Global Climate News

Taiwan's Land Administration Agency clarified that building quality and the size of areas undergoing危老重建(renewal of dangerous and old buildings) are unrelated. The agency emphasized the importance of local governments' roles in enforcing construction safety regulations and supervision to prevent incidents like the recent collapse in New Taipei City. They will continue to improve construction safety management through training and review policies.

Taiwanese government aims to install 5.7 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2025, with an additional 15 GW by 2035. Van Oord has been contracted by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to install inter-array cables for the Fengmiao 1 offshore wind farm in Taiwan. The 500-megawatt wind farm will be a large-scale source of green electricity. Van Oord will deploy its cable-laying vessel Nexus to install approximately 64 kilometers of cables, starting in 2027.

Chinese researchers investigated the mechanical behavior of geogrid-soil interface under rainfall infiltration using a large direct shear apparatus. The study found that rainfall infiltration reduces peak shear stress, cohesion, and the friction angle of the interface. The research provides guidance for predicting and mitigating rainfall effects on soil properties in geotechnical engineering.

Ireland-based Construct Innovate and Engineers’ Ireland West region have organized an 8-week webinar series on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase productivity and efficiency in the construction industry while addressing environmental, sustainability, and circular economy imperatives. The series aligns with SDGs 8, 9, and 12.

Czechia's Pardubický kraj is constructing a 180 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant at Gymnázium Pardubice Dašická. The open tender, with a deadline of February 12, 2025, includes supply and installation of photovoltaic modules and related construction work.

Bulgaria's Svishtov Municipality has launched a tender for construction works to renovate the "Maria Luiza" retirement home. The project includes energy-saving measures like thermal insulation, installation of heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. The estimated value is 9,620,495.27 BGN.

US-based Plug Power has detailed its hydrogen production process, from water purification to liquefaction and distribution, emphasizing its use of proton exchange membrane-based electrolyzers and commitment to sustainable practices. The company has completed its first customer fill of liquid green hydrogen at its Georgia plant.

UK-based Uniper is exploring the development of a new carbon capture power station in the Humber region. The Killingholme Low Carbon Power project involves developing a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station and installing carbon capture technology to remove CO2 emissions. The project aims to be operational by 2030, with a capacity of at least 470MW.

Poland's BYTOMSKIE PRZEDSIĘBIORSTWO KOMUNALNE SPÓŁKA Z O.O. is building solar photovoltaic farms at three wastewater treatment plants and a pumping station in Bytom. The project, partially funded by the Just Transition Fund, involves design, construction, and connection of photovoltaic installations, energy storage, and heat pumps. Three lots are available with varying deadlines and financial guarantees (120,000, 190,000, and 280,000 PLN).

UK-based Sellafield Ltd. engaged a 17-year-old student, Matthew, from the Energy Coast University Technical College, in a 6-week engineering project to find solutions for additional space in its waste management facilities. The project was conducted at the Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence.

Taiwan's Taipower held its 57th annual skills competition, with 1,255 employees from 75 units participating in 32 categories. The competition highlights Taipower's commitment to improving employee skills and transferring generational experience, particularly as the workforce is becoming younger. Taipower also showcased a new safety device to prevent power line falls.

Kazakhstan is building a 120 MW hybrid power plant comprising Wärtsilä engines, a 77 MW wind plant, and a 50 MW solar plant. Wärtsilä will supply six Wärtsilä 46TS-SG gas-fuelled engines and auxiliary equipment. The project aims to provide stable electricity to oil and gas facilities, supporting Kazakhstan's decarbonisation efforts.

US-based Bechtel is designing and constructing a 226-megawatt solar facility in Lincoln County, Nevada for Estuary Power. The Escape Solar project will use approximately 389,000 PV solar panels and is scheduled for completion in Q3 2025. Major power customers include MGM Resorts International, Overton Power District, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Las Vegas.

Japan-based Kyoto Fusion Engineering opened a new research and development base in Tokyo and moved its headquarters there. The company is focused on fusion energy and is collaborating with Canada Atomic Energy on the UNITY-2 project in Ontario, Canada. The new base will consolidate research on fusion fuel cycle systems.

Hitachi Energy and Samsung C&T Corporation are expanding their collaboration to explore joint business opportunities for High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) projects globally, focusing on the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Korea. They aim to leverage the growing HVDC market to deliver efficient power solutions for clean energy. This builds on their successful collaboration supplying two HVDC links transferring 3,200 megawatts of power in the UAE.

Poland-based Zespół Szpitali Powiatu Gliwickiego Sp. z o.o. has announced a tender for the installation of renewable energy systems at its Knurów hospital. The project, funded by the Just Transition Fund (FESL.10.06), includes solar photovoltaic modules (160 kWp), heat pumps (100 kW), and energy storage. The deadline for tenders is January 21, 2025.

US-based Bechtel Group, Inc. announced the election of Lee McIntire to its board of directors. McIntire has overseen complex government contracts, including environmental restoration of US Department of Energy facilities and chemical weapons dismantling for the US Department of Defense. Bechtel serves the Energy, Infrastructure, and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets.

US-based American Electric Power, Bechtel, and Siemens formed a joint venture, Lectrix, to enhance industrial power quality and transmission networks. Lectrix will build and operate equipment, guaranteeing results and avoiding costly customer investments. The company aims to address power quality problems costing US industry \$26 billion annually and transmission grid bottlenecks costing consumers \$1 billion yearly.

US-based Bechtel Corporation announced the election of Jack Futcher as a senior vice president. Bechtel serves the Energy; Infrastructure; Manufacturing & Technology; Mining & Metals; and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets. The company has helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries, increasing access to energy and making the world a safer, cleaner place.

Ecuadorian-based Silvercorp Metals Inc. has awarded a contract to CRCC 14 Bureau Group CO., Ltd for the construction of the El Domo Project’s initial phase, including temporary camp, TSF starter dam, and other infrastructure. The project aims to begin production in the second half of 2026 and includes measures to mitigate climate change impacts on power supply.