27 September 2021

Yara signs MoU to develop clean ammonia for Japan

Yara International ASA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan's Kyushu Electric Power Co. to establish clean ammonia in Japan to reduce CO2 emissions at Kyushu’s thermal power generation. As presented in a press release, the partners target a jointly developed end-to-end supply chain to Kyushu’s coal thermal power generation plants in the Kyushu region, and a jointly developed receiving- and distribution system for clean ammonia usage in several segments around the region. Ammonia is viewed as an effective future energy source and underlies Japan’s import demand of ammonia to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 (press release). 

Enova fund 15 hydrogen projects in marine transportation

Norway's state-owned Enova will grant NOK 1 million each to 15 projects to research the opportunity to produce hydrogen from renewable energy for use in marine transportation. The investment aligns with the 2030 target of halving maritime emissions set by the Norwegian government and aims to incentivise investments in hydrogen from the private sector. This pre-project funding is part of a larger competition to be announced in December, with a funding of maximum NOK 150 million per project for 2-4 competing projects. The main competition allows actors that have not received the pre-project funding to participate as well (Transport & Logistikk).

The Swedish Energy Agency award Minesto SEK 5.8 million

Minesto has been awarded a SEK 5.8 million grant by The Swedish Energy Agency to fund the commercialisation of its ground-breaking Deep Green technology. The project, co-funded by the Energy Agency, aims to develop a tether system that connects their marine energy power plants with the seabed foundation, thus claiming to optimise the performance of their cost of energy (Press release).   

Uniper’s Karlshamn oil-fired power station phased out in the future: Per Bolund (MP)

Uniper’s Karlshamn oil-fired power station has operated extensively in recent weeks during times of energy shortage and high prices. The emissions are downplayed by the Minister for Environment and Climate, Per Bolund (MP), claiming that the power station contributes to Sweden’s export of electricity which reduces emissions. But, Bolund questions for how long this model can be sustained (Dagens Industri)

Equinor competes for French floating offshore wind tender

Equinor, together with partners RES and Green Giraffe, will compete to build floating offshore wind parks in France. The partnership, named Océole, is competing with nine other teams to build 20 wind parks with a total production capacity of 250 MW. Equinor also wants to compete in the next round for two additional French areas that will be announced which would total 2.25 GW of production capacity (E24).  

Denmark joins UN launch pledge for no new coal plants

Seven countries have signed a pledge initiated by the UN, to stop the building of new coal power plants – Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Montenegro, Sri Lanka, and the U.K. However, a separate initiative, Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), includes 41 countries that have committed to phasing out coal operations as soon as 2030, as well as promises of no new coal power plants. Additionally, 40 nations outside of the PPCA are committed to not building new plants, but not ready to phase out existing coal operations – making the UN pledge one step on the ladder to accelerate the end of coal (Bloomberg).     

Volvo to end leather interiors in electric cars

Volvo cars will stop using leather in their electric vehicles – partly from an environmental- and sustainability aspect, but also for the well-being of animals. Starting from the new C40 Recharge model, all electric cars will have completely leather-free interior. Additionally, Volvo wants materials in their new cars to be 25% recyclable and bio-based, as well as ensuring that their suppliers use 100% renewable energy by 2025 (Teknikens värld).  

What we’re reading

• Australian Government to commit to net zero by 2050 (ABC)
• CLP (a big Asian power group) Commits to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 (press release)
• Climate change is getting real for investors (Financial Times)
• Gas crisis shows why we must stop demonising fossil fuels (Financial Times)
• Daimler teams up with Stellantis to build European gigafactories (Financial Times)
• Airbus Gears Up For Hydrogen Jet As Fuel Of Future Edges Closer To Reality (Swift)
• Ex-Tesco CEO Wants $22 Billion for Morocco-UK Power Pipeline (Morocco World News)
• Energy crisis is moment of truth for Europe’s green ambition (Financial Times)

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