Daily Digest for

China aims to increase its total installed power generation capacity to over 3.6 billion kilowatts by 2025, as announced by the National Energy Administration. The country plans to maintain crude oil output at over 200 million tonnes and add over 200 million kilowatts of new energy power generation capacity. By 2025, China’s total electricity generation is expected to reach 10.6 trillion kilowatt-hours. The proportion of non-fossil energy power generation capacity is expected to increase to around 60 percent, with non-fossil energy making up around 20 percent of total energy consumption. Zhang Xing, the administration’s spokesperson, emphasized the need for strengthening research and development in key energy technology equipment and advancing energy system reforms.

Singapore’s DBS and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote sustainable practices in the manufacturing sector. This partnership aims to support 500 small and mid-sized manufacturers over two years, providing expertise, resources, and financial solutions to reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness. The collaboration includes training, tailored sustainability programs, and competitive sustainable financing options. This initiative supports Singapore’s national decarbonisation agenda and positions its manufacturing sector as a leader in sustainable practices.

China unveiled a high-performance methanol-diesel dual-fuel ship engine in Shanghai, developed by subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC). The engine, with a maximum power output of 64,500 kilowatts, uses methanol for 95% of its power, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 7.5% compared to traditional diesel engines. It features advanced digital control and a dual-fuel injection system, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. The engine will be installed on a 16,000-TEU container ship, marking its operational debut.

Sweden-based HYBRIT has successfully completed a pilot project for large-scale storage of fossil-free hydrogen gas, reporting the results to the Swedish Energy Agency. The project, initiated by SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall, aims to develop fossil-free iron and steel production using hydrogen gas. The pilot demonstrated the feasibility of storing hydrogen gas in a 100 m3 steel-lined rock cavern, achieving savings of 25-40% in variable operating costs. The technology is now ready for industrial scaling, potentially reducing Sweden’s and Finland’s carbon dioxide emissions by 10% and 7%, respectively.

US-based NAES and Gecko Robotics have announced a strategic partnership to modernize American power plants using AI and robotics. The initial agreement is valued at over $100 million, with potential to grow beyond $250 million. This collaboration aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of power production in response to a national energy emergency declared by President Trump. The partnership will leverage Gecko’s AI-driven platforms and robotics to optimize plant performance and attract talent to the power industry.

US-based U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released a report requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) calculating the greenhouse gas emissions intensities of U.S. steel and aluminum industries. The report provides detailed emissions intensity estimates for various steel and aluminum products, highlighting the production pathways and material inputs that influence these intensities. The findings show significant differences in emissions based on production methods and material use, with primary unwrought aluminum having the highest emissions intensity due to its energy requirements. The report does not make policy recommendations but provides factual findings and analyses.

Japan-based MODEC has initiated an offshore carbon capture project for its Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels using Carbon Clean’s CycloneCC technology. The project involves a Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) contract with South Korea’s SAMSUNG E&A to optimize the technology for offshore conditions. This marks the first deployment of CycloneCC in an offshore setting, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions as part of MODEC’s Vision 2034 plan. The project is a collaboration between MODEC, SAMSUNG E&A, and UK-based Carbon Clean, focusing on decarbonizing offshore oil and gas operations.

US-based VerAI Discoveries has secured $24 million in a Series B funding round led by Insight Partners. This funding is aimed at accelerating the testing and economic development of over 60 mineral projects across North America and South America. The investment, supported by existing investors such as Blumberg Capital, Chrysalix Venture Capital, and Orion Industrial Ventures, will enable VerAI to refine its AI-driven discovery platform which identifies concealed deposits of critical minerals, essential for global economic growth and energy independence.

The African Energy Chamber recently released its 2025 Outlook Report, predicting a promising future for African renewables as the continent balances its reliance on fossil fuels. They noted that fossil fuels currently account for 72% of Africa’s power generation, while renewables will likely increase from over 27% to 43% by the end of the decade. Key countries like South Africa and Egypt are leading in power production. The report highlights that 590 million people in Africa live without electricity, stressing the need for infrastructure expansion and international investment to improve energy accessibility.

The European Commission has adopted a new package of proposals to simplify EU rules governing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This proposal includes a new threshold exemption of 50 tonnes mass to ease compliance, specifically targeting small and medium enterprises and individual importers. The changes aim to keep 99% of emissions in the CBAM scope while exempting approximately 90% of importers. Furthermore, steps will be taken to strengthen anti-abuse provisions, facilitating a more effective CBAM for the future.

The European Commission has launched a consultation to assess the regulatory landscape of commodity derivatives, emission allowances markets, and aspects of spot energy markets. The consultation is intended to inform a report to the European Parliament and Council, highlighting the need for evaluating the existing rules, especially in light of the recent energy crisis. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and resilience of these markets while reducing regulatory burdens on EU companies where possible.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is considering its first application for seabed mining in international waters. Legal scholars have warned that approving such an application could violate the ISA’s obligation under UNCLOS to protect the marine environment. The ISA has yet to finalize mining regulations and a push from some governments and companies is underway to start mining. Expert analyses suggest that any legal efforts to challenge the ISA’s decisions are likely weak, while approvals without regulation could expose the ISA to potential legal action regarding environmental protection responsibilities.

European Commission announced funding initiatives as part of the Clean Industrial Deal, including a €1 billion Hydrogen Bank call in Q3 2025, a €1 billion pilot auction for decarbonisation of industrial processes, and a planned Industrial Decarbonisation Bank with a budget of €100 billion in Q2 2026. Hydrogen Europe expressed support for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of funding for the economic viability of clean tech projects. The Industrial Decarbonisation Bank will facilitate technology-neutral support across various industrial sectors.

Brazil-based Homerun Resources Inc. announced a non-binding offtake agreement with Balfar Solar for the supply of 100,000 tonnes of solar glass per year. The initial price is set at USD 750 per tonne. The agreement also includes discussions on a potential Joint Venture to expand solar module sales in the Brazilian Solar Market. This agreement aligns with Homerun’s strategic roadmap to become a fully integrated materials company in the green energy sector.

US-based Intuitive Machines has announced its lunar mission IM-2, set for launch on 27 February 2025, which aims to explore the Moon’s south pole for water ice. The mission will utilize the Athena lander equipped with NASA’s TRIDENT drill and a mass spectrometer to detect life-sustaining volatiles. The project’s funding comes from the German Space Agency at DLR with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, highlighting its significance for sustainability in space exploration.

US-based Silver One Resources Inc. announced promising results from metallurgical testing at its Candelaria Silver Mine utilizing a novel cyanide-free leaching process. This innovative technology potentially doubles silver recoveries to nearly 69% while cutting leaching times significantly. The testing demonstrates that this environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cyanide leaching could improve the economics of the project, which holds substantial resources in historic heaps with over 30 million ounces of silver identified.

The European Commission has adopted a package of proposals to simplify EU rules and boost competitiveness, delivering over €6 billion in administrative relief. This includes the first ‘Omnibus’ packages, which aim to reduce complexity in sustainable finance reporting, sustainability due diligence, EU Taxonomy, and more. The proposals particularly benefit SMEs and small mid-caps, allowing easier access to sustainable finance for their clean transition.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal announced an investment of over ₹4,800 crore to enhance Assam’s inland waterways at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit. A key feature is the allocation of ₹1,500 crore for the transition to Green Vessels by 2030 under the ‘Harit Nauka Scheme’. Additionally, ₹315 crore was allocated for developing a Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri and ₹120 crore for a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh. This initiative is aimed at promoting trade and tourism while ensuring environmental sustainability through improved riverine transport capacity.

US-based RMI and the Mission Possible Partnership collaborated to assess industrial decarbonization, revealing that more than 700 net-zero industrial projects are needed by 2030 to meet the Paris Climate Agreement goals. California leads with over 10 projects in the global pipeline, including Forterra’s green cement facility opened in April 2024, which captures and locks CO2 emissions. The Gulf Coast focuses on hydrogen infrastructure, with Texas aiming to become a key hydrogen producer through the federally designated HyVelocity Hub.

The UK government has committed to supporting the aviation sector while addressing sustainability concerns. They approved London City Airport’s expansion plan to 9 million passengers per year by 2031 and welcomed Stansted’s £1.1 billion investment to extend its terminal. With record-breaking passenger levels recorded, the government aims to balance economic growth with carbon reduction strategies, emphasizing the importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) which can reduce emissions by 70% compared to jet fuel. Additionally, a £63 million investment in the Advanced Fuels Fund was announced to support the growth of UK production in sustainable fuels.