Daily Digest for

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.

US-based SRI has spun out Membravo, a startup focused on scaling up a novel polymer membrane for hydrogen separation. Founded by Joe Sawa and Milad Yavari, Membravo aims to address the inefficiencies in hydrogen isolation that lead to significant financial losses and unnecessary CO2 emissions. An investment of $10 million from the U.S. Department of Energy supported 15 years of R&D, culminating in the development of membranes capable of withstanding extreme industrial conditions. The startup is currently fundraising and engaging in pilot projects with major energy companies.

Abu Dhabi-based ADQ and Australian Plenary Group established Plenary Middle East, a co-development and investment platform aimed at driving sustainable development in the Middle East and Central Asia. The platform will leverage public-private partnership (PPP) models for high-impact projects in sectors such as education, transportation, and healthcare, addressing an estimated infrastructure financing gap of US$15 trillion by 2040. ADQ’s recent acquisition of a 49% stake in Plenary Group further facilitates this initiative, aiming to create lasting socioeconomic benefits and generate financial returns for Abu Dhabi.

California has initiated a significant move towards establishing a regional electricity market by introducing SB 540. This legislation, backed by EDF and a diverse coalition, permits the state’s electric providers to engage in a western regional electricity market governed by an independent organization. The market, once operational, will help improve cooperation with neighboring states, optimize the use of clean energy sources, and may save California nearly $800 million annually while reducing climate pollution by 31%.

US-based Energy Transfer has launched a lawsuit against Greenpeace International and two Greenpeace entities, seeking US$300 million in damages. This lawsuit is viewed as a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) aimed at silencing dissent following the Indigenous-led protests at the Dakota Access Pipeline. Greenpeace entities have faced legal battles from ET since 2017, striving to protect free speech rights and public protest participation.

Sweden-based AP-fonderna, comprising AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, achieved a combined positive result of 182 billion kronor for 2024, reflecting an average return of 9.6 percent. They have committed to maintaining net-zero emission portfolios, successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 21 percent in 2024. This achievement underscores their position as leaders in sustainability within international finance. The funds emphasized their role in ensuring the stability of the pension system, with total assets reaching 2,053 billion kronor by the end of 2024. Their focus on responsible investment practices continues to strengthen public trust in the pension fund system.

US-based SEC has emphasized its role in facilitating capital formation while also addressing climate-related disclosures. The SEC is currently deliberating over a challenged climate-related disclosure rule and is reviewing its approach to regulatory frameworks. The Acting Chairman shared concerns about the potential economic impact of climate-related disclosure regulations and plans to explore more focused regulatory changes regarding retail investment in private companies. As part of this commitment, the SEC’s task force aims to create a balanced framework that supports both innovation and sustainable practices in the financial markets.

US-based NVIDIA has launched its generative AI weather model, CorrDiff, part of the NVIDIA Earth-2 platform. This model allows for kilometer-scale forecasts, enabling enhanced predictions of extreme weather events. Deployed for disaster management and renewable energy applications, the technology is already saving significant energy and improving evacuation planning. Initial implementations have been made in Taiwan, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in forecasting typhoons.

UK-based Sellafield Ltd has initiated the second shipment of vitrified nuclear waste from its site in West Cumbria to the Isar Federal storage facility in Germany, scheduled for the first half of 2025. This follows a successful first shipment of 6 flasks to Biblis completed in 2020. The returns are part of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority strategy to repatriate high-level waste and fulfill overseas contracts. The waste will be transported by sea and then onwards by rail to its final destination, ensuring full compliance with all national and international regulations.

India’s Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has approved a proposal to raise up to ₹5,000 crore through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) of equity shares during its 22nd Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM). The funds raised are intended to strengthen IREDA’s green financing capabilities and support India’s clean energy targets. IREDA’s Chairman, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, highlighted the organization’s strong financial performance and growth in loan disbursements, emphasizing that the QIP will enhance loan book growth.

The EU-based CO₂ Value Europe submitted feedback on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) on February 20, 2025, proposing changes to the Annex which aims to support carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies. Their recommendations included renaming the CO2 utilisation sub-category for clarity and ensuring that commercially available CCU products are included. The act has been crucial in identifying several technologies as essential for the EU’s clean energy transition and streamlining their regulatory approval processes.

US-based Energy Information Administration expects that 63 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity will be added to the U.S. power grid in 2025. This marks an almost 30% increase from 2024, which had seen 48.6 GW installed. Solar and battery storage are expected to account for 81% of the total capacity additions, with solar contributing over 50%. Texas and California are predicted to make up almost half of the new solar capacity.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and JOLT announced a $194 million loan agreement to expand JOLT’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Canada. This investment will fund the installation of up to 1,500 new curbside EV chargers in urban centres, making charging more accessible for Canadians. The initiative is part of the CIB’s goal to alleviate consumer range anxiety and significantly reduce transportation emissions by accelerating EV adoption.

Canada has announced a $500,000 contribution to Phase 2 of the Global Initiative for Transitioning Remote Communities to Renewable Energy, partnering with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This initiative aims to develop five case studies of successful business models, conduct country-level assessments for renewable energy potential, and organize workshops to enhance skills and knowledge in renewable energy project planning and maintenance for remote communities.

Global manufacturers have begun transforming their paint production processes through the integration of AI-driven solutions. These innovations are reported to enhance operational efficiency by 30–50% in batch preparation, leading to reduced waste and improved quality. The ProLeiT software from Schneider Electric provides digital tools that ensure consistent color matching while supporting sustainability goals through energy optimization and raw material savings.

Colombia hosted the resumed session of the 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16.2) in Rome, with the FAO emphasizing the importance of agrifood systems in achieving global biodiversity goals. FAO and the Colombian government launched the Agri-NBSAPs Support Initiative to integrate agrifood systems into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. The initiative aims to mobilize financial resources and enhance collaboration between agriculture and environmental strategies. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted that over half of the KMGBF’s 23 targets relate directly to agriculture.

Cape Town, South Africa has seen G20 leaders convening at the 1st Finance and Central Bank Ministerial Meeting. Greenpeace Africa’s Fred Njehu emphasized the importance of fair taxation to address the interlocking polycrisis the world faces. He called for the G20 countries to support a UN-led Tax Convention, which aims to create a democratic international tax negotiation process that would allow all UN members to shape future tax policy. This effort is part of a broader call for G20 leaders to demonstrate leadership in economic reform that promotes equity and justice in taxation.

The European Commission Working Group on Public Perception of Industrial Carbon Management Technologies, Co-Chaired by Marino Varricchio, published the Public Perception Issue Paper. This paper analyses essential aspects of public acceptance of carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) technologies, providing insights that are crucial for enhancing industry practices. The publication serves as a vital resource for policymakers and stakeholders in the EU focused on climate action.

South Africa is set to host the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) and the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB) meeting from 23 to 25 February 2025 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. This initiative aligns with the country’s focus on sustainable development amidst ongoing global challenges, including climate change. Under the leadership of Minister Blade Nzimande, the DSTI aims to promote principles that address social equity and sustainable prosperity as part of bioeconomy policymaking.

Switzerland’s ETH Zurich researchers have developed an AI tool in collaboration with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to enhance the lifespan of railway bridges while conserving resources. This AI model assesses structural safety of reinforced concrete bridges, commonly used in Switzerland, allowing civil engineers to prioritize which bridges need urgent inspections. The project focuses on sustainable bridge design and maintenance, aiming for cost-efficient and safe construction practices through cutting-edge technology.

South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced a significant increase in the fuel subsidy for hydrogen buses from 3,600 Won to 5,000 Won starting March 1st. This change is expected to relieve the financial burden on bus operators, allowing them to save approximately 26.5 million Won annually on fuel costs. The subsidy aims to promote the use of hydrogen buses, which have advantages such as low emissions, longer driving ranges, and reduced noise levels. The Ministry plans to further enhance the infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations to support this initiative.

China hosted the 62nd Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), focusing on the draft outlines of the Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) and a Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies. IPCC Chair Jim Skea described the session as pivotal for delivering the essential assessment reports. The meeting deliberations included budget considerations and establishing timelines for the research efforts to commence, paving the way for effective climate action reporting.

Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration hosted the “AIR 2025: Smart City Clean Air Technology Innovation Forum” from February 24 to 25, 2025. The event featured officials and experts from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to share insights on air quality management and AI technology. Minister Peng Qiming emphasized the need for public-private collaboration to achieve a 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, and announced the establishment of centers for AI and data governance as well as air quality monitoring and forecasting. The forum aimed to create a policy blueprint for clean air quality management in Taiwan.