Global Climate News

Global leader in floating energy infrastructure, Höegh Evi, saw a 50% indirect ownership stake sale from funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners to funds managed by Igneo Infrastructure Partners. Aequitas Limited retained its 50% shareholding.

The United States' eighth liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal, Plaquemines LNG, shipped its first cargo on December 26, 2024. This facility, developed by Venture Global LNG, uses mid-scale liquefaction technology and has a nominal capacity of 1.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), expandable to 2.6 Bcf/d upon completion of both phases. Another facility, Corpus Christi Stage 3, also began LNG production in December 2024.

The article compares Starlink satellite internet and 5G home internet, highlighting their benefits, coverage, performance, capacity, security, and cost. It mentions EcoFlow portable power stations as an alternative energy source for routers, with prices ranging from around $50 for the RIVER 3 to more for the DELTA series.

MIT researchers conducted an experiment in Amsterdam, resulting in households reducing energy expenses by half, and a 75% success rate in alleviating energy poverty. The experiment involved providing energy usage data and coaching, along with smart devices in one version. Electricity consumption decreased by 33% and gas by 42%, lowering bills by 53%. A follow-up experiment will examine the benefits of residential building retrofits to lower energy costs.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that there are currently no plans to raise water or electricity prices. The government will review water prices within 3 months, considering affordability and user fees. To stabilize prices for the Lunar New Year, gasoline prices will only decrease, and prices for natural gas and bottled gas will remain unchanged until the end of February. Additionally, the price of small packages of sugar and 3-liter bottles of cooking oil will remain stable until the end of February.

The Los Angeles area experienced unprecedented Santa Ana winds causing multiple wildfires. The Palisades fire was uncontainable due to strong winds, and water hydrants ran dry due to insufficient water pressure. The Eaton Canyon fire, possibly caused by an electrical tower, spread to Altadena. SoCal Edison faced criticism due to past fire-related settlements.

The UK's Ofgem is reviewing the gas disconnections framework to ensure it supports the transition to net zero and protects consumers. The review considers the costs of disconnections, the disconnection process, and how to make it easier for consumers to switch to electric heating.

UK-based Solent University has completed the topping out ceremony for its new £7m South Coast Institute of Technology facility, which will focus on reducing carbon in its construction and operation. The facility is expected to open in summer 2025 and will provide technical education to approximately 2,000 students annually.

Norwegian SINTEF and Heimdall Power have developed "Neuron", a sensor-equipped device that increases power line capacity by up to 35 MW for some lines, and 40% on average. This reduces the need for expensive and controversial new power lines, enabling faster electrification and renewable energy connection, and potentially avoiding environmental impact from new constructions.

SINTEF researchers found significant variations in fire safety measures in battery rooms, highlighting the need for national guidelines to address the risks associated with Li-ion battery fires. A recent case study examined seven buildings, revealing inconsistencies in ventilation and fire safety measures. The researchers recommend a holistic approach to battery room design, considering room size, battery chemistry, and fire suppression systems.

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.

The UK government aims to become a global leader in AI by 2030, boosting its data center capacity twentyfold and establishing AI growth zones with relaxed planning permissions for new data centers. An AI Energy Council will explore renewable energy sources for AI. The government also announced a consultation on regulating copyrighted content for AI model training.

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.

The UK government announced a plan to unleash artificial intelligence across the UK, including initiatives to create AI Growth Zones, build a new supercomputer, and boost AI adoption in public and private sectors. The plan includes £14 billion investment from three tech companies (Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl) and aims to create 13,250 jobs. A key focus is on sustainable energy for powering AI ambitions, with Culham, Oxfordshire, selected as the site for the first AI Growth Zone, leveraging the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority’s expertise in fusion energy.

Taiwan's Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI) implemented mandatory inspections for residential lithium battery energy storage appliances and power conversion systems (up to 20 kWh and 20 kW, respectively) starting July 1, 2026, to ensure safety and reliability in line with the country's renewable energy goals. The regulations address thermal runaway risks and require compliance with standards for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and grid connection safety.

India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy (500 GW by the end of this decade) and net-zero carbon emissions for the railway by 2030. The Prime Minister highlighted India's commitment to green energy, noting that India was the first country to meet the Paris Agreement commitments, nine years ahead of schedule. He also mentioned the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030, which India is set to achieve well before the deadline.

Taiwan approved a plan to invest NT$80.77 billion (US$2.45 billion) over eight years to reduce its water leakage rate from 11.99 percent in 2024 to 9.77 percent by 2032. This will save 59.1 million cubic meters of water annually. The government will also review water prices, currently among the world's cheapest at NT$9.24 per cubic meter.

The Iranian government has committed to removing bureaucratic obstacles to renewable energy production and development in East Azerbaijan province. The government and private sector are cooperating to facilitate the growth of renewable energy projects, specifically solar power.

Iran is planning to address its energy crisis through a 30,000 megawatt project, with 1,500 megawatts already operational. The country is also emphasizing the use of renewable energy sources and has stated that there are no bureaucratic obstacles to renewable energy production in East Azerbaijan province.

India's Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue focused on sustainable future with sessions on sustainable farming, and steering India towards a sustainable future. Experts from various fields shared their insights, and the event highlighted youth-focused initiatives in education, skill development, and entrepreneurship.