Global Climate News

Finland has made significant investments in its green transition, including over €3 billion in wind power in 2023 and an additional €2 billion planned for 2024. A new nuclear power plant was also launched. The country aims to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity generation and is attracting foreign investment in green hydrogen production and industrial electrification. Green investments are projected at €2 billion in 2024 and €4 billion in 2025 (excluding onshore wind power), with a total of €140 billion in planned projects.

Wales-based green energy firm Haush has opened a new green hydrogen production facility in Pembroke Dock. By 2026, it will produce 5,000 kg of green hydrogen daily, increasing to 25,000 kg by 2028. The company is also investing in training programs to develop a skilled workforce for the green energy sector. The project received support from the Welsh Government.

US-based Plug Power has detailed its hydrogen production process, from water purification to liquefaction and distribution, emphasizing its use of proton exchange membrane-based electrolyzers and commitment to sustainable practices. The company has completed its first customer fill of liquid green hydrogen at its Georgia plant.

Egypt saved $1 billion in fuel consumption for electricity generation last year. The country aims to increase renewable energy to 42% by 2030 and 60% by 2040, including 65 GW from wind and solar. Orascom Construction finished the first phase of a wind farm. Asia-Potash plans to invest $10 billion in Egypt for phosphate fertilizer production.

This research reviews hydrogenotrophic metabolisms affecting underground hydrogen storage (UHS) and natural hydrogen prospecting. It discusses how subsurface microbial communities interact with hydrogen, potentially impacting UHS operations and natural hydrogen production. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial interactions with hydrogen for efficient geological hydrogen storage and identifying natural hydrogen deposits to reduce the global carbon footprint.

India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 with a goal to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Visakhapatnam will be one of the two initial green hydrogen hubs, creating numerous job opportunities and boosting the manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. Projects worth over 2 lakh crore rupees were launched, including a Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli and the KrishnaPatnam Industrial Area (Kris City).

Sweden is expected to produce the world’s first truly zero-carbon emission steel in 2025. This will reshape pricing, markets, and supply chains. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), effective in 2026, incentivizes decarbonization but also pressures steel mills to invest in green technologies. Green steel premiums currently track at an additional 20-40% cost. The transition requires significant capital investment and collaboration across stakeholders.

India has launched the first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The NTPC Green Energy Limited Green Hydrogen Hub Project in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, entails an investment of approximately ₹1,85,000 crore and will produce 1500 TPD Green Hydrogen and 7500 TPD Green Hydrogen derivatives. This project will contribute to India's target of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

\"Two hydrogen-diesel hybrid trucks, equipped with dynaCERT’s HydraGEN™ technology, are participating in the 2025 Dakar Rally. One is a DAF prototype truck supporting the Overdrive Toyota Hilux team, and the other is a MAN racing truck competing in the Dakar Classic. The HydraGEN™ system uses electrolysis to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen, enhancing diesel combustion, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions. The Dakar Rally provides a real-world test for HydraGEN™, gathering data for broader applications in industries like mining, forestry, and logistics.\"

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW 2025) will take place from 12-18 January in Abu Dhabi. The event will showcase how advanced technologies can supercharge sustainable development and unlock a US$10 trillion economic transformation opportunity. Confirmed partners include the Department of Energy, ADNOC, Emirates Global Aluminium, and many others.

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.

US-based researchers have conducted a techno-economic analysis of natural and stimulated geological hydrogen production, estimating costs at $0.54/kg and $0.92/kg respectively under optimal conditions. The study highlights hydrogen purity and production flow rates as primary cost drivers. Companies like Hydroma and Gold Hydrogen are exploring natural geological hydrogen.

US-based Plug Power employee Marissa Eagan shared her experience working for a company focused on hydrogen fuel cells, highlighting its positive impact on the environment and reducing fossil fuel dependency. She emphasized the company's innovative spirit and its potential to lessen our dependency on fossil fuels.

The U.S. Department of Treasury released final guidance for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 45V clean hydrogen tax credits. The final guidance clarifies flexibilities to qualify for the credits, including for nuclear power plants at risk of retirement and for states with robust GHG emissions caps. It also clarifies how emissions from different sources of methane will be separately accounted for, ruling out harmful offset schemes. Erik Kamrath of NRDC commented on the rule's importance for a clean hydrogen industry, noting both its positive aspects and areas needing further attention, such as methane emissions.

US-based HYCO1 has developed CCR technology that transforms CO2 into renewable fuels. The company has also developed the HYCO1 CUBE CO2 Reformer and is working on projects to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and low-carbon base oils and lubricants from dairy waste.

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) launched the \"Greater South New Silicon Valley\" plan, aiming to establish an AI-centric ecosystem in southern Taiwan. The plan includes constructing an AI Innovation Application Building in Tainan's Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City and focuses on AI technology development, system integration, talent cultivation, and application in sectors like smart healthcare, cybersecurity, and net-zero green energy. The initiative involves collaborations with various ministries and local governments.

The US Department of Treasury and IRS released final rules for the section 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. The rules clarify eligibility for the credit for hydrogen producers using various sources, including electricity, natural gas with carbon capture, and renewable natural gas. The rules also include prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards and aim to accelerate clean hydrogen deployment.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) released a statement on the final regulations for the Section 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. The API supports clear and consistent policies for building a lower-carbon hydrogen industry and believes the Treasury’s 45V guidance is a positive step. They see an opportunity for natural gas, with carbon capture and storage, to compete in new markets and meet demand for lower-carbon energy.

California's industrial permitting process, particularly for clean industrial projects, is long and complicated. The state's industry is the second largest emitter (23% of total emissions), and streamlining the permitting process is crucial for meeting California’s climate goals and supporting new clean industrial technologies. Recommendations include strategic site selection, proactive community engagement, utilizing third-party validation, hiring expert consultants, and leveraging state resources like GO-Biz.

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.