Global Climate News

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has conducted 66 auctions, generating a total of $8,616,386,174.45 in proceeds. Auction 66, held on 2024-12-04, saw 15,943,608 allowances sold at a clearing price of $20.05, generating $319,669,340.40.

The Environment Agency in England issued an environmental permit (EPR/DP3498HP) to Southern Water Services Limited for the Ham Hill Wastewater Treatment Works & Sludge Treatment Centre in Kent, under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The UK's Ofgem extended Jonathan Brearley’s term as CEO for five more years until 31 January 2030. Ofgem has been leading the transition to a clean power electricity system to reach net zero by 2050, developing and executing changes in energy infrastructure planning, building and supervision, and reshaping the retail market.

University of California in Los Angeles researchers Richard Kaner and Yuzhang Li are developing zinc and vanadium batteries for grid-scale energy storage. These batteries are cheaper and safer than lithium-ion batteries, recycle three times faster, and are less flammable due to their water-based electrolyte. The team has achieved the longest-cycling performance of a vanadium-based cathode with the highest cycling rate and capacity reported.

The EU's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022 and by 18% compared to 2013, totaling 3.4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents. Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply saw the most significant reduction (43%). Transportation and storage was the only sector with increased emissions (14%). Household emissions also decreased by 14%. The greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 32% from 2013 to 2023.

The UK government published guidance on landfill and deposit for recovery: aftercare and permit surrender. The guidance helps operators understand aftercare procedures and permit surrender applications. Updates were made on January 13, 2025, and March 30, 2022, to improve clarity and address specific landfill types.

Swedish LKAB, Boliden, and Vattenfall were mentioned in the context of discussions around corporate governance, sustainability, and long-term investments. The article highlights how these companies approach sustainability and emission reduction goals, particularly in mining and energy sectors. No specific actions or targets are announced.

The UK government is exploring a smart data scheme for the energy sector, aiming to replicate the success of Open Banking. The scheme would allow customers to securely share their energy consumption data with authorized third parties to receive personalized services, potentially leading to cost savings and increased control over energy usage. The call for evidence will remain open until March 10, 2025.

UK-based Mannington Energy Centre Limited has been granted an electricity generation licence by Ofgem on January 8, 2025, authorizing it to generate electricity.

Modo Energy released version 3.3 of its Battery Revenue forecast for Great Britain. The update includes new intraday price modeling, re-optimized battery dispatch in the intraday market, updated nuclear capacities, and commodity price updates. Gas prices for 2025 are 13% higher than previously forecast.

The EU's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022 and by 18% compared to 2013. Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply saw the most significant reduction (43%). Transportation and storage were the only sectors with increased emissions (14%). Household emissions also decreased by 14%. The greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 32% from 2013 to 2023.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that there are currently no plans to raise water or electricity prices. The government will review water prices within 3 months, considering affordability and user fees. To stabilize prices for the Lunar New Year, gasoline prices will only decrease, and prices for natural gas and bottled gas will remain unchanged until the end of February. Additionally, the price of small packages of sugar and 3-liter bottles of cooking oil will remain stable until the end of February.

UK-based Green Blades Engineering Limited has been granted an electricity generation licence by Ofgem, authorizing it to generate electricity.

The UK's Ofgem is reviewing the gas disconnections framework to ensure it supports the transition to net zero and protects consumers. The review considers the costs of disconnections, the disconnection process, and how to make it easier for consumers to switch to electric heating.

Aurora Energy Research projects a more than threefold increase in Europe’s intermittent renewable energy capacity by 2050. However, this growth will fall short of climate goals due to negative prices, market saturation, and grid congestion. Key strategies to mitigate risks include BESS co-location, portfolio diversification, and accessing additional revenues through capacity, ancillary, and balancing markets. Policymakers need to ensure strong incentives and flexible frameworks to drive sustained renewable growth.

Norwegian SINTEF and Heimdall Power have developed "Neuron", a sensor-equipped device that increases power line capacity by up to 35 MW for some lines, and 40% on average. This reduces the need for expensive and controversial new power lines, enabling faster electrification and renewable energy connection, and potentially avoiding environmental impact from new constructions.

India's renewable energy installed capacity reached 209.44 GW in December 2024, a 15.84% increase from December 2023. Solar power capacity increased by 24.54 GW (33.47%) to 97.86 GW, and wind capacity increased by 3.42 GW (7.64%) to 48.16 GW. The MNRE aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Taiwan's Taipower has refuted media reports of a 7% electricity price hike, stating that the current plan is to subsidize residential electricity prices. They absorbed over TWD 800 billion in costs from 2022-2024, and are requesting government budget support to continue this. Residential electricity prices remain below cost at an average of TWD 2.77 per kilowatt-hour.

Hungary: Budapest Főváros XXIII. Kerület Soroksár Önkormányzata, Galéria 13 Soroksár, and Soroksár Sport Club awarded a contract to MVM Next Energiakereskedelmi Zrt. for electricity supply in 2025, worth 27,044,627.00 HUF. The contract covers 474,717 kWh with an option to increase to 617,136 kWh.

Hungary's ÉMI Építésügyi Minőségellenőrző Innovációs Nonprofit Kft. awarded a contract to MVM Next Energiakereskedelmi Zrt. for electricity supply in 2025, valued at 97,610,256.00 HUF. Two other companies, E.ON and E2 Hungary, also submitted bids.