Global Climate News

Robeco, a Dutch asset manager, has expanded its engagement in climate and nature, focusing on natural resource management, deforestation (expanding from palm oil to soy, beef, leather, paper and pulp), biodiversity, and human capital management. They are also initiating new themes on transition minerals (supply chains in electric vehicle batteries) and protecting shareholder rights from weakening regulations.

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.

China has implemented its first energy law, promoting green and low-carbon transition and including hydrogen energy. The government set 10 key energy priorities for 2025, including accelerating renewable energy and implementing the energy law. Over 300GW of renewable energy capacity was installed in 2024. A 3tn yuan ($411bn) stimulus package is planned, largely for EVs and green energy. China approved the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, with an annual output of 300 terawatt hours. EV sales surged in 2024, exceeding 4.3m vehicles for BYD alone. A trade-in subsidy for EVs was renewed.

China's energy and climate actions in 2025 will focus on balancing economic growth with decarbonization. Renewables will be scaled up, while coal power will undergo transformation. The national carbon market will expand to include more sectors. China's climate plan for the next 10 years will be released, and its ambition will be tested against geopolitical challenges.

The article discusses several factors influencing energy markets in 2025, including tighter natural gas supply, OPEC+ decisions, shifting product demand (with increased NGLs and reduced demand for gasoline and diesel in China), the role of biofuels in the energy transition, and the increasing use of short-term energy options due to market uncertainty. The expected lifting of the temporary pause on new LNG export licenses in the US is anticipated to accelerate investments in the natural gas and LNG industry. S&P Global Commodity Insights believes that increases in OPEC+ output would put downward pressure on oil prices, potentially sending WTI futures to as low as $30 per barrel. New refined products supply from the Dangote refinery in Nigeria and the potential commissioning of the Olmeca refinery in Mexico will add pressure to existing refiners.

US-based Blue Whale Materials (BWM) received a \\$55 million grant from the Department of Energy to expand its lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The expansion will enable the facility to process up to 50,000 tons of battery feedstock annually and produce enough critical minerals to power more than 100,000 electric vehicles annually. Approximately \\$3 million will go towards workforce development and community outreach.

A Chinese research team, including researchers from Donghua University, Fudan University, and Inner Mongolia University, demonstrated the use of lithium titanium phosphate (LTP) with negative thermal expansion properties as electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. This addresses the issue of declining battery performance in cold environments by facilitating lithium ion diffusion even at low temperatures. The research was published in Angewandte Chemie.

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.

Japan-based ENECHANGE Corporation installed 20 EV chargers at 5 Royal Home Centers across Japan. The government aims for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 and 20-30% EV/PHEV sales by 2030. ENECHANGE offers a free app for charging and payment, and a monthly plan for frequent users.

US-based Clean Power Research had a record year in 2024, adding new utility customers in the US, Canada, and Central America. They expanded software solutions for transmission interconnection, distributed generation interconnection, incentive management, and transportation electrification. In 2025, they plan to evolve AI/ML features in PowerClerk, launch a partnership program, and expand into Europe.

Sweden-based Virta is developing a Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for heavy-duty electric vehicles, with a 1.2 MW system deployed in a pilot project in Sweden in 2025. Further megawatt charging projects are planned in Germany and other countries. The MCS significantly reduces charging times for electric trucks and buses.

US-based Elaphe unveiled its high-performance in-wheel motor, Sonic.1, at CES 2025. Sonic.1 offers 272 horsepower per wheel (347 HP peak) and is compatible with high-performance brakes. Italdesign showcased the motor on its Quintessenza concept car, highlighting its potential for sustainable, high-performance vehicles.

US-based Driivz, a Vontier company, announced new call center and Network Operation Center (NOC) services to support EV charge point operators in North America, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The services aim to provide optimal network operations and a seamless EV charging experience.

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.

US-based Tesla faced a downgrade to "neutral" from "buy" by Bank of America Securities, while its Smart Summon features are under investigation by NHTSA due to reported crashes caused by failure to detect obstacles. Bank of America cited high execution risk and Tesla's current stock valuation. Positively, they expect growth from a low-cost model, robotaxi launch, and increased Megapack production.

China's EV sales are predicted to surpass internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales in 2025. Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL are developing ultra-fast charging batteries. The UK EV market is becoming more affordable due to declining battery costs and government incentives. Jaguar's rebranding with its electric Type 00 model aims to attract younger buyers. Governments worldwide are implementing pro-electric incentives, including the UK's VED hikes and potential changes to US federal EV tax credits. China is proposing export restrictions on battery technologies. Europe mandates charging points every 60 km along major transport routes.

The William Blair Investment Management, LLC published a blog post analyzing the impact of the global energy transition on base metals markets in 2025. The analysis highlights the increasing demand for copper and aluminum driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers. Supply chain disruptions in alumina production, particularly in Guinea and Australia, are noted as a factor influencing prices. The potential impact of a second Trump administration, including tariffs and higher interest rates, and China’s role in the market are also discussed. The blog also considers the sustainability challenges of gold mining.

India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways organized a two-day workshop to discuss solutions for transforming the road transport sector. Key initiatives included accelerating the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, pan-India adoption of PUCC 2.0, and the introduction of BS-VII emission norms. A scheme for pan-India Driver Training Institutes was launched, along with new road safety technologies like Naksha. Efforts also focused on improving e-rickshaw safety, vehicular safety (including bus body codes and ADAS for trucks), and implementing integrated command control centers for women's safety in public transport.

"Toyota has launched the 2025 Toyota Prius with a new Nightshade grade, offering features like a 2.0L engine, fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5), and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 57 MPG combined. The Prius also features electronic on-demand all-wheel drive and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0."

UK government has commenced a consultation on phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, ensuring that all new cars and vans will be 100% zero emission by 2035.