UK energy supply chain at risk as 90% eye overseas markets
19 March 2025
Offshore Energies UK’s 2025Supply Chain reportsays building on the UK’s unique industrial strengths in energy production is key to unlocking the Government’s ambition to grow the nation’s economy and build the future of the North Sea.
Drawing on over 50 years of successful North Sea oil and gas operations, the offshore energy industry’s supply chain has the potential to power the UK’s drive to produce secure, sustainable and ever cleaner energy. But without a pipeline of projects enabled by pragmatic policy to anchor them here in the UK, OEUK’s sentiment survey reveals nine companies out of every 10 see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas due to uncertainty and a less positive business environment at home.
The report sets out the barriers the industry faces including low revenues from renewables and declining investor confidence while outlining the actions both industry and government can take to ensure a homegrown energy future. It sets out key steps industry and government can take to anchor world class offshore energy companies in the UK. These include industry initiatives aimed at fostering better collaboration across the supply chain plus moves to ensure that government champions the UK energy supply chain capability in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Forming an extensive and vital network across the country from Shetland to Southampton and from Morecambe Bay to the Eastern Seaboard of England, the UK’s offshore energy supply chain comprises hundreds of businesses supporting the industry throughout its lifecycle from installing wind turbines, producing oil and gas and decommissioning offshore installations.
As an integrated ecosystem, this supply chain delivers products and services to energy producers and includes FTSE 100 companies as well as small to medium enterprises developing new technologies and providing specialist capabilities. It encompassescompanies involved in designing mooring systems, manufacturing specialist valves, installing high voltage subsea cables, maintaining pipelines transporting energy and carbon and removing offshore structures from the seabed with many developing global leadership infloating offshore wind and decommissioning.
Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s supply chain and people director, says:
“The UK is competing internationally for energy investment so it’s concerning that many offshore energy supply chain firms see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas. We’ve set out key steps industry and government can take to position the UK as first choice for the offshore energy supply chain companies.
“To grow the whole UK’s economy, we need energy policy that supports continued investment in homegrown oil and gas alongside an acceleration of renewable energy. This must be addressed, and we are working with our members to bring positive solutions to the table.
“It’s good to export our expertise but that should never come at a cost to work we need to get done in the UK. Around60% of companies surveyed for the report are diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage but business revenues from renewables and CCS still represent a relatively low proportion as they make up between zero and a fifth of their turnover.
“OEUK is currently engaging with critical government consultations on the future of our North Sea from industrial strategy to oil and gas licensing, environmental impact and a new fiscal regime. It’s vital we get this right to create a positive business environment in the UK for our supply chain.
“The offshore energies industry supports the sectors Britain needs to build its future. Steel, cement, ship building, glass, car making and many more rely on the energy and technologies we produce, including carbon capture which can offset and futureproof their energy-intensive operations. With between 60-80% of the capabilities required to lead the energy transition to net zero emissions, our companies and highly skilled people are committed partners in delivering secure, and affordable homegrown energy.
“The UK government is rightly ambitious to develop the clean power capabilities to support its industrial strategy, but this goal must be delivered in a way that builds our supply chain capability. The prize is a homegrown energy future, not one that is imported.”
Current challenges highlighted by the OEUK’s report include harnessing oil and gas revenues from the UK’s still significant reserves so supply chain companies can survive and thrive.
The report outlines how through initiatives including alliance contracting, shared inventory systems and a drive to promote good procurement practice, are supporting efforts to create an attractive commercial environment. These are helping operators, developers, major contractors and suppliers of all sizes work better together.
OEUK’s report comes as decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the North Sea’s future but also its ability to unlock investment in low carbon technologies while continuing to deliver the energy security the UK needs. It highlights there must be collective recognition that a sustainable future is one that enables the supply chain to remain anchored in the UK while adapting and growing as new energy opportunities arise.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing Vigyan Jyoti programme to encourage meritorious girls to pursue higher education and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields since 2019-20. The program aims to promote gender parity in STEM by sustaining the talent pool in science and technology through various year-round activities like hands-on experiential learning sessions, interactions with scientific role models, visits to R&D and industrial labs, career guidance workshops and student-parent counselling sessions that provide exposure to increase the interest and inclination of girls towards science. Since its inception, Vigyan Jyoti programme has benefitted over 80,000 high-achieving girls from 300 districts across 35 States/UTs. To strengthen its impact, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has engaged with over 250 premiers national institutions, including universities, science and technology institutes, CSIR labs, and other reputed organizations, which serve as knowledge partners, contributing significantly to the program’s mission of fostering more girls participation in STEM.
The details of girl students encouraged to pursue science during the last three years, state-wise is given below:
State/UTs
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
Total
Andaman and Nicobar
100
100
115
315
Andhra Pradesh
692
880
889
2461
Arunachal Pradesh
277
233
347
857
Assam
925
970
1276
3171
Bihar
694
912
1243
2849
Chandigarh
100
100
103
303
Chhattisgarh
739
1066
1397
3202
Dadar, Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu
200
200
188
588
Delhi
197
195
200
592
Goa
93
98
100
291
Gujarat
785
1703
1567
4055
Haryana
583
891
1580
3054
Himachal Pradesh
711
856
972
2539
Jammu and Kashmir
366
589
939
1894
Jharkhand
713
1017
1265
2995
Karnataka
846
1030
1278
3154
Kerala
686
810
975
2471
Ladakh
88
99
200
387
Madhya Pradesh
961
1273
1385
3619
Maharashtra
1001
1496
1709
4206
Manipur
291
289
463
1043
Meghalaya
222
300
394
916
Mizoram
47
90
87
224
Nagaland
82
104
97
283
Odisha
776
1082
1280
3138
Puducherry
341
399
396
1136
Punjab
653
1091
1480
3224
Rajasthan
920
1263
1712
3895
Sikkim
199
167
187
553
Telangana
491
745
771
2007
Tripura
213
233
299
745
Uttarakhand
664
861
900
2425
Uttar Pradesh
1285
1502
2566
5353
West Bengal
925
998
1083
3006
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The Research and Development (R&D) measures increased the exposure of the students in academic institutions to real-world problems and created opportunities for working on the state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure created in the Country. These measures cultivated critical thinking and innovation skills, bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications and helped in building a very strong academia-industry ecosystem wherein research lead to technology transfer. R&D in academic institutions thus increased the exposure of students beyond the confines of traditional education and propelled them to the forefront of global competitiveness, positioning them for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual contributions and preparing them for the demands of a knowledge-driven society.
The impact of R&D measures taken by the Government in increasing exposure of students in academic institutions is given below:
The total Ph.D. enrolment in India has increased to 81.2% in 2021-2022 (2.13 lakh) from 2015-2016 (1.17 lakh). In 2021-22, female enrolment in PhD programs in India doubled to 99,000 (0.99 lakh) from 48,000 (0.48 lakh) in 2014-15, representing a significant increase in women’s participation in higher education, especially at the PhD level. In the year 2021-22, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education for the age group 18-23 years is estimated as 28.4, as compared to 23.7 in 2014-15. Female GER has increased to 28.5 in 2021-22 from 22.9 in 2014-15. Of the total enrolment in 2021-22, the number of Student enrolment in STEM for UG, PG, Ph.D. and M.Phil. levels is 98,49,488 (25.6%).
The details of various measures taken by the Government to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology, thereby increasing exposure of students in academic institutions to Research and Development is given in Annexure – I.
ANNEXURE – I
1. Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
(a) Fellowship Programmes: DBT has taken significant steps to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology. The Department has established several fellowship programs and initiatives that enhance collaboration between researchers and academic institutions. The DBT – Junior Research Fellowship Programme, DBT-RA Program in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Fellowship, and M K Bhan Fellowship programs represent significant initiatives by the Department to foster collaboration with academic institutions. These programs enhance exposure to research environments by creating pathways for researchers to engage with academic institutions, establish research groups, mentor students, and contribute to India’s scientific advancement.
(b) R&D Infrastructure: DBT has been supporting the development of research infrastructure at universities and research institutes across the country under Research Resource, Service Facility and Platform (abbreviated as RRSFP) Programme through the following components
DBT- Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments for Education and Research Programme (DBT-BUILDER) which focuses on upgrading the post-graduate teaching and training laboratories by enabling interdisciplinary advanced research and teaching capacity emphasizing discovery and innovation in proposed research areas, addressing emerging technologies with inter-disciplinary cross talk. In the DBT-BUILDER programme a total of 45 Universities and Institutes were supported, comprising 9 Central University, 14 State University, and 22 Private Universities or Postgraduate Colleges. Across these institutions, 177 departments received support, with 34 in central universities, 56 in state universities, and 87 in private institutions.
DBT – Scientific Infrastructure Access for Harnessing Academia University Research Joint Collaboration (DBT-SAHAJ) aims at creating “national” service facility/research resource/platform to provide access to resources that could not be provided by any single researcher’s laboratory or scientific department. The Unified Online Booking Portal under the DBT-SAHAJ lists available equipment, user charges, and availability, allowing users to book facilities in advance.
(c) Star College Programme: The Star College Programme was initiated by DBT in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. This Programme was launched for improving critical thinking and encouraging ‘hands on’ experimental science at undergraduate level in basic science subjects. On a larger perspective, the programme was initiated envisioning that it shall encourage more students to take up higher education in science. Through this programme the Department identifies colleges with potential for excellence and provides support for developing infrastructure for academics and laboratory activities. This support is in turn expected to invigorate teaching and provide unique exposure of students to experimental science.
(d) DBT-BIRAC Amrit Team Grant: is a new program of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to support new and innovative collaborative research programs involving academia, the clinic and start-ups.
2. Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR)
and Postdoctoral fellowships: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology through its “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme” carried out by National S&T Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) has been providing doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships to young budding researchers through its various fellowship programmes. These young researchers are basically involved in science and technology development. The main objective of the programme is to nurture the budding scientific talent and to nourish the objective of pursuit of scientific research. The CSIR supported research fellows are working in more than 650 academic and R&D institutions. Apart from doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, CSIR provides financial assistance to academic and R&D institution to carry out basic and applied research in the frontier and emerging areas of science and technology. These research projects of CSIR awarded to academic and R&D institutions are also a source of S&T human resource development as the principal investigators of these research projects are a guiding force and train young researchers in recent trends of science and technology research. These researchers contribute in the scientific publications, patents, technology, processes and overall development of S&T in the country. It is an established fact that the number of research articles published from an academic institute are proportional to the number of research scholars. This is the pool of young researchers being utilised by universities and R&D institutions for their research and development work/activities and is a precious S&T asset of the country. The research activities such as doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships and research grants are contributing in the scientific development of the country as India has attained 3rd position in terms of publishing the Science and Engineering research articles, contributed in increase in researchers per million populations from India which has now reached to 260 in 2020 compared to 215 in 2015.
3. Department of Science and Technology (DST)
DST is making several efforts through its various schemes and programmes to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology, thereby increasing exposure of students in academic institutions to Research and Development. Details of significant initiatives are given below.
(a) Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE): The Scheme aims at attracting young talent toward pursuing research as a career by leveraging the existing educational structure for talent identification, without conducting any competitive exams. Covering meritorious youth from school to university levels, the scheme supports those interested in studying science and choosing scientific research as a career. It facilitates human capacity building through scholarships, fellowships, and research exposure, enabling students to develop their skills and pursue opportunities in scientific research. The Scheme has the following components to create a robust ecosystem for cultivating future leaders in scientific research:
INSPIRE Internship: Provides exposure to the top 1% of students at the Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps during summer or winter. These camps allow students to interact with renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates, fostering curiosity and inspiring them to pursue science at an early age (16-17 years).
Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): Offers 12,000 scholarships annually to meritorious students aged 17-22 years, encouraging them to study basic and natural sciences at the undergraduate level with additional scholarship and mentorship support.
INSPIRE Fellowship: Awards 1,000 fellowships annually to students aged 22-27 years for pursuing Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences, including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.
INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Provides 100 fellowships annually to young researchers aged 27-32 years with a Ph.D. qualification, offering them the opportunity to carry out research in both basic and applied science areas for a duration of 5 years, helping them establish themselves as independent researchers.
(b) Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST): The Schemes supports basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions. It is considered as complimentary support for enabling Departments/ Centres/ Schools/ Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently It was launched in 2000 under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). The duration of support for each FIST Project will be 5 years and will have 4 levels – Level-0, Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3. The programme has played a crucial role in fostering academic and research growth by providing financial support to a vast network of 3072 departments and PG colleges with an allocated budget of approximately Rs 3130.82 crores. This consistent support has significantly contributed to the advancement of scientific and technological endeavours across various universities and colleges, fuelling innovation and progress in India’s educational landscape.
(c) Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes (SATHI) Centres: These Centres organizes training program for researchers, MSME and start-ups for sensitization and utilization of high-end equipment and provides appropriate level platform for networking and to explore possibilities for collaborative research and sharing of data, among the participants.
(d) Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence” (PURSE): The Scheme aims to bolster the Research and Development (R&D) foundation of universities nationwide. The primary objective is to enhance the research capabilities of Indian universities, fostering a robust research ecosystem and strengthening their R&D bases.
(e)Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN): ensures the participation of women in the field of Science and Technology (S&T) through various gender-enabling programmes. The various components of the Scheme for improving the exposure of women to Research and Development are given below.
The WISE Fellowship Programme aims to provide support to women who want to pursue a Ph.D and Post Doctorate
Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI): WIDUSHI Programme aims to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary areas of Science & Technology
WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) – WISE-IPR programme provides one-year training to women in the area of Intellectual Property Rights in order to develop a core professional skill in this domain
Women International Grant Support (WINGS): WINGS Programme provides opportunities to Indian Women scientists to undertake research in the International research labs and academic institutions
Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE): CURIE Programme provides support to women institutions for establishing State-of-the art research infrastructure to enhance research facilities and improving R&D activities in order to create excellence in Science & Technology (S&T) domain
VigyanJyoti programme aims to encourage girls to pursue higher education and career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) especially in the areas where women participation is low in order to balance gender ratio across the streams
(f) The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) provides a wide range of fellowship which had increased the exposure of students to foster research and innovation in science and technology.
4. Department of Higher Education:
(a) The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme: PMRF was introduced in 2018, with the objective to attract top talent to doctoral research in India, particularly in Science and Technology, by offering attractive fellowships at institutions like IITs, IISc, and IISERs. The PMRF scheme aims to improve the quality of research in higher educational institutions and foster innovation. The scheme is offered at all IITs, IISERs, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, and some top Central Universities/NITs that offer science and/or technology degrees. The fellowship covers a research grant of Rs. 2 lakhs per year (up to Rs. 10 lakhs for five years). A new version of the PMRF scheme, PMRF 2.0, was announced in the current budget with the introduction of 10,000 fellowships over the next 5 years to boost R&D and provide enhanced PhD fellowships. Industry participation in the PMRF program is explored through CSR funding or otherwise to enable industry to sponsor Fellows.
(b) University Grants Commission (UGC): The UGC supports research and innovation in educational institutions through schemes like “Teaching and Research in Interdisciplinary and Emerging Areas,” encouraging innovative proposals and specialized courses, and promoting Research Development Cells (RDCs) to foster a strong research ecosystem.
(c) All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): AICTE supports research and innovation in technical education through various schemes, including the AICTE-Research Promotion Scheme (RPS), AICTE AURA, and by promoting infrastructure development, faculty development, and industry-institute interaction.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Department of Biotechnology has created the national resource data of whole genome sequencing of 10,074 healthy individuals from 83 heterogeneous populations from 99 different sites, under the “Genome India” project, to create a library of genetic variations. This data aims to serving both scientific and medical community, fostering genomic research. Hence, the data has been archived at the Indian Biological Data Center (IBDC), a National Repository set up by this Department. The data can be used for developing indigenous chips, diagnostics and therapeutics, benefiting healthcare system of the country and thus will contribute to the bioeconomy of the country. The Department has planned to fund translational research in which this dataset will serve as a template, thus maximizing the benefits of the data generated under ‘Genome India’ project. This data will be disseminated to the researchers under the provisions of the Biotech-PRIDE (Promotion of Research and Innovation through Data Exchange) Guidelines and ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED) Protocols.
Under the ‘Genome India’ project, the study has been carried out throughout the length and breadth of the country and ensured equitable sampling across linguistic, social, and regional groups in India. Approximately, 36.7% of the samples were collected from rural, 32.2 % from urban and 31.1 % from the tribal populations. It is imperative that maximum benefit should be accrued from the large data base already created. Hence the Department initially focuses on translational research using the already available dataset, for which proposals are being sought throughout the country and the process is still on; hence state wise data in this regard is not available.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today approved the proposal for setting up of a new Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) annual capacity of Urea production within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), Namrup Assam, with an estimated total project cost of Rs.10,601.40 Crore with Debt Equity ratio of 70:30 through a Joint Venture (JV), under the New Investment Policy, 2012 read with its amendments on 7th October, 2014. The tentative overall time schedule for commissioning of Namrup-IV Project is 48 months.
Additionally, the Cabinet also approved the National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)’s equity participation of 18% in relaxation to the limits prescribed in Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines; and constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to oversee the process of setting up of Namrup-IV Fertilizer Plant.
In the proposed JV, equity pattern will be as under:
(i) Government of Assam: 40%
(ii) Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL): 11%
BVFCL’s share of equity shall be in lieu of tangible assets.
The project will increase the domestic Urea production capacity in the country especially in the North-Eastern region. It will meet the growing demand of Urea fertilizers of North East, Bihar, West Bengal, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The establishment of Namrup-IV unit will be more energy efficient. It will also open avenues for additional direct and indirect employment opportunity to the people of the area. It shall help achieve the vision of self-reliance in Urea in the country.
Gaganyaan Programme is currently approved with a financial sanction of ~20,193 Crores. The envisaged expenditure is categorised into Revenue (~ 341 Crores) and Capital (~19852 Crores) elements catering to necessary technology development activities and undertaking uncrewed/ crewed flight missions. (Total: 8 Nos.).
There has been a revision in the scope and financial sanction of Gaganyaan Programme. The vision for space in the Amrit kaal envisages including other things, creation of an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and Indian Crewed Lunar Mission by 2040. Towards building these new capabilities to enable longer duration Indian human space missions, various technologies have to be developed and validated. As per the revised scope, demonstration of these technologies is planned through eight missions (2 Crewed+ 6 Uncrewed) in a phased manner.
ISRO together with collaborating national agencies is responsible for development of various technologies which are planned to be demonstrated in this mission. Private enterprises are contributing enormously to the programme specifically in areas such as realization of launch vehicle systems, sub-systems and critical structures (simulated Crew Module/ Crew Module) for ground/ flight test program, Crew Module Recovery Models, Virtual reality based training simulators, realization of various subsystems of indigenous Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) as well as avionics packages for ground simulations. Some of these contributing private enterprises are Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Tata Elxsi, Larsen & Toubro, Walchand nagar Industries, Manjira Machine Builders, Godrej Aerospace, Data Patterns India, Centum Electronics etc.
The Government of India has announced reforms, on June, 2020, in the space sector towards enabling the private players to provide end-to-end services towards enhancing the Indian space economy to a significant level. Indian Space Policy-2023 was released in April 2023 as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the space reform vision. It helps to promote greater participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the value chain of space economy in order to develop robust, innovative and competitive space ecosystem aiming for a larger share of India in global space economy. It also enables the NGEs to make use of infrastructure created through public funds. Further, amendment was made to the Foreign Direct Investment policy for space sector, enabling higher threshold of foreign investments in various space domains. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre {IN-SPACe), a single-window agency, was formed under Department of Space, to promote, regulate and authorize space activities of Non-Governmental Entities {NG Es). Further, in order to carry out space activities, the facilities across various ISRO centres will also be permitted for use by private sector through IN-SPACe. New Space India Ltd (NSIL}, a CPSE under the Department of Space will transfer the matured technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries. ISRO will also nurture Indian space industries by sharing its experiences on quality and reliability protocols, documentation, testing procedures etc. Announcement of Opportunities and initiatives like ‘Atmanirbharta in development of space technologies/ products/ systems through Indian industry’ are also being undertaken offering challenges in new domains of space technology.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The primary objective of Chandrayaan-4 is to collect Lunar samples from southern high latitudes and return the samples to Earth for scientific study. Towards this, various critical technologies would be demonstrated that would also pave the way for the landing of an Indian on the Moon by 2040.
The mission is targeted to be launched during October 2027. The total cost of the said mission is Rs. 2104 Crores and has been sanctioned.
The department has been systematically exploring the Lunar surface through the past missions and advancing various technologies. The Chandrayaan-4 mission is the nextmission to be realized for exploration of the moon and has the following advantages:
Todemonstrate key first level technologies for future crewed mission to Moon.
To provide opportunities to study the lunar samples in greater detail, scientifically, compared to which the lander and rover mission could do in-situ.
To inform and gain valuable experience to undertake future planetary missions including crewed missions.
To further the strides achieved in advancing lunar science within the country.
To enhance the technological and scientific capability of the country and aid tocement international presence in such prestigious endeavours.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK science uncovers mysteries of dark universe with Euclid data
Cutting-edge UK research is benefiting the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, with new data released today (19 March) set to uncover the secrets of dark energy and matter.
Euclid visual: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA. Background galaxies: NASA, ESA, and S. Beckwith (STScI) and the HUDF Team Euclid observations: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
The wealth of new data from the mission – described as the ultimate discovery machine – includes details of 500 galaxies that seem to experience a phenomenon known as strong lensing.
This is where light from more distant galaxies is bent around closer galaxies due to gravity, like how light is focused through a glass lens on Earth.
The way the light bends indicates the total mass, which includes both visible matter and, potentially, dark matter – so scientists can analyse this, begin to identify where dark matter is located, and understand its properties.
Euclid’s data is revolutionising the study of strong lensing. New techniques using machine learning and AI have been developed to find these rare objects. Citizen science has also contributed significantly, with over 1000 volunteers participating in visual inspections.
This image shows examples of gravitational lenses that Euclid captured in its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by M. Walmsley, M. Huertas-Company, J.-C. Cuillandre
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:
The UK space sector is playing a leading role in the Euclid mission which, as this new data shows, is revealing more about the role of gravity in our Universe, and the nature of dark energy and matter. The British-made visible imager and data processing tools are central to these observations.
The technological advances achieved in missions like this will not only benefit our understanding of the universe, but may help us to better process data here on Earth, helping us to grow our economy and support our Plan for Change.
The Euclid mission, launched in July 2023, carries a visible imager (VIS) from the UK, funded by £37 million from the UK Space Agency. The VIS, designed and built by a UCL-led team, is a super high-resolution camera (609 million pixels), with a focal plane about the size of a large pizza box, that can take incredibly detailed pictures of the sky. It is currently observing billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away.
The new data release includes observations of distant regions of space, displaying hundreds of thousands of galaxies and many transient phenomena—astronomical events that are temporary or short-lived relative to cosmic history. These include supernovae (explosions of stars at the end of their life cycles), gamma-ray bursts (extremely energetic explosions observed in distant galaxies), and fast radio bursts (brief but intense bursts of radio waves from unknown sources in space).
All of this allows scientists to gain insights into the dynamic processes occurring in the universe. The release classifies over 380,000 galaxies and 500 gravitational lens candidates.
This is a zoom-in of Euclid’s Deep Field North, showing the Cat’s Eye Nebula in the centre of the image, around 3000 light-years away. Also known as NGC 6543, this nebula is a visual ‘fossil record’ of the dynamics and late evolution of a dying star. This dying star is shedding its outer colourful shells. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
ESA’s Director of Science, Prof. Carole Mundell, said:
Euclid shows itself once again to be the ultimate discovery machine. It is surveying galaxies on the grandest scale, enabling us to explore our cosmic history and the invisible forces shaping our Universe.
The ‘quick’ data release
Euclid ‘quick’ releases, such as this one, are of selected areas, intended to demonstrate the data products to be expected in the major data releases that follow, and to allow scientists to sharpen their data analysis tools in preparation. The mission’s first cosmology data will be released to the community in October 2026.
Aprajita Verma, a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford, said:
This early data release showcases the amazing images that we will receive from the Euclid telescope. Even in this tiny area (less than 0.5% of the Euclid survey), Euclid has revealed millions of galaxies in exquisite detail.
Nestled among these galaxies are strong gravitational lenses. This rare phenomenon is seen around massive galaxies that can distort or warp space-time so much that light from objects behind them can be brought into view as rings, arcs or multiple images.
Verma said:
This is exactly what has been revealed in this early Euclid data, and at a higher frequency than we’ve seen from surveys with ground-based telescopes.
The team used a combination of machine learning with visual inspection from citizen scientists and the team to develop an efficient discovery engine.
Phil Holloway, PhD student at the University of Oxford said:
Incredibly, over 1000 citizen scientists volunteered to hunt for the strong lenses through the Space Warps project on the Zooniverse platform. We are amazed by the interest, dedication and skill of the citizen scientists, we wouldn’t have been able to find 500 of these rare gems without them! This was a huge collaborative effort and this early data signposts that there will be many discoveries to be made with the Euclid Wide Survey – there are exciting times ahead!
Space Warps is a dedicated project to discover strong gravitational lenses co-founded by Phil Marshall, Anupreeta More, and Aprajita Verma on the Zooniverse citizen science platform.
Professor Thomas Collett, from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said:
Euclid has provided spectacular image quality across a huge area of the sky, which is critical to discovering small, rare objects. We’ve found 500 new strong gravitational lenses in the Euclid dataset.
These are galaxies distorted into rings of light by the mass of another foreground galaxy. We have combined the strengths of machine learning and citizen scientists to sift out these rare objects from the millions of other galaxies in Euclid. These new lenses will allow us to make new measurements of the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up 95% of our Universe but which are poorly understood.
Euclid’s transformative capabilities
Before Euclid, astronomers had to choose between wide-field images from lower resolution telescopes like the Dark Energy Survey in Chile, or detailed zoomed-in images from telescopes like Hubble, but only on small regions. Euclid, with its 609 megapixel camera led by the UK, combines both panoramic mode and detailed imaging. The area mapped in this release is already a significant fraction of all the sky covered by Hubble since 1990.
This innovation is transformative for strong lensing studies, which require large panoramic images to locate rare objects and detailed views to analyse them.
Professor Adam Amara, Chief Scientist at the UK Space Agency, who first proposed the idea for Euclid, said:
Previously, astronomers like me used wide low-resolution surveys to find strong lenses and then requested Hubble for follow-up observations. Now, Euclid accomplishes both tasks in one shot.
This data release is the first clear evidence that Euclid will be a unique rare object finder (as well as an exquisite dark energy measuring machine). In terms of rare objects in the universe, I’m excited to see what ‘unknown-unknowns’ it will discover – it’s been a long wait.
Professor Mark Cropper (Mullard Space Science Laboratory at UCL), who led on designing and developing Euclid’s VIS optical camera over 16 years, working with teams at UCL, Open University and across Europe, said:
Euclid is allowing us to understand the universe on another level entirely. It gives us fine detail over a vast scale. To pick one example, Euclid found 70,000 globular clusters – very old, tightly packed groups of stars – in the Perseus Cluster of galaxies. And it has found 500 strong gravitational lenses, where light from distant galaxies has been bent by intervening matter – that doubles the number we knew about previously. All this and much more in just two days of data.
Dr James Nightingale , Research Fellow, Newcastle University School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics said:
For the past decade, my research has been defined by painstakingly analysing the same 50 strong gravitational lenses, but with the Q1 data release, I was handed 500 new strong lenses in under a week. It’s a seismic shift — transforming how I do science practically overnight.
UK involvement and contributions
The UK has played a pivotal role in the Euclid mission, contributing significantly to the development of both the mission’s instruments and data processing capabilities.
Marie-Claire Perkinson, Chair of UKSpace Space Science and Exploration Committee said:
The UKSpace Space Science and Exploration committee is delighted to see this data release and the knowledge generated by this exciting mission. We are pleased to see a strong UK contribution – including UKspace member Teledyne who are providing the instrument detectors.
Mullard Space Science Laboratory and XCAM Ltd. have also made significant contributions to the development of the mission, providing leadership of the VIS instrument, and the Charge-Coupled Device test bench (CCD) test bench for the Euclid visible channel.
Daniel Waller, General Manager and Vice-President of Teledyne Space Imaging in Chelmsford Essex said:
Teledyne Space Imaging delivered the detectors for both the VIS and NISP instruments for Euclid. We are humbled by the astonishing detailed results that has been returned so far. The teams here in Chelmsford and in California feel privileged to have made their contribution to this scientific endeavour of understanding our Universe.
In addition to the VIS instrument UK scientists and institutions around the country have developed bespoke data processing tools for Euclid and are analysing the wealth of data being returned by the mission. Five key papers led by UK researchers are shared as part of this data release.
Professor Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said:
To see UK astronomers, space scientists and engineers playing key roles in this extraordinary scientific endeavour is truly inspiring – and what’s even better is that this is just the beginning.
We can look forward to Euclid giving us the most detailed ever 3D map of the cosmos, helping to solve the biggest cosmic mysteries – what the universe is made of, how it evolved, and what its future holds.
The wider benefits of space science
The ripple effects of technological advances in space science extend far beyond the realm of space exploration, driving advances and growth across multiple sectors in the UK. The need for compact and efficient technology in space missions has led to advancements in miniaturisation, which benefit consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops.
In healthcare, machine learning techniques developed for imaging technologies used in space exploration are being adapted to create more precise medical imaging techniques, potentially improving diagnosis and patient outcomes. The vast amounts of data collected by missions like Euclid are processed using advanced algorithms, which are now being used in healthcare to analyse patient data and predict disease outbreaks.
What you need to know: California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in utility bill credits this year thanks to the state’s Cap-and-Trade program that funds critical climate action.
SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians will receive an average of $137 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. The California Climate Credit – automatically applied to Californians’ bills every April and October – is a direct result of the state’s nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action.
Since 2014, California households have already received an average of $1,120 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills.
Every year, our Cap-and-Trade program provides essential funding to California’s efforts to clean the air while also giving residents money back on their utility bills. Millions of California families will benefit from this relief.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Since 2014, the state’s Cap-and-Trade program has delivered $10.9 billion in bill credits back to utility customers. This year, California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in residential credits – $1.4 billion for electric customers, $1 billion for natural gas customers, and an additional $122 million for small businesses.
How it works
The credits range from $35 to $259 for electricity bills – with most set to receive $56 to $81 – and approximately $54 to $87 on natural gas bills for residential customers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, and Southwest Gas. Californians can check how much their credit will be here.
Californians do not need to do anything to get the credit. The California Climate Credit comes from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program managed by the California Air Resources Board. The credit on utility bills represents the consumer’s share of the payments from the State’s program.
In addition to utility bill credits, California’s Cap-and-Trade program has funded $28 billion in climate investments delivering more than half a million projects across the state, supporting 30,000 jobs and cutting millions of tons of carbon emissions. The investments include a wide range of solutions such as putting affordable housing near job centers, building the nation’s first high-speed rail, and adding zero-emission transportation options in underserved communities.
Press Releases, Recent News
Recent news
Mar 18, 2025
News What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Los Angeles community-based organizations (CBOs) today announced $25 million to advance educational outreach to workers and businesses about vital health, safety, and workplace protections. LOS ANGELES — As rebuilding in…
Mar 18, 2025
News What you need to know: With the release of a new draft working report by leading artificial intelligence experts, California continues to lead in advocating for the responsible use of emerging AI technology and the study of its impacts and opportunities. SAN…
Mar 17, 2025
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.:“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his…
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
From March 10 to 14, the Institute of Atomic Energy of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI hosted a case championship with the support of the State Research Center of the Russian Federation IPPE. The strongest teams from SPbPU, ISPU, KSPEU, ITAE and other leading universities of the country gathered in Obninsk. The participants solved computational problems related to current issues of nuclear energy.
The case included ten tasks related to the closed nuclear fuel cycle (CNFC). The guys compiled fuel balances, explained the nuclide compositions of the loads, determined the activity of the components of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Many factors had to be taken into account: issues of fuel burnup, production of plutonium isotopes and minor actinides, SNF handling, as well as economic aspects of closing the fuel cycle.
The honor of the Polytechnic University was defended by the “Spectrum” team. It included 4th-year students of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering Ilya Antonov, Ruslan Gorelenkov, Denis Yurin, Andrey Lemeshev and Sofia Shmachko. The Polytechnic students successfully mastered and applied the SERPENT code, which allowed them to perform calculations with a high degree of accuracy and validity. The guys not only coped with the tasks, but also proposed solutions that went beyond the requirements of the case. Based on the results of the defense, the SPbPU team took first place.
Each of us gained a lot of new knowledge: from determining the specific activity of fresh spent nuclear fuel to comparing the savings in the consumption of natural uranium by different types of regenerated fuel. We would like to thank the organizers of the case championship for the high level of preparation of the event, for the opportunity to demonstrate our skills in the field of a closed nuclear fuel cycle, – shared Denis Yurin.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Rosneft Scientific Institute in Ufa will hold a scientific and technical conference “Innovative Technologies in Hydrocarbon Production” from May 20 to 23, 2025. The co-organizer is the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan. More than 700 leading representatives of the oil industry and scientists from different cities of Russia are expected to participate.
The large-scale event will combine the Company’s traditional conferences “Digital Technologies in Hydrocarbon Production” and “Practical Aspects of Oilfield Chemistry”. The program will cover key issues of oil and gas production: from prospecting and exploration to field development design. Participation in the conference will allow you not only to get acquainted with theoretical aspects, but also to discuss real production situations.
The conference sections will be devoted to the following topical issues:
oil and gas field development: digital projects and technologies, practical aspects of oilfield chemistry, artificial intelligence in the oil and gas industry, training and advanced training of personnel, modern IT solutions in the field of capital construction, mathematical modeling technologies.
The event will also include a competition for the best information models* of capital construction projects among Rosneft employees. Scientists from corporate institutes will present their developments in this area. Specialists from production enterprises will show the most effective examples of implementing information models in production.
*A building information model (BIM model) is a detailed model, a data storage of the object’s geometry, materials and equipment. It is used throughout the entire life cycle of the object: during construction, reconstruction, operation and dismantling.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 19, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
2,744 PACS across the country have received initial approval from the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Government of India to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK). Among the 2,744 PACS that received initial approval, 785 have been issued drug licenses by the State Drug Controllers and 716 PACS have been allotted Store Codes by PMBI, which are ready to function as PMBJK.
PACS functioning as PMBJKs provide around 2,047 quality generic medicines and around 300 surgical items. The product basket covers all major therapeutic groups such as Cardiovascular, Anti-cancers, Anti-diabetics, Anti-infectives, Anti-allergic, Gastro-intestinal medicines, Nutraceuticals, etc. These Kendras provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to rural citizens which are 50% to 90% less priced than that of branded alternatives, making healthcare more affordable for rural population. The initiative aims to improve accessibility to essential medicines, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the overall well-being of rural communities.
PACS operating PMBJKs have been able to diversify their income streams, enhancing their financial sustainability. As per information provided by PMBI, so far, medicines worth Rs. 4.9 Crore have been purchased by PACS operating PMBJKs from PMBI. The initiative has strengthened financial viability of PACS, allowing them to reinvest in other cooperative activities, provide better services to their members, and expand their role in rural economic development.
In order to increase the number of PACS operating PMBJKs, particularly in underserved/ rural and remote areas, the implementation of the initiative is regularly reviewed through meetings with States/UTs and PMBI to ensure effective progress. Efforts include simplifying the application process, fast-tracking approvals, and conducting training programs for PACS staff on pharmacy operations. Additionally, State Governments are encouraged to identify and support eligible PACS in launching PMBJKs to further strengthen rural healthcare access.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The Government of India has taken the following steps for strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs):-
Relief from Income Tax to Cooperative Sugar Mills:Sugar factories operating in the co-operative sector in certain States of India pay to sugarcane growers a final amount, often referred to as Final Cane Price (FCP) which is over and above the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) fixed by the Central Government under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1996.
The payment of FCP by the co-operative sugar factories over and above the SMP for purchase of sugarcane had resulted into tax litigation. The co-operative sugar factories were claiming this excess payment as business expenditure whereas the same has been disallowed in the assessment on the ground that the excess price paid for purchase of sugar cane over and above SMP is in the nature of appropriation/distribution of profit and hence not allowable as deduction.
Inordertoprovidecertaintyinthismatterandtoencourageco-operativemovementinsugarsector,a new clause (xvii) was inserted to amend sub-section (1) of section 36 of
the Income-tax Actto provide that the amount paid for purchase of sugarcane by the co-operative societies engaged in the manufacture of sugar at a price which is equal to or less than the price fixed by or fixed with the approval of the Government, including price fixation by State Governments through State-level Acts/Orders or other legal instruments that regulate the purchase price for sugarcane, including State Advised Price, which may be higher than the Statutory Minimum Price/Fair and Remunerative Price fixed by the Central Government shall be allowed as deduction for computing business income of the sugar co-operative factories w.e.f. 01.4.2016.
Resolving decades old pending issues related to income tax demand on Cooperative Sugar Mills:The provision at SI. No (i) above resolved the issue of treatment of additional payment for sugar price by CSMs as an income distribution to farmers w.e.f.01.04.2016. However, pending demands and litigation still persisted in respect of assessment years(AYs) prior to 2016-
17. Therefore, to conclude the matter logically and to extend the benefit of the abovementioned relief to all the applicable years, section 155 of the Act has been amended to insert a new sub- section (19) vide Finance Act, 2023, w.e.f. 01 April 2023. It provides that in the case of a sugar mill cooperative, where any deduction in respect of any expenditure incurred for the purchase of sugarcane has been claimed by an assessee and such deduction has been disallowed wholly or partly in any previous year commencing on or before the 1ª day of April, 2014, the Assessing Officer shall, on the basis of an application made by such assessee in this regard, recompute the total income of such assessee for such previous year. The Assessing Officer shall allow such deduction to the extent such expenditure is incurred at a price which is equal to or less than price fixed or approved by the Government for that previous year. CBDT has also issued Standard Operating Procedure in this regard on 27.07.2023.
Rs 10,000 crore loan scheme through NCDC for strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills:Ministry of Cooperation has launched a new scheme named ‘Grant-in-aid to NCDC for Strengthening of Cooperative Sugar Mills’, under which Government of India has provided grant of Rs.1,000 crore to NCDC during financial year 2022-23 and 2024-25. NCDC will use this grant to provide loans up to Rs. 10,000 crores to Cooperative Sugar Mills, for setting up ethanol plants or for setting up cogeneration plants or for working capital or for all three purposes. NCDC has so far sanctioned 87 loans of ₹ 9893.12 crore to 48 CSMs.
For ease of CSMs availing loan for setting up of ethanol plants under the scheme, NCDC has revised its funding pattern from 70:30 to 90:10 wherein the society has to raise only 10% of the project cost and 90% of the project cost will be provided by NCDC subject to technical and financial viability of the project. Further,for benefit of the Cooperative Sugar Mills, NCDC has reduced its floating rate of interest for term loan to 8.50% under the scheme.
Preference in purchase of ethanol to Cooperative Sugar Mills:Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are according top priority to CSMs participating in ethanol procurement cycles. So far, 24,650 KL ethanol worth ₹ 25.50 crore have been procured by OMCs from 11 CSMs.
Enhancing ethanol production of Cooperative Sugar Mills by converting their molasses-based ethanol plants into multi feed ethanol plants:Ministry of Cooperation has taken initiative for conversion of existing molasses-based ethanol plants of CSMs into multi feed ethanol plants.As that they can operate their distilleries throughout the year, under this initiative CSMs will get following benefits:
NCDC will provide a term loan under funding pattern of 90:10, with 90% from the society and 10% from NCDC.
On March 6, 2025, the Department of Food and Public Distribution issued a Gazette Notification notifying the revised scheme titled “Scheme for Financial Assistance to Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) for Converting Their Existing Sugarcane-Based Feedstock Ethanol Plants into Multi-Feedstock-Based Plants to Utilize Grains Such as Maize and Damaged Food Grains (DFG) for Enhancing and Augmenting Ethanol Production Capacity”, exclusively for cooperative sugar mills. Under the scheme, Central Government will bear the interest subvention on the loan availed by them at a rate of either 6% per annum or 50% of the interest rate charged by the lending institution, whichever is lower, for a period of five years, including a one-year moratorium.
Cooperative sugar mills availing the benefit of interest subvention will be given Priority-1 by OMCs to facilitate their transition from single-feed ethanol plants to multi-feed ethanol plants.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The coal gasification initiatives taken by the Government are as under:
(i) On January 24, 2024 the Government has approved an outlay of ₹ 8,500 crore as financial incentive, for promotion of coal/lignite gasification projects for both government PSUs as well as private sector.
(ii) Government has also approved investment by Coal India Limited (CIL) in joint ventures of CIL-BHEL and CIL-GAIL for undertaking coal gasification projects.
(iii) In 2022, a new sub-sector, “Production of Syngas leading to coal gasification,” was created under the NRS linkage auctions policy to support this initiative. Further under this sector the government has allowed auction with a floor price at the notified price of the regulated sector, for the projects commissioning within the next seven years.
(iv) 50% rebate in the revenue share for coal used in gasification has been introduced in commercial coal block auctions, provided that at least 10% of the total coal production is used for gasification purposes.
Coal is one of the most abundant natural resources in the country. Coal gasification technology enables conversion of coal into syngas (synthetic gas), which can be used to produce downstream products like methanol, ammonium nitrate, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) and Fertilizers etc. Coal gasification technology provides alternative use of coal promoting environmental sustainability to align with vision of developed India 2047.
The Government has not conducted any specific impact assessment of the financial incentive scheme for coal gasification projects.
Coal India Limited (CIL), a CPSE under Ministry of Coal, has secured Khattali Chhoti Graphite Block in Madhya Pradesh, India through e- auction of critical mineral blocks conducted by Ministry of Mines. Besides, CIL has also signed Non-Disclosure Agreement with an Argentinian company and an Australian company for acquisition of lithium assets in Argentina.
The Government has, inter-alia, taken the following steps to reduce India’s import dependency and build supply chain resilience in critical minerals:
Central Government has been empowered to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for 24 critical minerals, with an aim to increase exploration and mining of critical minerals and ensure self-sufficiency in their supply.
The Government has announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 the setting up of a Critical Mineral Mission for a harmonized approach in areas including domestic production, recycling, overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets and research & development (R&D).
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
The EIB is providing €320 million in loans for the construction of the Ebensee pumped storage power plant.
Energie AG plans to invest more than €600 million to expand hydropower in Upper Austria, with a €400 million financing package for this objective approved by the EIB.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted Energie AG Oberösterreich in Upper Austria a financing package of up to €400 million to expand hydropower. Energie AG plans to invest a total of over €600 million in a new pumped storage power plant in Ebensee and a planned run-of-river hydropower plant in Roitham/Traunfall.
The Ebensee pumped storage power plant will act as a green battery, compensating for fluctuations in the power generation from wind and solar plants and ensuring security of supply. Financing agreements for the Ebensee project encompassing €320 million were signed at EIB headquarters in Luxembourg.
The Ebensee project is the single largest investment by Energie AG Oberösterreich to date, and is a milestone in the transformation of the energy supply in Upper Austria. An additional €80 million in financing for the Traunfall run-of-river power plant, intended to replace three hydropower plants at the end of their useful life, has also been given advance EIB approval. The relevant financing contracts are set to be signed in 2025, subject to the pending approval of the project by the Supervisory Board of Energie AG Oberösterreich.
“Rapidly expanding renewable energy is crucial for decarbonising the economy. The hydropower plants by Energie AG Oberösterreich are another important step on the road to a climate-neutral energy supply, and will help reduce Europe’s dependence on oil and gas imports,” said EIB Vice-PresidentThomas Östros.
“Our strategy at Energie AG Oberösterreich has set a course for maximum carbon reduction throughout the entire company. All told, we will be investing €4 billion by 2035 to expand renewable energy and grids. We are also making major investments in green hydrogen production,” said Leonhard Schitter, Chair and CEO of Energie AG Oberösterreich.
“In the coming decades, the energy sector – including Energie AG Oberösterreich – will be influenced by high investment requirements for the process of transformation needed to develop a sustainable energy system. A key success factor in this process will be providing for future financing requirements early, with optimal borrowing and framework conditions. With the EIB, we are delighted to have a strong partner on board for this challenge,” said Andreas Kolar, CFO of Energie AG Oberösterreich.
This project is part of REPowerEU, the EU plan to rapidly reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels. Thanks to REPowerEU, the EIB is able to finance a higher share of the total project costs than the usual 30-50%.
The investment also furthers the objectives of Austria’s National Energy and Climate Plan, which plans to convert all electricity generation to renewables by 2030.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
In 2024, the EIB Group signed financing of €1.7 billion in Austria. This primarily promoted countercyclical investments in energy-intensive sectors like steel and renewable energy.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Energie AG Oberösterreich is a leader in the sustainable future of energy. As the largest energy provider in Austria’s main industrial region, it is doing everything it can to cut emissions throughout the cycle of generation, distribution and recycling – sustainably reducing the CO2 produced by the entire organisation. The goal: to be climate neutral and energy independent by 2035, ensuring security of supply and safe disposal. By 2035, renewable energy sources like water, wind and solar should generate a total of 1.2 TWh per year. That’s the average electricity consumption of around 330 000 households – meaning more than 700 000 people. With the construction of the Ebensee pumped storage power plant, Energie AG Oberösterreich is taking yet another important step towards a sustainable energy future.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 18, 2025/APO Group/ —
African countries rich in minerals are accelerating the digitalization of their mining licensing processes to attract investment and maximize resource exploitation for economic growth. As part of this push, Zambia launched its Zambia Integrated Mining Information System last month, aiming to streamline the awarding of licenses. The digital platform is set to play a key role in attracting mining partners and help the country reach its goal of increasing copper production to 3.1 million metric tons by 2031. This launch follows a record-breaking $9.3 billion in mining investments in 2024 and a 79% increase in permits granted, reflecting growing global interest in Zambia’s mining potential.
As African markets increasingly adopt digital solutions to simplify licensing procedures, African Mining Week will be at the forefront of this transformation, showcasing the vast potential of the continent’s digitalized mining sector. The event will highlight lucrative investment opportunities across various markets, featuring numerous mining blocks being licensed by African nations.
South Africa, historically a major gold producer, plans to leverage its first digital mining licensing system to attract new investors and diversify its mining sector. Set for launch by June 2025, the system will improve the efficiency and transparency of the licensing process, reducing the time required to initiate new mining projects, including those for platinum group metals, according to Gwede Mantashe, South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum.
Tanzania is also streamlining its mining sector with a new licensing management system designed to maximize investments in lithium, graphite and rare earth minerals – commodities that are experiencing soaring global demand. According to Aziza Swedi, Acting Director of the Tanzania Mining Commission, the country has issued 54,626 mining licenses over a seven-year period through November 2024, with plans to expedite future licensing via its digital platform.
Rwanda has embraced digital transformation in its mining sector with the launch of the Inkomane Digital platform in October 2024. Companies such as Aterian have aligned their mineral trading operations with this tool. The platform connects mining companies, trading partners and regulatory bodies like the Rwanda Revenue Authority, enhancing compliance, workforce management, payroll generation and monitoring of mining activities. Similarly, Nigeria introduced its Mineral Resources Decision Support System in May 2024 to attract investors to its vast solid mineral reserves. The platform serves as a one-stop shop, offering easy access to geological and policy data while enabling investors to seamlessly apply for mining permits.
As more African nations integrate digital tools into their mining sectors, African Mining Week will spotlight the digitalization of mining operations across the continent. The event will feature discussions on new licensing systems and highlight the investment opportunities emerging as African nations unlock their mineral wealth.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Plans for future of Grangemouth
Feasibility study published today sets out nine options for Grangemouth’s long term industrial future
Next steps to secure Grangemouth’s long-term future
Nine low carbon and renewable options for the site identified in an independent report published today
Plans to secure private investment and a long-term partnership with business backed by £200 million from the UK Government, and £25 million from the Scottish Government
Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future.
The plan – which is backed by £200 million from the UK Government and £25 million from the Scottish Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
The £1.5 million feasibility study – published today by EY – follows the recent decision by Petroineos to decommission the oil refinery.
It has identified credible long-term industrial options for the Grangemouth site and explored how it can build on its skilled workforce, local expertise and long heritage as a fuel leader in Scotland to forge a new path in low carbon energy production.
The report provides nine proposals likely to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040, grow the economy, and deliver on both Governments’ shared ambition to secure a long term future for Grangemouth.
To kickstart the process, Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin are co-chairing a meeting this morning (Wednesday 19 March) of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board with local industry leaders, Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions. Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government’s Office for Investment will work with Petroineos to market the proposals set out in Project Willow and seek investor interest.
It follows the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of £200 million to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential. First Minister John Swinney also announced £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, which will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months for the site.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
We committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting an industrial future for Grangemouth delivering jobs and economic growth.
This report and the £200 million investment by the UK Government demonstrates that commitment.
We will build on Grangemouth’s expertise and industrial heritage to attract investors, secure a long-term clean energy future, and deliver on our Plan for Change.
Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, said:
The publication of the Project Willow report and the options it sets out marks a significant milestone in our commitment to deliver a long-term, sustainable future for the Grangemouth site which benefits the local community and the Scottish economy.
Working alongside the Scottish Government and local partners, we remain committed to supporting the skilled workforce at Grangemouth, and are already working to attract investors for the projects outlined in this report.
The Prime Minister recently announced a £200 million investment in Grangemouth through the National Wealth Fund which followed the £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, delivered jointly with the Scottish Government. Scotland is at the centre of our Plan for Change as we become a clean energy superpower over the next few years.
First Minister John Swinney said:
We will leave no stone unturned in order to secure the future of the Grangemouth refinery site, and the Scottish Government has already committed or invested a total of £87 million to help do so.
Grangemouth is home to over a century of industrial expertise and employs thousands of highly skilled workers, placing the site at a massive competitive advantage and creating a unique opportunity for investors.
Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery – and in the wider industrial cluster – is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s economic and net zero future.
This report sets out a wide range of viable alternatives for the refinery site, demonstrating that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable. We will continue to work closely with the UK Government to realise these opportunities and Scottish Enterprise stands ready to support inward investors looking to progress any of these technologies.
Alongside launching a search for investors, both governments have also committed to review the Project Willow policy recommendations and understand how government funding can be deployed to mature proposals from the private sector.
The £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund and £200 million from the National Wealth Fund for co-investment are on top of existing investments to ensure the long-term economic future of the Grangemouth area and support the workforce. These include:
The £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal package, delivered jointly by the Scottish Government and UK Government, to support the community and its workers by investing in local energy projects to create new opportunities for growth in the region.
Joined up support from the Scottish Government and DESNZ to provide tailored skills support for refinery workers, this includes a training guarantee for all Grangemouth refinery staff to ensure that any worker who would like skills training at the local college is supported, with funding provided by the UK Government – this will help workers into new, good jobs with local employers.
Background information
The nine projects include:
Waste: hydrothermal upgrading (breaking down hard to recycle plastics), chemical plastics recycling, ABE biorefining (breaking down waste material)
Bio-feedstock: breaking down Scottish timber into bioethanol, anaerobic digestion of bioresources and digestate pyrolysis, HEFA (conversion of Scottish cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using low carbon hydrogen).
Offshore wind conduit: Replacing natural gas with hydrogen, using low carbon hydrogen to produce methanol and convert it to SAF, producing low carbon ammonia from hydrogen for shipping and chemicals.
Any National Wealth Fund investment will be subject to investible propositions and the Fund’s criteria – the proposition must deliver a positive return, drive regional and economic growth or support activity to tackle climate change, invest in key sectors, and crowd in private finance.
Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future.
The plan – which is backed by £25 million from the Scottish Government and £200 million from the UK Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
The £1.5 million feasibility study – published today by EY – follows the recent decision by Petroineos to decommission the oil refinery.
It has identified credible long-term industrial options for the Grangemouth site and explored how Grangemouth can build on its skilled workforce, local expertise and long heritage as a fuel leader in Scotland to forge a new path in low carbon energy production.
The report provides nine proposals likely to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040.
It follows First Minister John Swinney’s announcement of £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, which will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions for the site over the next 12 months, and the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of £200 million to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“We will leave no stone unturned in order to secure the future of the Grangemouth refinery site, and the Scottish Government has already committed or invested a total of £87 million to help do so.
“Grangemouth is home to over a century of industrial expertise and employs thousands of highly skilled workers, placing the site at a massive competitive advantage and creating a unique opportunity for investors.
“Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery – and in the wider industrial cluster – is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s economic and net zero future.
“This report sets out a wide range of viable alternatives for the refinery site, demonstrating that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable. We will continue to work closely with the UK Government to realise these opportunities and Scottish Enterprise stands ready to support inward investors looking to progress any of these technologies.”
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“We committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting an industrial future for Grangemouth delivering jobs and economic growth.
“This report and the £200 million investment by the UK Government demonstrates that commitment.
“We will build on Grangemouth’s expertise and industrial heritage to attract investors, secure a long-term clean energy future, and deliver on our Plan for Change.”
To kickstart the process, Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin co-chaired a meeting this morning (Wednesday 19 March) of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board with local industry leaders, Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions. Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government’s Office for Investment will work with Petroineos to market the proposals set out in Project Willow and seek investor interest.
Alongside launching a search for investors, both governments have also committed to review the Project Willow policy recommendations and understand how government funding can be deployed to mature proposals from the private sector.
Waste: hydrothermal upgrading (breaking down hard to recycle plastics), chemical plastics recycling, ABE biorefining (breaking down waste material)
Bio-feedstock: breaking down Scottish timber into bioethanol, anaerobic digestion of bioresources and digestate pyrolysis, HEFA (conversion of Scottish cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using low carbon hydrogen).
Offshore wind conduit: Replacing natural gas with hydrogen, using low carbon hydrogen to produce methanol and convert it to SAF, producing low carbon ammonia from hydrogen for shipping and chemicals.
Any National Wealth Fund investment will be subject to investible propositions and the Fund’s criteria – the proposition must deliver a positive return, drive regional and economic growth or support activity to tackle climate change, invest in key sectors, and crowd in private finance.
The £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund and £200 million from the National Wealth Fund for co-investment are on top of existing investments to ensure the long-term economic future of the Grangemouth area and support the workforce. These include:
– The £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal package, delivered jointly by the Scottish Government and UK Government, to support the community and its workers by investing in local energy projects to create new opportunities for growth in the region.
– Joined up support from the Scottish Government and DESNZ to provide tailored skills support for refinery workers; this includes a training guarantee for all Grangemouth refinery staff to ensure that any worker who would like skills training at the local college is supported, with funding provided by the UK Government – this will help workers into new, good jobs with local employers.
Joint Statement from the International Partners Group on the US Withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership in South Africa
The United States has informed the Government of South Africa and the International Partners Group of its withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
The partnership, originally announced at COP 26, aims to support South Africa to move away from coal and to accelerate its transition to a low emission, climate resilient economy.
The US contribution to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), as set out in the JET Investment Plan, was $56m in grant funds and $1bn in commercial debt/equity from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
While the withdrawal of the US is regrettable, the International Partners Group (IPG) remains fully committed to supporting South Africa to deliver its just energy transition. The level of investment made to date and remaining pledges demonstrate this. Over $2.5bn of the IPG pledge has been spent to date. The total pledged funding to support South Africa’s just energy transition also remains higher than the original pledge due to increases in pledges from both the IPG and other development partners who are not part of the IPG. Some partners are exploring possibilities for supporting work previously being carried out by the US.
We look forward to continuing to work with the government of South Africa and other stakeholders to allocate existing funding in support of a just energy transition that will benefit all South Africans. The political, technical and financial support from the IPG remains strong and steadfast.
On behalf of the International Partners Group – United Kingdom, Germany, France, the European Union, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Further information
overall international pledges is $12.8bn total. This includes over $9bn from IPG and Spain, Switzerland and Canada (excluding Spanish export credits)
CEOs representing Canada’s energy industry released a letter to Canadian federal political leaders outlining an urgent action plan to strengthen Canadian economic sovereignty, through our energy industry.
The open letter calls for a rapid, dramatic regulatory restructuring to enable investment in critical oil and natural gas infrastructure across Canada.
OTTAWA, Ontario, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This morning, an open letter from 14 CEOs representing the four largest pipeline companies and 10 largest oil and natural gas companies was delivered to Canada’s political party leaders. This is in answer to inquiries on how Canada can respond to escalating global energy security challenges and the urgent need for pragmatic energy strategies.
“It’s time for Canadians to claim our economic sovereignty. In recent months, each of us have been asked what needs to happen to ensure Canada has control over its economic destiny, and what we can do to make sure we have full access to global markets and trade. We are saying it’s time to roll up our sleeves as a country, and build needed energy structure,” says Adam Waterous, Executive Chairman, Strathcona Resources Ltd.
“Canadians now recognize the need for us to grow our energy sector and build energy infrastructure, including new oil and natural gas pipelines, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals. They want a country-wide push to champion our products and pipelines, and to unleash the potential of our natural resources. Everyone wants our country to continue to prosper and our export-focused economy to grow,” he adds.
Canada has vast reserves of oil and natural gas, and credible forecasts predict they will remain amongst the world’s largest sources of energy for decades to come. Canada can provide for its own domestic needs, while also exporting around the world. The country can be a leader in global energy security by being a provider of affordable, lower emission, democratically and responsibly produced energy. Canada can compete against any major global energy producer.
“Realizing Canada’s opportunity will take collaboration between industry, government and Canadians. Today, the federal government does not have the right policies, or the regulatory framework to support oil and natural gas investment. Delays in permitting processes for critical infrastructure often results in billions in lost economic opportunities for Canadians. It’s time for change. These are barriers we have imposed on ourselves that need to be removed, now,” says François Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer, TC Energy.
An action plan for Canadian leaders
The letter outlines a clear plan with five calls for action. For the oil and natural gas sector to expand and for energy infrastructure to be built, Canada’s federal political leaders need to:
Simplify regulation. The federal government’s Impact Assessment Act and West Coast tanker ban are impeding development and need to be overhauled and simplified. Regulatory processes need to be streamlined, and decisions need to withstand judicial challenges.
Commit to firm deadlines for project approvals. The federal government needs to reduce regulatory timelines so that major projects are approved within 6 months of application.
Grow production. The federal government’s unlegislated cap on emissions must be eliminated to allow the sector to reach its full potential.
Attract investment. The federal carbon levy on large emitters is not globally cost competitive and should be repealed to allow provincial governments to set more suitable carbon regulations.
Incent Indigenous co-investment opportunities. The federal government needs to provide Indigenous loan guarantees at scale so industry may create infrastructure ownership opportunities to increase prosperity for communities and to ensure that Indigenous communities benefit from development.
All CEO signatories of the letter are ready and willing to engage so that energy projects move forward promptly, and construction of critical infrastructure can begin for the benefit of Canada and all Canadians.
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Media Inquiries: Media Relations media@tcenergy.com 403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859
TORONTO, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the March 2025 cash distributions for the iShares ETFs listed on the TSX or Cboe Canada, which pay on a monthly or quarterly basis. Unitholders of record of the applicable iShares ETF on March 26, 2025, will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that iShares ETF on March 31, 2025.
Details regarding the “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:
Fund Name
Fund Ticker
Cash Distribution Per Unit
iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF
CBH
$0.049
iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF
CBO
$0.051
iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF
CDZ
$0.112
iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF
CEW
$0.059
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF
CGR
$0.158
iShares International Fundamental Index ETF
CIE
$0.077
iShares Global Infrastructure Index ETF
CIF
$0.238
iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF
CLF
$0.032
iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF
CLG
$0.037
iShares US Fundamental Index ETF
CLU
$0.173
iShares US Fundamental Index ETF
CLU.C
$0.222
iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF
CPD
$0.058
iShares Canadian Fundamental Index ETF
CRQ
$0.181
iShares US Dividend Growers Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
CUD
$0.079
iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF
CVD
$0.071
iShares Global Water Index ETF
CWW
$0.069
iShares Global Monthly Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
CYH
$0.080
iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF
FIE
$0.040
iShares ESG Balanced ETF Portfolio
GBAL
$0.219
iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio
GCNS
$0.229
iShares ESG Equity ETF Portfolio
GEQT
$0.166
iShares ESG Growth ETF Portfolio
GGRO
$0.193
iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF
XAGG
$0.105
iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF(1)
XAGG.U
$0.061
iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XAGH
$0.091
iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio
XBAL
$0.153
iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF
XBB
$0.079
iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF
XCB
$0.069
iShares ESG Advanced Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF
XCBG
$0.119
iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF
XCBU
$0.121
iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1)
XCBU.U
$0.076
iShares Canadian Growth Index ETF
XCG
$0.071
iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio
XCNS
$0.135
iShares S&P/TSX SmallCap Index ETF
XCS
$0.119
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI Canada Index ETF
XCSR
$0.442
iShares Canadian Value Index ETF
XCV
$0.373
iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF
XDG
$0.061
iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF(1)
XDG.U
$0.042
iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XDGH
$0.060
iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF
XDIV
$0.115
iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF
XDU
$0.064
iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF(1)
XDU.U
$0.044
iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XDUH
$0.059
iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF
XDV
$0.114
iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XEB
$0.057
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF
XEG
$0.133
iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF
XEI
$0.111
iShares Jantzi Social Index ETF
XEN
$0.219
iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio
XEQT
$0.090
iShares ESG Aware MSCI Canada Index ETF
XESG
$0.189
iShares Core Canadian 15+ Year Federal Bond Index ETF
XFLB
$0.111
iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF
XFLI
$0.194
iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF(1)
XFLI.U
$0.135
iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XFLX
$0.180
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF
XFN
$0.140
iShares Floating Rate Index ETF
XFR
$0.063
iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF
XGB
$0.049
iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XGGB
$0.040
iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio
XGRO
$0.111
iShares Canadian HYBrid Corporate Bond Index ETF
XHB
$0.073
iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XHD
$0.083
iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF
XHU
$0.080
iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XHY
$0.084
iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF
XIC
$0.273
iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XIG
$0.070
iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XIGS
$0.122
iShares Core Income Balanced ETF Portfolio
XINC
$0.133
iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF
XLB
$0.062
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Materials Index ETF
XMA
$0.043
iShares S&P/TSX Completion Index ETF
XMD
$0.169
iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XMS
$0.102
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF
XMTM
$0.070
iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF
XMU
$0.242
iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF(1)
XMU.U
$0.168
iShares MSCI Min Vol Canada Index ETF
XMV
$0.298
iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XPF
$0.071
iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF
XQB
$0.053
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor Index ETF
XQLT
$0.058
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF
XRE
$0.065
iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF
XSAB
$0.047
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF
XSB
$0.071
iShares Conservative Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF
XSC
$0.057
iShares Conservative Strategic Fixed Income ETF
XSE
$0.052
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate Bond Index ETF
XSH
$0.060
iShares ESG Advanced 1-5 Year Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF
XSHG
$0.119
iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF
XSHU
$0.127
iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1)
XSHU.U
$0.080
iShares Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF
XSI
$0.061
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index ETF
XST
$0.130
iShares ESG Aware Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF
XSTB
$0.047
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XSTH
$0.037
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF
XSTP
$0.042
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF(1)
XSTP.U
$0.029
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Index ETF
XSUS
$0.088
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XTLH
$0.117
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF
XTLT
$0.125
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF(1)
XTLT.U
$0.087
iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF
XTR
$0.040
iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XUH
$0.108
iShares S&P U.S. Financials Index ETF
XUSF
$0.160
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA Index ETF
XUSR
$0.174
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index ETF
XUT
$0.090
iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF
XUU
$0.142
iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF(1)
XUU.U
$0.099
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor Index ETF
XVLU
$0.148
(1) Distribution per unit amounts are in U.S. dollars for XAGG.U, XCBU.U, XDG.U, XDU.U, XFLI.U, XMU.U, XSHU.U, XSTP.U, XTLT.U, XUU.U
Estimated March Cash Distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF
The March cash distributions per unit for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF are estimated to be as follows:
Fund Name
Fund Ticker
Estimated Cash Distribution Per Unit
iShares Premium Money Market ETF
CMR
$0.121
BlackRock Canada expects to issue a press release on or about March 25, 2025, which will provide the final amounts for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF.
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About iShares ETFs
iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.2 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.
iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.
Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), on behalf of the applicable fund(s). The index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock Canada and the applicable fund(s). The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such funds.
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC) announced on November 12, 2024 a dividend in respect of the quarter ended September 30, 2024 in the amount of 29 cents per share (the “Q3 2024 Dividend”.) The Company will pay the Q3 2024 Dividend on March 31, 2025 to those shareholders on the register on February 28, 2025.
The Company announces that shareholders who have elected to receive their dividends in GBP sterling will receive an equivalent dividend payment of 22.241 pence per share, based on the March 17, 2025 exchange rate of GBP 0.76693=US $1.00.
Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.
The woman attempted to smuggle 15 native lizards overseas.
An international university student studying in Australia has been convicted of multiple wildlife trafficking offences and sentenced to eighteen months in prison.
Ms Yinan Zhao appeared in the Brisbane District Court on 27 February 2025 to face seven charges of attempting to send native Australian wildlife by post to China.
Between 12 May and 1 November 2023, Zhao attempted to export ten individual packages containing 15 lizards from Queensland to China, with an estimated ‘street value’ of $74,207.
The lizards were packed in small boxes containing children’s toys with some intercepted by Australia Post in Brisbane and others in Sydney after being X-rayed.
The successful prosecution was the result of a joint operation between the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) and the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
Much of the offending took place in Queensland, while some offences occurred in New South Wales.
DESTI Compliance Manager Warren Christensen welcomed the prosecution and the minimum five-month prison sentence.
“Unfortunately, international students, such as those from China are often targeted through social media and other means to make easy money by smuggling wildlife,” Mr Christensen said.
“This prosecution should serve as a warning to others considering smuggling animals to make a quick buck that they will be caught and face very serious, life changing consequences.
“This operation was an excellent example of state and Australian government agencies working cooperatively with Border Force and Australia Post to detect and prevent international wildlife smuggling.
“DETSI wildlife officers seized the packages suspected by Australia Post and Border Force of containing protected wildlife.
“We formally identified all wildlife recovered from the packages and assisted with the identification of Zhao and the execution of the warrant that led to her arrest.
“During her arrest, we also found more unlawfully held wildlife that were also being prepared for sale on Chinese markets.
“Sending reptiles in the mail is extremely cruel as they won’t have access to food, water or fresh air for weeks and sadly, most of the animals will die before they get to their destination.
“Of those we intercept, many can never be released into the wild because we don’t know where they were captured or if they have been exposed to disease while in captivity.
“We thank the Australian Government, Border Force and Australia Post for their efforts in assisting in detecting this crime and in securing this conviction.”
Zhao was convicted on all charges and sentenced to 18-months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 5 months.
The successful conviction follows the prosecution of another foreign national, Mr Man Lung Ma, who was convicted of nineteen charges relating to twenty-nine separate attempts to export protected native wildlife, including five attempts from Queensland.
In November 2024 Lung Ma was sentenced to 3 years 6 months in jail, with a 2-year non-parole period.
China’s electricity consumption, a key barometer of economic activity, reported steady expansion last month, official data showed on Tuesday.
Power use rose 8.6 percent year on year in February to hit 743.4 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), according to data released by the National Energy Administration.
Specifically, power consumed by the country’s primary and secondary industries gained 10.2 percent and 12.4 percent year on year, respectively, while that of its tertiary sectors rose by 9.7 percent.
The administration said that urban and rural residential electricity consumption last month was down 4.2 percent from a year ago.
The data showed that in the first two months of 2025, the country’s power consumption climbed 1.3 percent to surpass 1.55 trillion kWh.
Headline: Over 10 Years of Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town: Opening Up New Possibilities Towards the Future
For more than a decade, since its grand opening in 2014, Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town (Fujisawa SST) has embodied a bold vision for life-centered, eco-conscious modern living. Presently some 2,000 people live in 566 smart town dwellings.
Designed as a model for the cities of the future, it integrates sustainability, resilience, and well-being into every aspect of daily life. By combining smart technologies, renewable energy, and community-driven initiatives, Fujisawa SST creates an efficient resident-focused environment that sets a new standard for sustainable residential development.
At the heart of Fujisawa SST is co-creation, where stakeholders actively shape the town’s evolution. From advanced mobility systems and sustainable solutions to wellness infrastructure, the town continuously refines how cutting-edge technology supports community values. This dynamic approach has made Fujisawa SST a real-world testing ground for future urban solutions, allowing it to scale innovations that enhance residents’ lives and serve as a blueprint for cities worldwide.
A Demonstration of Smart City Excellence
Since its opening, Fujisawa SST has successfully achieved its initial goals, fostering an expanding ecosystem of co-creation initiatives. The town has met its original environmental targets by reducing CO2 emissions by 70% (compared to 1990 levels) and household water consumption by 30% (compared to the 2006 standard of household equipment), while also achieving a renewable energy utilization rate of over 30% as part of its energy goals. Additionally, as part of its safety and security objectives, it has secured lifeline infrastructure for three days in case of emergencies.
Co-creation activities such as community building and business incubation have also expanded, with over 100 demonstration experiments and marketing initiatives, including mobility solutions, and 10 successful business ventures emerging from the project.
As a result, Fujisawa SST has earned high recognition as one of Japan’s leading real-world smart towns. It has received numerous domestic and international awards, and to date, has welcomed more than 41,000 visitors from 60 countries on study tours.
“From the very beginning, our approach wasn’t just about closing down a former factory site—it was about creating a new town and finding a fresh way to contribute to the local community,” explains Fujisawa SST Project Leader, Harumi Tanaka, Manager of Smart City Group, Business Solutions Division, Panasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd. “By incorporating environmental initiatives and cutting-edge technology demonstrations, we’ve attracted visitors not only from across Japan but from around the world. It’s exciting to see our vision for a sustainable and innovative town being recognized and appreciated.”
Expanding Renewable Energy and Circular Living
As Fujisawa SST enters its next phase of development, environmental sustainability remains a top priority. By 2034, the town aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% compared to 2020 levels, with over 60% of its renewable energy self-consumption rate striving towards the goal of producing and consuming energy at home. To achieve this, the town is continuously evolving its energy infrastructure, enhancing solar power networks, and adopting next-generation energy storage technologies and energy saving solutions.
One promising initiative in this transition is the deployment of Glass-based Perovskite Photovoltaic, which tested in a model home up to March of 2025. This next-generation photovoltaic offers not only high efficiency, but also flexibility in size, transmittance, and design, allowing for customization according to specific requirements, enabling power generation in places where conventional solar cells cannot be installed and making them ideal for urban environments. This so-called “energy-generating glass” aims to harmonize urban aesthetics with renewable energy generation, contributing to CO2 reduction and power resilience. By advancing such original technologies, Panasonic seeks to expand practical applications and drive the future of sustainable cityscapes.
Another pillar of the town’s sustainability vision is the Circular Town Project, which focuses on optimizing resource use and minimizing waste. Its goal is to analyze material flows within the community and identify ways to improve recycling efficiency and reduce raw materials consumption. For example, excess renewable energy generated by homes can be shared with town facilities, ensuring a balanced and consistent supply. Additionally, local businesses and residents can actively participate in reuse initiatives, fostering a circular economy that prioritizes sustainability.
Meanwhile, all single-family homes are equipped with a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), ensuring power and hot water supply through solar power and ENE-FARM (energy farming) systems in emergencies. Energy usage data collected via integrated HEMS in detached homes will not only help visualize the town’s environmental goals but also allow analysis of data tied to household demographics. This data-driven approach enables Fujisawa SST to evolve dynamically, ensuring a smarter, more resilient urban environment tailored to the needs of its residents.
Innovations in Disaster Resilience
Fujisawa SST was designed with resilience at its core, integrating advanced infrastructure and smart technologies to ensure stability in emergencies. The town’s disaster-resistant features include underground power and communication lines, earthquake-resistant gas pipelines, and decentralized energy systems that maintain reliable operations even during crises. Buildings incorporate passive design elements that enhance structural integrity while optimizing energy efficiency.
To further strengthen preparedness, Fujisawa SST looks ahead to leveraging digital twin simulations to enhance disaster response strategies. Such real-time virtual models can allow authorities to simulate emergency scenarios, optimize evacuation plans, and improve coordination. Additionally, interactive drills and training sessions will ensure the community stays well-prepared and ready to respond effectively in times of crisis.
Energy security is a key pillar of the town’s resilience strategy. The expansion of emergency energy storage solutions, including community power banks that store excess solar energy, will ensure a stable power supply during outages. AI-equipped drones will also be deployed for continuous risk management, monitoring environmental conditions, and optimizing crisis management efforts.
In the event of a disaster, Fujisawa SST is designed to remain self-sufficient. The town will sustain three days of uninterrupted essential services and maintain a seven-day stockpile of food and water, ensuring the well-being of its residents. By prioritizing self-sufficiency and proactive crisis management, Fujisawa SST sets a new standard for disaster-resilient smart cities.
Blending Smart Mobility with Community Well-Being
Fujisawa SST is dedicated to enhancing residents’ well-being by integrating smart solutions that promote health, community engagement, and sustainable mobility under the theme, “fostering life skills from ages 0 to 100 and beyond.” The Park Wellstate Shonan senior residence features AI-assisted healthcare monitoring to assist a resident’s daily routines while ensuring safety and independence. Complementing this, the Wellness Square serves as a multi-functional hub, combining serviced housing for seniors with pharmacy, nursery, and cram school, creating an intergenerational space that fosters health, welfare, and lifelong learning.
Active lifestyles and recreation also play a vital role in Fujisawa SST’s vision. The Mizuno Sports Plaza offers interactive wellness programs and community sports initiatives, encouraging residents of all ages to stay active while building social connections.
Beyond physical health, social and cultural engagement are central to the town’s identity. Fujisawa SST hosts regular workshops, arts and culture festivals, and technology showcases, bringing together residents and external collaborators. Programs like the Fujisawa Town Parent Project empower locals to organize events that welcome neighboring communities and deepen their connection to the town.
The town is also reshaping urban mobility to make daily life more convenient and sustainable. Electric vehicle-sharing services, AI-powered route optimization, and pedestrian-friendly urban design are reducing congestion and improving accessibility, while also participating in Japan’s first demonstration experiment of simultaneous operation of 10 remotely operated small vehicles in multiple areas as an operation center and driving implementation site. Looking ahead, Fujisawa SST plans to pilot low-speed electric transport for short distances and drone-assisted delivery services, further enhancing urban mobility.
By integrating smart health services, active lifestyle programs, cultural initiatives, and sustainable transportation, Fujisawa SST continues to set new standards for community well-being in the cities of tomorrow.
Expanding the Smart City Vision Beyond Borders
As Fujisawa SST celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a global model for sustainable city planning. Over the past decade, the town has demonstrated how smart technologies, community-driven initiatives, and resilient infrastructure can create a thriving, future-ready urban environment.
With ambitious targets for carbon neutrality, disaster preparedness, and enhanced well-being, Fujisawa SST continues to push the boundaries of what a smart city can achieve.
Looking ahead, the next phase of Fujisawa SST’s evolution will focus on scaling its innovative urban solutions beyond its current boundaries. By refining its smart city model and collaborating with new partners, the town aims to establish a replicable framework for sustainable urban development that can inspire communities worldwide.
“With the opening of a residence for active seniors and a sports facility on October 1, 2024, we have completed the first chapter of Fujisawa SST’s development,” says Harumi Tanaka. “Now, as we enter the second chapter, we have restructured into the Fujisawa SST Consortium, welcoming new companies and organizations to further drive innovation.”
Beyond physical development, Tanaka’s group is focusing on enhancing the community experience by integrating new perspectives such as resource circulation and well-being. “With Environment, Safety and Security, and Health and Connection as our core themes, we are evolving our town services—including energy, security, mobility, wellness, and community—to expand and enrich Fujisawa SST for the future.”
Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association
Headline: Media release: Industry welcomes Federal Opposition’s commitment to provide more certainty for critical gas projects – Australian Energy Producers
Australian Energy Producers welcomes the Federal Opposition’s commitment to expedite consideration of the North West Shelf extension alongside broader reforms to limit activist challenges to approvals and provide more certainty for critical projects.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said regulatory uncertainty and approval delays were a major barrier to new gas supply around Australia and were damaging Australia’s competitiveness for investment.
“The Opposition’s proposed reforms recognise the need for an effective and streamlined regulatory environment to provide greater certainty and attract investment in urgently needed new gas supply,” Ms McCulloch said.
“Australian gas producers are committed to providing reliable gas supply to Australians, but open-ended approval processes and activist lawfare are delaying critical projects and putting Australia’s energy security at risk.”
Ms McCulloch said the North West Shelf extension was critical to Western Australia’s long-term energy security and there was no justification for further delays to the project, which has already undergone six years of environmental assessments and secured state government approval.
“Western Australia runs on natural gas. Gas provides 54 per cent of WA’s primary energy and 60 per cent of the state’s electricity. The NWS extension is needed to ensure reliable and affordable gas supply to Western Australians, with the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasting gas shortfalls in WA from 2030.”
Ms McCulloch said the Opposition’s commitment to strengthen consideration of the economic and social significance of projects and limit activist challenges to approvals aligns with key reforms identified in Australian Energy Producers’ policy platform for the upcoming federal election.
“Natural gas will play an essential role in Australia’s energy mix to 2050 and beyond, but regulatory uncertainty, approval delays and policy interventions have delayed critical projects and damaged Australia’s reputation as a safe place to invest,” Ms McCulloch said.
“Without new gas projects, Australian households and businesses face higher energy prices, uncertain energy supply, and increased risk of blackouts that will hit every part of the economy. Addressing these risks should be a national priority.”
The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has the expertise to effectively regulate tax practitioners and uphold professional and ethical standards.
The Government has made the following reappointments and appointments of part‑time members of the TPB:
Reappointed Mr Steven Dobson for a one‑year period
Reappointed Ms Debra Anderson for a two‑year period
Appointed Ms Joanna Bird, Ms Amanda Gascoigne and Ms Merran Kelsall AO each for a three‑year period
These appointments bring a diverse range of skills and experience to support the TPB’s critical role in maintaining public trust in the tax profession.
Ms Anderson has been a member of the TPB since 18 February 2019. She is an experienced tax agent and former Business Activity Statement (BAS) agent who has operated a tax advisory business for approximately 20 years.
Mr Dobson has been a member of the TPB since 30 March 2022. He works in an associated industry to tax practitioners where he has operated a financial advisory business for over 20 years. He has experience on various Western Australian Government boards.
Ms Bird is an experienced financial services regulator, lawyer and academic. She was a senior executive at ASIC for 10 years. Currently she is a self‑employed consultant providing advice on financial market and services regulation. Ms Bird is also an Adjunct Professor in law at the University of New South Wales and Monash University.
Ms Gascoigne is an experienced tax agent, governance professional, and educator. She founded and operated a regional accounting firm for 18 years, providing tax and advisory services to small businesses. She is also actively involved in mentoring and supporting accountants in professional development.
Ms Kelsall is an experienced governance professional, CEO and academic. She was the Chair and CEO of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board; a member of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board; a partner at BDO; and Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales Business School. Currently Ms Kelsall is on various boards.
The TPB is the national body responsible for the registration and regulation of tax practitioners. Its work supports public trust and confidence in the integrity of the tax profession by ensuring that tax agent services are provided to the community in accordance with appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, announced more than $16 million in funding for four tree-planting projects that will bring environmental, health and social benefits to both urban and rural communities across the province of Quebec.
March 18, 2025 Gatineau, Quebec Natural Resources Canada
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, announced more than $16 million in funding for four tree-planting projects that will bring environmental, health and social benefits to both urban and rural communities across the province of Quebec.
The City of Gatineau and the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are receiving funding for urban tree-planting projects that will plant new trees on public lands, helping to capture carbon, increase biodiversity and cool areas vulnerable to extreme heat.
With the funding announced today, the City of Gatineau will:
increase its urban tree canopy to 30 percent by planting 80,000 new trees in all the city’s communities over the next six years;
establish urban forests that will help improve air and soil quality, support biodiversity and contribute to the health and well-being of citizens; and
create five new jobs in the region, as well as long-term contracts for forest maintenance over the years.
The City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu will carry out its own tree-planting project that will:
plant 70,000 new trees and increase its urban tree canopy to 20 percent, with the longer-term goal of 30-percent tree cover;
beautify the city by planting trees and establishing micro-forests along roadways, riverbanks and in existing forests; and
sequester carbon while increasing the city’s resilience to the effects of climate change.
Two more federally funded projects across the province will contribute toward reforestation and afforestation in rural areas of Quebec:
Harpur Farm LTD is receiving funds to plant 251,000 trees in western Quebec, afforesting more than 208 acres of marginal lands and reforesting 41 acres in degraded woodlands. In collaboration with Nature Conservancy Canada, this project will expand the critical Plaisance–Tremblant ecological corridor, to allow wildlife to move freely north–south and will establish multi-species forests with edible forest products such as nuts, acorns, fruit and maple syrup.
Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu is receiving funds to develop a 100-percent automated, Indigenous-led tree nursery in Mashteuiatsh, Lac-Saint Jean, that will be able to produce more than 10 million seedlings per year. The proponent will set up 30 state-of-the-art greenhouses to produce seedlings to reforest the boreal forest.
These projects are being supported in part by Canada’s 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program. This program is dedicated to working with governments and organizations across the country to support the expansion of Canada’s forests while creating sustainable jobs in communities.
Quotes
“Trees are essential to our lives: they clean the air we breathe, they make the outdoors even more enjoyable, they provide new habitats for wildlife, and they help us adapt to a changing climate. The Government of Canada is pleased to be supporting municipalities and private organizations in Quebec in their efforts to increase urban green spaces and forests. By planting the right tree in the right place, we are creating a greener, healthier and more-resilient Canada for generations to come.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Trees are one of the most effective ways to fight climate change and tackle biodiversity loss. We’re helping communities across the country become greener and more sustainable. In the cities of Gatineau and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, this means planting tens of thousands of new trees — reducing pollution, improving air quality and combating urban heat islands, especially during extreme heat. This initiative will increase the urban tree canopy by over 20 percent in both cities and increase the quality of life for families. With over $12 billion invested in conservation and climate solutions since 2015, our government is building a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant
“Thanks to this investment from the federal government, Gatineau is taking another step toward implementing its Urban Forestry Plan and building a more sustainable city to reduce vulnerability to climate change. Planting 80,000 new trees is more than just an environmental initiative — it’s a concrete commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents by creating cooler, more attractive and accessible neighborhood’s and public spaces. With this vision, the city of Gatineau is accelerating the balance between urban development and the preservation of natural spaces.”
Maude Marquis-Bissonnette Mayor, City of Gatineau
“Valuable to our community, this funding allows us to increase our efforts to green our territory, one of the main objectives of our Tree Policy. As a City, we are working to provide a greener, more resilient and sustainable environment for our citizens in a context where climate change is already having a real impact. This support is a new incentive in achieving these collective goals, whose impacts will be felt quickly and well beyond our generation.”
Andrée Bouchard Mayor, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
“Harpur Farms is a multi-generational family forestry business. We strongly believe that ‘great societies are those where people plant trees in whose shade they will never sit’. It is our privilege to work with a partner who shares the same long-term view.”
Jordan Harpur President, Harpur Farms Ltd.
“First Nations want to play an active role in forest industry activities — especially in land management, forest reforestation and the production of forest seedlings to be planted on our Nitassinan (Territory) — and, above all, to leave an incredible legacy to our future generations.”
Ricardo Arias President and Founder, Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu
Quick facts
The Government of Canada is contributing $2.7 million toward the City of Gatineau’s urban tree-planting project. The project is expected to plant 80,000 trees throughout the city by March 31, 2031.
The City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu received $2 million in funding from Canada’s 2BT program to plant 70,000 trees by March 31, 2031.
Harpur Farm LTD received $1.9 million from Canada’s 2BT program to plant 251,000 trees on 208.5 acres of marginal lands and 41.9 acres in degraded woodlands.
Canada’s 2BT program is funding $10 million to Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu to build a fully automated Indigenous-led forest nursery.
These projects are being supported by Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program. 2BT is part of the Government of Canada’s broader approach to nature-based climate solutions. The program is dedicated to working together with provinces, territories, local communities, non-and for-profit organizations and Indigenous Peoples across the country to ensure that the benefits of tree planting will endure for generations.
2BT engages with applicants to understand their plans for preparing sites, how they are selecting species and how they plan to monitor after planting. Funding recipients report every year, and the program has a long-term monitoring plan to monitor the progress and the health of the trees. By ensuring the initial job is done well, nature can then thrive, maintaining the long-term health of forested sites.
As of September 2024, the Government of Canada has secured or is negotiating agreements with partners to plant over 716 million trees.
March 18, 2025 Thunder Bay, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
Indigenous and remote communities across Canada are leading the way in prioritizing cleaner, more affordable and more-reliable energy sources as they continue to experience some of the deepest impacts of climate change. Investing in community-led clean energy solutions in Indigenous communities enables energy security, reconciliation, self-determination and economic development.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, the Honourable Patty Hajdu and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree announced over $11 million in funding mainly through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, which will support fifteen clean energy projects in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
This funding will support the development of a range of community-led clean energy initiatives in Northern and remote Indigenous communities, such as:
forest biomass and bioenergy systems;
solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems;
capacity building, feasibility and front-end engineering and design
studies; and energy efficiency and building retrofits
By opting for cleaner forms of energy, communities can reduce their reliance on diesel while saving money.
As Canada and the world increase their use of cheaper and less-polluting forms of energy, the Government of Canada is stepping up to support rural and remote communities that want to reduce their reliance on imported diesel and are leading their own clean energy solutions. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting community-led clean energy projects that increase participation, ownership and decision making by Indigenous Peoples.
Columbus, OH, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the latest industry analysis from CoinDesk, the Bitcoin mining industry in North America has experienced an annual growth rate of approximately 15%, driven by continuously falling electricity costs. To capitalize on this advantageous trend, globally recognized Bitcoin mining service providerCJMining announced that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire a controlling stake in a 53-megawatt (MW) Bitcoin mining facility located in Oklahoma, United States.
Low-Cost Energy Strategy: Electricity Costs at Just $0.029/kWh
CJMining’s official announcement highlighted that the targeted mining facility is located in a remote, unpopulated area of Oklahoma, equipped with advanced infrastructure including stable power supply, state-of-the-art security systems, and modern mining equipment. The facility utilizes air-cooled Bitcoin mining hardware to maintain high performance and stable hash rates.
CJMining emphasized that the facility boasts an extremely competitive electricity price, averaging around $0.029 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), substantially below North America’s current industry average of approximately $0.04/kWh. This advantage is expected to significantly boost the company’s long-term profitability and competitive position in the mining industry.
The acquisition is subject to several standard conditions, including financial audits and legal due diligence, with completion expected in the first half of 2025. However, the company has acknowledged that the finalization of the deal will depend on satisfactory outcomes of the due diligence process.
CJMining CEO Highlights Strategic Long-Term Vision
In a recent media interview, CJMining’s CEO stated:
“As the Bitcoin mining industry in North America continues its rapid growth, it is crucial for us to leverage strategic low-cost energy advantages and proactively establish operations in high-growth regions. This acquisition is a pivotal step toward achieving CJMining’s ambitious target of reaching 1 gigawatt (GW) of global mining power capacity.”
He further emphasized that the company remains committed to maintaining secure, compliant, and transparent blockchain infrastructure, with future plans to expand operations into additional major digital asset sectors.
Launch of CJMining Pool to Enhance Market Competitiveness
In parallel,CJMining recently launched its proprietary mining pool service—CJMining Pool—offering miners exceptionally competitive commission rates starting at just 0.4%. Miners can easily access the pool services through CJMining’s official application, currently focused exclusively on Bitcoin (BTC) mining.
CJMining Pool provides miners with real-time hash-rate monitoring tools, optimized firmware solutions, and regular equipment maintenance services. Additionally, customized mining solutions are available to institutional clients, aimed at maximizing overall mining profitability.
To promote a vibrant mining ecosystem,CJMining has introduced an incentivized referral program encouraging users to invite friends to join Bitcoin mining activities. Participants in the referral program receive additional rewards, effectively boosting their individual earnings and benefiting the overall community.
This approach aligns with current digital marketing trends, with recent studies showing referral-based community growth significantly enhances user engagement and mining profitability compared to traditional methods.
Future Outlook and Market Positioning
As the global Bitcoin mining industry enters a new growth phase in 2025, CJMining’s strategic positioning in North America’s low-cost energy market substantially enhances its competitive edge. Company executives confirmed that CJMining would continue strengthening partnerships with leading ASIC mining equipment manufacturers globally, ensuring technological leadership and maximizing long-term benefits for miners.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
