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Japan's total power generation has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade, falling below levels seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Non-fossil fuel sources, including hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and nuclear, made up 31.4% of the energy mix, with an increase in atomic energy use contributing to this rise. Japan's declining power demand is attributed to a shrinking population and improved energy efficiency, while the country's heavy reliance on imported oil, gas, and coal poses challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources. The government aims to have renewables account for 36% to 38% of the power mix by 2030, with nuclear making up 20% to 22%. [Extracted from the article]

The CEO of Dominion Energy Inc. highlighted the challenge of balancing power demand from data centers and artificial intelligence with low-carbon goals. Dominion plans to increase solar, wind, and gas power, as well as battery storage, to meet rising demand. The company is transitioning from coal to gas and exploring options like small modular nuclear reactors to address the issue. Virginia's law requires Dominion to use only renewable sources by 2045, but grid reliability remains a key concern. Clean energy tax credits are crucial for keeping customer costs low. [Extracted from the article]

American Electric Power Co. is adjusting its climate goals to align with the energy and economic development priorities set by state regulators, as stated by CEO Bill Fehrman. This shift may impact the utility's 2045 net-zero carbon target. Fehrman emphasizes the importance of listening to regulators, improving reliability, and lowering customer bills to mend relationships with state officials. AEP operates in 11 states and is focusing on meeting the diverse priorities of regulators, lawmakers, and customers while simplifying its organizational structure under Fehrman's leadership. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how satellites can be used to detect plastic waste on beaches, as demonstrated by data scientist Jenna Guffogg in Australia. Her findings, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlight the potential of using satellite technology to locate and prioritize cleanups of plastic waste threatening marine ecosystems. This innovative approach, along with other remote-sensing technologies, is helping scientists track environmental issues like plastic pollution and methane emissions, ultimately informing policy responses and cleanup efforts globally. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Australia by data scientist Jenna Guffogg utilized satellite technology to detect plastic waste on beaches, highlighting the potential for satellite imagery to aid in efforts to address the significant amount of plastic entering marine ecosystems annually. The findings, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, underscore the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, with upcoming United Nations talks focusing on a potential treaty to tackle the issue. Guffogg's research, along with other innovative remote-sensing technologies, is contributing to the development of frameworks to prioritize cleanups and mitigate the impact of plastic waste on marine life. [Extracted from the article]

Dominion Energy Inc. is engaging in discussions with potential partners, including technology firms, to develop small modular nuclear reactors, following a recent agreement with Amazon.com Inc. CEO Bob Blue expressed optimism about the interest of large power users, such as technology companies, in investing and collaborating to advance carbon-free nuclear technology. The increasing power demand in the US, driven by data centers, new factories, and the electrification of the economy, has prompted companies like Dominion to seek sustainable energy solutions to meet future needs. [Extracted from the article]

Colombia's clean energy grid is being challenged by dry weather, leading to an increase in fossil fuel usage. With two-thirds of its power coming from hydro sources, the country's energy regulator has called upon fossil fuel-powered plants to increase output due to shrinking water reservoirs. President Gustavo Petro aims to reduce Colombia's reliance on fossil fuels, but the severe drought has forced the country to rely more on natural gas and coal for electricity generation. Despite efforts to maintain a clean grid, thermal plants burning gas or coal are crucial for grid reliability during extreme weather conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan, a major hub for chip manufacturing, will be raising its electricity rates starting from mid-October. The increase, averaging 12.5%, will impact industrial users, including companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and United Microelectronics Corp. Semiconductor firms will see tariffs rise by about 14%. This is the second price hike of the year, as Taiwan expects power consumption to grow due to demand from the AI sector. The state utility, Taipower, has faced losses in recent years and attributes them to the rise in international fuel costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan is heavily reliant on imported coal and gas for its tech-dominated economy and is working on diversifying its energy mix with offshore wind, although there have been delays and challenges in this effort. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan, a major hub for chip manufacturing, will be increasing its electricity rates again starting in mid-October. This will primarily affect industrial users, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The decision to raise prices comes as the island expects power consumption to continue growing due to demand from the AI sector. Taiwan Power Co., the state utility, has faced significant losses in recent years as it tried to keep prices low while fuel costs increased. The island heavily relies on imported coal and gas for its tech-driven economy, and efforts to diversify its energy mix with offshore wind are facing delays and challenges. [Extracted from the article]

Australia has approved the expansion of three coal mines, which has drawn criticism from those concerned about the country's efforts to reduce emissions. The mines granted permission for extension are Whitehaven Coal Ltd.'s Narrabri, MACH Energy Australia Pty's Mount Pleasant, and Ashton Coal Operations Pty's Ravensworth thermal coal mines. The government argues that the coal is cleaner than supplies from other nations and that delays in approvals could harm jobs and Australia's reputation. However, critics point out that the three mines will emit about 1.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide over their lifetime, three times the country's annual emissions. [Extracted from the article]

Australia has approved the expansion of three coal mines, which has drawn criticism from environmental groups and raised concerns about the country's efforts to reduce emissions. The approved extensions are for existing operations, with one mine granted permission to operate until 2044 and another until 2048. Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels, and the government's decision is seen as contradictory to its climate goals. However, the move is expected to secure jobs for over 1,800 miners and generate significant revenue for the nation. [Extracted from the article]

Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) shares have experienced a significant drop after the company decided not to raise power charges. This decision could lead to financial difficulties for the state-owned utility. Kepco had previously suffered a record operating loss in 2022 due to the increased cost of importing coal and gas, but the government had chosen to protect consumers from rising living expenses by not raising electricity rates. However, this decision may hinder Kepco's efforts to decarbonize the nation's power grid and could potentially result in restructuring measures such as asset sales. [Extracted from the article]

Shares of Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) have experienced a significant decline after the company decided not to raise power charges. Kepco has announced that it will freeze the fuel adjustment price for the quarter ending in December, which is a component of the consumer's power bill that fluctuates based on the cost of gas and coal imports. This decision contradicts previous statements from Kepco's CEO, who emphasized the importance of normalizing power bills. Kepco has been facing financial difficulties due to a record operating loss in 2022 and is currently selling power below its fuel costs to protect consumers from rising living expenses. [Extracted from the article]

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth has criticized the Biden administration's decision to halt new export licenses for liquefied natural gas (LNG), arguing that it prioritizes politics over progress. Wirth claims that the policy will increase energy costs, threaten supplies for America's European allies, and slow the transition from coal to gas, thereby increasing emissions. He argues that natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal and that the US has already achieved significant emissions reductions by switching to gas. Wirth calls for a more balanced conversation about the future of energy, based on realistic science and impartial data. [Extracted from the article]

Azerbaijan, the host of this year's United Nations climate summit, has decided to abandon plans for a fossil fuel tax and instead create a voluntary fund with a minimum of $1 billion for climate change mitigation projects in developing countries. The proposed Climate Finance Action Fund will rely on voluntary contributions from oil-producing countries and the industry. Once 10 countries pledge a combined $1 billion, the fund will become operational, with revenue from individual projects being reinvested. The money will be used to support renewable energy projects, address the impacts of climate change, and assist in the aftermath of natural disasters. [Extracted from the article]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planning to visit Serbia to secure supplies of lithium, which is crucial for Germany's energy transition and auto industry. Scholz is expected to sign an agreement with Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic and cabinet ministers during his visit. This potential deal comes after Serbia's top court overturned the government's decision to halt a $2.4 billion lithium project by Rio Tinto Group. The European Union is heavily reliant on lithium imports, and this agreement would help Germany accelerate its move away from gas and coal and electrify its car industry. [Extracted from the article]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planning to visit Serbia to secure supplies of lithium, which is crucial for Germany's energy transition and auto industry. Scholz is expected to sign an agreement with Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic and cabinet ministers during his visit. This potential deal comes after Serbia's top court overturned the government's decision to halt a $2.4 billion lithium project by Rio Tinto Group. The European Union relies on imports of lithium, and this agreement would help Germany accelerate its move away from gas and coal and electrify its car industry. [Extracted from the article]

BP Plc has secured funding in Germany for a green hydrogen plant, which will be the first to be fully owned and operated by the UK oil major. The hydrogen, produced from water and renewable electricity, will be used at BP's Lingen refinery and by local industries. The project aims to produce up to 11,000 tons of clean hydrogen per year. This initiative is part of Germany's efforts to transition away from natural gas and coal. BP is also exploring green hydrogen options at its Castellon refinery in Spain. [Extracted from the article]

Germany is providing €4.6 billion ($5 billion) in subsidies to 23 hydrogen infrastructure projects as part of its efforts to transition away from polluting gas and coal. Companies such as RWE AG, Air Liquide SA, and EWE AG will receive funding, and they have committed to investing an additional €3.3 billion. The projects will involve the production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen, including the construction of approximately 2,000 kilometers of pipelines. Germany aims to reduce carbon emissions by two-thirds this decade and estimates that it will need up to 110 terawatt-hours of hydrogen. The government expects to import as much as 70% of its hydrogen due to high industrial demand and limited domestic capacity. The subsidies are part of a larger €6.9 billion European Union energy initiative involving seven countries. [Extracted from the article]

Poland and Moldova are exploring ways to assist Ukraine in improving its electricity security in the face of recent Russian attacks on power facilities. Poland is considering a plan to burn its abundant coal at home and send the electricity to Ukraine through existing connections, with the possibility of being exempt from EU emissions payments. Moldova is working on a technically complex plan to generate electricity using Ukrainian gas, but it may not be implemented until winter. Both countries are motivated by a desire to support Ukraine and prevent their own energy infrastructure from being targeted by Russia. [Extracted from the article]

Tokyo is facing a tight power supply due to hotter-than-normal summer temperatures, prompting the city's utility to urge consumers to use electricity efficiently. The day-ahead spot price for electricity in Tokyo reached its highest level since February 2023. Unplanned maintenance and a decrease in available power generation have also contributed to the tight power supply. Japanese authorities have assured that there is enough capacity for this season, but pleas for power conservation have become common during peak demand periods. [Extracted from the article]

Tokyo is facing a tight power supply due to hotter-than-normal summer temperatures and plant outages. The city's utility is urging consumers to use electricity efficiently as the day-ahead spot price for the Tokyo region spiked to its highest level since February 2023. Unplanned maintenance has also reduced available power generation across Japan. The Tokyo area's power reserves could fall as low as 2% on Monday, prompting the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators to order a neighboring utility to share 200 megawatts of capacity. [Extracted from the article]

Anglo American Plc, a UK mining company, has halted production at its coal mine in Queensland, Australia due to an underground fire. The fire, which started on Saturday, was still burning a day later. All workers were safely evacuated, and it is expected to take several months to assess the damage and re-enter the mine. The Grosvenor mine was expected to contribute a significant portion of Anglo's steelmaking coal product in the first half of 2024. [Extracted from the article]

French year-ahead power prices have dropped to a nine-month low, resulting in a record gap between French and German prices. Weak demand and high nuclear output in France have caused prices for 2025 to decrease by 28% this year, while the equivalent contract in Germany has only decreased by 5%. The difference between the two contracts is now as much as €25 per megawatt-hour. Factors such as nuclear power outlook and struggling power demand in France contribute to the lower prices, while German prices are influenced by the shift away from nuclear power and increased reliance on costlier gas- and coal-fired power. [Extracted from the article]

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot) has warned of potential emergency conditions due to low power reserves in the state's grid. Ercot may need to call on generators that are scheduled for maintenance to ensure backup supplies. This comes as a large number of power plants are currently down for seasonal repair work, leading to power-plant outages above the five-year average. The strain on the system is evident when renewable energy sources do not perform, and there is concern about potential electric scarcity as the state becomes more reliant on intermittent renewable energy. [Extracted from the article]

China is taking advantage of lower international prices for coal and natural gas to replenish its stockpiles of power fuels. Gas imports have increased by 21% from the previous year, while coal purchases have climbed by 13%. This increase in coal imports comes despite predictions that imports would decrease. The country's power demand continues to outpace new supply, creating a greater need for fossil fuels. However, there are signs that China may be reaching a tipping point where new clean energy installations can meet additional usage, leading to a long-term decline in fossil fuels. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reveals that there has been a significant increase in proposals for new power plants in the US, driven by the need to meet rising electricity demand. Interestingly, the majority of these proposed plants would not rely on fossil fuels, with solar power and large-scale batteries accounting for over 80% of the proposed capacity. In contrast, power plants using natural gas or coal make up just 3% of the proposals. However, the study warns that historically, only a small percentage of proposed projects actually get built. The surge in demand for electricity is expected to continue due to the proliferation of electric vehicles and data centers. [Extracted from the article]

Germany's energy providers, Uniper SE and EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, will keep some coal plants in service until at least March 2031, following a decision by the energy regulator, BNetzA. The regulator deemed these coal plants as "systematically relevant" and necessary as backup power sources in emergencies. Germany, which relies on coal due to gas supply cuts and the closure of nuclear plants, aims to phase out coal by 2030. The decision to keep the plants in service will not affect this goal, as they will be put in reserve and not actively generate electricity. The future emissions of these plants depend on Germany's plan to build new gas-fired power plants that can be converted to hydrogen. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's exports have declined for the first time in three months, indicating ongoing pressure on the economy as it tries to recover from a contraction earlier this year. In November, exports fell by 0.2% compared to the previous year, with shipments of steel and chip-making equipment continuing to decrease. Imports also dropped by 11.9%, primarily due to a decrease in the value of gas and coal purchases. The trade deficit widened to ¥776.9 billion ($5.4 billion). The data suggests that Japan's economy may not receive as much support from overseas demand as expected, hindering its recovery. [Extracted from the article]

Japan is offering assistance to Asia-Pacific nations in reducing emissions through various technologies, including co-firing. Co-firing involves using ammonia or hydrogen as substitutes for a portion of coal or gas burned at power plants. Japan sees co-firing as a potential emissions reduction tool for itself and for Southeast Asian countries that have invested in coal-fired plants. Critics argue that co-firing is costly and does not effectively reduce emissions. The technology is still in development and not widely available. Some experts suggest that nations should focus on deploying existing zero-emission options like solar and wind power instead. The availability and affordability of fuels like ammonia and hydrogen also remain uncertain. [Extracted from the article]

A report by the Instrat think tank suggests that Poland could rely mostly on clean energy sources by 2040, reducing its dependence on coal. The incoming government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, sees energy transformation as a priority and plans to accelerate investment in renewables. The report predicts that renewable sources could account for 81%-92% of energy production by 2040, with coal and gas making up only 5%-8%. However, the transition to clean power will be challenging and costly, with potential delays in building a nuclear power plant and deploying offshore wind projects. The government will need to invest over 1 trillion zloty ($248 billion) to meet the most ambitious scenario outlined in the report. [Extracted from the article]

Australian Pacific Coal Ltd. and its joint venture partner, Tetra Resources, have secured $60 million in funding from Vitol Asia Pte Ltd. to restart a coal mine in New South Wales that has been closed for over 16 years. The partners plan to begin production at the Dartbrook site in the first quarter of next year and have entered into a sales and marketing agreement with Vitol for all production from the mine. This announcement comes as Australia's energy minister acknowledges the security risks of climate change, despite criticism of the country's continued support for coal and gas projects. [Extracted from the article]

Climate change is causing political instability, particularly in the Pacific region, according to Australia's energy minister. Rising temperatures are posing a significant national security risk to small island nations, and more Pacific countries are expected to seek labor mobility and migration to Australia as sea levels continue to rise. Australia's government has set targets to cut carbon emissions, but the country has been criticized for allowing new coal and gas projects. The country's domestic crisis management agencies are being stretched due to extreme weather events, which could potentially be exploited by hostile actors. [Extracted from the article]

Simon Baloyi has been chosen as the next CEO of Sasol Ltd., a major fuel and chemical manufacturer in South Africa. Baloyi, an experienced energy operations and technology executive, will take over in April. He will be tasked with leading the company's efforts to reduce emissions, including replacing coal with natural gas and exploring the viability of green hydrogen. Sasol has faced criticism from investors for its vague emissions reduction plan and poor performance on climate targets. The change in leadership comes at a critical time for the company, which has experienced a decline in shares and regulatory uncertainty. [Extracted from the article]

Simon Baloyi has been appointed as the new CEO of Sasol Ltd., a South African fuel and chemical manufacturer. He will take over from Fleetwood Grobler, who will remain in an executive adviser role until December 2024. This transition comes at a critical time for Sasol, as it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 by replacing coal with natural gas and exploring the viability of green hydrogen. However, the company has faced criticism for its vague plan to address emissions, with some investors expressing concerns about its poor performance on climate targets. [Extracted from the article]

Japan and South Korea have announced plans to jointly invest in and develop ammonia and hydrogen supply projects as part of their efforts to transition to cleaner sources of fuel. The two countries will collaborate to raise funds for overseas projects and leverage their negotiating power to secure favorable prices for the fuels. They aim to use ammonia and hydrogen to decarbonize industries such as steel and cement-making. Japanese power producers are also planning to co-fire ammonia and hydrogen with coal and natural gas in power plants, although critics argue that this technology may still be costly and not sufficiently reduce emissions. The plan, called the Hydrogen Ammonia Global Value Chain, will be announced by the Japanese Prime Minister and the South Korean President during their visit to the US for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden is set this week to announce as much as $7 billion in funding for hydrogen projects across the country as part of a national competition to jump-start production of the clean-burning fuel in the US, according to people familiar with the matter. Biden is poised to visit Pennsylvania, which is leading an Appalachian hydrogen hub that proposes to use natural gas and carbon capture, where he will give remarks on the clean-energy transition, according to the White House. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- China has set the overarching rules that will govern its long-awaited national electricity market, as it bids to match supply and demand in near real-time across the whole country. The regulator will be allowed to step in and establish price bands if the market spikes, volatility becomes too much or it suspects prices are being manipulated. [Extracted from the article]

Rain and cloud cover across parts of Europe - as well as weaker winds - will result in lower solar and wind generation, according to some meteorologists. Meanwhile, rain in the southwestern tip of Europe will bring temperatures lower than average at the beginning of September. [Extracted from the article]

The government's plans envisage jobs in coal mines, power plants or gas facilities replaced by employment in clean energy equipment manufacturing, or in the production of zero-emissions hydrogen to be used as an energy source or feedstock for heavy industry. (Bloomberg) -- Coal and natural gas production hubs in Australia, one of the top exporters of the fossil fuels, should diversify their economies and can't rely on potential new industries such as green hydrogen to preserve jobs, according to a study. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- State utility Vietnam Electricity Group warned of electricity shortages in the northern part of the country at the same time that thermal power and supplies of coal and gas are squeezed, news website VnExpress reported. EVN had said in December that top coal supplier Vinacomin and thermal power plants had low coal inventories as of the end of 2022, which will affect power plants' electricity generation especially in first half of this year amid expected high demand. [Extracted from the article]

Biden said the two may discuss how the US can help Colombia meet its electricity needs. (Bloomberg) -- Oil, coal and natural gas are a "hurricane" threatening the existence of humankind, Colombian leader Gustavo Petro said during a meeting at the White House with US President Joe Biden. Biden also praised Colombia's reception of millions of Venezuelan migrants, and said that Washington and Bogota are working together to fight drug trafficking. [Extracted from the article]

The semiconductor manufacturing industry is on track to consume 286 terawatt hours of electricity globally by 2030 under a "business as usual scenario", which would exceed Australia's power consumption in 2021, Greenpeace said in its analysis. In South Korea, Samsung's electricity consumption from making chips is projected to reach 55 terawatt hours by 2030, higher than Singapore's entire annual electricity consumption three years ago, according to Greenpeace. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Australia passed a key piece of climate legislation targeting its biggest polluters in a bid to meet a goal to drastically cut emissions by the end of this decade. More than 200 facilities will need to reduce their pollution by 4.9% a year by 2030 from July 1 after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor government secured the support of the left-wing Australian Greens party and independent senators. [Extracted from the article]

An overhaul of the safeguard mechanism is seen as vital for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to achieve Australia's upgraded 2030 target for emissions reductions. (Bloomberg) -- Australia's government expects to win approval for a flagship climate policy to rein in the country's worst polluters after agreeing to rules that could curb development of new fossil fuel projects. [Extracted from the article]

"Coal and gas pollution was set to soar under Labor's safeguard", Bandt said in a statement. (Bloomberg) -- Australia's government expects to win approval for a flagship climate policy to rein in the country's worst polluters after agreeing to rules that could curb development of new fossil fuel projects. [Extracted from the article]

While the UK is set to see a 25 gigawatt increase in intermittent renewable capacity, it still needs stable generation as backup. The UK faces a decline of secure capacity of 4.5-6.3 gigawatts by 2027 and a 4 gigawatt increase in peak demand, according to the Baringa report. (Bloomberg) -- The UK is facing a significant shortage of reliable power generation as nuclear, coal and gas plants will close in the years ahead without being replaced. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Power producers in western Europe are expected to burn more gas to generate electricity, reducing the amount of coal the continent needs to keep its lights on. The relative profitability of burning gas has increased as prices dropped, while the cost of coal has stayed relatively high. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Australia's energy minister has ruled out a ban on new coal mines as part of the country's overhaul of climate policy. The government was elected on a pledge to end the country's climate wars and last year passed landmark legislation mandating emissions cuts of 43% off 2005 levels by 2030. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Relief for rising power bills in Australia will feature prominently in the May budget, but the government will focus on trying to control inflation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. "We're still finalizing the budget, we know that relief for electricity bills will be a big part of it", he said in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. [Extracted from the article]