Daily Digest for

Norway-based Nysnø Climate Investments has invested in 44.01, a company specializing in carbon removal technology that stores CO₂ in ultramafic rock formations. This investment supports 44.01’s international expansion and aligns with Norway’s emission reduction goals. 44.01 is backed by investors like Equinor Ventures and Amazon.

The UAE will host the 4th ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 (GISS 2025) from 10-12 February 2025, focusing on promoting alternative and low-carbon fuels for the aviation sector. The event aims to attract over 1,500 global participants, including industry leaders and representatives from ICAO’s 193 member states. Additionally, it will include the inaugural Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM 2025), showcasing 75 companies specializing in sustainability in aviation.

The executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, confirmed that over forty countries now have plans to build or expand their nuclear capacity, indicating a significant global shift towards nuclear energy. Birol highlighted a growing demand for electricity driven by rising needs for air conditioning and data centers, contributing to this resurgence. Countries like Italy and Japan, previously opposed to nuclear energy, are now showing renewed interest. To support these developments, governments are encouraged to provide funding instruments to help private investors.

The Prime Minister of the UK shared plans to facilitate the construction of nuclear infrastructure in the UK. Both leaders agreed to pursue a new agreement on sustainable energy, including nuclear energy. They recognized the importance of energy security in their discussions, highlighting a collaborative approach towards energy solutions between the UK and the Netherlands.

Norway-based SINTEF opened one of the world’s largest maritime research centers to promote sustainable shipping and increased value creation in the Norwegian industry. The center, named FME MarTrans, aims to achieve zero emissions in the maritime industry by 2050. It will address four main challenges regarding energy consumption, development of green energy systems, supply of green fuels, and ensuring economic and environmental sustainability. The center is financed by the Research Council and industrial partners with a budget exceeding 300 million Norwegian kroner.

The infraGreen index, a benchmark for private renewable infrastructure investments, showed a mild increase of 0.17% in Q4 2024 compared to Q3, primarily influenced by the persistence of high interest rates in the US, UK, and Europe. The index reported a year-over-year cash return of 10.2%, reflecting substantial dividends from renewable infrastructure companies. Notably, the Solar Power sector underperformed against Wind Power, contributing -0.16% and 0.32% to the index, respectively. Merchant revenue companies significantly influenced the index’s returns.

The infra300® index, which tracks the performance of 300 unlisted infrastructure companies worldwide, experienced a mild decline of 0.53% in Q4 2024 compared to Q3. This decrease is attributed to persistent high interest rates in the US, UK, and Europe. Despite this, the annual cash return for the index was 10.7%, thanks to significant dividends from infrastructure companies. The Power Generation x-Renewables and Energy and Water Resources sectors were top performers, returning 1.15% and 0.67%, respectively.

The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria has launched a project to enhance methodologies and data for market-released plastic packaging, funded by the European Commission. The project spans 18 months and aims to improve statistical data collection and validation methods to ensure better coverage of plastic packaging waste generation, ultimately enhancing the quality of historical data from previous years.

The UK government has proposed reforms to nuclear power planning rules, enabling the construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for the first time. The changes are aimed at enhancing energy security and developing cleaner energy sources while creating thousands of new jobs. New regulations will streamline the approval process for nuclear projects, encouraging investment and speeding up timelines. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to replace dependence on fossil fuels with clean, homegrown energy as oil and gas prices fluctuate due to global instability.