Global Climate News

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.

China renewed a trade-in subsidy of up to 20,000 yuan ($2,730) to boost sales of fuel-efficient vehicles, including electric cars and hybrids. The program, which expired December 31, was renewed and has already resulted in over 3.7 million vehicle purchases last year, generating 920 billion yuan ($125 billion) in auto sales. The subsidy also covers home appliances and will be broadened to include tech devices.

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.

LG Energy Solution, a South Korean company, develops battery packs for e-bikes and other light electric vehicles (LEVs). The company is focusing on improving anti-thermal propagation solutions for e-bike batteries to enhance safety and increase competitiveness. They are also working to improve the design and marketability of their e-bike battery packs.

LG Energy Solution provided safety tips for using batteries, emphasizing the importance of correct usage, certified batteries, protection circuits, and avoiding extreme temperatures or contact with water. They highlighted the dangers of unauthorized battery modifications, overcharging, mixing old and new batteries, and using improper chargers. The company also warned about the risks of electrolyte leakage and the need to use only certified products.

South Korea-based LG Energy Solution has developed high-voltage mid-nickel batteries, aiming for mass production by 2025. These batteries offer improved safety and cost-competitiveness compared to high-nickel batteries, achieving an energy density of 670 Wh/L. The company's \"Mid-nickel Pure NCM\" battery won the Best Innovation Award at the 2024 InterBattery Awards.

Taiwan's persimmon farmers are struggling to adapt as climate change impacts their crops. This is mentioned in a news report about Taiwan's developing Silicon Valley and other news.