The COP30 conference in Belém witnessed unprecedented commitments to forest protection and renewable energy infrastructure, marking a significant shift from rhetoric to tangible climate action amid declining costs and expanding global investments. Amid widespread scrutiny and some scepticism surrounding COP30, the conference held in Belém, Brazil, reflected a significant shift from rhetoric to tangible action in advancing the global energy transition and forest conservation. Governments collectively committed $9.5 billion specifically to forest protection initiatives and pledged $82 billion annually for investments in infrastructure crucial to supporting the expanding deployment of renewable energy. These commitments represent a growing recognition that economic…

As the European Commission prepares to unveil a support package, automakers lobby for a more flexible approach to the 2035 ICE ban, citing technological, economic, and market challenges that threaten industry competitiveness and jobs. European automakers are pressing the European Commission to reconsider and ease the regulatory pressures associated with the planned 2035 phaseout of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as the Commission prepares to unveil a comprehensive automotive support package on December 10. This move comes amid growing concerns across the industry about the pace and practicality of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), given current market conditions…

The Czech government has allocated up to €360 million in grant funding for European Metals Holdings’ Cinovec lithium project, marking one of Europe’s largest government investments in mining and critical raw materials to support the continent’s green transition. Shares in European Metals Holdings (EMH) surged dramatically following the announcement that the Czech government has allocated up to €360 million (approximately A$638 million) in grant funding for the company’s Cinovec lithium project. This grant represents one of the largest government funding commitments to a mining development in Europe and underscores the strategic importance of the project in supporting the continent’s transition…

The Australian government has introduced a new ACCU method targeting methane emissions from landfills, incentivising ongoing investment and innovation to meet decarbonisation goals and boost the integrity of its carbon market. A new Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) method focused on reducing methane emissions from landfill gas took effect on 28 November 2025, marking a significant step in Australia’s industrial decarbonisation efforts. The “Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfill Gas” method aims to bolster the integrity of ACCUs generated from capturing and destroying methane emissions at landfill sites, while providing stronger incentives for new abatement projects and encouraging further investment in…

The global iron and steel market is evolving rapidly with major investments in sustainable production methods, driven by rising demand in Asia-Pacific and technological innovation aimed at lowering carbon emissions. The global iron and steel market is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by rapid urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and industrial development, particularly across emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, which captured 65% of the market revenue in 2025. According to a comprehensive report from Towards Chemical and Materials Consulting, the market size was valued at USD 1.83 trillion in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately USD 2.95 trillion by 2035, registering…

The United States is pioneering significant advancements in carbon capture technologies, supported by policy incentives and investments, as Europe and other regions work to overcome legal and infrastructural hurdles to meet climate targets. Carbon capture and removal technologies are rapidly transitioning from experimental stages into strategic pillars of industrial decarbonisation policies worldwide. While significant progress is evident, especially in major economies such as the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, deployment at the scale required to meet international climate targets still faces considerable hurdles, including legal uncertainties and market readiness, that need urgent address. The United States…

As Colombia’s green hydrogen industry transitions to large-scale industrial applications, banks’ increased understanding and international investment are fast-tracking the country’s low-carbon ambitions, signalling a maturing sector poised for significant growth. Commercial banks are increasingly turning their attention to green hydrogen projects in Colombia, as the sector gains renewed momentum and moves into a phase focused on practical, large-scale applications. Brayaham Villa, president of the industry association Hidrógeno Colombia, highlighted this shift while speaking at an industry event in Medellín, noting a significant change in the banking sector’s engagement with hydrogen initiatives. Villa explained that banks, traditionally cautious due to perceived…

The UK government has announced a consultation on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), aiming to cut electricity bills for over 7,000 manufacturers by up to 25%, in a bid to enhance global competitiveness and foster industrial growth. The UK government has launched a significant consultation on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), aiming to reduce electricity bills for more than 7,000 manufacturers by up to 25%. Announced by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle at the CBI conference, this move forms a central pillar of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, targeting the reduction of industrial electricity costs from April…

Alstom’s decision to halt further hydrogen train development underscores a growing industry shift in Europe, favouring electrification due to operational and economic limitations of hydrogen technology in rail transport. Alstom’s recent decision to pause further development of hydrogen trains marks a significant inflection point for Europe’s rail decarbonisation strategy, underscoring broader challenges faced by hydrogen technology in the transportation sector. The announcement, triggered by France’s withdrawal of national co-funding linked to the EU Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), reflects a culmination of years of operational trials and economic assessments revealing hydrogen rail’s intrinsic limitations. For a decade, hydrogen…

The EU launches a €15.5 billion investment package to accelerate renewable energy projects across Africa, aiming to address energy poverty and foster sustainable growth amid growing climate commitments. The European Union has announced a substantial mobilization of €15.5 billion aimed at accelerating Africa’s transition to clean energy, a move that underscores the growing partnership between Europe and Africa in tackling both energy poverty and climate change. This ambitious funding package, revealed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, draws together resources from a broad coalition including EU institutions, member states, African partners, development banks, and private investors. It forms…