Global Climate News

India's electronics, solar, and electric vehicle (EV) sectors have been disrupted by recent export restrictions imposed by China on critical minerals like gallium and germanium. India aims to reduce reliance on Chinese imports by boosting manufacturing competitiveness, investing in R&D, diversifying supply chains, and encouraging local value addition. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is being expanded to more sectors.

The article discusses the growth of green corridors in Asia, focusing on renewable energy and sustainability. By 2040, Asia will account for nearly 50 percent of global energy demand, with significant investment in decarbonization technologies. The China-ASEAN corridor is highlighted, with companies like BYD manufacturing EVs in Thailand and Geely reviving Malaysia's Proton brand. Southeast Asia is also pushing for greater environmental sustainability.

The article discusses the impact of trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, on critical mineral markets. The US imposed tariffs on Chinese imports of critical minerals, leading to supply chain disruptions and price volatility in various metals like indium, chrome, tantalum, and rare earths. China also implemented export controls on gallium and germanium, further impacting global supply. The return of President-elect Donald Trump is anticipated to exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to broader tariffs.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) provided a €1 billion loan to NXP Semiconductors to support its research and development in semiconductors across Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania until 2026. The loan aims to bolster Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on energy efficiency and contributing to the EU Chips Act and sustainability efforts. Semiconductors are key to the digital and green transitions.

The United Kingdom's climate technology sector, while promising, faces challenges in scaling. McKinsey's analysis reveals risk aversion among investors, limited late-stage capital, and fragmented ecosystems. The report highlights the need for increased ambition, securing capital for hyperscaling through captive demand and cost advantages, building talent, and fostering collaboration between startups, incumbents, and the public sector. Examples include investments in CCUS and EV battery technologies, with funding figures cited for various projects and companies.

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.

Taiwan has unveiled an expanded carbon reduction reporting plan.

India's Vice President addressed Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)'s R&D Award Function, emphasizing the need for increased research and development in crucial sectors like defense and green technologies. He highlighted the importance of import substitution, collaboration between industries and academia (IITs, IIMs), and focusing on the Green Hydrogen Mission. A fiscal allocation of 6000 crores for quantum computing was mentioned.

South Korea-based TopMaterial, a company specializing in secondary battery materials and equipment, has developed advanced quality assessment methods for battery coating products, including peel and wet adhesion tests. They are also expanding into LFP cathode materials and related businesses.

US-based Avnet released its FY24 sustainability report, detailing environmental, social, and governance initiatives. The report aligns with GRI standards, SASB standards, UN SDG frameworks, and expands TCFD reporting with climate scenarios and Scope 3 assessment results. Avnet's sustainability priorities include governance & ethics, people & culture, and environmental stewardship.

Germany's 2023 fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions reached 7.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with 8,096 tonnes of fluorinated greenhouse gases used. The most used fluorinated greenhouse gas was R 1234yf (2,007 tonnes). Fluorinated greenhouse gases accounted for 1.4% of all greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.

Oregon DEQ awarded $1.2 million in Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine grant funds to 14 recipients across 11 counties. The grants support waste prevention projects focusing on reusable foodware, construction material reuse, deconstruction programs, and reusable goods markets. The program aims to reduce environmental and human health impacts of materials throughout their lifecycle.

US-based EcoFlow has published a blog post comparing portable and window air conditioners, highlighting their pros and cons in terms of installation, performance, energy efficiency, and cost. The company also promotes its EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC and EcoFlow Solar Generator as energy-efficient cooling solutions.

Taiwan's Craft Center launched the "City Craft Journey" project, collaborating with businesses to promote sustainability with ESG as the core, aiming for a sustainable future for crafts.

Taiwan's Craft Center launched the "City Craft Journey" project, collaborating with enterprises to use ESG as the core to create a sustainable future for crafts. The project aims to promote sustainable practices within the craft industry.

US-based Covestro is investing a low triple-digit million Euro amount to expand its Hebron, Ohio site. This will add multiple new production lines for customized polycarbonate materials, significantly increasing capacity and supporting the American market. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The Panasonic Group showcased innovations at CES 2025, focusing on technologies to improve social sustainability. They introduced Panasonic Go, an AI-based business model initiative, and highlighted solutions contributing to carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Specific examples include the OASYS residential central air conditioning system (reducing energy consumption by over 50%), use of natural refrigerants, and hydrogen energy solutions. Panasonic also emphasized its commitment to a circular economy through product design and recycling initiatives.

Czech Republic's industrial production decreased by 0.4% year-on-year in April 2024, mainly due to lower production in the energy sector and a decline in machinery and equipment manufacturing. Production in electricity, gas, and heat generation fell by one-tenth, influenced by planned power plant outages, lower gas consumption due to warm weather, and a continued decline in coal-fired power plants. Coal mining fell by more than 20%. However, production increased in computers, electronics, and other manufacturing sectors.

US-based EcoFlow has published a blog post on how to increase lithium-ion battery life and maximize performance. The blog post offers practical tips on properly charging, storing, using, and monitoring batteries to ensure optimal lifespan and performance.

LG Energy Solution has published an article explaining Battery Management Systems (BMS) and their role in optimizing battery performance and longevity. The article details BMS functions such as monitoring, cell management, and control to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, or overcurrent.