Global Climate News

France has revised its national hydrogen strategy to support the development of low-carbon hydrogen, with a focus on infrastructure, technology, and industrial projects. The update includes a support mechanism of 4 billion euros over 15 years and aims to install up to 4.5 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030, and 8 GW by 2035.

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, delivered a keynote address at the 9th Global Technology Summit in New Delhi, emphasizing India's vast trade and investment opportunities. He pointed out that India could grow eight times over the next two to two-and-a-half decades, fueled by a strong domestic market. The minister noted the necessity of reforms in the WTO, especially concerning the definition of 'developing countries' and issues related to e-commerce and agriculture. He also highlighted challenges posed by the EU regarding climate regulations linked to non-trade issues, warning that these could hinder global trade.

Desert Control, through its U.S. subsidiary Desert Control Americas Inc., executed a final service agreement with Woodland Hills Country Club for water conservation technology deployment across 43 acres of the golf course. Implementation will start on April 15, 2025, with the first full month of operation in May 2025. The service follows a Pay-As-You-Save model, potentially exceeding NOK 8.5 million over five years based on water savings.

The Italy-India Business, Science and Technology Forum was held to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The forum emphasized sectors such as green technology and innovation as key areas for potential collaboration. Deputy PM of Italy, H.E. Antonio Tajani, highlighted the importance of stability in trade within the Indo-Pacific region. Union Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, indicated that the Indian economy aims to grow significantly by 2047, with a focus on enhancing bilateral trade.

Robotron NZ has completed a project with Mercury NZ Ltd., where its esales software manages the commercial and industrial division of Mercury, covering 7,000 ICPs. This solution oversees all billing tasks, achieving a billing accuracy of over 95% from the first run. Mercury NZ generates electricity solely from renewable sources and operates as a retailer for electricity and other services, with a majority shareholding by the New Zealand Government.

A report led by Professor Dr. Sylvia Sander from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive deep-sea research and management to protect ocean health. Published on April 11, 2025, it outlines ten recommendations for sustainable practices in the deep sea, urging international cooperation and investment in scientific studies. The report highlights the escalating threats to deep-sea ecosystems due to human activities such as mining and climate change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ocean health.

Ecovyst Inc., a global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts, and sulfuric acid services, has amended its ABL credit agreement through its subsidiary, Ecovyst Catalyst Technologies LLC. The agreement was extended by over three years to April 2030, maintaining a total value of $100 million. This amendment aims to enhance financial flexibility, reduce borrowing costs, and improve liquidity, following a similar amendment to its Term Loan Facility earlier in 2025.

The Italian Minister of University and Research, Ms. Anna Maria Bernini, met with India's Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss bilateral scientific cooperation. During the meeting, an MoU was signed for enhancing cooperation in scientific research and technology focusing on areas like AI, biotechnology, and quantum technologies. They agreed to implement a 2025–2027 Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which includes joint funding for research initiatives. Key achievements include India’s development of a DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and initiatives in agriculture and biotechnology addressing sustainable practices.

In March 2025, battery energy storage systems in the NEM earned 40% lower revenues than the previous month due to fewer periods of extreme prices. New South Wales was the only state that experienced energy price spikes, thereby increasing potential revenues for battery operations. Philip Island’s batteries outperformed expectations due to co-optimised dispatch between energy and FCAS regulation – earning higher revenues than if they had perfectly captured energy price spreads. Additionally, it was noted that batteries reduced their energy discharge bids when prices were likely to spike to maintain high energy output.

Ecocem, a leader in low-carbon cement technologies, was awarded €4 million by the European Innovation Council for a project focused on optimizing Electric Arc Furnace slag for low-carbon cement. This initiative is part of the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024, aimed at supporting innovations that address climate change and promote sustainability. The project, which will run over four years, involves collaboration with notable institutions and is crucial for the cement industry's shift towards more sustainable practices.

The MIT-Ukraine hackathon, co-sponsored by MIT-Ukraine and Mission Innovation X, focused on developing solutions to key challenges faced by Ukraine. It consisted of one week of training followed by three weeks of project development. The energy resilience team explored low-cost heating technologies for homes, while other teams addressed demining efforts and educational support for displaced students. The projects aim for real-world impact and will be considered for further development through MIT's research programs.

W4W Kenya has recognized the challenges posed by the upcoming rainy season in Nairobi and emphasized the importance of waterproofing to protect concrete structures. The company provides tailored solutions that include advanced waterproofing techniques such as hydrophobic concrete, crystalline waterproofing, and membrane waterproofing. The firm assesses sites to determine the most suitable methods, ensuring long-term protection against water damage during heavy rains.