Global Climate News

US-based Emvolon, an MIT spinout, has developed a technology that repurposes automotive engines into modular chemical plants to produce green fuels like methanol and ammonia from methane emissions. The company has partnered with Montauk Renewables to build a commercial-scale demonstration unit in Texas, initially producing up to 15,000 gallons of green methanol per year, scalable to 2.5 million gallons. Emvolon also received a Department of Energy grant to adapt its process for solar and wind power sources.

Chinese steel plate factories, including hanyesteel, produce specialty steel plates used in construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. These plates offer high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for demanding applications in various industries.

South Korea-based Sambo+Mobility showcased its hydrogen-battery hybrid electric flying taxi, HAM III-2, at CES 2025. The two-seater aircraft has a 30-foot wingspan, 15-foot height, and weighs 1,875 pounds. It boasts a cruising speed of 110 mph, a range of 62 miles, and a maximum flight time of 40 minutes. Testing is expected to begin in early 2025.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, has committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility by adhering to strict quality control measures and eco-friendly practices throughout its steel plate production process. The company uses advanced technologies and cutting-edge processes to manufacture steel plates known for their exceptional strength, durability, and versatility.

The US Department of Treasury and IRS released guidance on the Clean Fuels Production Credit (section 45Z), a tax credit for transportation fuels with low lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. The guidance clarifies eligibility for entities and fuels, methods for determining lifecycle emissions using models like 45ZCF-GREET, and plans to incorporate emissions benefits from climate-smart agriculture practices.

The US Treasury Department and the IRS, in consultation with other federal agencies, issued Notice 2025-11 providing guidance on emissions rates for the clean fuel production credit under Section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. The notice requests public comments on emissions rates and outlines methodologies for determining emissions rates for different transportation fuels, including the use of the 45ZCF-GREET model and CORSIA.

Africa and the Middle East are emerging as key players in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development. In Africa, South Africa has the potential to produce 3.2-4.5 billion liters of SAF annually, exceeding its domestic demand. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is investing heavily in SAF production, aiming for 700 million liters annually by 2031. Saudi Arabia plans a major e-SAF plant producing 350 million liters annually by 2029. Challenges include feedstock availability and high upfront costs.

India's Prime Minister mentioned renewable energy, aviation ecosystem, electric mobility, metro network expansion, and bullet train projects as examples of the country's rapid progress. He also highlighted India's progress in renewable energy and its aim to become a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the role of the Indian diaspora in this journey.

Germany's industrial production saw a 1.5% increase in November 2024 compared to October 2024. Energy-intensive industries also experienced a 1.5% rise. However, compared to November 2023, production was down 2.8%. The Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) reported these figures.

The article discusses seven key climate and nature moments that could significantly impact climate action in 2025. It highlights potential developments and includes quotes from Joana Setzer on the increase in climate lawsuits. The article references a court case where Fossielvrij won against KLM.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, produces specialty steel alloys for automotive, aerospace, construction, and energy sectors. These alloys offer lightweight solutions, high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature resistance, improving vehicle performance, aircraft safety, and the efficiency of energy infrastructure.

The Canadian government invested over $11 million in clean fuels and alternative fuels projects. The funding supported initiatives aimed at advancing technologies and initiatives to strengthen Canada’s clean fuels and alternative fuels sectors, including biomass collection, transportation, processing, and hydrogen production.

Norway's Statistics Norway (SSB) has published statistics on petroleum product and liquid biofuel sales. The data shows sales to various industries, including changes in fuel sales to road traffic (-12.8% from November 2023 to November 2024). The report also includes fuel prices and sales data by product.

The US Department of Treasury issued final guidance for the Section 45V Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, aiming to advance domestic clean hydrogen production. The credit, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, incentivizes low-emission hydrogen production methods, including electrolysis and carbon capture with natural gas. The guidance includes criteria for determining the incrementality of existing clean electricity used for hydrogen production and sets a target for hourly matching of clean electricity by 2030.

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has driven the adoption of green energy at airports, with 80 airports now using 100% green energy. The ministry also enacted the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, a legislative reform to modernize India’s aviation sector, and invested over Rs. 82600 crores in airport infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

Taiwan has implemented a new reference guideline for recognizing sustainable economic activities. This guideline now includes the agriculture and forestry sectors for the first time.

The UK government implemented the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate, requiring at least 2% of all jet fuel used in flights departing the UK to be SAF from 2025, increasing to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. This mandate aims to decarbonize air travel, support thousands of skilled jobs, and contribute to the UK's clean energy goals. A revenue certainty mechanism will also be introduced to attract investment in UK SAF production.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration has updated its 2030 carbon reduction target, raising it to 26-30%.

The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption is on pace to surpass 5 billion gallons for the first time. State policies, such as New Mexico's Clean Transportation Fuel Standard and Nebraska's expanded biodiesel retail program, contributed to this growth. Updated fuel specifications and increased soybean crush capacity, representing over $6 billion in investment, also fueled the expansion.

Japan has revised its \"Sectoral Investment Strategy\" to boost investments in GX (Green Transformation) across 16 key sectors, including steel, chemicals, automobiles, batteries, hydrogen, and next-generation renewable energy. The revision aims to enhance predictability for businesses and accelerate Japan's GX implementation by clarifying investment promotion measures and providing a roadmap for the next 10 years.