Daily Digest for

Lila Sciences, a biotech startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has accelerated scientific discovery with AI-driven automated labs. The company has streamlined the research process by having scientists enter goals into an AI system, which proposes experimental approaches. The system has enabled the identification of carbon capture materials in a significantly reduced time frame.

Emerald Lake Capital Management announced the sale of Inno-Pak, a leader in eco-friendly packaging, to Handgards on March 14, 2025. Since partnering with Emerald Lake in 2020, Inno-Pak has more than doubled its patent portfolio and made significant investments in its manufacturing capabilities, including opening a new production facility in Ohio in 2023. The sale marks a strategic move to support Inno-Pak’s growth ambitions as it continues to innovate in sustainable packaging solutions.

The Brazilian government has initiated a visit to Japan and Vietnam by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from March 24 to March 29, 2025, to enhance bilateral relations. In Japan, key discussions on enhancing trade, notably in beef and pork products, are expected, alongside engagement in sectors such as science, technology, and renewable energy. Significant cooperation in carbon reduction initiatives was highlighted, focusing on the use of ethanol for aviation fuel production and biomass for electricity generation. Following Japan, a visit to Vietnam aims to reinforce strategic partnership and cooperation in key economic sectors, building on recent discussions of trade expansion reaching a goal of $15 billion by 2025.

The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, highlighted the country’s strong relationship with France, particularly in the energy sector. During a working visit to France on March 10-11, agreements were signed to enhance economic cooperation, including a significant financing agreement of 30 million euros aimed at improving energy efficiency in public buildings in Moldova. The discussions also emphasized the importance of tackling issues related to climate change and energy security.

The Dutch Cabinet has outlined a strategy for carbon removal to help achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It plans to implement 20 to 25 megatons of carbon removal annually from 2040 to 2050. The carbon captured will be stored underground or used in industry. This initiative is part of a broader climate plan set to be presented to the Dutch Parliament, focusing on creating a carbon market and supporting innovative technologies in carbon removal.

The Government of Barbados, in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has initiated the USD 110 million Barbados Climate Resilient South Coast Water Reclamation Project. This project aims to enhance climate resilience by upgrading the south coast sewage treatment plant into a water reclamation facility capable of producing water for agricultural irrigation and groundwater recharge. This groundbreaking operation, which is the world’s first debt-for-climate resilience conversion, is funded through GCF finances and has significant implications for improving water management and safeguarding public health in the region.

The Council of the European Union has endorsed a negotiating mandate on the regulation of new genomic techniques (NGTs) aimed at enhancing innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector. The proposed regulation establishes two pathways for NGT plants: category 1, which can occur naturally, exempting them from current GMO regulations, and category 2, which must comply with existing GMO rules, including assessments and labeling. Member states will have the authority to prohibit the cultivation of category 2 NGT plants. The Council also mandates a study on the impact of patenting on innovation within the plant breeding sector one year after the regulation comes into force.

Bioenergy Europe has joined a coalition of 33 organizations to support the EU Green Claims Directive, which aims to establish clearer rules for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and credible climate claims. The coalition emphasizes the importance of enabling businesses to invest in CDR before achieving net-zero. Their priorities include applying the Like-for-Like principle for offsetting fossil fuel emissions with permanent removals and ensuring that only high-quality carbon removal credits are used in compensation claims. This well-balanced directive aims to combat greenwashing while fostering the development of a €220 billion carbon removal industry.

The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has started a process to gather templates for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) within EU energy markets. This initiative aims to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources through standardized agreements. By compiling these templates, ACER seeks to enhance market accessibility and efficiency for electricity consumers and producers. The collection is intended to support the transition to a more sustainable energy system across Europe.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance signed an agreement for €15 million in EU grants to support the Agriculture Services Programme for an Inclusive Rural Economy and Agricultural Trade (ASPIRE-AT). This complements an existing €60 million loan from EIB Global and €4.5 million in technical assistance from the EU, totaling nearly €80 million. The project aims to modernise Cambodia’s agricultural sector, enhance food security, and strengthen exports, benefiting 100,000 smallholder farmers and 25,000 land-poor households, with a focus on empowering women and engaging young people.

Beston Group has delivered three plastic pyrolysis plants to Finland, where they aim to convert waste plastics into fuel oil using advanced pyrolysis technology. The equipment has successfully arrived at the installation site after transportation from China, overcoming challenges presented by Finland’s winter climate. Installation preparations are underway to ensure efficient setup for resource recycling and sustainable energy development.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan certified the occupation plans for an offshore wind power project located off Akita Prefecture, specifically in the areas of Hachibiki Town and Noshiro City. The selected operator is “合同会社八峰能代沖洋上風力”, and the project is approved under the Renewable Energy Marine Utilization Act. This certification allows for the use of the sea area from December 1, 2025, to March 13, 2055. The certified occupation plan’s validity is 30 years, beginning from March 14, 2025.