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.

The European Union has implemented the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, effective January 1, 2025, to decarbonize its maritime sector. This regulation mandates a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas intensity, starting at -2% in 2025 and reaching -80% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels. The EU has also committed EUR 20 million in EU Allowances and EUR 530 million through Horizon Europe for research and innovation in renewable and low-carbon fuels for the maritime sector.

The article discusses the global economic challenges of 2021 and 2022, including high energy prices and inflation. Rising energy costs are partly due to reduced Russian natural gas supply to Europe. Central banks are responding by raising interest rates, although concerns exist about high public debt levels.

Kazakhstan is building a 120 MW hybrid power plant comprising Wärtsilä engines, a 77 MW wind plant, and a 50 MW solar plant. Wärtsilä will supply six Wärtsilä 46TS-SG gas-fuelled engines and auxiliary equipment. The project aims to provide stable electricity to oil and gas facilities, supporting Kazakhstan's decarbonisation efforts.

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.

Australia: Höegh Autoliners and Svitzer partnered to implement Svitzer’s EcoTow solution, achieving a near 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from towage operations of the Höegh Aurora during its maiden voyage. The EcoTow solution uses carbon credits generated from biofuel use to offset emissions.

Singapore-based PaxOcean has secured shipbuilding contracts for two Offshore Construction Vessels (OCVs) with a European shipowner. The vessels, measuring 123 meters in length, will support both conventional and renewable offshore energy industries and include features like a 1000KWh battery energy storage system and options for methanol readiness. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.

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.

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe (DJSI) for the ninth consecutive year. The company was ranked in the top four percent of its peers in the IEQ Machinery and Electrical Equipment sector, achieving a score of 62/100 based on its 2023 performance. Wärtsilä also participates in other sustainability indices, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has implemented several initiatives. These include the inauguration of a Green Waterway initiative in Varanasi, unveiling projects worth Rs. 10,324 crore at Tuticorin, and launching India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell vessel. The ministry also launched the 'Cruise Bharat Mission' and a Green Tug Transition Programme, highlighting a commitment to sustainable transport solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

The Wood Mackenzie report, “Hydrogen: 5 Things to Watch in 2025,” highlights hydrogen’s potential in decarbonizing industries, transportation, and power generation. The report emphasizes hydrogen’s versatility across applications, including green hydrogen for heavy industry and hydrogen fuel cells for transportation. It also addresses challenges like infrastructure investment needs, while pointing to growing international collaboration and policy incentives as solutions.

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.

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and Abu Dhabi Maritime, both part of AD Ports Group, launched MARSDNA, a digital tool developed by Maqta Technologies Group. This tool helps maritime businesses measure their ESG performance against national and international metrics and provides recommendations for improvement. The initial rollout focuses on five key segments of the maritime sector value chain.

US-based Seaboard Marine has added the Seaboard Victory, its second LNG-powered vessel, to its fleet. The ship has a capacity of 3,500 TEU and will operate in the Caribbean Basin, Central America, and South America, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional vessels. Seaboard Marine plans to integrate eight LNG-powered vessels into its fleet by the end of 2025.

Finland-based Aspo Plc has committed to setting a science-based emission reduction target through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The near-term target will cover all Aspo’s businesses, aiming for finalization and submission to SBTi by the end of 2025. Key actions include ESL Shipping’s fleet renewals, renewable electricity use, and collaborations with customers and suppliers on renewable fuels.

Norway-based VARD delivered a state-of-the-art cable laying vessel to Denmark’s NCT Offshore. The vessel, based on the VARD 9 01 design, is equipped with a hybrid package, allowing for a reduction in fuel consumption. It features a complete SeaQ power and control package, encompassing batteries, switchboards, and shore connection. The vessel has two main cable tanks, a T-ROV hangar, and a walk-to-work system.

In Latin America, there has been a rapid increase in zero-emission public transport projects. Santiago has 2,480 electric buses and plans to add 1,200 more by 2025, while Bogotá has decided to allow only zero-emission buses in its BRT system from 2022 and already has 1,486 electric buses. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), through the ZEBRA initiative, supported two pilot projects in Medellín's transport system between February and May 2023, focusing on addressing technological, organizational, and regulatory challenges in scaling electric bus services.

Swedish AtoB@C Shipping has taken delivery of the Maximar, its fifth new plug-in hybrid vessel since December 2023. The company has ordered twelve such vessels from Chowgule & Company, with deliveries scheduled until autumn 2026. Maximar features hybrid propulsion and shore power, reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 50% compared to older vessels.

The UK Office for National Statistics has released real-time indicators tracking various energy and transportation metrics including shipping activity, automotive fuel demand, electricity prices, gas prices, and flight numbers. The data provides daily and weekly insights into energy consumption patterns and transportation activities across Great Britain and the UK.