials redoubled their efforts to convince EU counterparts that shipments of liquefied gas meeting current U.S. regulations on methane would automatically meet the new European standards for gas imports. On December 17, the administration of President Joe Biden sent a second email to Ditte J. Jorgensen (EU Director-General for Energy) to increase support for their case that US Environmental Protection Agency regulations should be considered "equivalents" to EU regulations whose reporting requirements for emissions begin in 2025.
