Japanese businesses and climate groups have called on the government to speed up the introduction of renewable energy and quickly adopt carbon pricing to combat global warming. The Japan Climate Initiative (JCI), a coalition of companies, local governments and NGOs, made the announcement ahead of the G7 climate ministers meeting in Sapporo, Japan, on April 15-16. To achieve the G7 goal of decarbonizing all or most of its power sector by 2035, agreed by the G7 last year, Japan should take appropriate measures and implement regulatory reforms to promote renewable energy, such as accelerating the development of offshore wind and mandating the installation of solar power in new buildings middle. It also called for a reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal-fired power generation. Japan is rolling out a carbon pricing scheme in stages this fiscal year, combining emissions trading and a carbon tax to encourage companies to curb pollution.
A shipping company from Greece ordered four ADRIA 40 dual-fuel engines for its new cargo vessels. The dual-fuel engines can run on both diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG), which reduces fuel costs and emissions. The shipping company was impressed by the performance and reliability of the ADRIA 40 engines, which helped them save money and comply with environmental regulations.
- A power plant operator from Nigeria purchased six MAN L23/30H dual-fuel engines for its gas-fired power plant. The dual-fuel engines can switch between diesel and natural gas depending on the availability and price of the fuels. The power plant operator was pleased with the flexibility and efficiency of the MAN L23/30H engines, which enabled them to optimize their fuel consumption and power output.
Since the ruling Labor Party came to power in May 2022, Australia has approved 11 renewable energy projects, more than double the five approved by the previous government. Environment and Water Resources Minister Tanya Plibersek said the increase was due to Labor creating an environment of certainty for the private sector through its climate policy. Labor has pledged to cut Australia's carbon emissions by at least 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. More than 90 renewable energy projects are awaiting approval from PLibersek. The government has come under criticism for its decision to approve Santos to drill 116 new coal seam gas wells in central Queensland despite environmental concerns.
Avaada Energy has won a 421 MW solar project from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The project was awarded through a competitive tender followed by an electronic reverse auction where Avaada emerged as the winner with a bid of Rs 2.70/kWh. The two entities will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement and the project will be commissioned within 18 months. The plant is expected to generate 750 million units of green energy and avoid 6,98,250 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions per year. The solar project can power half a million homes. Avaada is one of the fastest growing renewable energy markets in the world.
Apple Inc. announced that more of its supply chain has committed to using renewable energy to produce the company's iPhones, Macs and other products. 250 of its suppliers have committed to using renewable energy to produce Apple, up from 213 suppliers a year ago. Apple suppliers are supporting 13 GW of active renewable energy projects, up from 10 GW last year. Seventy suppliers have made clean energy commitments to produce Apple products in China, up from 55 last year. Apple says its own operations have been carbon neutral since 2020, but the company has been working to extend that commitment to its entire global supply chain by 2030.
Waaree Renewable Technologies has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from one of India's leading steel manufacturing companies to execute the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works for a solar power project of 221.8 MWp DC capacity. Under the terms of the contract, the project is likely to be completed by the 2023-24 financial year.