Daily Digest for

Japan-based Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. has installed the world’s first hydrogen cartridge-powered vending machine at the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This vending machine, developed in collaboration with Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., operates using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, allowing it to function independently without emitting CO₂. The machine is compatible with Coca-Cola’s official app, Coke ON, and is designed to be accessible for everyone, including the elderly and people with disabilities. The vending machine will be operational from April 13, 2025, beneath the Expo’s Grand Roof (Ring).

Morocco continued to make progress in bolstering its resilience to climate change under the RSF arrangement. Measures implemented under the third and final review of the RSF arrangement aim to better protect underground water resources, prepare the ground for a change in tariffication of water, improve the regulatory setting of the electricity market to encourage private sector’s production of renewable energy, and reinforce fiscal and financial systems’ resilience to climate change-related risks. The IMF Executive Board concluded the 2025 Article IV Consultation and approved the Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement with Morocco, allowing for the immediate disbursement of SDR 375 million (about US$ 496 million).

Equatorial Guinea has officially relaunched its open-door licensing process aimed at boosting hydrocarbon production and attracting investment. The initiative sets the stage for a significant licensing round at the end of 2025 or early 2026, featuring strategic fiscal reforms, including a reduction in corporate tax from 35% to 25%. The planned multi-client 3D seismic acquisition initiative will provide high-quality geological insights for investors. Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Mega Hub initiative is a central aspect of its energy strategy, collaborating with neighboring countries to enhance gas monetization projects.

The Clean Fuels Alliance America, along with organizations such as the American Farm Bureau Federation and the American Soybean Association, wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. They proposed that the EPA set the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2026 at 5.25 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel. The coalition aims to ensure consistent growth in advanced biofuel volumes to support clean transportation options and economic opportunities. The letter emphasizes the importance of clean fuels for U.S. energy security and calls for timely adjustments to RFS standards.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has initiated an anti-dumping and countervailing investigation into imports of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biodiesel from the United States. This decision follows applications from UK biodiesel producers who are concerned about shifting market dynamics and the competitive pricing of HVO compared to UK-produced biodiesel. The investigations will assess whether HVO imports are being sold at unfair prices, which may harm domestic producers. The investigation period is set from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

The German government has initiated a constitutional amendment impacting the definition of climate neutrality. The amendment includes the phrase “Klimaneutralität bis 2045” in the constitution, but it appears to establish a purpose for state budget expenditures rather than a binding obligation. Furthermore, it introduces Article 143h, which provides the state with the option to incur debt to fund investments related to climate neutrality for the next twelve years but does not enforce an obligation to reach this target. This decision has sparked debate over the legal implications of this new clause.

On March 18th, Germany’s federal parliament passed a constitutional amendment allowing for increased defense spending, exempting future spending exceeding 1% of GDP from the debt break. The next government is expected to act on implementing NATO’s regional and domain-specific defense plans, expanding military personnel and infrastructure, and conducting a risk assessment of foreign dependencies in military systems. This amendment received broad public support, legitimizing the debt-financed defense spending hike.

The Nuclear Alliance convened on March 17, 2025, during the Energy Council to discuss the Commission’s Action Plan for Affordable Energy. Led by Swedish Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, the meeting included representatives from 15 countries and the European Commission. Key messages emphasized the need for technology neutrality in energy policy, recognition of member states’ nuclear power ambitions, and the essential role of low carbon baseload for achieving Net Zero by 2050. Discussions also included progress on financing initiatives by the Nuclear Alliance Working Group.

Sidenor I+D is involved in the ModHeaTech project under the European HORIZON program, focusing on enhancing the heating process of steel billets prior to rolling. This project aims to limit the consumption of fossil fuels by integrating an innovative hybrid heating solution that includes both traditional natural gas and renewable energy-powered electric induction. The initiative also investigates the feasibility of using hydrogen instead of natural gas and is supported by RINA-CSM for technical validations. Sidenor collaborates with other industry players to foster environmentally-friendly heating solutions, demonstrating its strong commitment to reducing emissions in steel production.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan have announced the launch of the Public-Private Advisory Council on Watt-Bit Collaboration. This council aims to enhance collaboration between public and private sectors to develop critical infrastructure for electricity and telecommunications, addressing the increasing demand for data centers due to AI and communication traffic. The first meeting of this advisory council is scheduled for March 21, 2025. This initiative is part of Japan’s strategy for promoting growth and decarbonization through improved infrastructure management.

The South African government has enacted the Climate Change Act, 2024, to establish a framework for a just transition to a low-carbon economy. This Act aims to stimulate innovation and job creation in renewable energy and sustainable sectors. The proclamation was published on March 17, 2025, marking the commencement date. Specific provisions of the Act will be implemented later as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment develops regulations. The government emphasizes the urgency of climate action in response to recent severe weather conditions.

Google Research and Muon Space launched the first satellite for the FireSat constellation, designed for early detection of wildfires, particularly small fires as small as 5x5 meters, within 20 minutes. Funded in part by Google.org’s $13 million initiative, FireSat aims to improve wildfire management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This innovation is a collaboration among organizations focusing on climate solutions, and the satellite data will also contribute to global wildfire research.

The UK Government has announced the extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme, which requires large organizations to submit their packaging data by April 1, 2024. Small organizations must make one annual submission of packaging data, also due by April 1, 2024. All businesses must register with their respective environmental regulators by the deadline. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions. The pEPR policy aims to shift the cost of managing household packaging waste from taxpayers to producers, incentivizing reductions in unnecessary packaging and promoting the use of recycled materials.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced the outcomes of the official visit by New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Christopher Luxon, to India, on March 17, 2025. This visit led to the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an arrangement for facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between the countries. Furthermore, New Zealand has officially joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, signifying increased collaboration on climate and infrastructure resilience. Various bilateral documents were signed, including a Letter of Intent on Forestry between India’s Ministry of Environment and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, showcasing a commitment to forestry cooperation and sustainability.

The Japanese and French governments have announced their collaboration on a heavy rare earth production project by Caremag SAS, based in Lyon, France. They welcomed a long-term supply contract expected to meet 20% of Japan’s future demand for heavy rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has decided to contribute approximately 100 million euros through JOGMEC to support this initiative, while the French government is providing about 106 million euros in subsidies and tax reductions. The project aims to establish an alternative supply chain for heavy rare earths outside of specific countries.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan announced the investment approval statistics for the first two months of 2025. A total of 295 investments were approved, amounting to approximately USD 1.785 billion. Among these, foreign investments accounted for 290 cases, with an increased amount of USD 1.688 billion, primarily driven by significant investments in renewable energy. Orsted Wind Power’s investment of approximately NTD 3.58 billion in the Changhua offshore wind farm and other similar projects paved the way for a notable rise in investment figures.

Green Carbon, a company specializing in nature-based carbon credits, has partnered with Paperal, a long-established paper company in Nara Prefecture, to measure emission reductions during the production of a new type of paper called ‘kome-kami’. They have utilized rice paddy-derived J-Credits for carbon offset, marking the world’s first instance of such a product. This initiative began under the Open Innovation Program initiated by Nara Prefecture, highlighting collaboration for practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

Aichi Prefecture initiated the sale of forest credits derived from its public forests as part of the ‘Yahagi River and Toyokawa Carbon Neutral Project’. They utilized the J-Credit system for this purpose, having received applications for 287t-CO₂ against a sale volume of 200t-CO₂. The selected buyers will use these credits for carbon offsetting related to CO₂ emissions at local events and factories. Future sales of forest credits are planned for the next financial year.