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Category: Renewable Hydrogen

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Miroslav Filipovic, Professor, Western Sydney University

    Some of the objects captured by ASKAP. Author provided

    Radio astronomers see what the naked eye can’t. As we study the sky with telescopes that record radio signals rather than light, we end up seeing a lot of circles.

    The newest generation of radio telescopes – including the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and MeerKAT, a telescope in South Africa – is revealing incredibly faint cosmic objects, never before seen.

    In astronomy, surface brightness is a measure that tells us how easily visible an object is. The extraordinary sensitivity of MeerKAT and ASKAP is now revealing a new “low surface brightness universe” to radio astronomers. It’s comprised of radio sources so faint they have never been seen before, each with their own unique physical properties.

    Many of the ASKAP results presented here were obtained with one of its major observing programs called EMU (Evolutionary Map of the Universe). EMU is mapping the entire southern sky with an unprecedented sensitivity and will deliver the most detailed map of the southern hemisphere sky to date – a spectacular new radio atlas that will be used for decades to come.

    EMU’s all-hemisphere coverage paired with ASKAP’s exceptional sensitivity, especially within the Milky Way, is what’s yielded so many recent discoveries.

    Here’s what they’re teaching us.

    Unstable stars

    Kyklos (left) and WR16 (r).
    Author provided

    The ghostly ring Kýklos (from the Greek κύκλος, circle or ring) and the object WR16 both show the environment of rare and unusual celestial objects known as Wolf-Rayet stars.

    When big stars are close to running out of fuel, they become unstable as they enter one of the last stages of the stellar life cycle, becoming a Wolf-Rayet star. They begin surging and pulsing, shedding their outer layers which can form bright nebulous structures around the star.

    In these objects, a previous outflow of material has cleared the space around the star, allowing the current outburst to expand symmetrically in all directions. This sphere of stellar detritus shows itself as a circle.

    Exploded stars

    Left to right clocwise: the supernova remnants Stingray 1, Perun, Ancora and Unicycle.
    Author provided

    Stingray 1, Perun, Ancora and Unicycle are supernova remnants. When a big star finally runs out of fuel, it can no longer hold back the crush of gravity. The matter falling inwards causes one final explosion, and the remains of these violent star deaths are known as supernovas.

    Their expanding shockwaves sweep up material into an expanding sphere, forming beautiful circular features.

    The supernova remnant will be deformed by its environment over time. If one side of the explosion slams into an interstellar cloud, we’ll see a squashed shape. So, a near-perfect circle in a messy universe is a special find.

    Teleios – named from the Greek Τελεɩοσ (“perfect”) for its near-perfectly circular shape – is shown below. This unique object has never been seen in any wavelength, including visible light, demonstrating ASKAP’s incredible ability to discover new objects.

    The shape indicates Teleios has remained relatively untouched by its environment. This presents us with an opportunity to make inferences about the initial supernova explosion, providing rare insight into one of the most energetic events in the universe.

    ASKAP EMU radio image of the Teleios supernova remnant.
    Author provided

    At the other extreme, we can take an object and discover something entirely new about it. The Diprotodon supernova remnant is shown below.

    This remnant is one of the largest objects in the sky, appearing approximately six times larger than the Moon. Hence the name: the animal Diprotodon, one of Australia’s most famous megafauna, a giant wombat that lived about 25,000 years ago.

    ASKAP’s sensitivity has uncovered the object’s full extent. This discovery led to further analysis, uncovering more of the history and the physics behind this object. The messy internal structure can be seen as different parts of the expanding shell slam into a busy interstellar environment.

    ASKAP radio image of Diprotodon, a supernova remnant. Green circle shows the previous measured size, and the yellow circle shows the new ASKAP measured size. Earth’s Moon size is shown in the top right for scale, and Diprotodon’s namesake is shown in the top left.
    Author provided

    A cosmic mirror

    Lagotis is another object that can show how new telescope data can reclassify previously discovered objects. The reflection nebula VdB-80 has been seen before, within the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. The light we see was emitted by nearby stars, and then reflected off a nearby cloud of gas and dust.

    Lagotis, with its cloud of ionised hydrogen or HII region seen on the right.
    Author provided

    However, with newly available ASKAP EMU data, we were able to discover an associated cloud of ionised hydrogen (known as an HII region, pronounced “aitch two”), where stellar energy has caused the gaseous matter to lose its electrons.

    This HII region is seen to coexist with the reflection nebula, sharing the same stellar centre, and is created from the star pushing into a molecular cloud. This movement is akin to burrowing, so the object earned the name Lagotis after Macrotis lagotis, the Australian greater bilby.

    Outside the galaxy

    ASKAP and MeerKAT are also illuminating objects from outside our Milky Way galaxy – for example, “radio ring” galaxies. When we use visible light to look at the stars in this galaxy, we see a rather plain disk.

    But in radio light, we see a ring. Why is there a hole in the middle? Perhaps the combined force of many exploding supernovas has pushed all the radio-emitting clouds out of the centre. We’re not sure – we’re looking for more examples to test our ideas.

    Finally, LMC-ORC is an Odd Radio Circle (ORC), a prominent new class of objects with unfamiliar origins. Only being visible in radio light, they are perhaps the most mysterious of all.

    A radio ring galaxy (left) and LMC-ORC (r).
    Author provided

    The next generation

    MeerKAT and ASKAP are revealing incredible insights into the low surface brightness universe. However, they are precursors for the Square Kilometre Array, an international collaborative endeavour that will increase the abilities of radio astronomers and reveal even more unique features of the universe.

    The low-surface brightness universe presents many mysteries. These discoveries push our understanding further. Currently, the EMU survey using ASKAP is only 25% complete.

    As more of this survey becomes available, we will discover many more unique and exciting objects, both new to astrophysics and extensions on previously known objects.

    Acknowledgements: Aaron Bradley and Zachary Smeaton, Masters Research Students at Western Sydney University, made valuable contributions to this article.

    Nicholas Tothill receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Andrew Hopkins, Luke Barnes, and Miroslav Filipovic do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects – https://theconversation.com/ghosts-of-the-radio-universe-astronomers-have-discovered-a-slew-of-faint-circular-objects-249141

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov held a meeting on the development of the automotive industry

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov held a meeting on the development of the automotive industry.

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov held a meeting on the prospects for the development of the automotive industry until 2035. Currently, interested departments, on behalf of the First Deputy Prime Minister, are already preparing their proposals to update the Strategy for the Development of the Automotive Industry of the Russian Federation until 2035, approved at the end of 2022. Let us recall that the possibility of updating is provided for by the document itself.

    “It is important to conduct joint work of all departments and ensure the interrelation of the developed updates to the industry strategy for the development of the automotive industry with both the Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation – in terms of infrastructure development and balance with other types of transport, and with the Energy Strategy – in terms of the use of traditional and alternative types of fuel,” noted Denis Manturov.

    The event, which took place at the Government Coordination Centre, was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Novak and Vitaly Savelyev, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other federal and regional executive bodies, as well as leading companies in the industry.

    Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Albert Karimov spoke about the factors and prerequisites that, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, could have the greatest impact on the development of the domestic automobile industry in the period 2035–2050. Among the key factors is the expansion of the use of alternative fuels in the industry.

    “In the strategic aspect of the development of the domestic auto industry, the further introduction of transport on environmentally friendly fuel is a priority for us. We already have state support measures in place for the conversion of equipment to gas motor fuel, as well as measures stimulating the production of electric transport. The development of commercial transport on liquefied natural gas and hydrogen is currently being discussed. The use of these types of fuel improves the environment, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meets the climate goals of achieving carbon neutrality by the Russian Federation by 2060,” said Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade identified the further development of the sharing economy, an increase in the share of electric transport and driverless cars as other factors that will influence the appearance of the Russian auto industry.

    The meeting participants also agreed to work out options for fine-tuning government support measures, thanks to which the promising image of the domestic auto industry will be formed.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We need to switch to heat pumps fast – but can they overcome this problem?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    StockMediaSeller/Shutterstock

    People in the UK need to adopt heat pumps and electric vehicles as fast as they once embraced refrigerators, mobile phones and internet connection according to a new report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

    This government watchdog says the next 15 years will be critical for decarbonising the UK, one of the world’s largest (and earliest) carbon polluters. Eighty-seven percent of its climate-heating emissions must be eliminated by 2040 to keep the country on track for net zero emissions by mid-century, per the report. The majority (60%) of these cuts are expected to come via a single source: electricity.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Out of possible alternatives to a fossil fuelled economy, electrification has emerged as the favoured solution of experts at the CCC.

    Ran Boydell, an associate professor in sustainable development at Heriot-Watt University, agrees. “Home boilers will very soon move into the realm of nostalgia,” he says.



    Read more:
    UK ban on boilers in new homes rules out hydrogen as a heating source

    The reason why heat pumps are increasingly touted as the future of home heating – and not retooled boilers that burn hydrogen instead of methane – is efficiency.

    Boydell points out that green hydrogen fuel is made using electricity from solar and wind farms. We could eliminate emissions a lot quicker, he argues, if that electricity went directly to heat pumps instead.

    Electricity can be turned into a fuel – or power appliances directly.
    Piyaset/Shutterstock

    “This is because you end up with only two-thirds of the energy in the hydrogen that you started with from the electricity,” he says.

    Likewise, battery-powered vehicles have an advantage that has allowed them to race ahead of hydrogen fuel cells to comprise almost a fifth of all new vehicles sold in the UK in 2024.

    “An electric vehicle can be recharged wherever there is access to a plug socket,” say Tom Stacey and Chris Ivory, supply chain experts at Anglia Ruskin University. “The infrastructure that exists to support hydrogen vehicles is limited in comparison and will require extensive investment to introduce.”



    Read more:
    The days of the hydrogen car are already over

    If the route to zero emissions is largely settled, we need to travel it quickly.

    Electric dreams

    One of the fastest energy transitions in history occurred over a decade in South Korea, according to energy system researchers James Price and Steve Pye (UCL). Between 1977 and 1987, the generation of electricity from oil in the east Asian country collapsed – from roughly 7 million gigawatt-hours to nearly 7,000 – and was replaced with, among other sources, nuclear power.

    There are historic analogues for the rapid shift necessary to arrest climate change. But a zero-carbon power sector, which the UK government aims to achieve by 2030, is just the start.



    Read more:
    For developing world to quit coal, rich countries must eliminate oil and gas faster – new study

    “Wind and solar, which provide more than 28% of the UK’s electricity, will soon overtake gas as the main generation source as more wind farms come online,” say energy system modeller Andrew Crossland and engineer Jon Gluyas, both of Durham University.

    “But successive governments have failed to achieve the same result in homes and communities where so much high-carbon gas is burned, despite their decarbonisation being critical to net zero.”



    Read more:
    Is Britain on track for a zero-carbon power sector in six years?

    Crossland and Gluyas note that solar panels, batteries and heat pumps can be installed “in days” to rapidly cut emissions, and that doing so would create “skilled jobs across the country”. As things stand, however, it would also present a severe challenge to the grid.

    Mechanical engineer Florimond Gueniat of Birmingham City University predicts that converting UK transport to battery power wholesale would require expanding grid capacity by 46% – the equivalent of erecting 5,800 skyscraper-sized wind turbines. And that’s even accounting for the greater efficiency of electric vehicles, which waste less of the energy we put into them compared with oil-powered cars.



    Read more:
    Switching to electric vehicles will push the power grid to the brink

    A massive upgrade to the electricity network is needed, and ordinary people have a part to play. Charging cars could serve as batteries that grid operators draw from during a supply pinch. The same goes for the power generated by solar panels on top of houses.

    “Such policies in Germany have … already offset 10% of the national demand,” says Gueniat.

    Getting to net zero requires the public’s involvement. But some of the CCC’s advice may be difficult to swallow. Not least the implication that people will have to eat 35% less meat and dairy in 2050 compared with 2019.



    Read more:
    The UK must make big changes to its diets, farming and land use to hit net zero – official climate advisers

    So are people ready for a world that runs on electrons alone? Aimee Ambrose, a professor of energy policy at Sheffield Hallam University, thinks heat pumps will struggle to compete with the inviting warmth of wood stoves and coal fires. Over three years she spoke with hundreds of people in the UK, Finland, Sweden and Romania and found strong attachments to high-carbon fuels even among people committed to solving climate change.

    The allure of the wood stove is hard to ignore.
    Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock



    Read more:
    Heat pumps have a cosiness problem

    Human behaviour is the most difficult variable for experts who study climate change to model. There will certainly be drawbacks to abandoning fossil fuelled conveniences at breakneck speed. Yet, there are bound to be benefits too – some of which might only materialise once we get going.

    In mid-April 2020, while much of humanity was under some form of lockdown to halt the spread of COVID-19, atmospheric chemist Paul Monks of the University of Leicester was marvelling at the sudden drop in air pollution, which kills millions of people each year and is predominantly caused by burning coal, oil and gas.

    “If there is something positive to take from this terrible crisis, it could be that it’s offered a taste of the air we might breathe in a low-carbon future,” he said.



    Read more:
    Coronavirus: lockdown’s effect on air pollution provides rare glimpse of low-carbon future

    – ref. We need to switch to heat pumps fast – but can they overcome this problem? – https://theconversation.com/we-need-to-switch-to-heat-pumps-fast-but-can-they-overcome-this-problem-249658

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. Announces Changes to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (TSXV: NXH, OTC: NXHSF) (“Next Hydrogen” or the “Company”), announced today the appointment of Adarsh Mehta to the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). Ms. Mehta will fill the vacancy on the Board resulting from the resignation of Mr. Matthew Fairlie, who resigned from the Board effective January 15, 2025.

    Ms. Mehta is VP of Business Development for Jenner Renewable Consulting. For the past 22 years Ms. Mehta has played a pivotal role in the growth of renewable energy, leading technical reviews, due diligence, and development for over 2,500 megawatts of wind and solar energy projects across North and South America. She served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) from 2008 to 2015, becoming Chairperson in 2011, where she was instrumental in advancing Canada’s wind energy sector.

    “As Next Hydrogen accelerates its position as a large-scale green hydrogen solution provider, we are excited to welcome Adarsh to our board,” said Allan MacKensie, Chairperson of Next Hydrogen. “Her extensive experience in renewable energy, project development, and industry advocacy will be invaluable as we scale our technology and commercialization efforts.”

    “I am thrilled to join Next Hydrogen at such a transformative time,” said Adarsh Mehta. “Green hydrogen is a critical pillar in the global transition to clean energy, and Next Hydrogen is well-positioned to be a leader in this space. I look forward to contributing to the company’s growth and impact.”

    About Next Hydrogen

    Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen is a designer and manufacturer of electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as an energy source. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors.

    Contact Information

    Raveel Afzaal, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
    Email: rafzaal@nexthydrogen.com
    Phone: 647-961-6620

    www.nexthydrogen.com

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Notice regarding forward-looking statements:

    Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release are based on the current expectations of management of Next Hydrogen. Actual events and conditions could differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Next Hydrogen, including risks regarding the industry in which Next Hydrogen operates, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Additional risk factors are also set forth in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and other filings available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR Plus) under Next Hydrogen’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be taken as guaranteed. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, readers should not place any undue reliance on forward looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of KPB Hinduja College in Mumbai (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good afternoon all of you, Hon’ble Governor, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan ji, Shri Ashok P. Hinduja ji, Chairman, the Hinduja Foundation. Ashok ji, what you reflected, express your sentiments, there can be many caveats, I am not as good as you indicated. You set a very high benchmark for me.

    We have two very distinguished members of Parliament. Praful Patel has been in Parliament since 1991, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A former Union Minister, one of the seniormost politicians of the country, has been instrumental with football association and is very good at scoring political goals.

    And another caveat that can come for me, Milind Deora. His father, Murali Deora ji, hand held me. A lovable politician for the entire nation, particularly for Mumbai.

    Milind is very promising and knows when to make the right move. I am talking about those who can give caveats. We have amongst us Honourable Minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha. He is suave, polite, persuasive and for a man like me, if a person is gifted with three qualities, there is everything to worry about. Because you can’t anticipate, so there can be a legitimate caveat. And on top of it, if I am staggering a little, it is on account of presence of my son- in-law, Karthikeya Vajpayee.

    But the good relief is that Karthikeya is in the sound company of Soman Satya and therefore will not be in that mode at the moment. But Ashokji, you rightly focused on something which is very fundamental and a contemporaneous need. And something which is part of our civilisation ethos and essence.

    We must remain well grounded and rooted to Sanatan. And Sanatan has to be part of our culture, our education. Because Sanatan stands for inclusivity. Sanatan offers solutions to the most intractable problems the global challenges indicate. I therefore appreciate it and the endorsement by the Honourable Governor immediately is vindication of your stand. Smt Harsha Hinduja ji well I have got formidable challenge from my wife, but I take some solace. Ashok ji is facing equally strong challenge. Shri Paula Brown, President of the Hinduja Foundation is a copy book person. It doesn’t deviate from what is requirement for the college. While traversing journey of the college, she unfolded future programmes. Smt. Chandrakala Joshi, Principal, Hinduja College. When I looked at the faculty, the very distinguished faculty, I found she has to be little fair to my gender. There were more women in the faculty than men. To be on her right side, I quickly looked a Praful Patel and then extended an invite to her that the faculty will be my guest for visit to the new building of Parliament, and I’ll have the occasion to have lunch with them along with Shri Praful Patel and Shri Milind Deora.

    Bombay is a place which gave to the country a principle of quid pro quo. And I so recall because I happen to be a politician who went to Parliament in 1989 and was a Minister in 1990. But a small explanation. This is not quid pro quo.

    Distinguished members of the faculty, I must recognise the presence of some whom I know but everyone present here is a distinguished person. I convey my respects. Shri Neeraj Bajaj, Shri Amarlal Hinduja Ji, Dr. Rajesh Joshi and Shri Rupani, I have had some connect with them in one form or the other. I am particularly here for young boys and girls, and let me tell you boys and girls first, there are no backbenchers. There are only backbenches.

    And let me tell you at the outset, all my life I happen to be a gold medalist, and that was never a good idea. I suffered a traumatic obsession what will happen if I don’t come to number one? It was too late in the life I learnt, Heavens have never fallen so far. Why fear them? It is good to be in the first top ten. So never have tension, never have stress. 

    India today is envy of the world for the reason that it has your dividend, dividend of the youth. This demographic dividend is your possession, your repository. Undoubtedly you are the important stakeholders in democracy and governance. And therefore I am happy to announce here that Indian Council of World Affairs of which I happen to be the President, will have an MOU with your organisation.

     

    MOU will fructify in next two months. And I tell you the reason for the delay. We are awaiting a new Director. We are looking for a good person that will give you an exposure to global events. And there will be footprint of global personalities here. Around the time Ashok Hinduja celebrates his 75th birthday, So does the Institution. The milestone is glorious both for the individual and the Institution. By the way he doesn’t look that old, but this is an occasion also of stocktaking, reflection and planning for way forward. Planning in our times is very challenging. Because we have challenged times on account of onslaught of disruptive technologies. A kind of Industrial revolution. A new era is being heralded virtually every moment. Those of the diplomats who are present here and bring on the table experience and exposure of their own countries will bear me out. And therefore the Institute will have to focus way-forward strategy. It is soothing to note it has quite a mark at the national level.

    It will be a deemed University but time for it to set the tone to become a Global Institute of excellence. It was indicated a while ago. Learning! I keep on telling boys and girls, शिक्षान्त कभी नहीं होती, दीक्षांत होता है।

    Learning never stops. Even after you leave the institute you have to learn every day, and this principle was first put in public domain in pre-Socrates era by a great philosopher Heraclitus. And he was a great philosopher. He was a great philosopher. He was a great philosopher. And Heraclitus reflecting on change said the only constant in life is the change. He buttressed it by an illustration. The same person cannot enter the same river twice because neither the person is the same nor the river is the same. So boys and girls keep on learning, and what your computer tells you keep on self-learning also.

    Because you are your best teacher. Take this institute for instance. It was seeded by Shri Paramchand Hinduja ji. It was a Sindhi teaching school to begin with. And look at that sapling, the shape it has taken now. It is fructifying aspirations of 6000 students.

    Which means a small beginning yields great results. When in 1969 on 20th July, incidentally 20th July happens to be birthday of my wife. Another coincidence it was on that day in 2019, President of India signed my warrant appointing me Governor of the state of West Bengal, but let me invite attention to what Neil Armstrong said. He said small step for me, big leap for mankind.

    What was done to begin with will turn out undoubtedly according to me one of the best institutions in the world. It has vast pool of alumni across sectors. Now this has enormous potential. This potential can reflect in several ways.

    Time to harness it. An initiative can emanate from here, blessed by Hinduja Foundation. For emergence of a confederation of alumni associations. We have alumni associations but I am referring to confederation. This will go a long way in contributing sectoral policy evolution of the government. Just imagine if there are confederations of IIT alumni associations, IIM alumni associations, an association of the kind that your college represents. This confederation can go a long way. Such convergence of talent is a valuable pool for government. It can enlighten the government on policy pathways.

     

    Hinduja Foundation is well enabled to catalyse alumni confederation culture across institutions in the country. While I appreciate great job that is being done by the faculty, it is a satisfied faculty that makes for the institution. Institution is defined by the infrastructure because that is the basic need, but an institution is recognised by the faculty it has. I am so happy and delighted to see the faculty is committed and vibrant, but then institutions have blossomed beyond faculty and infrastructure.

    It is there in that I express a deep sense of gratitude to Hinduja Foundation and members of the family for sustaining this institution through continuous philanthropy. Ladies and gentlemen, Hinduja group has been at the centre of India’s growth story. The Hinduja group is multinational, multi-sector, conglomerate with pronounced social and cultural footprints.

    Group’s deep interest in education philanthropy and sublime commitment to Bharatiya culture are commendable. It was a pleasant revelation to me when I was laying foundation stone of a building in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New Delhi. I gathered that the Hinduja group helped establish the first overseas branch of Vidya Bhavan in New York.

    A great step. The leaders of the group have realised the need to bridge East and West divide and why it is essential. Because there has to be portrayal of the orient in authentic way. Because there are challenges emanating from the West and from that perspective the group is working in that direction.

    One instance I can share with the distinguished audience. Establishment of Dharam Hinduja Indic Research Centre at Columbia University is a very desirable move. We look forward, Ashokji, for more such steps in this direction. Friends, I need to reflect on some concerning aspects for larger good. Sharing our concern is always good because then we can address the problem. Philanthropic endeavours should not be driven by philosophy of commodification and commercialisation. Our health and education sectors are being plagued by these.

    The group in this context offers emulative instance by confining philanthropy much away from commerce. The group is wedded to the concept of giving back to the society. I urge everyone so involved to nurture this culture. Many in the audience will bear me out that endowments of some of the Universities in the US is in billions of dollars.

    What is there in this country that we do not have this culture? In the West, anyone working out of an institute stands committed to make some fiscal contribution. Quantum is never important. I would urge our corporates to think in that direction.

     

    Friends, according to me, education is the most impactful transformative mechanism because it brings about equality. It cuts into inequities. It affords level playing field. It creates genius by discovering the genius through the path of education. Our framers of the Constitution were very wise men. They put education in the concurrent list.

    Those of you who are not lawyers, concurrent list means it is a joint concern of the State and the Union. I would appeal from this platform, a platform where I have witnessed that by way of philanthropy, it is giving back to the society. It is concurrent responsibility between the government and the private sector.

    Those in industry, trade, business and commerce must come forward and take initiatives. I appeal the country’s private sector to rise to this occasion and accord highest priority to education. My friend Praful Patel is doing it in his own way.

    I await an invitation to his contribution in this sector. India at the moment is in economic upsurge. We have phenomenal infrastructural growth, deep digitisation, technological penetration because people of this country have tasted in last decade, fruits of development.

    People centric policies have been highly rewarding. This has converted the nation as the most aspirational nation in the world at the moment and therefore education gets primacy.

    Quality education is a gift and we in the country, must work towards educational excellence. We have seen and you noticed by way of Start-ups, Unicorns and otherwise, our industries are evolving. Corporate leaders should view investment in education, not a charity.

    Beyond philanthropy, it is investment in our present, investment in our future and to put it straight away, it is investment for development of the industry, business and trade. And therefore all efforts must be taken that these investments take quantum leap.

    Look at our country. If our GDP at one point of time was one third of the world or more, it was premised on what count? We had glorified Institutions– Udantpuri, Takshashila, Vikramshila, Sompura, Nalanda, Vallabhi. The world frowned. Scholars came from every nook and corner of the globe to get knowledge and give knowledge and share knowledge.

    Thirst of knowledge was satisfied. But then what happened about 1200 years ago? Nalanda, ancient India’s intellectual jewel, it housed 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Nine-storied building.

    And what happened? 1193, Bakhtiyar Khilji, reckless destroyer of our culture, our academic Institution. The premises were set to fire. For months, fire consumed vast libraries, turning hundreds and thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts on Mathematics, Medicine and Philosophy to ash.This vandalised devastation wasn’t merely architectural but represented the systematic erasion of centuries of knowledge, and that makes Ashok ji your observation relevant. We must make our people aware about Sanatan values.

    Ladies and gentlemen, what vanished in those flames was the living record of ancient Indian thought, creating an intellectual void that continues to echo through history as one of this civilisation’s most profound cultural losses. Just look around which country can take pride in 5,000 years of civilisation ethos. No one comes close to us.

    And now, fortunately, in this century, we have re-arrived at the global stage. We need to reclaim that glory. We are on way. We have to take a holistic view of education in this country. I call upon leaders, Parliamentarians and thought leaders present here. We have to monetise every moment of this century.

    We cannot afford to fall victim or prey to narratives that emanate from sources that are inimical to the very existence of Bharat. We have to work to revive institutions like Nalanda, our intellectual legacy, and this is essential for realising goal of Viksit Bharat at 2047.

    Friends, the entire world knows today India is no longer a nation with potential. Viksit Bharat is not a dream. It is a certain definitive destination, and it may be fast-tracked much before 2047 if we bestow intelligent attention to education. We have a litany of IITs, IIMs across India’s academic landscape. But right now, if you look around, many niche areas, our Institutional footprint is either fragile, thin or not at all there.

    Now, when we are faced with such a situation, it is fundamentally required that we diagnose the issue. A resolution cannot emanate unless we know the ground reality. These are the areas where we can take lead in the world.

    It is for the first time, I think, in last several decades, that India is in single-digit number of countries that are focussing on Quantum computing, green hydrogen, Artificial Intelligence, and even commercial exploitation of 6G technology, but then, we need skilled men force.

    Our young boys and girls are still in the same silo or groove of government jobs. My young friends, boys and girls, if International Monetary Fund accolades Bharat as a favourite destination of investment and opportunity, it is not on account of government jobs.

    If World Bank hails us with the digitisation that has happened in this country, penetration of opportunity to the last village in six years is otherwise not accomplishable in four decades, and therefore, please be aware of the opportunity basket that is ever getting enlarged for you.

    Whether it is Blue economy, Space economy, whether you are on the sea surface, deep sea, ground, sky or space, opportunities for our youth and corporates are ever enlarging. But then, Institutions like yours have to be crucibles of change. You have to focus very deeply on research.

    I must share with you one concern. Research is not for the shelf. Research is not supposed to be on the shelf. Research is not an assimilation of cut and paste. Research is not surface scratching. Research has to correlate to the ground transformative mechanisms. And therefore, everyone involved with research, we must be having stringent standards to assess our research. This country has a great potential. Government is only one facet.

    If we go much beyond the government and give ideas to the people, in any field, results will be geometric. Ashok ji, I’m making an appeal to you now. Through you, I’m making an appeal to everyone who is possessed of wealth, possessed of wisdom, and keenly devoted to serving the society by giving it back.

    Please, let us have green field institutions in these areas for new and emerging technologies. There must be centres of research. And I can share with you, distinguished audience, and my two very distinguished Parliamentarian friends will bear me out and the Honourable Minister would also know of it. The governmental policies are going a long way in promoting contribution in these areas. Long way. Only a team has to be constituted by leaders in industry, trade, commerce and business to exploit the fullest potential of these areas.

    I have for a long time held an idea dear to me if the corporates come together our organisations like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, PHD and various other chambers. If they pool their CSR, we can have every year Institutes of Excellence springing up in various parts of the country. If the modest target is set for four in a year, the Govt has only land to make available. Rest, I am sure you will bear me out.

    Rest I am sure you will give me out Industries while capable when it comes to creating infrastructure of securing even faculty. Faculty is best attracted through the industry because then there is an assurance of stability. so these kind of Ideas must be there.

    Another issue which we are facing in the countries, we have Institutes of Excellence But the variation is taking place only on the account of faculty, there is no infrastructural variation. faculty mobility you have to think about it. Presently, the system is such that a systemic change is required But the foundation stature of Hinduja foundation  can catalyse the big movement in this area  and therefore faculty members from  one place to another can navigate. There can be a group to look after them that will go a long way.

    Technology has to be used in particular to change the rural landscape of rural education, that is foundational and to bring that about we have to use Technology. The country at the moment has 400 aspirational blocks. If corporates adopt blocks then what they will get.  in every village you will find land for the school, enough infrastructure even teachers are well paid as compared to the private. What is lacking is motivation and greasing. So that engine of education can fire on all cylinders. The corporates converge on this idea to adopt aspirational blocks and that I can assure you will be a gamechanger. This will reflect public private partnership in sublimity and making lives of India much better.

    Friends, as we commemorate 75 years of KPB Hinduja college, Let us celebrate the rich legacy. Let us pay our tributes to the legendary figure who had this vision and nurture it to the next level. Let us leverage every resource to make it a global benchmark. with the collective efforts of faculty, students,  alumni and stakeholders, I have no doubt that this college will scale greater heights in the years to come as deemed University.

    I extend my heartfelt congratulations to KPB Hinduja College, Hinduja Foundation and Hinduja Family on this remarkable milestone.  May the next 75 years be even more glorious, filled with new achievements, milestones, and contributions to society.

    ***

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2107409) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at IIT Hyderabad (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good afternoon all of you and I had the occasion to say it yesterday, there are no backbenchers in IITs, there are only backbenches. Am I right? Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, Honourable Governor Telangana, Honourable Member of Parliament, Shri M. Raghunandan Rao, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, Dr. B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, a man highly acclaimed, highly accoladed and I shared his thoughts with you, mincing no words.

    When IIT Board of Governors is fully involved, things are in a different groove. Professor B. S. Murthy, Director IIT Hyderabad, watch out for him. He is not as he appears, a tough guy. He means business and he means two other things apart from business. Number two is business, Number three, is business. Brevity is the soul of wit, the soul of demonstration of it in his discourse. Every word was amplified, a thought process with which you all are involved. He indicated, we don’t only create ideas, we ideate, we innovate, we accomplish. When you monetise every second, every moment, you do justice not only to yourself but to humanity.

    But you are greatly privileged when you happen to be in Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity. We are privileged today to have presence of Honourable members of Parliament. Shri Vaddiraju Ravichandra, Shri S. S. Babu, I’ll face them in Rajya Sabha from my chair. You must have seen Rajya Sabha proceedings. They are good cholesterol. Soothing and make positive contributions. It was a great loss to the chairman of Rajya Sabha when Shri Vijay Sai Reddy ji, a very distinguished parliamentarian, ceased to be its member. I wish him great luck.

    The director focused and so did the chairman of the board of governors. An Institution is defined by the infrastructure, but that is easily creatable. That is essential, but not the cutting edge. It is our 300 squad of faculty members with greater recognition who are giving everything to make you future leaders. And let me tell you, there can be no greater honour at the moment than a global benchmark to get such quality education as your Institute.

    Amongst the IITs, in terms of time, you may not have been in the beginning, but by your achievements, by your accomplishments, you have reached that group. My congratulations to the entire faculty. The director must settle me, finding I have a political background of having been in parliament in 1989 when I ministered there, and also taking a vote without spilling out my role as Governor of the state of West Bengal. It reminded me I have to focus on innovation.

    Innovation, boys and girls, is a panacea for what we need and what kills us. It is a one-stop solution to bring about progress, sustainable development, and solve our problems. When it comes to Bharat, a land of homogeneous, demonstrated to the world for over 5,000 years, an Indian mind has a DNA which speaks of genius.

    Let me buttress it by one illustration. We are a nation of 1.4 billion people and we are well spread out. The landscape, rural, semi-urban, urban, metro, and top metros. But when it came to technological penetration and digitisation, just imagine, accessibility of technology and adaptability of those in the villages. Amazing performance, giving us global recognition. If our people-centric policies, if service delivery is so efficient, it is on account of adaptability to technology of our brothers and sisters in the villages. I am son of a farmer.

    Imagine the kind of pride I have. Three times a year, about 100 million farmers get a direct amount in their bank accounts. The government or the system is not important. It is an achievement, but the farmers are equipped on their own to receive it. Now if you go to the base of it, this would not have been possible unless the Prime Minister of the country entertained the grandiose idea that they must have access to banking system.

    And in the shortest space, when it comes to time assessment, over 500 million people have got banking vision. Second, the malice of nepotism, and that is highly unacceptable to our young people, because if patronage is password for an employment or opportunity, you will have a deep frustration.

    And there was a time, not long ago, when power corridors were infested with corrupt elements. Decision-making was leveraged extraordinarily. Patronage was a password for success. There was in that country a privileged pedigree. They entertained the idea that we are above law. We are beyond the reach of law. Nothing could be more frustrating toyoung minds. I faced it during my time.

    Imagine my pain, admitted to an IIT, had no money, couldn’t go. Imagine my pain, as an advocate, had to work very hard to get a loan of 6000 rupees for my digestion. Vividly I had before me the manager who said, I can give you without paying guarantee because I find you are a good lawyer, and look at the transformative change you are witnessing. Start-ups, unicorns emanating from tier 2 cities.

    You are, and you try, Gen Z and Generation Next and those who are before me. You are the most vital stakeholders in democracy, in progress of this nation. Right now, if you have to see where we are heading, then we have to find the ecosystem. A nation’s state is fundamental because if the nation is let say at war, things go horizontally. So nation’s state is important. So is the national movement. Also its growth trajectory, the destination it has for itself, its ecosystem.

    And when we examine these things, reality check, our nation is in a top global group. World technological leaders, when it comes to finer aspects of development like Quantum computing or Green Hydrogen mission or commercialisation of 6G, areas which will appeal you not to ordinary youth, but we are in the big league of nations.

    Artificial intelligence is bringing about paradigm shift every moment. It is introduction of an era, a new kind of industrial revolution with greater potential, challenges and opportunities. This has a big basket of opportunities for boys and girls. Let me remind you one aspect. I had the occasion to face terrible panks of pain in 1990.

    I was a Minister and our gold had to be shipped out by air to be placed to two banks in Switzerland to sustain our fiscal credibility because our foreign exchange could not last even for a few weeks, not to speak of months.

    It was in doldrums, dangerously moving around 1 billion US dollars. This is not a concern to us at all at the moment. We are 700 billion, but concern to you is we are having trade deficit with a neighbouring country to the extent of 90 billion US dollars, and if I go by the figures recently released, the input is 17% year on year and the output is only 11%. Solution to that has to be found by you.

    You will have to focus and only you can do it. I do agree that young minds like you have capacity to bring about big transformative change. But then you need some support. And one support is I seek to steer your minds, minds of the parliamentarians, minds of industry leaders, your chairman represents that group. Academia, your director represents it.

    Economic nationalism. Much of the trade deficit that is draining out our foreign exchange to the tune of hundreds of billions. If one country is around 90 billion US dollars, you can imagine when we cumulatively assess it.

    Why should this country import what is available? Number two, if it is avoidable, can’t our genius find a solution by way of substitution? and three, our raw materials leave our shores, pronouncing on our inability to add value to the raw material. In the process, we deprive our people of work on both accounts, avoidable imports and export of raw material. The blunt entrepreneurship, this mindset has to dominate us.

    The role of the people is crucial, but then the greater role is of those in industry, commerce, business and trade. Can’t they sit on one table through their associations and take a call? That, I would urge, should be taken.

    While I was examining your motto and logo, both are critical, and I am happy by what I have gathered on my own and what has been asserted by the director and chairman. Motto: Inventing and innovating in Technology for Humanity.

    Logo: Expansion and Growth of Knowledge, and this is drawn from Telugu. Let me reflect on some changes that are worrisomely alarming, concerning. India is a land of rich languages.

    Sanskrit, Bangla, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, several languages. Even in Parliament, simultaneous translation takes place in 22 languages. Our civilisational ethos tells us inclusivity. Should there be confrontational stance on language in land of Bharat?

    What a moment of pride for everyone when languages were put in the classical language status recently. We have to nurture every language. Our languages have global outreach. They are gold mine of literature, and the literary pieces have knowledge and wisdom. Vedas, Puranas, our epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita.

    And therefore I call upon youth of the country, Social media has given you the power to take a call. If there is deviation from our commitment to nationalism, if there is assessment of development through partisan prism, we need to be watchdogs.

    Use the power to blunt the narratives that emanate from forces that are financially fuelled only to injure Bharat. Because you are at the moment living in times that indicate hope and possibility. Your basket is limitless.

    Look at sea surface, deep sea, ground, underground, sky or space. Your opportunities and challenges are there. Mid-blue economy or space economy.

    Let me pose a question to you. If the International Monetary Fund has asserted that India, Bharat at the moment is a hotspot, a global centre, most attractive one for investment and opportunity, is it for government jobs? Certainly not. Therefore, that opportunity is for you also.

    Investment, these days I can tell you with my exposure in governance, is not a problem at all. You would have seen in start-ups investment, apart from the governmental affirmative policies, innovative framework, top business leaders investing in start-ups. The hierarchical succession mechanism in industrial business has collapsed.

    Tech tycoons are emerging. There was a time when we could not see a single Indian soul working in global top corporates at any level, and now boys and girls, there is not a single global corporate of consequence where an Indian genius is not contributing at the top level.

    When that is the scenario, you have to make a difference. You have to catalyse the change which you think is best for the nation. And I would say, don’t just catalyse, be the epicentre of change.

    Another centre of change, never ever keep a brilliant idea in your mind. Your mind is not a parking space. What a parking place.

    You do greatest injustice to you and to humanity that an idea has occurred to you and you fear experimentation. You fear failure. Boys and girls’ fear of failure is a myth.

    Chandrayaan 2,I was governor of the state of West Bengal. It was September, I think, 2019. I think 2019, and I was in the company of about 500 school-going children, young boys and girls. Chandrayaan 2 landed close but could not touch the lunar surface. For some who are recipe for chaos, some would define nothing but negativity. For some who see nothing but only taint in your white cloth, they said, failure, so much money, but if you examine success of Chandrayaan 3, was rooted in the foundation laid by Chandrayaan 2, you all will realise first attempt success has eluded most great innovations.

    Let me focus on reality of research and innovation. First our corporates. I am not critical of them, I am critique. They must invest in research. They must invest in research for development and innovation. They must compete with global giants, because this investment is not for the beneficiary student, boy or girl of your Institute or other Institutes.

    It is for benefit of our present, our future. And trust me, we have had a big change in our strategic system globally. Conventional war system has collapsed. It is diplomacy that defines. Innovation and research give us great cutting edge in soft diplomacy. We become a great power. Therefore I appeal from this podium. Corporates, examine what your peers are doing in the West. Please come closer to them.

    Second, look at global Universities. Their endowment funds in billions of US dollars. I had the occasion to glance. Oh my god, crossing in 50 billion US dollars. If you see the top list, why don’t we have it? I hope, Governor of the board, we started in 2008.

    We have Alumni. Let our alumni plow in the corpus. Amount doesn’t matter. It is the spirit of contribution that will generate a connect with the Institute.

    A pride for them also. I have mooted an idea. I hope someone takes it.

    We have institutes of excellence, IITs, IIMs and other institutes. Their aluminium associations must form into a confederation of associations of aluminium. It will be a top world benchmark think tank for policy making.

    It can spur research and innovation. All I am indicating is that these thoughts which I have shared are only indicative, because you are discerning minds, you can on your own work about it.

    If a man like me, who had such a successful career, I can say so, now I am not a senior advocate anymore, to be designated senior in less than 10 and a half years of my practise. No one has done it. I still feel the void of not getting admission to IIT. You are there. I still have the void.

    The position of the Governor or Vice-President does not compensate it. And therefore, I am your Eklavya. I am trying to persuade you.

    I would conclude, I invite in batches students of the IIT and the faculty to be my guests for a visit to Indian parliament, and I would have the occasion and I would gather some people who need to be educated. No pun intended.

    We will have luncheon, brainstorming sessions. I will depute an Officer from my secretariat to be in touch with the Registrar, and this will be done before I take off in my helicopter. I hope you will respond to me. I go with a deep sense of satisfaction, optimism and confidence.

    Though I have not been able to share my thoughts in completeness, but I know, I may have sent or short changed you. But you have received what I mean to convey.

    Thank you so much for your time.

     ***

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2107587) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at the Fourth P. Parameswaran Memorial Lecture in Thiruvananthapuram (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

    It is an absolute privilege and an honour to deliver the 4th P. Parameswaran lecture organised by Bharatheeya Vicharakendram in Thiruvananthapuram.The memorial lecture in the honour, in the memory of one of the greatest sons of Bharat. He happens to be in the front league of idealogues and thinkers of Hindu thought process in this century. We are celebrating by way of this lecture one of the finest intellectuals committed to social work and such a son of the soil being honoured in the land of Kerala, North zone territory.

    It is a testament that our civilisational values thrive, A civilisation is known only by one fundamental consideration, does it really honour its great sons and that has been the theme in last few years. Our forgotten heroes, unsung heroes, we have remembered them.

     Kerala has been the cradle of intellectual discourse, cultural enlightenment, and spiritual pursuits. This is a land that birth legends for Adi Shankharacharya who expounded the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta to Narayana Guru who led the modern message by his social reform and by his team of social reformers. We are celebrating the memory of one of them.

     This land is also home to some of the most revered temples, including Sabrimala, Padmanabhaswamy temple, and Guruvayur drawing millions of devotees, they get inspired and motivated. The faith and devotion that permeates these sacred spaces reminds us of the eternal values that hold our nation together.

     Our values are sublime, full of religiosity and spirituality, righteousness and self service. This fertile sacred geography also birthed Shri P. Parameswaran ji who received his values with birth. His unwavering commitment to Bharatiya values, his deep understanding of Indian ethos and his relentless pursuit of national unity continues to inspire generations.

     His vision for a self-reliant Bharat, culturally rooted and spiritually awakened, resonates profoundly across the nation. When we talk about the confluence of East and West, we remember Shri Vivekananda, Swami Vivekananda and his historic address at Chicago that was rendered at the World Council of Religions in 1893. But who rekindled it? Who ignited the flame in us? Who inspired us in modern times? By the essence of that address that stirred global minds, it was none other than Shri P. Parameswaran.

     In 1993, hundred years after that event, it was Parameswaran ji who invited the world to reflect on Swamiji. His life, his legacy and his message. The Government of India has rightly recognised this great son of the soil, a great ideologue of Hindu thought process.

     A messenger of Bharatiya Sanskriti, an epicentre in a sense who disseminated sublimity of our values with Padma Shri in early 2000 and in 2018 with the second highest civilian award of Padma Vibhushan, but these decorations do not completely define the man in whose memory we are having this lecture.

     The tribute which we can pay to such towering figures who amplify our values, epitomise our cultural essence, the best of human values, is to follow what he exemplified. We must emulate the value system that he professed.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I greatly commend the subject or theme of this lecture, “Demography, Development and Democracy, Shaping the Future of Bharat”– Nothing could be more contemporaneously relevant than this theme, and this theme, when the theme is a tribute to Rashtriya Rishi who dedicated his journey to welfare of humanity through Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh, an organisation spinally rooted in our cultural ethos and now in the centennial year, I appeal to everyone in two years we will be celebrating the birth centenary of this great son of the soil.

     I am sure steps will be taken by the organisers in concert with similar outfits so that his message goes around to the entire country and the world. If I have to put in summation the thought process of P. Parameswaran ji, we all are Bharatiya. भारतीयता हमारी पहचान है। राष्ट्रहित हमारा धर्म है, राष्ट्र कल्याण सर्वोपरि है। कोई भी हित व्यक्तिगत हो या राजनीतिक या सामाजिक, राष्ट्रहित से ऊपर नहीं है।

     And therefore, I commend the organisers for having so thought about it. The theme calls upon me to first reflect on the state of the nation. There was a time, and I had the occasion to see it, as a member of parliament in 1989, as a union minister in 1990-91, an atmosphere that did not

    inspire us. That was alarmingly worrisome, full of concern, and now our Bharat is brimming with positivity and possibility.

     It is full of hope and aspirations. All around, all pervasive, an ecosystem of hope and possibility we can see, and in global firmament, it is the brightest spot of investment and opportunity. The country has seen in the last decade exponential economic upsurge. Our rise from 11th position a decade ago, on the scale of economic size, we have traversed a long distance, facing headwinds, difficult terrain, overcoming hurdles created earlier, cleansing the system, making it transparent and accountable.

     We are the 5th largest global economy at the moment, on way to becoming 4 trillion economy in US dollars very shortly, and with average growth over this period of about 8%. Bharat happens to be the fastest growing global economy in last decade, acclaimed, accoladed and applauded by global institutions, the IMF and the World Bank.

     World Bank has appreciated our deep digitisation, technological penetration, and everyone sees it now as a ground reality. Next comes infrastructure. Phenomenal infrastructure growth has dotted our landscape. Be it on sea, deep sea, ground, sky or in space, all our accomplishments make us greatly proud, and I am happy to share with you, every year the country has added four new airports and one metro system, and on a daily basis, 14 kilometres of highways and 6 kilometres of railways are

    being added.

     If I reflect on scale of deep technological penetration, 85 million are benefiting with houses, 330 million with health coverage, and 29 million small businesses with loans annually. The government is hand-holding them by affirmative policies and innovative schemes. We now boast of beyond what we achieved in space. Lunar and Mars missions in medical science, vaccine production, and the nation is bound to be hub of semiconductors, engineering and manufacturing.

     India’s engagement with world in green energy, urbanisation, emerging disruptive technologies, we are in the front rank. It is for the first time that the country is in big league of nations on Artificial Intelligence, on Quantum computing, on Green Hydrogen mission, and all pervasive digitisation has generated transparency, Accountability, easy service affordability.

     Corruption has been neutralised from power corridors on account of technological inroads. Technological inroads have been no less than invasion on corruption and malpractices, and that is reflected in the scenario that almost half of digital transactions in the world are

    emanating from this country, 6.5 billion monthly.

     Let me recall what P. Parameswaran ji said on this occasion, on such an occasion, we need to reflect, remember, I quote, “The youth of Bharat are not merely inheritors of our civilisation, but the architects who will shape our nation’s future glory through their aspirations, innovations, and resilience.”

     Our demographic dividend, the youth component of it, is envy of the world. India’s greatest strength is its population. We are home to one-sixth of humanity, but look at our qualitative cutting edge demographic dividend.

    Sixty-five percent of the population is in working age. Our nation is an average age of 28.4 years. We are uniquely positioned as the world’s youngest major economy.

    Compare this to Japan, 48.7 years. Compare it to Germany, 44.3 years, and China, 38.4 years. People-centric policies and transparent accountable governance has given buoyancy to ecosystem. Imagine the scale of it, a nation of 1.4 billion. Look at the transformative change that has impacted the rural environment.

     Every house has a toilet, electric connection, water connection is on way, a gas connection.And look at the connectivity, internet, and road, rail, and handholding policies in health and education centre. These define our growth trajectory. India is no longer a nation with a promise. India is no longer labelled as a nation of snake charmers. India is charming the entire world with the potential it has for everyone on the globe.

     This economic renaissance, which was beyond imagination, beyond contemplation, beyond dreams, a few years ago, has generated

    what is essence of our Sanatana inclusivity. Non-discriminatory, uniform, even-handed, equitable development, results, and fruits for one

    and all. Effort has been made, irrespective of any qualification, race, religion, caste, colour, that the benefit must reach those who are in the last line, and this is being done with great success.

    Bharat is the only democracy in the world that has structured democracy at the village level. Constitutionally sanctified democracy at the Village level, Municipal level, State level, and the Central level. I want, on this great occasion, to everyone reflect on what is democracy.

     Democracy is defined by freedom of expression and dialogue. If we enjoy freedom of expression and do not lend our ears to the other point of view, do not enter into dialogue, do not appreciate the other point of view, expression becomes authoritarianism.

     प्रजातन्त्र में किसी भी व्यक्ति या संस्था के लिए अहं और अहंकार का कोई स्थान नहीं है। प्रजातन्त्र का मूल तत्व है समानता, समान अधिकार, समान अवसर।

     And I therefore appeal that those who do not believe in harmony, social harmony, national harmony, must get into the thought process of Shri P. Parameswaran ji.

    How can we countenance in this land that has 5,000 years of civilisational ethos? Someone says, मैं अकेला सही हूँ, मेरी बात का कोई विकल्प नहीं है, ऐसा नहीं है। These thoughts are antithetical to our civilisational ethos. They militate against the very concept of democracy, and therefore, we must focus, alongside expression, on dialogue, dialogue enables everyone to self-assess oneself, to self-audit oneself, to be open to the other idea.

     And that was what P. Parameswaranji was doing all throughout. Ideologic discourse, ideologic debate, ideologic brainstorming should be dominating our discourse, not violence. What does our culture say, हमारी संस्कृति क्या कहती है? अभिव्यक्ति, वाद-विवाद और अनंतवाद, अनंतवाद का स्रोत हमारी सांस्कृतिक विरासत में है। अनंतवाद का ही नतीजा है कि भारत ज्ञान का भंडार था, जानकारी का भंडार था।

     If India is today a cultural centre of the world, we owe to people like P. Parameswaranji for coming to this level. If in the past, about 1200 years ago, India was the world’s repository of knowledge and wisdom, it was on account of our institutions.

     आज के दिन, कुछ हालात भयावह हैं, चिंतन और मंथन के लिए विवश करते हैं।

    We are faced with an alarmingly worrisome scenario on certain aspects. Politics has become polarised. We are faced with an alarmingly worrisome scenario on certain aspects. Vertically divisive, temperatures are ever high. The core national values and civilisational values are not the central theme. In this country where diversity is reflected in unity, this country that prides in Sanatana values of inclusivity, we cannot afford ourselves to be distanced from these core values and engage in polarised, divisive activities.

    Time for us to fall in the groove of Sanatana Dharma as enlightened by Shri P. Parameswaranji, and let me reflect on that concern. As meaningful dialogue fades, so do the pillars of cooperation, collaboration and consensus.

     I must share with you my anguish, my pain. The largest democracy’s parliament must be role model for people. It is a platform to transform aspirations of the people into reality. It has to be impregnable citadel of dialogue, debate, discussion and deliberation. And these facets were exemplified by the Constituent Assembly that worked for about three years in eighteen sessions. And what we see today? Dialogue, deliberation and others have yielded to disturbance and disruption.

     Can there be sacrilege of more intense enormity when temples of democracy are ravaged by disruption and disturbance? Our democracy has to survive. And the first test is parliamentary functioning. We face situations where national interest is relegated. Anti-national narratives take wings.

     We are living in very dangerous times. Political intolerance and reckless stance promoting partisan and personal interests at the cost of nationalism needs to be moderated. There is need for social counselling. Young minds and senior citizens must converge to generate an ecosystem. By becoming influencers of our mindset, we have a Constitution that remarkably depicts Gurukul.

     That makes reference to Ramayana. What is the message? अधर्म पर धर्म की विजय, when in fundamental rights, Part- III of the Constitution, you have a picture of Ram, Sita and Lakshman coming to Ayodhya. अंधकार से प्रकाश, धर्म की जीत अधर्म की हार। मर्यादित आचरण का संदेश और यदि अगर कहें सबका साथ सबका विश्वास इसका अंश आपको रामायण में मिलेगा ।

     भारत के संविधान में, if we go to the next part, Directive Principles of State Policy. महाभारत का वह scene है, कुरुक्षेत्र का वह दृश्य है। श्रीकृष्ण अर्जुन को उपदेश दे रहे हैं। What does it teach us? It says, लक्ष्य को ध्यान में रखो, छत को मत देखो, मछली को मत देखो, मछली की आँख को मत देखो क्योंकि आपका लक्ष्य नहीं है। आपको भेदन है। इसी तरीके से शासन का काम करते हुए, कर्तव्य निर्वहन करते हुए हमारी दृष्टि भाई-भतीजेवाद पर नहीं होनी चाहिए। The message is loud and clear. Patronism, nepotism, favouritism, are evils that cut into merit of the society. Fortunately, power corridors have been sanitised. It is obligation of every person, every Bharatiya, not only to believe in these values, but to disseminate them.

     Let me now come to demography. Demography does matter. Demography should not be confused with majoritarianism. We cannot have a society divided in these two camps. But ladies and gentlemen, the nation is faced with grim challenges when it comes to demography.

     The demography evolution must be organic. It must be natural. It must be soothing only then it reflects unity and diversity, but if demographic variations are brought about in the nature of virtual and earthquake, there is cause for concern.

     If inorganic demographic variations take place with intent to increase demographic component with the objective to secure progress, then we have to be alarmed. This is being done. This is noticeably being done. We are at a stage crossroads, where we can neither overlook nor countenance this highly destabilising development.

     We have to be extremely alert. All of you converge to preserve the pristine demographic sanctity of Bharat. The challenge is coming in varied ways. One is through allurements, temptations. Reaching out to the needy and vulnerable. Providing succour. And then, in a subtle way, suggesting change of religion which is labelled as conversions. The country allows everyone to have a religion of his or her choice. This is our fundamental right.

    This is handed to us from our civilisational wealth, but if this is tampered with, it is tweaked. ऐसा बर्दाश्त नहीं हो सकता. लालच, लोभ आधार नहीं हो सकता। कोई पीड़ा में है, दिक्कत में है,  जरूरतमंद है उसको hand-holding करते समय, धर्म परिवर्तन की तरफ मत खींचो. यह बर्दाश्त के लायक नहीं है, मैं कितनी ही कोशिश करूँ, I will not be able to express the gravity of the concern, enormity of the challenge that we are faced on account of these statized, orchestrated, financially fuelled misadventures to effect conversions.

     The third motive, which is ill-motivation towards our nation. How can a nation suffer millions of illegal migrants? Look at the number. Look at the danger they bring to this country. Everyone in this country is fired with the dream of nationalism. These people come, they demand on our employment, on our health, on our education sectors, and then become a factor in electoral politics. It is very urgent. This has to be addressed. We are cliffhanging. We must generate awareness. The mindset of the people must be activated.

     Every Bharatiya must be steered to face this challenge. And that flow is threatening our culture also. I would urge we must courageously thwart these demographic dislocations. I have indicated three. As of now in the country we have from electoral point of view areas where elections do not make much sense. We have fortresses in the country that have emerged in the last few years where the outcome of the election is always foreclosed by democratic demographic dislocations.

     Addressing these challenges which are very daunting, policy interventions alone are not sufficient. We have to appreciate and recognise these challenges as existential to our nationalism and also to our democracy. True devotion to Bharat Mata means not merely celebrating its spiritual heritage but actively protecting its erosion caused by demographic transformation. I am happy to share with you that Viksit Bharat is not a dream now. It is our object. The nation is regaining past glory. We are on way to it. Our youth will play a critical role. We must gear up to do that. Everything that is happening in the country is making us proud globally.

     I reflected on global institutions. Now look at what happened only a few days ago. More than twice the population of the US had footprint at Mahakumbh. The holy Mahakumbh. More than twice the population of the US. Imagine the size and scale of it. And look at the exemplary management, quick response, facilities everything for us to take pride. The world has not seen such organised handling of a situation at this mega scale. Nowhere on the planet this has been seen. Nowhere there has been congregation of humanity in that number on a daily basis. That defines Bharat. That surprises the world. Look at how the mobility was there.

     How health was taken care of. How public order was maintained. How hygiene was controlled. I was there. My entire family was there. That should make us proud. This is a glorifying facet of Indian civilisation. We must ever remember. From all considerations all I can say is भारत जैसा कोई दूसरा देश नहीं है। हम अत्यंत भाग्यशाली हैं परमपिता परमेश्वर के कि हमारा जन्म यहाँ हुआ। अब हमें कर्तव्य निर्वहन करना चाहिए और कर्तव्य निर्वहन का मार्ग परमेश्वरन जी ने जीवन पर्यंत सिखाया है। आदर्श प्रचारक के रूप में, देश और दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी ideological संस्था से जुड़कर– राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ और एक रास्ता दिखाकर अहिंसा विकल्प नहीं है।

     I am extremely grateful to the organisers for having made this great opportunity to me available. I feel blessed, I feel honoured, and I look forward to the centennial celebrations of his birthday be organised at the national level. I must recognise in the audience’s presence of another great son of Bharat, Padma Bhushan Dr. O. Rajagopal.

     My greetings to all of you. I am grateful for your patience.

     Jai Hind.

    ***

    JK/RC/SM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at the Colloquium on ‘International Arbitration: Indian Perspective’ organised by India International Arbitration Centre (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Good Morning all of you,

    When Chairman, International Arbitration Centre of India extended invitation to me, I had a very frank, forthright thought exchange with him.

     I indicated to Justice Gupta that he has a daunting task to impart much needed credibility to the Indian arbitral system. I was so happy and delighted when he reflected that some step has to be taken. I still recall what he told me. Realistic assessment of a malice and authentic diagnosis is fundamental and quintessence to find a resolution. My response was not encouraging.

     Justice Gupta was insistent. I reacted. Justice Gupta, when UNCITRAL Model came in 1994, UK and India were two countries that had historical connect and had legislation in the same year-1996, but look at the kind of jolts our Act has had ever since then. And compare it with what happened in the United Kingdom, and therefore, to impart credibility and to undertake this very daunting task, there will have to be convergence of stakeholders.

     Those stakeholders are in the legislature, in the executive, in the judiciary, and in the bar. I am so happy and delighted that he has taken the first step, and in the process, though I may be blowing out of proportion, but for a country that is home to one-sixth of humanity, this may be that step which Neil Armstrong took on 20th of July, 1969, when man landed on the moon for the first time. So my best wishes to you.

    I continue to have my concerns and reservations that every inch you will traverse will be difficult. And therefore, my caveat to what the Attorney General reflected, we are not in the global room of arbitration. We are far distant from it. We have to go much beyond our words. Our convergence will have to be on realistic fabric.

     Each one of us will have to contribute, and when we’ll self-assess, we will find we have been in neglect, and therefore, Justice Gupta, I have known him for a very long time. He means business. I therefore compliment him for getting sponsors, Baker, McKinsey, Miss Samantha Mobley, Miss Minnie Van De Pol. Your presence matters because it was in late 90s I had the occasion to attend a conference in your organisation about the state of arbitral position.

     Our Attorney General is as much in law as in academics, and my expectations from him are always more. But I can tell you and share with you, my expectations from the Attorney General are realistic. And I am sure he would carry a message from this place that he will use his office to catalyse the change, particularly with respect to legislation that is ailing our arbitral process with painful interventions that evade finality and expedition.

     I am happy to greet your Secretary General, Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation, Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol. I recall vividly what happened in G20. It was Prime Minister Modi’s vision and he succeeded in getting African Union as a permanent member of G20. European Union was already a member. When we examine this development in historical perspective, we will realise the qualitative import of it.

     Added to this, an attorney was keenly involved with that process also to put on global radar the concerns of Global South. You were there in some conferences involving members of Judiciary in the past, and therefore, indeed, a good convergence, soothing convergence Asian-African aspect. This forum has brought together accomplished minds, but I find absence of some as impactful as presence of those who are here.

     I had expected there will be greater participation of those who are reaping the harvest, those who are occupying the century stage, who happen to be your peers. In a country like ours, change takes place only when we slightly depart from formality and talk straight. But I have no doubt that this step that has generated confidence and optimism in me and I would be certainly a soldier of your agenda that the deliberations would go a long way and I would urge let the deliberations not end with this colloquium.

     Let there be extension of brainstorming sessions between individuals. We have some of the finest minds here. When I look around, when I look at my friend senior advocate, Gaurav Bannerjee look at his lineage, how many times we have discussed passionately in mission mode and then rested because handholding has to be by government stakeholders. Handholding has to be by law. Handholding has to emanate from people whose pen matters, and therefore, Justice Gupta has taken a big challenge and every challenge has inbuilt potential opportunity.

     I have no doubt we will so convert. I need not underscore the relevance of arbitral process, its need, but in our country and I can say with modest exposure to global arbitral process, I think being in the International Court of Arbitration for about three years and associated with the commission of that outfit for about nine years. Here, we are not to regain credibility. We have to establish credibility of arbitration. There is a moment subterranean where people in commerce fear arbitral process and that has to be overcome. Arbitrators play as much critical role as members of the board associated with arbitral process.

     Surprisingly, there is, I’m saying it with utmost restraint, absolute tight-fist control of a segment of a category that is involved with arbitral process determination and this tight-fist control emanates out of judicial fields and if we examine it on an objective platform, it is excruciatingly painful. This country has a rich human resource in every facet, Oceanography, Maritime, Aviation, Infrastructure and what not and the disputes are relatable to the experience which is sectoral.

     Unfortunately, we have taken in this country a very myopic view of arbitration as if it is adjudication. It is much beyond adjudication. It is not conventional adjudication as historically evaluated globally. I am enthused in making these observations because Justice Gupta’s mind is stirred by these thoughts. With all my intent not to come here, I have to yield under the pressure of his determination. Now if any country needs smoothest of judicial process, it is India, and India needs it more than any other country for several reasons.

     And why? We are a country that is on the rise. The rise is unstoppable. The rise is incremental. Ladies and gentlemen, let me reflect on the state of the nation at the moment, and I do it on some authority because I had the occasion to be in Parliament in 1989, in seat of governance as a Minister, 1991. I therefore know what the scene was then and what the scene is now.

     Exponential economic upsurge that we are witnessing. India has transformed from 11th economy a decade ago to the 5th largest global economy on way to becoming the 3rd largest ahead of Japan and Germany very shortly.

     We have 8% growth heading towards 4 trillion economy US dollars. Get little away from it. Phenomenal infrastructure growth. Those who have been to this country a decade ago and now and this very place you can see how swiftly it came or Yashobhoomi, or Indian Parliament building newer even in the phase of COVID our Highways, our Aviation sector, our Space sector, our Deep sea sector. So we have phenomenal infrastructure growth. We have 4 new airports and 1 metro system built every year. Which country in the world can do it?

     Daily 14 km of highways and world class Highways and 6 km of Eailways. A nation of 1.4 billion has deep technological penetration. 85 million have been benefited with affordable housing. 330 million with health coverage and 29 million small businesses with loans annually.

    I am giving out these figures because they have rational and rational to the extent arbitral process is concerned. Where the nation is heading? We boast of lunar and mars missions, vaccine productions, we are focussing on Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, green Hydrogen Mission. We are in single digit countries least that is focussing on artificial intelligence. We are one of the few countries in the world that is on way to exploitation of 6G commercially. And look at our spread of 4G all over the country. Every village has it. And therefore, we have all pervasive digitisation. 6.1 billion monthly digital transactions.

     Third largest global ecosystem and the largest Unicorn–Well spread out. People centric policies. Toilet in the house, gas connection in the house, electricity connection in the house, internet connection in the house, road connection, everything is there. And therefore, this development of a decade has converted India as the most aspirational nation in the world. People are now rest even in restlessness. They want more. They want more because they have tasted development. They have benefited from people centric policies. All this can come up only with the surge in economic activity. And every economic activity will have differences, disputes, requiring quick solutions.

     Sometimes, disputes and differences arise on account of perceptional variations, inadequate support, or helplessness. In this situation, it is very significant that we focus on adjudication. Now is the time when India is emerging in every field globally. Why not India should emerge as a global dispute resolution centre? If I reflect to myself and I enormously benefited by my stay as a member in the International Court of Arbitration.

     What do they have which we don’t? Their infrastructure is hardly comparable to what we have. There are cultural centres where arbitrators can really engage. Go to Kolkata, go to Jaipur, go to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, any part, get away from the metro then you’ll have. I have seen in 10 years growth of arbitral centres with credibility in Dubai and Singapore on self-assessment without fear of contradiction. For this reason, I can say we are nowhere.

     We are not in the mind of people who are having commercial relationship with us if it is international commercial arbitration. There was a time when this country had for the first time a power purchase agreement. My friend Gaurav Banerjee will bear me out. The agreement was settled by a law firm outside the country, but Justice Gupta, it provided for tariff on three terms. One tariff was A, if arbitration is in India as per Indian law, then the tariff will be cheaper by A minus 1. If the arbitration is in India but not according to Indian law. It will still be cheaper if the arbitration was outside India and under outside legal regime. That we have to change, and this finds reflection in power purchase agreement of UNRWA.

     We when are particularly suited naturally, culturally and otherwise the richest human resource on the globe with highest adaptability of Indian mind to highly skilled required techniques and that is why you will find formal economy taking place on account of digital transactions, therefore, time for us to get into a groove to be part of the marathon march that is taking place in the country for India to be a developed nation and India is no longer a country with potential and developed nation status is not our dream it is our destination, and all world organisations that in ‘90 when I was a part of the government were absolutely on us are accolading us global centre favourite centre of Investment and opportunity– International Monetary Fund says World Bank has applauded us that our digitisation accomplished in about six years is not otherwise attainable even in more than four decades we have done it.

     And therefore we will have to go to certain basics I can suggest some, A Former Chief Justice of this country, I am not concerned about the legacy left or the footprints, the nature of which he left but he did make an observation process has become old boys club he was referring to retired judges participation arbitral process.

     I should not be misunderstood even for a moment retired judges of this country are an asset to arbitral process they lend credibility to us. I know some of the former Chief Justices and Judges being absolutely appreciated globally for international commercial arbitration – Justice Lodha, Justice Thakur.

     Let me tell you amazing all of the judges justice everyone is doing I am not for a moment saying keep away from them, No!

     But there are areas where the arbitral tribal needs to be supplemented by experts in the field of Oceanography in Aviation in Infrastructure our judges are perhaps the best in the world. They apply mind, and therefore not for a moment, I should be misunderstood. I do not share the observation of the former Chief justice of old boys’ club. Justice Gupta is immediately suited going by his passion and commitment for bringing about a big change, but I am taking a critic’s view and critic’s view is that the Attorney General of the country can really reflect and make a big change this country in the world tell me has suo-moto cognisance by the highest court.

     I am sure I can’t look around, and Article 136 intervention was supposed to be a narrow slit. The wall has been demolished with anything and everything under the sun including what a Magistrate has to do, What a Sessions Judge as to do, what a District Judge has to do, what a High Court judge has to do, that wall demolition is also hurting Arbitral process.

     All I am suggesting in all humility and a concerned citizen of this country that the issue which you are debating is of critical importance to Micro-small industries they want facile easy arbitral process. For want of time I would not be able to say all I wish to say, and since I have shared my thoughts in private with Justice Gupta, I would concludingly sum up.

     Let us navigate because it is time for us to navigate step by step from alternative resolution to amicable resolution. Why should it be alternative it must be first option why should it be substitute to litigation so amicable resolution from dispute resolution to difference resolution why do we label it, dispute these are differences these are differences because a new person has taken to a particular enterprise in Make in India, he has engaged in a startup. there is some difference this difference he wants to iron out because he is not all in all.

     He can’t have various departments and therefore, let us convert it from dispute resolution to difference resolution and then why resolution? Why not make it from resolution to settlement and why look for judicially enforceable package of Awards. Let us get into consensual convergence.

     All these in my modest assessment will secure commercial partnerships. They will not break partnerships. They will nurture partnerships in commerce, business, trade and industry they will ensure their blossoming. This will augur well for the economic growth and this will also place us in the global arbitration room where presently we are far distanced.

     At the moment, ladies and gentlemen, I have no doubt, let me make my mind clear in a concluding sentence: the arbitral process in our country is just an additional burden to the normal hierarchical mechanism of adjudication. I am grateful to the opportunity accorded to me by Justice Gupta. I wish him good luck and I stand committed to be at your disposal in any manner you feel appropriate or expedient.

    Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for your time and patience.

    ******

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Qinling Antarctica station powered by clean energy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The hybrid power supply system of China’s Qinling Station in Antarctica, integrating wind, solar, hydrogen and diesel power, has kicked off its operation, marking the debut of such a system on the frigid, harsh continent.
    According to China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team, the outdoor 100 kW wind power generation system, 130 kW solar power generation system, 30 kW hydrogen energy system, 300 kWh low-temperature energy storage battery system, part of the diesel power generation system, and the indoor electric control system at the station have been installed.
    Also, the hybrid system’s grid connection and continuous power generation have been realized, enabling the power supply system centering on clean energy.
    The system is the largest-scale new energy power generation system currently installed in China’s Antarctic research stations. The proportion of solar and wind energy reaches over 60 percent, saving more than one hundred tonnes of fossil fuels annually.
    Without wind and sunlight, the system can provide the station with a power supply for about 2.5 hours, with a maximum load of 150 kW. Also, its fully installed hydrogen energy setup can provide 30 kW of uninterrupted power for 14 days during polar nights.
    Qinling Station, the country’s fifth research station in the continent, started operation in February last year.
    Before the Qinling Station, China established four research bases in Antarctica over the past nearly 40 years — the Great Wall Station, the Zhongshan Station, the Kunlun Station and the Taishan Station. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Echo of the Big Bang

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    As part of the popular science marathon “Darwin Week”, this year the dean Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Vladimir Blinov gave a lecture on how people’s ideas about the origin and structure of the Universe have changed and what role relic radiation plays in this.

    “My lecture is a story about how humanity tried to understand the structure of the world in which it lives. And I will tell you how the history of the Universe appears in the light of relic radiation,” he began his speech.

    People have been trying to understand how the Universe works and to build a model of it for quite some time. Even before our era, in ancient Alexandria, the scholar and scribe Claudius Ptolemy wrote an encyclopedia of astronomical and mathematical knowledge of the ancient Greek world, known today as the Almagest. In his picture, the center of the universe was a flat Earth, around which the Sun, planets, and fixed stars were located.

    Interestingly, at about the same time, another scientist from Alexandria, Eratosthenes, used mathematics to prove that the Earth is spherical and even calculated its approximate dimensions. True, he was wrong in his calculations by about 10%, but given the imperfection of his instruments, this was excusable. However, it was Ptolemy’s concept that became officially recognized for a long time.

    After about one and a half thousand years, Renaissance scientists finally debunked it, and through the efforts of Nicolaus Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton, the model of a heliocentric solar system and a universe based on the laws of classical mechanics was established in science.

    — This state of affairs lasted for about 300 years, and during this time, data gradually accumulated that could not be explained from the standpoint of classical Newtonian mechanics. And then Einstein appeared, who created the Special and General Theories of Relativity and, on their basis, created a model of the Universe, — Vladimir Blinov continued.

    This model no longer operated with classical mechanics, but with relativistic mechanics. And one of the first predictions of the General Theory of Relativity was the explanation of the anomalous precession of the orbit of the planet Mercury.

    And a few decades later, the American astronomer Hubble established that the Universe is expanding. Then, physicists, relying on the results obtained by Hubble, abandoned the stationary model of the Universe (from which, by the way, Einstein also proceeded) and came to the conclusion that it used to be more compact, hotter, and approximately 13.8 billion years ago its expansion began. Simply put, this is how the cosmological concept, better known as the Big Bang Theory, was born.

    By the way, the age of the Universe determines the radius of the part of the Universe visible to us due to the finiteness of the speed of light.

    — But this gives scientists a huge bonus: the further away from us the observed object is, the younger we see it. Therefore, thanks to the development of telescopes, astrophysicists and cosmologists can see and study the history of the Universe with their own eyes, rather than reconstructing it from indirect data, — Vladimir Blinov emphasized.

    He then briefly described the various stages of the history of the Universe, starting from the time when it was in a state of helium-hydrogen plasma. It was the recombination of this plasma, according to astrophysicists, that led to the appearance of individual atoms, from which stars and other structures in the Universe were later formed. The consequence of this, in particular, according to scientists’ calculations, was the emergence of radiation with a high degree of isotropy and a spectrum characteristic of an absolutely black body with a temperature of 2.73 K. Soviet astrophysicist I.S. Shklovsky designated it with the term “relict radiation”.

    At first it was a theory, but in 1965, astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson of Bell Telephone Laboratories, while investigating the effects of cosmic radiation on radar, discovered that the antenna had an excess noise temperature of 3.5 K, which they could not explain. It was only after consulting with physicists at Princeton University, who had been trying to detect the relic radiation for a year, that it became clear that this was it.

    — This became proof that the Big Bang model works, that at the age of 380 thousand years the Universe consisted of plasma with a temperature of 3000 K and this radiation is the noise of that same plasma. But further observations began to give rise to new questions, — the dean of the Physics Department emphasized.

    In particular, why is this temperature the same at different, distant points in the Universe, which could not contact each other at that time. There were other inconsistencies. They were explained using the inflationary model of the expansion of the Universe, to the creation of which Soviet physicists Andrei Starobinsky, Andrei Linde and their American colleague Alan Guth contributed.

    In its framework, the expansion of space occurred as a result of quantum fluctuations of a scalar field similar to the field proposed by Higgs, whose quantum, the Higgs boson, was discovered in 2021 at the Large Hadron Collider, and it was almost instantaneous and led to the formation of many “bubble” universes. Precise calculations showed that the sizes of these bubble universes were many orders of magnitude larger than the visible radius of our Universe. For this reason, we do not observe “walls” separating these “bubble” universes.

    — This is how the concept of the Multiverse was born, in which an infinite number of Universes with different properties were, are, and will be formed. Some of them quickly collapse, some do not. We live in one of these universes, — the speaker concluded.

    And since the number of universes is infinite, and the number of particles in them is finite, all possible scenarios of their composition and evolution are realized. Even exact copies of our Universe are possible, and perhaps somewhere at this time the same lecture is being given by Vladimir Blinov’s double.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s energy transition: capitalising on global investment shifts post-US election

    Source: Allens Insights

    An increasingly complex global environment 13 min read

    Within hours of his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Trump signed almost 100 executive orders and issued several memorandums and announcements. These included a wind-back of the Inflation Reduction Act (the IRA), withdrawal from The Paris Agreement, halting approvals for new offshore wind farm projects, fast-tracking approval processes for fossil fuels and implementing tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, some of which were subsequently paused.

    It is early days, so there is limited evidence as to whether this will result in a meaningful change to actual investment allocations in sectors such as renewable energy, but it certainly demonstrates that the global investment environment is becoming increasingly complex, and we believe there is potential for some portion of capital to be redirected away from the US.

    While a potential global reallocation of debt and equity capital and other key energy transition resources such as labour and equipment may be advantageous for a number of countries, the extent to which Australia will be able to capitalise on these opportunities will be tested by the many existing challenges that remain and need to be solved.

    In this Insight, we reflect on the potential consequences of recent policy changes in the US following the re-election of the Trump administration and how this may impact the energy transition in Australia.

    Key takeaways

    • The winding back of the Inflation Reduction Act and other renewables policies under the new US administration may lead to a global redirection of capital away from the US to other jurisdictions, with the reallocation of key resources such as labour and materials easing global supply chain pressures in some pockets.
    • Features specific to Australia’s clean energy market, including our debt and equity markets, and supportive legislative environment may be attractive to certain classes of investors seeking to reallocate capital that was previously earmarked for the US.
    • Similarly, certain local projects experiencing challenges with labour and materials shortages will welcome the potential redistribution and freeing up of such resources.
    • However, the upcoming federal election adds uncertainty to the future direction of Australia’s clean energy policy. Anti-ESG sentiment, fuelled by the renewed emphasis of this theme from the US, may have a further chilling effect on investor confidence.
    • In addition to political uncertainties, Australia’s energy transition continues to face domestic challenges such as approval and connection delays, skilled labour and materials shortages (which are not easily solved even if there is a global redistribution of such resources), and a slow transmission infrastructure build-out. These challenges need to be addressed to fully attract inbound capital.
    • While recognising the very real ongoing local challenges, on the global stage Australia will still be viewed as an attractive investment destination for renewable energy, including relative to the US and parts of Europe. The competitive advantages that are specific to the Australian renewables sector will help Australia compete for the redirection of global capital flows.

    Recent policy changes in the US

    The new US administration has wasted no time in implementing executive orders with the intention of sending policy signals and directing investment in the energy industry in the US in the short to medium term. While the policy situation in the US continues to change on a daily basis, key policies and actions that are expected to directly curb investment in the renewable energy industry in the US are:

    Winding back of the IRA

    Trump’s ‘Unleashing American Energy’ executive order pauses the disbursement of funds allocated under the IRA. This will have direct impacts on existing and planned energy transition projects, including Australian investment into the US in areas such as hydrogen.

    While the IRA is not expected to be fully repealed given a number of projects benefiting from the IRA are in Republican states, the change in stance under the new administration certainly represents a significant shift in direction, given that—up until the commencement of the new administration—the IRA was widely promoted as the single biggest climate investment in US history, with more than US$369 billion of government spending earmarked for energy transition projects, including a vast range of renewable energy technologies. Indeed, it is estimated that as at January 2025, the IRA in its previous form had attracted nearly US$500 billion of investment in low carbon energy and domestic manufacturing, with private investment exceeding public spending by five to six fold.1

    Offshore wind ban

    The withdrawal by President Trump of the Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) from wind energy leasing is anticipated to create major hurdles for the offshore wind industry in the US. The terms of the withdrawal will mean new offshore wind projects are unlikely to get off the ground, as they will not be able to get leases on the OCS. Projects with existing leases may also be at risk of review, which may result in revisions to the sizing of such leases, or even their cancellation.

    Drill, baby drill

    Trump’s energy strategy pivots away from the clean energy initiatives under the Biden administration towards a prioritisation of oil and gas. Through a number of executive orders, President Trump has decreased regulatory roadblocks to new oil and gas projects, expanded the areas in which hydrocarbon exploration can take place, restarted approval processes for LNG export projects and initiated a renewed push for the adoption of fracking across the US mainland.

    As a result, the US will immediately become a more attractive destination for oil and gas companies to deploy capital and develop new projects. This is in distinct contrast to the Australian investment landscape. Despite the change in the discourse relating to gas that we’ve seen over the past few years, with both the federal and various state governments now publicly calling out the role of gas as an important part of the energy transition, new projects are still facing long delays in securing approvals and opposition from community groups.

    Anti-ESG investment sentiment

    All of these and many other actions and policies under the new US administration have contributed to a further rise in anti-ESG investment sentiment. Globally, and in part as a possible reaction to that sentiment, we have seen major financial institutions and asset managers pulling back from public net zero and other climate-related commitments.

    Australia’s clean energy investment landscape

    Australia’s clean energy landscape is likely to be influenced by a number of global shifts arising from key US policy changes, including the global reallocation of debt and equity capital, disruption and redistribution of supply chains, key materials and labour, and a changing political environment and public sentiment.

    While these shifts may, in some respects, be positive for Australian clean energy projects and investment, our energy transition continues to face significant challenges. The impact on energy policy following a possible change in federal government is significant, with uncertainty around whether a number of the key initiatives pursued over the past few years will continue. These include the Rewiring the Nation initiative, which funds the construction of new transmission infrastructure, and the offshore wind industry which is underpinned by federal legislation. Of course, there is then the issue of the Coalition’s nuclear policy and how this might impact the direction of the energy market in Australia.

    In addition to this sovereign risk, Australia continues to grapple with significant approval delays and transmission connection issues for energy transition projects, preventing developers from fully capitalising on the opportunity to attract capital. We will cover these issues in more detail in future Insights in this series.

    Many of the orders and policies under the Trump administration are expected to:

    • present significant hurdles for new projects in the US (particularly in the renewable energy sector and generation projects both onshore and offshore);
    • create or exacerbate delays and challenges for certain existing US projects, some of which may be shelved or abandoned completely; and
    • increase political and social complexity and scrutiny of investment policies that are explicitly linked to decarbonisation or climate-related targets.

    In particular, the winding back of the IRA is expected to result in capital of up to US$80 billion being diverted away from the US.2 Should this eventuate, a huge global reallocation of capital can be expected to occur, potentially creating new opportunities for certain segments and projects in the Australian energy sector.

    Emerging technologies and non-traditional revenue structures

    While Australia benefits from a mature, sophisticated and liquid project finance market, for certain clean energy projects, such as those involving newer and emerging technologies or non-traditional revenue profiles (like hydrogen, batteries and other storage assets), there is often a need for support from a range of traditional and non-traditional funding sources. These can include government lender support or private debt providers who may be willing to provide greater flexibility in their terms for certain projects that are higher up the risk curve given their different investment mandates and risk appetite.

    The capital expected to ‘free up’ as a result of a more challenging investment environment in the US will come from a wide range of sources, including commercial banks, private debt lenders and funds. With strong existing liquidity in the Australian project finance bank debt market, we see opportunities for non-traditional lenders, particularly private debt lenders who may be looking to reallocate their investment, to increase their participation in the Australian energy market, especially on projects involving emerging technologies or with non-traditional revenue profiles. We may see more of those types of lenders providing standalone funding or supplementing and sitting alongside traditional bank debt and government funding on certain clean energy projects.

    This activity may be facilitated by other current features of the Australian market, such as the RBA recently starting a gradual easing cycle on interest rates, as well as industry-specific features that support new project development and funding, such as legislated emissions reduction targets, and government-led funding and revenue underwriting initiatives, at both a federal and state level, such as the Commonwealth Capacity Investment Scheme and NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap for renewable energy zones and Long Term Energy Services Agreements. It remains to be seen what effect the Australian election outcome may have on federal energy policy, and we have already seen a shift in Queensland in terms of government support for energy transition-related targets and projects.

    M&A activity and expansion of energy platform investment

    On the equity side, for similar reasons noted earlier, we anticipate that Australia should be viewed as a relatively attractive jurisdiction for increased investment from equity investors who may be pulling back their investment allocations in projects in the US. In the Australian context, potential increased equity interest from investors looking for scale and diversification may further drive the proliferation of energy platforms and portfolios. This is a major trend that has proven to be highly attractive and viable for sponsors in the local market across the past 12-24 months, leading to a number of platforms and portfolios becoming available in the pipeline and seeking to be connected with equity and debt capital providers. Investors with more specific asset or technology-based mandates may also look to increase their investment in sectors that have proven to be increasingly bankable, such as the utility-scale batteries sector or, depending on their investment mandate, sectors involving more emerging technologies.

    The extent to which these potential opportunities will result in a net benefit for Australia will be tested by a number of existing sector challenges. These include political uncertainty and a possible pullback by certain investors from the sector generally in the context of heightened scrutiny from stakeholders around ‘environmental agendas’. We have also seen a retreat by certain investors from some technologies such as utility-scale solar, and there are, of course, the pain points with permitting, connection, access and social licence affecting all projects. All of these factors lessen competition for assets, placing downward pressure on returns and presenting issues for Australia as an investment destination for capital seeking a home.

    The significant hurdles, delays and other challenges for renewable energy projects in the US, combined with more general measures such as tariffs, leading to potential trade wars, are expected to significantly disrupt supply chains, key materials and labour. Looking at some of Australia’s existing challenges under these themes, we anticipate that there may be upside for certain segments of the clean energy industry.

    Labour and supply chain opportunities

    The redistribution of resources such as labour and equipment that is no longer required for projects in the US may present opportunities for Australian projects such as solar, wind and storage, as well as facilitating the buildout of transmission infrastructure. Shortages in skilled labour and materials have been a key hurdle facing Australia’s ambitious pipeline of energy development projects and transmission infrastructure buildout. Key equipment and components for energy projects are in high demand globally. Production slots for these items can be booked out years in advance and prices have continually been increasing. Program timing for these large-scale projects is critical, with delays resulting in projects losing their position in the queue for both key components and grid access, which is contributing to cost overruns and blowouts.

    While there is no easy solution to existing supply chain problems, we expect that a redistribution of supply of material, transportation and labour resources away from the US may provide some assistance with overcoming these challenges.

    Offshore wind sector

    The sweeping actions taken by the Trump administration raise serious concerns for the offshore wind industry in the US. From a global perspective, it will mean a huge volume of such development projects may be withdrawn from the US or delayed for some time. In addition to the associated equity and debt investment that will no longer be deployed for those projects and will therefore need to be reallocated, this also means key resources such as contractors, suppliers and operators, as well as key materials, transportation and components, which were previously committed to that project pipeline, will become available globally. The freeing up of some of these resources may assist to address existing shortages in the Australian offshore industry.

    This redistribution presents opportunities for Australia, in particular when we consider some of the current regulatory and policy settings already in place for our offshore wind industry. While still in its early stages, the federal and Victorian governments have been at the forefront of developing an offshore wind market in Australia, with the introduction of an offshore electricity licensing framework at a federal level and a clear policy direction from the Victorian Government outlining its offshore wind targets.

    That said, the offshore wind industry in Australia is still very much in its infancy, and the progress that has been made under current Labor governments at the state level is at risk of being paused or wound back should we see a change of federal government at the upcoming election.

    The substantial shift in stance that the new US administration has taken on energy policy has heightened criticism of energy investment from certain political and social voices and, relatedly, has contributed to a general anti-ESG and anti-woke narrative.

    This increases the complexity of the investment environment surrounding the energy sector globally. In Australia, we see this potentially amplifying certain political and social licence challenges, but will not necessarily be a significant detractor from opportunities for the energy transition in Australia given that, as an investment destination, it remains attractive relative to other parts of the world.

    Emboldening political and community challengers

    We expect to see key planning and environment approvals required under federal and state legislation remaining a challenge for developers, both in terms of delays in securing those approvals and increasingly stringent assessment requirements and conditions once those approvals have been obtained.

    This may be exacerbated depending on the outcome of the upcoming federal election this year. The Coalition has taken a considerably stronger stance against renewables generally, and this may be further fuelled by the renewed emphasis on anti-ESG investing and anti-woke sentiment from the US. For example, we have seen the federal opposition’s recent announcement of its intention to revoke the Southern Ocean Offshore Wind Zone if elected, criticism from federal opposition leader, Peter Dutton, of ‘woke’ bankers who refuse lending to certain sectors on environmental grounds and a promise that, if elected, the opposition would unwind emissions reporting rules that came into effect on 1 January.

    Similarly, we may see community opposition and social licence challengers emboldened by that anti-ESG and anti-woke narrative. In the context of the build-out of generation and transmission projects, this may result in even more protracted stakeholder consultation and negotiations with underlying tenure owners, as well as legal challenges to approved and operating projects.

    Green lending and investment policies

    There is increased complexity and uncertainty around ESG investment and, as part of that, renewable energy investment. As discussed earlier, the political climate in the US has contributed to this and that climate is potentially emboldening certain local political players to more explicitly support policies that curb renewables investment. It may be that we see Australian businesses feeling pressure to follow what we have seen globally in terms of businesses withdrawing or distancing themselves from explicit climate-related commitments. However, we see limited evidence and rationale that this alone will drive a substantive diversion of capital away from the renewables sector, especially where the investment case for projects is commercially and scientifically compelling.

    Further, while we have seen certain anti-woke and anti-ESG sentiment echoed in Australia and specifically in the renewable sector, this has not been at the same level of intensity as in the US and so, from that perspective, it is another consideration for investors who are seeking to redeploy capital that was previously committed to US renewables projects, when assessing Australia as a relatively appealing destination.

    That said, shifts in sentiment against ESG agendas will certainly add to the already growing scrutiny from corporate, political and community stakeholders, and this may become more pronounced should there be a change of government at the next election. Against this backdrop, to ensure the Australian renewables sector can capitalise on the potential opportunities presented by the global reallocation of capital and resources, it has never been more important to demonstrate a compelling investment case to equity and debt investors. Crucially, this will involve continued work to overcome the many industry, community and project-level hurdles in the sector.

    Looking to the future

    Despite these local challenges, there remain many reasons why Australia should still be viewed as an attractive investment destination for renewable energy. The advantages Australia has in terms of its stable legal and political system (including bipartisan support for 2050 net zero targets and significant government support for industry at both state and federal level) and its vast, high quality renewable energy sources will continue to bolster Australia’s ability to compete for global capital flows.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches construction of cold-seep ecosystem research facility

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China commenced construction on a research facility focused on the cold-seep ecosystem on Friday in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province.
    The research facility, designated as one of the country’s major national science and technology infrastructure projects, will support cutting-edge fundamental research and high-tech development. Its scope will encompass the exploration of the origins of life in extreme deep-sea environments and the green development of deep-sea resources.
    A cold seep is a region on the ocean floor where hydrogen sulfide, methane and other hydrocarbon-rich fluid seep out. These areas are a birthplace for life that can thrive under extreme conditions.
    The study of cold seep is gaining increasing attention; however one challenge lies in the limitations of short-term, random underwater probes deployed by manned submersibles and remotely operated vehicles. These probes often struggle to capture long-term biological migration and the evolution of the ecosystem.
    The research facility, combining a manned deep-sea laboratory and a land-based fidelity simulation installation, is set to be completed within five years, according to its builder, the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
    SCSIO said the facility will play an important role in research on the development of the cold-seep ecosystem, the succession of chemosynthetic organisms and methane phase evolution, and its environmental effects.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Critical minerals and hydrogen production incentives now law

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    As part of the 2024–25 Budget, the Government announced its Future Made in Australia package to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. This package included 2 new, temporary tax incentives:

    These measures are now law.

    Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive

    The CMPTI provides eligible companies with a refundable tax offset of 10 per cent of the eligible costs of processing certain critical minerals in Australia. The offset will be available for a maximum of 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040.

    The CMPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

    Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive

    The HPTI is a refundable tax offset of $2 per kilogram of eligible hydrogen produced by eligible companies. The HPTI applies to eligible hydrogen produced in income years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040, for a maximum of 10 years.

    The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and the Clean Energy Regulator.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Leakage is a risk with carbon storage projects – NZ’s new framework must be clear on how to deal with this liability

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Dempsey, Associate Professor in Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury

    Shutterstock/Oksana Bali

    The government recently announced a framework to regulate carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) by New Zealand companies.

    Energy and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts outlined new rules that would allow emitters to capture their carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and inject them underground for permanent disposal. They would then avoid having to pay for those emissions under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

    Globally, CCUS is currently used mostly by coal or gas-fired power stations, liquefied natural gas plants and petroleum refineries. There are 41 commercial operations around the world, and they capture about 40 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

    Our peers (Australia, the United States and the European Union) already have CCUS frameworks and storage projects. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change acknowledges CCUS’s role in curbing emissions, but highlights challenges in scaling and technology readiness.

    New Zealand faces the challenge of reducing emissions from strategic industries such as steel, concrete, fossil fuels and their derivatives (methanol, ammonia). CCUS has been tabled as an interim solution, strongly supported by the fossil fuel industry. However, critics warn it could reduce incentives to phase out fossil fuels.

    The government argues its CCUS framework aligns New Zealand with international standards. This claim has merit insofar as successful climate action is likely to require international collaboration and technology transfer.

    CCUS in New Zealand could enable reinjection of CO₂ produced from the Kapuni gas field in Taranaki, with “utilisation” involving diverting some of the gas for use in the food and beverage or horticulture industries.

    However, leakage of CO₂ from long-term disposal sites is a major technical risk and New Zealand’s framework must be clear on how it would deal with this liability.

    A bubbling sping near Lake Boehmer emits noxious fumes.
    Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

    Lake Boehmer and how things might go wrong

    Rules for CCUS projects generally require operators to monitor, report and remedy any leakage of CO₂. But because the industry is young, it is useful to take a broader look at geological leakage in the past to reveal how future challenges play out.

    Lake Boehmer, in the the Permian Basin of West Texas, wasn’t always there. But 20 years ago an old irrigation well started leaking saltwater and hasn’t stopped since.

    The well was drilled in 1951 by an oil and gas company. No oil was discovered so the well was handed over to the landowner for irrigation. The well produced water, but also poisonous hydrogen sulphide, enough to kill a farmhand in 1953.

    In the 1990s, the well started leaking. Water from a deep aquifer had pushed its way up alongside the well through geological layers of salt. The water dissolved the salt, worsening the leak, and emerged from underground three times saltier than seawater.

    The Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas, says they are not liable to plug the well because they only have jurisdiction over oil wells. The original operator, which is claimed to have promised to plug the well “any time it becomes polluted with mineral water”, is no longer in business. No one can find the landowner.

    After 20 years, Lake Boehmer has grown to 60 acres. Its shore is rimmed in salt crystals and the odd dead bird from hydrogen sulphide exposure. No one can agree who should fix it.

    Could something similar happen with CCUS? Exacerbating factors in the Boehmer case include deterioration of an aged well – it’s almost 50 years since leakage started – and the absence of a backstop party as the final holder of liability. Both could happen with CCUS under the wrong circumstances.

    Better ways of dealing with leakage

    The Decatur CCUS project in the US state of Illinois has been injecting CO₂ produced from corn ethanol two kilometres deep into sandstone. Over about a decade, 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂ has been injected – emissions diverted from the atmosphere.

    The US government imposes strict monitoring rules on CCUS projects. Special monitoring wells are drilled into the disposal aquifer to measure pressure changes and how far the CO₂ has travelled.

    Unfortunately, one of these wells started to leak, possibly due to corrosion. It allowed about 8,000 tonnes of CO₂ to escape into overlying geological layers.

    This is rightly concerning, but to put it into perspective, the size of the leak is 0.2% of the injected CO₂ volume and none of it has escaped to the atmosphere or shallow groundwater. The leak was detected, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intervened, issuing a notice that the leak be remediated, and the company plugged the well.

    This illustrates a functioning CCUS framework. Monitoring requirements ensured the leak was discovered and the regulator was empowered to dictate remedial action.

    However, critics have questioned the timeliness of the operator’s disclosure. The site remains on hold but may resume operations if the EPA is satisfied with the fix.

    Lessons for New Zealand

    A proposal circulated last year suggests the government will model its legislation on Australia and the EU, with CCUS operators being responsible for leaks during disposal operations and for a time after site closure.

    This is like the Decatur situation. It makes sense for operators to fix leaks because they have the technical expertise and are the direct financial beneficiaries of emissions disposal.

    It gets trickier on generational time frames. Companies can go out of business or might leave the country. In these cases, the government is liable for long-term leakage and may seek financial security from the operator to cover future costs.

    A leak arising decades after closure could be more difficult to detect and costly to fix, especially if held up by a protracted fight around liability. This is the Lake Boehmer example.

    Some CCUS seems inevitable if the world is to meet climate targets. It is therefore important to prepare for the possibility of a leak by having robust practices and clear responsibility.

    Although it may seem unfair to burden future generations with looking after CO₂ disposal sites, we argue it is preferable to a legacy that has those same climate-warming gases in the atmosphere.

    David Dempsey receives funding from MBIE for research into carbon dioxide removal.

    Andrew La Croix receives funding from MBIE for research into carbon dioxide removal.

    – ref. Leakage is a risk with carbon storage projects – NZ’s new framework must be clear on how to deal with this liability – https://theconversation.com/leakage-is-a-risk-with-carbon-storage-projects-nzs-new-framework-must-be-clear-on-how-to-deal-with-this-liability-251006

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Captures New View of Colorful Veil

    Source: NASA

    In this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image, Hubble once again lifts the veil on a famous — and frequently photographed — supernova remnant: the Veil Nebula. The remnant of a star roughly 20 times as massive as the Sun that exploded about 10,000 years ago, the Veil Nebula is situated about 2,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. Hubble images of this photogenic nebula were first taken in 1994 and 1997, and again in 2015.
    This view combines images taken in three different filters by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, highlighting emission from hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. The image shows just a small fraction of the Veil Nebula; if you could see the entire nebula without the aid of a telescope, it would be as wide as six full Moons placed side-by-side.
    Although this image captures the Veil Nebula at a single point in time, it helps researchers understand how the supernova remnant evolves over decades. Combining this snapshot with Hubble observations from 1994 will reveal the motion of individual knots and filaments of gas over that span of time, enhancing our understanding of this stunning nebula.

    Media Contact:
    Claire Andreoli (claire.andreoli@nasa.gov)NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and EU Strengthen Cooperation in Science and Technology during High-Level Meeting in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 7:47PM by PIB Delhi

    An India-European Union (EU) Meeting on Science & Technology Cooperation was held on 27th Feb 2025 at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi. The meeting was part of the various sectoral meetings being held in wake of the two-day visit of H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to India along with the College of Commissioners. The meeting was co-chaired by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.

    On the Indian side, the meeting saw the participation of Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Scientist ‘H’, DBT, Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Adviser, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Dr. Praveen Kumar S, Head, International Cooperation, DST, Dr. Aparna Shukla, Scientist ‘E’, MoES and Dr. Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist ‘D’, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser. From the European Commission, Ms. Zaharieva was joined by Mr. Marc Lemaître, Director-General, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Ms. Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit, International Cooperation, Ms. Sophie Alexandrova, Deputy Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Zaharieva, Mr. Ivan Dimov, Member of Cabinet to Commissioner Zaharieva, Mr. Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor & Head of Research & Innovation Section, EU Delegation to India, and Dr. Vivek Dham, Policy Officer, Research & Innovation Section, EU Delegation to India. The meeting aimed to strengthen India-EU research partnerships and drive innovation in critical areas such as clean energy, water, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate change research.

    During the discussions, both sides acknowledged the long-standing India-EU Science & Technology Agreement, originally signed in 2001 and renewed in 2015 and 2020, which is now set for extension for 2025-2030. The partnership has played a pivotal role in fostering research collaborations in water resource management, smart grids, clean energy, vaccine development, and climate change & polar research. The meeting highlighted significant achievements in wastewater treatment, vaccine innovations, and deep-sea exploration, which have emerged as key areas of cooperation between the two regions.

    India’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, which ranks third globally in startup and unicorn creation, was recognized as a driving force behind the collaboration. The discussion also focused on India’s emerging expertise in renewable energy, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing & biotechnology etc.

    The meeting also explored future opportunities in areas such as quantum computing, bio economy, green hydrogen, blue economy, EV & battery technology, high-performance computing, and responsible AI. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint funding mechanisms, increased scientific exchange programs, and stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate progress in these fields. In their concluding remarks, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood and Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva reaffirmed their commitment to deepening India-EU scientific collaboration and leveraging joint expertise to address global challenges.

    The meeting concluded with a networking session, where stakeholders discussed practical steps for scaling up joint projects. The India-EU Science & Technology Agreement continues to play a crucial role in strengthening this strategic partnership, fostering innovation, and enhancing mutual economic and technological benefits.

    *****

    MJPS/ST

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement: Second Meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, New Delhi (February 28, 2025)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place in New Delhi on 28 February 2025. It was co-chaired on the Indian side by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar; Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal; and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Mr. Maros Šefčovič and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva co-chaired on the EU side.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had established the India-EU TTC in April 2022 as a key bilateral platform to address challenges at the confluence of trade, trusted technology and security. India and the European Union, as two large and vibrant democracies with open market economies, shared values and pluralistic societies, are natural partners in a multipolar world.

    The deepening of bilateral relations and the growing strategic convergence between the EU and India respond to the shifting dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape and a common interest in promoting global stability, economic security, and sustainable and inclusive growth. In that respect, both sides emphasized again the importance of the rules-based international order and the full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The TTC reflects a shared acknowledgement between the EU and India of the increasingly critical links between trade and technology, the potential of cooperation on these issues to enhance the economies of both partners, and the need to work together on the related security challenges. Both sides note the potential of their partnership to increase resilience, strengthen connectivity and drive forward the development of green and clean technologies.

    The first meeting of the India-EU TTC was held in Brussels on 16 May 2023. The TTC Ministerial Meeting provided political guidance for the way forward. Subsequently on 24 November 2023, a stock-taking meeting in virtual mode reviewed the progress made by the three TTC working groups.

    Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity

    India and the European Union reaffirmed the importance of deepening their digital cooperation in line with their shared values through the Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity. Both sides committed to leverage their respective strengths to accelerate a human-centric digital transformation and the development of advanced and trustworthy digital technologies such as AI, semiconductors, High-Performance Computing and 6G, which will benefit both economies and societies. Both sides committed to work jointly to strengthen EU-India research and innovation for this purpose to further enhance competitiveness, while increasing their economic security. Both sides committed to promoting global connectivity in a cyber-secure digital ecosystem.

    Recognizing the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the development of open and inclusive digital economies and digital societies, India and the European Union agreed to collaborate on working towards interoperability of their respective DPIs that respect human rights and protect personal data, privacy, and intellectual property rights. Both sides further committed to jointly promote DPIs solutions to third countries and further emphasized the need of mutual recognition of e-signatures to enhance cross-border digital transactions and foster mutual economic growth.

    Both sides emphasized their commitment to further strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains and promote collaboration in the field of semiconductors. To that end, they agreed to explore joint R&D in the field of chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies, technology development for advanced processes for process design kit (PDK), among others. Both sides shall promote the strengthening of the EU and Indian semiconductor ecosystems to enhance technological capabilities and ensure supply chain resilience by developing sustainable, secure and diversified semiconductor production capacities. Furthermore, they committed to developing a dedicated programme that will facilitate talent exchanges and foster semiconductor skills among students and young professionals.

    The two sides reiterated their commitment to safe, secure, trustworthy, human-centric, sustainable and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to promote this vision on the international level. In addition, with a view to ensuring continued and impactful cooperation on AI, the European AI Office and India AI Mission agreed to deepen cooperation, encouraging an ecosystem of innovation and fostering information exchange on common open research questions for developing trustworthy AI. They also agreed to enhance cooperation on large language models, and to harness the potential of AI for human development and common good, including through joint projects such as developing tools and frameworks for ethical and responsible AI. These will build on the progress made under R&D collaboration on high-performance computing applications in the areas of natural hazards, climate change, and bioinformatics.

    India and the EU welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for aligning research and development priorities and creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains. Both sides will also enhance cooperation on IT and telecoms standardisation with a particular focus on promoting interoperable global standards.

    Furthermore, the two sides agreed to work towards bridging the digital skills gap, explore mutual recognition of certifications, and promote legal pathways of skilled professionals and exchange of talent.

    Both sides agreed to collaborate on the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, agreed by consensus at the UN General Assembly in September 2024, as a key instrument for delivering on their shared objectives. They noted the need to ensure that the forthcoming World Summit on Information Society +20 maintains global support for and enhances the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.

    Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies

    India and the European Union recalled the importance of the priority workstreams identified under Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies for achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and 2050 for India and the European Union, respectively. Achieving these targets will require significant investment in new clean technologies and standards. An emphasis on research and innovation (R&I) will foster technological collaboration and exchange of best practices between the EU and India. In parallel, supporting technological innovations for market uptake will enhance access to the respective markets by Indian and EU enterprises and facilitate wide adoption of innovative technologies. This opens perspectives for cooperation between Indian and EU incubators, SMEs and start-ups and building human resource capability and capacity in such technologies.

    In this regard, both sides agreed on joint research cooperation through exceptional coordinated calls on recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste-to-hydrogen. The estimated total joint budget will be about EUR 60 million from the Horizon Europe programme and from matching Indian contributions. On recycling of batteries for EVs, the focus will be on battery circularity through different kinds of flexible/low cost/easy to recycle batteries. In marine plastic litter, the focus will be on developing technologies for detection, measurement and analysis of aquatic litter and for mitigation of the cumulative impact of pollution on the marine environment. On waste-to-hydrogen, the focus will be on developing technologies with greater efficiency to produce hydrogen from biogenic wastes.

    The two sides recalled the importance of the substantive exchanges between experts in the identified areas of cooperation as the basis for future action. Indian experts have participated in a training and mutual learning exercise on EV interoperability and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) E-Mobility Lab in Ispra, Italy in January 2024. Furthermore, a joint hybrid workshop on EV Charging Technologies (Standardisation and Testing) was organised at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, India and online, to deepen the EU-Indian dialogue and the industry’s engagement in charging infrastructure standardisation processes with India. The two sides also concluded a Matchmaking Event to identify, support and organise exchanges between Indian and EU startups in technology for recycling of batteries for EVs. Experts also jointly discussed assessment and monitoring tools for marine plastic litter. Finally, an “Ideathon” fostering EU-India collaboration to co-create practical solutions involving all stakeholders for addressing marine plastic pollution effectively is in preparation.

    Both sides agreed to explore cooperation on harmonising standards for EV charging infrastructure, including cooperative, pre-normative research for harmonised testing solutions and knowledge exchange in the domain of e-mobility. They also agreed to explore how to enhance collaboration in the field of hydrogen-related safety standards, the science of standards as well as the market uptake of wastewater treatment technologies as outcomes of previous jointly conducted research projects.

    Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains

    India and the European Union noted productive discussions under Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains with a view to building a closer economic partnership between India and the European Union. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical context, both sides committed to work together for creating wealth and shared prosperity. The work under Working Group 3 complements the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indications Agreement which are proceeding on separate tracks.

    Both sides committed to fostering resilient and future-ready value chains by prioritizing transparency, predictability, diversification, security and sustainability. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Agri-food, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Clean Technologies sectors and agreed on work plans in these three fields with the aim of promoting value chains that can withstand global challenges.

    In agriculture, India and the EU intend to collaborate on contingency planning for food security and welcomed common efforts on shared research and innovations needs regarding climate-resilient practices, crop diversification and infrastructure improvements as promoted for cooperation through the G20 framework. In the pharmaceutical sector, both sides aim to enhance transparency and security in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) supply chains by mapping vulnerabilities, promoting sustainable manufacturing, and establishing early warning systems to prevent disruptions. Clean technology cooperation centers on strengthening supply chains for solar energy, offshore wind, and clean hydrogen by exchanging information on sectoral capabilities and investment incentives and Research, Development and Innovation priorities as well as on methodologies to assess vulnerabilities, discussing approaches to minimize trade barriers and exploring possible synergies of the supply chains. Across these sectors, India and the EU are working to foster investment, exchange best practices, and mitigate risks through regular dialogues, research collaborations, and business-to-business engagements, ensuring supply chain resilience and sustainable economic growth.

    Both sides acknowledged that relevant priority market access issues are being addressed through cooperation within the TTC framework. The EU side appreciated the Indian initiatives to approve the marketing of several EU plant products while the Indian side appreciated the listing of a number of Indian aquaculture establishments and taking up the issue of equivalence for agricultural organic products. Both sides agreed to pursue their efforts on these topics, under the TTC review mechanism, and to continue their engagement on remaining issues flagged by each other.

    The two sides noted the exchanges regarding best practices in the screening of Foreign Direct Investments, which is an area of growing importance to foster economic security.

    India and the EU strengthened their commitment towards the multilateral trading system as an anchor in the current challenging geopolitical context. At the same time, they recognized the need to bring necessary reform to the WTO so that it is able to address efficiently and effectively issues of interest to Members. Both sides also recognized the importance of a functioning dispute settlement system. For this purpose, they agreed to deepen their dialogue and engagement to help the WTO deliver concrete outcomes, including at MC14.

    Both sides have held in-depth discussions on trade and decarbonization through several bilateral channels and have engaged jointly with stakeholders, especially on the implementation of the EU’s carbon border mechanism (CBAM). Both sides discussed the challenges arising out of CBAM implementation, in particular for the small and medium enterprises and agreed to continue addressing them.

    The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and deepening their engagement under the TTC and to working together to fulfill the goals laid out in this successful second meeting of the TTC. They agreed to meet again for the third meeting of TTC within one year from now.

     

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Leaders’ Statement: Visit of Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and EU College of Commissioners to India (February 27-28, 2025)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 6:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that the EU-India Strategic Partnership has delivered strong benefits for their peoples and for the larger global good. They committed to raise this partnership to a higher-level, building upon 20 years of India-EU Strategic Partnership and over 30 years of India-EC Cooperation Agreement.

    President von der Leyen was on her landmark official visit as she led the European Union College of Commissioners to India on 27-28 February 2025. This is the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties.

    As the two largest democracies and open market economies with diverse pluralistic societies, India and EU underscored their commitment and shared interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development.

    The leaders agreed that shared values and principles including democracy, rule of law, and the rules-based international order in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter make India and the EU like-minded and trusted partners. The India-EU Strategic partnership is needed now, more than ever, to jointly address global issues, foster stability, and promote mutual prosperity.

    In this context, they stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation between India and Europe in trade and de-risking of supply chains, investment, emerging critical technologies, innovation, talent, digital and green industrial transition, space and geospatial sectors, defence and people-to-people contacts. They also highlighted the need to cooperate on tackling common global challenges, including climate change, the governance of Artificial Intelligence, development finance, and terrorism in an interdependent world.

    The two leaders welcomed the progress made by the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) that took place during the visit in fostering deeper collaboration and strategic co-ordination at the intersection of trade, trusted technology, and green transition.

    They also welcomed the specific outcomes emerging from deliberations conducted between the EU College of Commissioners and their Indian counterpart Ministers.

    The leaders committed to as follows:

    i. Task their respective negotiating teams to pursue negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA with the aim of concluding them within the course of the year, recognizing the centrality and importance of growing India EU trade and economic relations. The leaders asked the officials to work as trusted partners to enhance market access and remove trade barriers. They also tasked them to advance negotiations on an Agreement on Investment Protection and an Agreement on Geographical Indications.

    ii. Direct the India-EU Trade and Technology Council to further deepen its engagement to shape outcome-oriented cooperation in areas of economic security and supply chain resilience, market access and barriers to trade, strengthening of semiconductor ecosystems, trustworthy and sustainable Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, 6G, Digital Public Infrastructure, joint research and innovation for green and clean energy technologies with a focus on trusted partnerships and industry linkages across these sectors, including the recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste to green/renewable hydrogen. In this context, they welcomed the progress in the implementation of MoU on semiconductors for boosting the semiconductor supply chains, leveraging complementary strengths, facilitating talent exchanges and fostering semiconductor skills among students and young professionals; as well as the signing of MoU between Bharat 6G alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains.

    iii. Further expand and deepen cooperation under India-EU partnerships in areas of connectivity, clean energy and climate, water, smart and sustainable urbanization, and disaster management as well as work to intensify cooperation in specific areas such as clean hydrogen, offshore wind, solar energy, sustainable urban mobility, aviation, and railways. In this context, they welcomed the agreement on holding an India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and the India-EU Business Summit on Offshore Wind Energy.

    iv. Develop new specific areas of co-operation identified during the bilateral discussions between the EU Commissioners and Indian Ministers to be reflected in the future joint Strategic Agenda to drive mutual progress.

    v. Undertake concrete steps for the realization of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, deepen their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT 2.0), and Global Biofuels Alliance.

    vi. Strengthen people-to-people ties especially in the areas of higher education, research, tourism, culture, sports, and between their youths, and create an enabling environment for enhancing such exchanges. Also to promote legal, safe and orderly migration in areas of skilled workforce and professionals in view of India’s growing human capital and taking into account EU member states’ demographic profile and labour market needs.

    The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes underpinned by effective regional institutions. India welcomed the EU joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Both sides also committed to explore trilateral co-operation including in Africa and the Indo-Pacific.

    The two leaders expressed satisfaction at growing cooperation in the defence and security domain, including joint exercises and collaboration between Indian Navy and EU Maritime security entities. The EU side welcomed India’s interest in joining the projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) as well as to engage in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA). The leaders also committed to explore a security and defence partnership. They reiterated their commitment to international peace and security, including maritime security by tackling traditional and non-traditional threats to safeguard trade & sea lanes of communication. They emphasised the need to deepen collaboration in counter terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing in a comprehensive and sustained manner.

    The two leaders also discussed key international and regional issues, including on the situation in the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine. They expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also reiterated their commitment to the vision of the two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, consistent with international law.

    The Leaders recognized the productive and forward-looking nature of the discussions and agreed on the following concrete steps:

    (i) Expedite the conclusion of the FTA by the end of the year.

    (ii) Further focused discussions on defence industry and policy to explore opportunities from new initiatives and programmes.

    (iii) A review meeting with partners to take stock on the IMEC initiative.

    (iv) Engage on maritime domain awareness with a view to promoting shared assessment, coordination and interoperability.

    (v) Convene the next meeting of the TTC at an early date to deepen cooperation in semiconductors and other critical technologies.

    (vi) Enhance the dialogue on clean and green energy between governments and industry, with a focus on green hydrogen.

    (vii) Strengthening collaboration in the Indo-Pacific including through trilateral cooperation projects.

    (viii) Strengthen cooperation on Disaster Management through the development of appropriate arrangements including on policy and technical level engagement for preparedness, response capacities and coordination.

    Both leaders expressed confidence that this momentous visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They looked forward to the next India EU Summit being organized in India at the earliest mutually convenient time and to the adoption of a new joint Strategic Agenda on that occasion. President von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm hospitality.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Global: The science behind airplane deicing – a mechanical engineer explains how chemistry and physics make flying a more uplifting experience

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andrew Sommers, Professor of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Miami University

    A worker deices an airplane at the airport in Brussels. AP Photo/Virginia Mayo

    If you are a frequent flyer, you’ve probably been at the airport waiting to jet somewhere on a winter trip when the voice of an airline employee announces over the intercom that there will be a slight delay while the plane gets deiced. But how does this process actually work, and why is it needed?

    As a mechanical engineer who studies frost growth and water droplets on surfaces, I have come to appreciate the importance of deicing planes. Indeed, deicing is an important safety step performed by the airlines on wintry days because of how snow and ice can affect the physics of flying.

    Why deice?

    In short, deicing is necessary because snow and ice on airplane wings can decrease lift by as much as 30%. Lift is the vertical upward force that keeps a plane in the sky. It is generated when air flows over the wings of a plane.

    Ice and snow can alter how air flows over the wings, which can affect a pilot’s ability to maneuver and control the aircraft. It can also increase the stall speed, which is not good either. Stall speed is the minimum speed needed by an aircraft to generate enough lift to keep it aloft.

    Additionally, ice on the wings can break off in flight, potentially damaging one or more of the flaps on the wings or an engine. Needless to say, deicing has become an indispensable part of flying, especially in the winter months.

    Operators apply green anti-icing fluid to the wing of a plane. The green hue, which indicates a Type IV fluid, helps the operators see which parts they might have missed.
    Orchidpoet/E+ via Getty Images

    Deicing chemicals

    Most people are familiar with the chemical deicers that are used on roads during the winter months. However, the salts in these products can be corrosive, so they’re not used on aircraft.

    Aircraft deicers consist of a water-based solution of glycol – a colorless, odorless organic liquid – mixed with various additives. These additives might include a thickening agent; a substance that prevents corrosion; a surfactant, which decreases the surface tension; a flame retardant, and a dye.

    Glycols are very good at lowering the freezing point of water, which makes it harder for water to freeze or stay frozen on surfaces. Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are the two most common types used, typically making up 30% to 70% of the deicing solution.

    Glycols are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Pictured here is the chemical structure of ethlyene glycol.
    Cacycle/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    For years, only ethylene glycol was used in deicers because of its low cost. However, because propylene glycol is less toxic to wildlife and humans, its adoption by commercial airlines has grown steadily since the 1980s.

    How does the deicing process work?

    Airlines use four standard fluid types when deicing aircraft. These fluids have different viscosities – viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow – and holdover times, which is the length of time the fluids are expected to protect the plane during snow or icing conditions.

    The deicing process includes both complex crew logistics and interesting science.

    In the United States, airlines typically use a two-step process before flying. First, they perform deicing using either a heated Type I fluid or a heated solution of Type I fluid and water.

    Deicing removes existing ice and snow from the wings of the plane, which is why airlines often heat the deicing fluid to around 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 66 degrees Celsius) before application.

    Type I fluids are the thinnest of the deicing fluids, and they’re often red or orange. They spread the easiest on a plane’s surface because they have the lowest viscosity. Since they’re thin enough to flow off a plane when it’s not moving – or moving slowly – they can be applied to any aircraft.

    But as a result, they also have the shortest holdover times, often less than 20 minutes depending on the weather conditions. These holdover times vary, though, and can be less than five minutes for snow if the outside air temperature is below 14 F (minus 10 C).

    Next, the ground crews will typically apply an anti-icing fluid to the aircraft – often Type II or Type IV. Anti-icing solutions are used to help prevent the future accumulation of snow and ice on the wings of planes.

    Type II and Type IV fluids contain thickening agents that increase their viscosity. These thickeners allow the fluid to remain on the aircraft longer to help melt newly forming frost or ice. This translates to longer holdover times – often more than 30 minutes for snow – but it also means the plane needs to reach a higher speed to shear, or blow off, the fluid.

    Once applied, Type II and IV fluids will generally stay on the aircraft until the plane is taxiing down the runaway during takeoff. By then, it has gained enough speed to produce the shear force necessary to remove the fluid from the plane. Type II fluids are a clear or pale straw color, while Type IV fluids are generally green. Including a colored dye helps the ground crew clearly see what parts of the plane have been coated and which areas still need application.

    Type III fluids are not as common anymore. They are formulated to shear off at lower speeds and thus are sometimes used on small commuter aircraft since these planes typically don’t go as fast as commercial jetliners.

    Environmental impact of deicing

    Environmental considerations are also an important part of deicing. Glycols require a lot of oxygen to biodegrade, which can deplete dissolved oxygen in streams or lakes. This, in turn, can threaten aquatic life, like fish and other organisms, that need dissolved oxygen to breathe.

    In addition, ethylene glycol is toxic to wildlife, so the Environmental Protection Agency requires airports to monitor their stormwater runoff. For this reason, most airports collect and treat stormwater runoff on-site or send it to a municipal wastewater treatment facility.

    Airports are also increasingly starting to use fluid recovery systems to recycle the glycols and capture the additives in these fluids, which are often toxic, too. They’ll often use designated areas outside for deicing planes so they can collect and store the fluids after they run off the plane in holding tanks underground until they can be recycled.

    Atmospheric icing

    During flight, planes use other technologies to mitigate the icing risks. For example, most modern aircraft use bleed air systems, which channel hot air from the engine’s compressor through interior ducts to the leading edges of the wings and other critical areas to help prevent ice buildup while the plane is in the sky.

    Some planes also use electrically heated panels embedded in the aircraft’s wings to generate heat. These control systems typically cannot be used while the plane is on the ground, since they rely on cold air flowing across the wing’s surface. This airflow is usually achieved at cruising altitude and is necessary to prevent the plane’s surface from getting too hot.

    Airlines may sometimes also use icephobic coatings to help keep new ice from forming and sticking on the outside surfaces of planes. These coatings delay how soon new ice can form. They can also reduce how strongly the ice adheres to the surface.

    Icephobic polymer coatings can mitigate ice buildup and help reduce ice adhesion on surfaces.
    Hernández Rodríguez et al., 2024., CC BY-SA

    Smaller planes may also use inflatable rubber strips called pneumatic boots on the wings that can be inflated as needed to break off accumulated ice on the leading edge of the wings.

    Flying is truly a modern scientific marvel. A lot of engineering goes into not only getting planes off the ground but also keeping them ice-free during flight. So the next time you experience a weather-related delay at the airport, just remember that deicing is needed to ensure both a safe flight and a truly uplifting one.

    Andrew Sommers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The science behind airplane deicing – a mechanical engineer explains how chemistry and physics make flying a more uplifting experience – https://theconversation.com/the-science-behind-airplane-deicing-a-mechanical-engineer-explains-how-chemistry-and-physics-make-flying-a-more-uplifting-experience-248732

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Joint Press Conference with President of European Commission (February 28, 2025)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 3:04PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, President of the European Commission,

    European College of Commissioners,

    Delegates,

    Friends from the media,

    Namaskar!

    This visit of the President of the European Commission and the College of Commissioners to India is unprecedented.

    This isn’t just the European Commission’s first visit to India, but also the first such comprehensive engagement of the European Commission in any single country. Also, this is one of the first visits of the new Commission in its latest term. On this historic occasion, I warmly welcome the President of the European Commission and the College of Commissioners to India.

    Friends,

    This two-decade long strategic partnership between India and EU is natural and organic. Its core is built on trust, a shared belief in democratic values, and a mutual commitment to prosperity and shared progress.

    In this spirit, we have held almost 20 ministerial level meetings of different sectors between yesterday and today. Sincere and meaningful discussions were held on various regional and global matters. Many important decisions have been taken to elevate and accelerate our partnership.

    We have prepared a blueprint for collaboration in the areas of Trade, Technology, Investment, Innovation, Green Growth, Security, Skilling and Mobility. We have directed our teams to conclude a mutually beneficial Bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year.

    Friends,

    To strengthen the investment framework, there has also been talk of moving forward on Investment Protection and GI Agreement. In the field of Technology and Innovation, a trusted and secure value chain is our common priority.

    We have also agreed on increasing cooperation in semiconductors, AI, high performance computing and 6G. We have also decided to initiate a Space Dialogue.

    Friends,

    A balance between Ecology and Economy has been our shared commitment, and our cooperation in this direction has been strong. We have decided to conduct a Green Hydrogen Forum and Offshore Wind Energy Business Summit. Joint research shall be undertaken on EV Batteries, Marine plastics and Green hydrogen. We shall also take forward our Joint Plan on Sustainable Urban Development.

    In the field of connectivity, concrete steps will be taken, to take forward the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor or “IMEEC”. I firmly believe that “IMEEC” shall serve as an engine that drives global commerce, sustainable growth and prosperity in the days to come.

    Friends,

    Our growing cooperation on issues related to Defence and Security, is a symbol of our mutual trust. We will take forward our cooperation on Cyber Security, Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism.

    Both sides agree on the importance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome the decision of the EU to join the “Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative”. We will work together on Triangular Development projects for sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa.

    Friends,

    People-to-people connect is the strongest asset of our relationship. Today, we have reached a new agreement to increase academia, research and industry partnerships between us. I believe that India’s young talent and Europe’s innovation can together create limitless possibilities.

    We welcome the new visa cascade regime of the EU. This will provide better mobility to the abilities of India’s talented youth.

    Today, we have decided to create a bold and ambitious roadmap for the India-EU partnership for the period beyond 2025. It will be launched during the next India-EU Summit.

    Excellency,

    Your visit to India has given new momentum, energy and enthusiasm to our partnership. This journey is the biggest catalyst that will translate our ambition into action.

    I eagerly look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you back to India for the next India-EU Summit.

    Thank you very much.

    ******

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — The nose knows (and so did HVO gas instrumentation…eventually)

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates.

    A USGS scientist aims the viewfinder of an infrared spectrometer to measure the chemistry of volcanic gas on the last day of the Nāpau eruption, September 20, 2024. USGS photo by P. Nadeau.

    It was indeed a dark and stormy night when the eruption started on September 15, 2024. So much so that when we had conflicting geophysical data (tremor and increased infrasound, but no changes in tilt), our webcams were no help. The poor weather meant that cameras couldn’t see anything, and the southerly wind direction on that rainy night also meant that none of the HVO gas monitoring stations could detect whether there was eruptive degassing or not.

    But you know who could tell there was degassing? Residents of Volcano. Community members in more than one part of Volcano took to social media to report sulfurous odors and burning smells. 

    Still, some HVO staff members living in the area reported only smelling the burning, without sulfur. Their gas badges (used for situational awareness and safety, not precise volcanic gas measurements) didn’t register SO2 (sulfur dioxide) above background. Many times, winds that blow from the East Rift Zone towards Volcano may bring residual H2S (hydrogen sulfide) from the inactive Puʻuʻōʻō area, and H2S can be especially prevalent during rainy periods, like that dark and stormy night in September. So even amidst community reports of sulfur smells, we couldn’t be completely sure if there was an eruption.

    Thankfully, the weather cleared in the morning (September 16). HVO confirmed that there had been a small fissure eruption west of Puʻuʻōʻō, and we were no longer restricted to people’s noses to indicate whether there was eruptive degassing or not. The SO2 emission rate was measured to be only about 300 tonnes per day (t/d), which is consistent with the absence of eruptive activity. 

    It seemed like the eruption might be over, but by the next morning (September 17), it was in full force again, and SO2 emissions had climbed to nearly 12,000 t/d. Winds had also switched to the right direction (from the north) for one of our East Rift Zone gas monitoring stations to detect a whiff of the SO2 as well. Emissions then decreased to about 3,500 t/d by that afternoon as the lava fountaining weakened. Emissions were similar, around 2,000 t/d, the next morning, September 18. 

    Again, activity seemed to be waning until later on the 18th, when things escalated once more, which was reflected in increasing SO2 emissions. That afternoon, HVO scientists were measuring the plume with an ultraviolet (UV) camera that can see SO2 when the imagery began to show a more intense plume. 

    At that point, gas scientists recognized that changes were occurring and switched back to more reliable UV spectrometer measurements, which revealed a progressive increase in SO2 emission rate over the course of the afternoon. In conjunction with the opening of new fissures and the development of ‘lava falls’ cascading over Nāpau Crater rim, emissions increased from 5,000 t/d at about 3:30 p.m. to roughly 12,000 t/d at 5:00 p.m., when it became too late to continue UV-based measurements.

    With the fissures and lava falls still going strong, SO2 emissions were around 30,000 t/d the morning of September 19. 

    Yet just one day later, the eruption was over, with SO2 emissions down to only 800 t/d as of late morning on September 20. Luckily, HVO gas scientists were able to measure gases from the last gasp of lava earlier that morning using an infrared spectrometer, which measures the chemistry of erupted gas. The gases were low in carbon dioxide (CO2), and therefore derived from magma that previously lost CO2 while in the shallow magma plumbing system before eruption. This is very similar to other Kīlauea East Rift Zone eruptions and to recent Kīlauea summit eruptions. 

    A final SO2 emission rate measured on September 21, after the eruption had ended, showed that just under 100 t/d of SO2 were being emitted from the inactive fissures. By two days later, SO2 emissions from the Nāpau fissures were undetectable on Chain of Craters Road. 

    Even though HVO was ultimately able to track the variable gas emissions throughout the Nāpau eruption with our UV spectrometer, a UV camera, permanent stations, and an infrared spectrometer, we know we weren’t the first to sniff the gases from the Nāpau eruption – that honor still goes to the residents of Volcano!

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea has been erupting intermittently within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.

    The summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began in Halemaʻumaʻu crater on December 23 continued over the past week, with one eruptive episode. Episode 11 was active from the night of February 25 until the morning of February 26. Kīlauea summit has been inflating since episode 11 ended, suggesting that another eruptive episode is possible. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    Three earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.4 earthquake 14 km (8 mi) S of Volcano at 0 km (0 mi) depth on Feb. 27 at 3:33 a.m. HST, a M3.3 earthquake 16 km (9 mi) W of Kailua-Kona at 14 km (8 mi) depth on Feb. 23 at 9:31 p.m. HST, and a M2.7 earthquake 13 km (8 mi) NNE of Hawaiian Ocean View at 9 km (5 mi) depth on Feb. 20 at 7:36 a.m. HST.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Electric Hydrogen selects Ingeteam for green hydrogen projects in Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DEVENS, Mass., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electric Hydrogen, manufacturer of large-scale, cost-competitive electrolyzers, has selected Ingeteam, an established leader in power conversion systems with manufacturing in Europe, for its projects. Ingeteam’s best-in-class power systems have been successfully commissioned at Electric Hydrogen’s plants in San Jose, California and Devens, Massachusetts and Ingeteam will now supply rectifier systems to Electric Hydrogen for integration into its complete solution 100 megawatt (MW) electrolyzer plants in Europe.

    Electric Hydrogen has a growing customer base in Europe and is committed to working with suppliers that champion the European Union’s goals of decarbonization, industrial competitiveness and technology innovation. This collaboration between the two companies ensures that the combined strength of both European and American manufacturing maintains its competitiveness in the growing clean hydrogen industry.

    “Ingeteam’s power conversion technology helps us push the boundaries of performance and cost. This collaboration, which includes extensive interoperability testing, de-risks the critical interface between electrolysis and power systems in our 100MW Plant and leverages Ingeteam’s experience and scaled supply chain,” said Raffi Garabedian, CEO and Co-founder of Electric Hydrogen.

    Power systems, which convert AC power to DC, comprise a significant portion of the cost of a green hydrogen plant today, creating opportunity for innovative cost-reduction. The two companies have co-optimized their respective system components to minimize integration risk within Electric Hydrogen’s 100MW plant. Through this partnership and other product innovations, Electric Hydrogen has already decreased total project costs by up to 60% compared with industry benchmarks.

    “This collaboration with Electric Hydrogen allows us to apply more than 50 years’ experience in power electronics to one of the most promising emerging industries. Our combined strength will enable customers around the globe to optimize costs and increase energy independence. Our technology is purpose-built for industrial applications and we are proud to support Electric Hydrogen’s effort to drive down the cost of clean hydrogen for customers in Spain, Europe and worldwide,” said Adolfo Rebollo, Ingeteam CEO. 

    About Electric Hydrogen
    Electric Hydrogen manufactures, delivers and commissions the world’s most powerful electrolyzers to make clean hydrogen projects economically viable today. The company’s complete 100 megawatt (MW) Plant includes all system components required to turn water and electricity into the lowest cost clean hydrogen using its proprietary advanced proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. Electric Hydrogen has a team of more than 300 people in the United States and Europe. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Devens, Massachusetts. To learn more about how critical industries leverage Electric Hydrogen’s 100MW Plant to achieve their decarbonization and energy security objectives, visit https://eh2.com/. 

    Contact
    V2 Communications for Electric Hydrogen
    electrichydrogen@v2comms.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58d4ba47-4892-4e5a-8b17-fab60a9b1dbf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Portugal: EIB finances Galp’s Renewable Hydrogen and Biofuels projects in Sines with €430 million

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The two projects, already in construction at the Sines Refinery, represent a total investment of €650 million.
    • The Biofuels unit, financed with €250 million, will produce low-carbon fuels essential for the decarbonization of transport.
    • The Green Hydrogen production unit, financed with €180 million, will be one of the largest in Europe.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €430 million loan for the construction of two key projects aimed at transforming Galp’s Sines Refinery, making a crucial contribution for the decarbonization of heavy-duty road transport and aviation.

    Galp is developing the Biofuels unit, already at a construction stage, in partnership with Japan’s Mitsui, as part of a total €400 million investment, of which €250 million is provided by the EIB. This unit will convert vegetable oils and residual fats into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel of biological origin (HVO) with identical characteristics to the fossil-based fuels used in regular combustion engines.

    This unit, set to begin production in 2026, will have the capacity to produce up to 270,000 tons of renewable fuels, enough for Portugal to comply with the European Union mandate for this type of fuels in aviation. SAF is essential for air transportation – responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – to begin its decarbonization journey.

    In parallel, Galp is building in the same site a 100MW electrolyser, a €250 million investment of which the EIB will finance €180 million. It is set to produce up to 15,000 tons of green hydrogen per year when it goes online next year, becoming one of the first operational units of its size in Europe.

    “These pioneering projects are a clear example of how we can combine financing, innovation, and our environmental commitment to promote a fair and sustainable energy transition,” said Jean-Christophe Laloux, Director General, Head of EU Lending and Advisory at the EIB. “By supporting the production of advanced biofuels and green hydrogen, we are contributing to a more energy-independent Europe that aligns with global climate goals.”

    “We have mobilized partners, private investment, and European financing to drive a transformative project that brings European and national energy and industrial policies to life,” said Ronald Doesburg, Galp’s Executive Board Member responsible for the Industrial area. “More is needed from energy companies, public funding and government support if we want to maintain Portugal’s relevance in an increasingly unstable world,” he concluded.

    The two projects support the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the European Green Deal, and strengthen the EU’s energy independence as outlined in the REPowerEU plan. The projects benefit from €22,5 in Recovery and Resilience Plan incentives.

    Background information   

    About the 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, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    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. 

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About Galp

    Galp is an energy company committed to developing efficient and sustainable solutions in its operations and the integrated offerings it provides to its customers. We create simple, flexible, and competitive solutions for energy or mobility needs, catering to large industries, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual consumers.

    Our portfolio includes various forms of energy – from electricity generated from renewable sources to natural gas and liquid fuels, including low-carbon options. As a producer, we engage in the extraction of oil and natural gas from reservoirs located kilometers below the ocean surface, and we are also one of the leading solar-based electricity producers in the Iberian region.

    We contribute to the economic development of the 10 countries where we operate and to the social progress of the communities that welcome us. Galp employs more than 7,000 people from 52 nationalities.

    Sines Advances Biofuels; Sines Green Hydrogen Production
    EIB finances Galp’s Renewable Hydrogen and Biofuels projects in Sines with €430 million
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    Sines Advances Biofuels; Sines Green Hydrogen Production
    EIB finances Galp’s Renewable Hydrogen and Biofuels projects in Sines with €430 million
    ©Sines
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A high-level European Union delegation, led by Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva, currently on India visit, today called on Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh and discussed primarily the StartUp and innovation collaborations

    Source: Government of India

    A high-level European Union delegation, led by Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva, currently on India visit, today called on Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh and discussed primarily the StartUp and innovation collaborations

    The meeting between Ekaterina, who is the European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation and the Indian Minister marks a significant milestone in India-EU cooperation in the field of science and technology

    Recalls the long-standing and growing cooperation between India and the European Union (EU) in the field of science and technology

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi Instrumental in Making India a hub of hub of cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and driving transformative initiatives across various scientific domains” says Dr. Singh

    Highlights AI, Quantum Mission, healthcare, Ocean Polar along with other areas with potential of India -EU collaboration

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 8:27PM by PIB Delhi

    A high-level European Union delegation, led by Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva, currently on India visit, today called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh and discussed primarily the StartUp and innovation collaborations.

    The meeting between Ekaterina, who is the European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation and the Indian Minister marks a significant milestone in India-EU cooperation in the field of science and technology.

    The Science and Technology Minister emphasized the longstanding partnership between India and the European Union, which dates back to the signing of the India-EU Science and Technology Agreement in 2001, renewed in 2015 and 2020, and set to be renewed once again for the period 2025-2030.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, which has played a pivotal role in India’s remarkable leap in science and technology. He noted that PM Modi has been instrumental in steering the country towards becoming a hub of cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and driving transformative initiatives across various scientific domains.

    During the discussions, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted several key areas where India and the EU can collaborate further to drive innovation and sustainable development.

    These areas include:

    Water Resource Management

    Clean Energy & Smart Grids

    Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data & Robotics

    Healthcare (including Vaccine Development and Pandemic Preparedness)

    Climate Change & Polar Research

    The Minister stressed that collaboration in these areas would harness the strengths of both India and Europe, with an emphasis on increasing synergy and sharing knowledge and resources.

    Dr. Singh underscored India’s commitment to advancing joint research initiatives with the EU, particularly during the period from 2020 to 2024. He referred to ongoing projects such as:

    Department of Science and Technology (DST): Projects on Water, Energy, AI, Data, and Robotics

    Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Collaborative work on Water Resources and Vaccine Development

    Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): Joint research on Climate Change and Polar Research

    The Minister emphasized India’s substantial contribution to these projects, amounting to €20.92 million. He also named several noteworthy achievements and projects, including:

    Geospatial Mapping of Point/Non-Point Pollution Sources (SPRING)

    PAVITRA GANGA: Demonstration of novel wastewater treatment technologies at Kanpur and Barapullah, New Delhi

    ENDFLU: Development of an improved influenza vaccine (Myn002) for better protection against drifted influenza strains

    BRIC-THSTI: Development of domestic influenza vaccine testing capacity through the ENDFLU and INCENTIVE projects

    PRESCRIP-TEC: HPV awareness and screening initiatives

    RUTI®: Phase 1 trials of Anti-TB vaccine

    The Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Singh, further emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing oceanic and climatic challenges. Key areas of research include:Ocean warming, deoxygenation, and acidification;Polar climate studies;Ocean forecasting.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the need for global cooperation to address these threats and ensure the health of the planet’s ecosystems.

    Looking ahead, Dr. Singh outlined several promising areas for future India-EU collaboration:

    Quantum Research: India’s emerging Quantum R&D capabilities combined with the EU’s advanced quantum hardware can lead to breakthroughs in secure communication and computing.

    Bioeconomy: India’s first-of-its-kind Bioeconomy (BioE3) policy, along with the EU’s expertise, can foster growth in the sector.

    Green Hydrogen: India’s scaling renewable hydrogen projects, paired with the EU’s leadership in electrolysis technology, can drive transformational change in energy.

    Battery Technology & Blue Economy: Exploring innovations in energy storage and sustainable use of ocean resources.

    High-Performance Computing: Enhancing computational capabilities for scientific and industrial applications.

    Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s commitment to tackling climate change through clean energy collaboration, particularly in offshore wind and solar projects. This, he said, would help meet the ambitious climate targets set by both India and the EU.

    The S&T Minister pointed out that India’s National AI Mission, backed by substantial funding, will be a key area for collaboration between India and the EU. He emphasized the potential for both regions to lead in AI safety and security, ensuring the development of AI in a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive manner.

    In the health sector, Dr. Singh identified several key areas where India and the EU can collaborate:Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases; Novel Therapeutics, Biologicals, and Early Diagnostics; Drug Repurposing; AI in Healthcare Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR); One Health Approach.

    He stressed that the partnership between India and Europe could extend to these critical health challenges, which have global implications.

    From the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Mr. Marc Lemaître, Director-General; Ms. Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit, Innovation, Prosperity, and International Cooperation; and from the Cabinet of the Commissioner, Ms. Sophie Alexandrova, Deputy Head of Cabinet, along with Mr. Ivan Dimov, Member of Cabinet; Mr. Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor & Head of the Research & Innovation Section; Dr. Vivek Dham, Policy Officer, Research & Innovation Section, EU Delegation to India, were part of the delegation.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded the discussions by reiterating India’s deep commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union in science and technology. He expressed confidence that the shared vision for collaboration in key sectors will create a pathway to solving global challenges and advancing mutual interests.

    ********

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: H2C Safety Pipe, Inc. Welcomes Peter Miller as Environmental Policy Director

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H2C Safety Pipe, Inc. announces that Peter Miller has joined the company as Environmental Policy Director. In this role, Miller will engage with environmental stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance regulatory standards that help ensure hydrogen pipeline safety and integrity, supporting the global transition to clean energy.

    Miller brings over 35 years of experience in environmental policy, clean energy advocacy, and regulatory development. Most recently, he served as Director of the Western Region Climate and Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he played a pivotal role in shaping California’s renewable energy policies, energy efficiency programs, and carbon reduction initiatives. His extensive background includes collaborating with public, private, and nonprofit sectors to develop innovative environmental solutions.

    Miller was drawn to H2C Safety Pipe by its mission to address one of the most critical challenges in hydrogen infrastructure: minimizing hydrogen leakage to maximize public safety and environmental benefits. “The transition to a clean energy economy depends not only on expanding hydrogen infrastructure but ensuring that it is deployed responsibly,” said Miller. “H2C Safety Pipe’s innovative technology provides an essential solution to a key problem—controlling hydrogen leakage while keeping costs affordable. I’m excited to bring my expertise to this team and help shape the policies that will make an industry standard a reality.”

    Robert Shelton, President of H2C Safety Pipe, said, “We are at a pivotal moment in the clean energy transition, and ensuring that hydrogen pipelines meet the highest safety and environmental standards is critical to long-term success. Millions of miles of natural gas pipelines have taught us that gas pipelines invariably leak, and we know hydrogen poses even greater challenges. Peter will be instrumental in building support for strong, science-backed standards that will ensure future hydrogen pipelines are safe and leak-free. His leadership will help us establish a sustainable framework for the future of hydrogen infrastructure.”

    The addition of Miller follows H2C Safety Pipe’s November 2024 announcement that Nick Gaines has joined the company as Director of Legislative Affairs. Gaines brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and community development. Together, Miller and Gaines will engage with regulators, legislators, and the environmental community to champion a zero-leakage hydrogen standard in California that advances a responsible transition to a clean energy future.

    About the H2C Safety Pipe™Technology
    H2C Safety Pipe, Inc. is revolutionizing hydrogen transport and distribution with its proprietary Safety Pipe™ technology. Designed to address leakage concerns and enhance safety, this technology allows for the cost-effective, scalable and environmentally responsible distribution of hydrogen, particularly in densely populated areas. By retrofitting existing infrastructure, H2C’s pipe-within-a-pipe solution significantly reduces the costs and complexities associated with deploying new hydrogen pipelines, thus accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources. For more information about H2C Safety Pipe and its groundbreaking hydrogen pipeline technology, visit H2Csafetypipe.com.

    Media Contact:
    Lisa Murray
    Trevi Communications, Inc.
    lisa@trevicomm.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d780016d-d0b5-4e98-a52a-5a7ea11bf42f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new study reveals the structure of violent winds 1,300 light years away

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Vivien Parmentier, Professeur junior spécialiste des atmosphères d’exoplanètes au laboratoire LAGRANGE, Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Université Côte d’Azur

    The largest telescopes in the world are used to look at the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars and located at astronomical distances. Y. Beletsky(LCO)/ESO, CC BY

    The planet WASP-121b is extreme. It’s a gas giant almost twice as big as Jupiter orbiting extremely close to its star–50 times closer than the Earth does around the Sun. WASP-121b is so close to its star that tidal forces have locked its rotation in a “resonance”: the planet always shows the same face to its star, like the Moon to the Earth. Therefore, one side of WASP-121b constantly bakes in light whereas the other is in perpetual night. This difference causes huge variations in temperature across the planet. It can be more than 3,000°C on one side and drop 1,500°C on the other.

    This huge temperature contrast is the source of violent winds, blowing several kilometres per second, which try to redistribute the energy from day to night. Until now, we had to guess the strength and direction of the winds with indirect measurements, such as measurements of the planet’s temperature. In recent years, with the arrival of new instruments on giant telescopes, we’ve been able to directly measure the wind speed of certain exoplanets, including WASP-121b.

    In our study published in the journal Nature that was conducted by my colleague, Julia Seidel, we not only looked at wind speed on an exoplanet, but also at how these winds vary with altitude. We were able to measure for the first time that winds in the deepest layers of the atmosphere are very different from those at higher altitudes. Put it this way: on Earth, winds blowing a few dozen kilometres per hour already make it hard to ride a bike; on WASP-121b, pedalling would be impossible, because the winds are a hundred times faster.

    Our measurements reveal the behaviour of a pivotal zone of the atmosphere that forms the link between the deep atmosphere–usually surveyed by telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope–and the outer zones where the atmosphere escapes into space, blown by the wind coming from its star.

    How did we measure the atmosphere of a planet millions of billions of kilometres away?

    To make our measurements, we used one of the most precise spectrographs on Earth, mounted on the largest telescope available to us: ESPRESSO at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), located in the Atacama desert in Chile. To collect as much light as possible, we combined the light from the VLT’s four 8-metre diameter telescopes. Thanks to this combination, which is still being tested, we collected as much light as would a 16-metre diameter telescope–which would be larger than any optical telescope on Earth.

    The ultra-precise ESPRESSO spectrograph then enabled us to separate the light from the planet into 1.3 million wavelengths. This allows us to observe as many colours in the visible spectrum. This precision is necessary to detect different types of atoms in the planet’s atmosphere. This time, we studied how three different types of atoms–absorb light from the star: hydrogen, sodium and iron (all in a gaseous state, given the very high temperatures).

    By measuring the position of these spectral lines very precisely, we were able to directly measure the speed of these atoms. The Doppler effect tells us that an atom coming toward us will absorb more blue light, while an atom moving away from us will absorb more red light. By measuring the absorption wavelength of each of these atoms, we have as many different measurements of the wind speed on this planet.

    We found that the lines of the different atoms tell different stories. Iron moves at 5 kilometres per second from the substellar point (the region of the planet closest to its host star) to the anti-stellar point (the most distant) in a very symmetrical way. Sodium, on the other hand, splits in two: some of the atoms move like iron, while the others move at the equator directly from east to west four times faster, at the staggering speed of 20 kilometres per second. Finally, hydrogen seems to move with the east-west current of sodium but, also, vertically, no doubt allowing it to escape from the planet.

    To reconcile all this, we calculated that these three different atoms are, in fact, in different parts of the atmosphere. While iron atoms lie at the deeper layers, where symmetrical circulation is expected, sodium and hydrogen let us probe much higher layers, where the planet’s atmosphere is blown by the wind coming from its host star. This stellar wind, combined with the rotation of the planet, probably carries the material asymmetrically, with a preferential direction given by the rotation of the planet.

    There are violent winds in the atmosphere of WASP-121b. The three types of atoms travel at different speeds, helping to reconstruct the structure of the atmosphere, even though the planet is millions of billions of kilometres away from Earth.
    ESO/M. Kornmesser, CC BY

    Why study the atmospheres of exoplanets?

    WASP-121b is one of those giant gaseous planets with temperatures of over 1,000°C that are known as “hot Jupiters”. The first observation of these planets by Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz (which later earned them a Nobel Prize in Physics) came as a surprise in 1995, particularly because planetary formation models predicted that these giant planets could not form so close to their star. Mayor and Queloz’s observation made us realise that planets do not necessarily form where they are currently located. Instead, they can migrate, i.e., move around in their youth.

    How far from their star do “hot Jupiters” form? Over what distances do these objects migrate in their infancy? Why did the Jupiter in our solar system not migrate toward the Sun? (We’re lucky it didn’t, because it would have sent Earth into our star at the same time.)

    Some answers to these questions may lie in the atmosphere of exoplanets, which exhibit traces of the conditions of their formation. However, variations in temperature or chemical composition within each atmosphere can radically skew the abundance measurements that we are trying to take with large telescopes such as the James Webb. In order to exploit our measurements, we first need to grasp how complex these atmospheres are.

    To do this, we need to understand the fundamental mechanisms that govern the atmosphere of these planets. In the solar system, winds can be measured directly by, for example, looking at how fast clouds move. On exoplanets, we cannot see any details directly.

    In particular, “hot Jupiters” orbit so close to their stars that we cannot separate them spatially and take photos of the exoplanets. Instead, from among the thousands of known exoplanets, we select those that have the good taste to periodically pass between their star and us. During this “transit”, light from the star is filtered by the planet’s atmosphere, which allows us to measure the signs of absorption by different atoms or molecules. In general, the data we obtain are not good enough to separate the light that passes on one side of the planet from the other, and we end up with an average of what the atmosphere has absorbed. As conditions along the atmospheric limb (i.e., the slice of atmosphere surrounding a planet as observed from space) can vary drastically, interpreting the final average is often a headache.

    This time, by using a telescope that, in effect, is larger than any other optical telescope on Earth, and combining it with an extremely precise spectrograph, we were able to separate the signal absorbed by the eastern side of the planet’s limb from the signal absorbed by the western side. This allowed us to measure the spatial variation of the winds in the planet.

    The future of atmospheric study of exoplanets

    Europe is currently building the next generation of telescopes, led by the ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope, which is scheduled for 2030. The ELT will have a mirror 30 metres in diameter, twice the size of the telescope we obtained by combining the light from the four 8-metre telescopes of the VLT.

    This giant telescope will gather even more precise details about the atmospheres of exoplanets. In particular, it will measure the winds in exoplanets both smaller and colder than “hot Jupiters”.

    But what we are all really waiting for is the ELT’s ability to measure the presence of molecules in the atmosphere of rocky planets orbiting in the habitable zone of their star, where water may be present in a liquid state.

    The EXOWINDS project is supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR), which funds project-based research in France. Its mission is to support and promote the development of fundamental and applied research in all disciplines, and to strengthen the dialogue between science and society. For more information, visit the ANR website.

    Vivien Parmentier received funding from the French National Research Agency (exowinds, ANR-23-CE31-0001-01).

    Julia Victoria Seidel is an ESO (European Southern Observatory) Research Fellow.

    – ref. A new study reveals the structure of violent winds 1,300 light years away – https://theconversation.com/a-new-study-reveals-the-structure-of-violent-winds-1-300-light-years-away-250187

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Fusion Fuel Appoints Luisa Ingargiola to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN – Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO) (“Fusion Fuel” or the “Company”), a leading provider of gas and hydrogen energy solutions, today announced the appointment of Luisa Ingargiola to its Board of Directors, effective February 24, 2025. Ms. Ingargiola will serve as chairperson of the Audit Committee, replacing Rune Magnus Lundetrae, who will remain a member of the Board. She will also serve as a member of the Nominating Committee, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee. Following Ms. Ingargiola’s appointment, the Board will be comprised of six directors, four of whom have been determined by the Board to be “independent directors” under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

    Commenting on the appointment, Jeffrey Schwarz, Chairman of Fusion Fuel, said, “Luisa’s extensive experience in public company governance, capital markets, and financial oversight, coupled with her track record of supporting high-growth companies through complex strategic and financial initiatives, make her a tremendous asset to Fusion Fuel. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to execute our business strategy and drive long-term value creation. On behalf of my fellow directors, I want to welcome Luisa and look forward to benefiting from her insight and leadership as we build the new Fusion Fuel and position the company for sustainable growth.”

    Ms. Ingargiola currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Avalon GloboCare Corp. (Nasdaq: ALBT) and as a board director for Vision Marine Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: VMAR) and BioCorRx Inc. (OTCQB: BICX), where she also chairs the Audit Committees. Earlier in her career, Ms. Ingargiola was CFO and co-founder of BBHC, Inc., formerly known as MagneGas Corporation. Ms. Ingargiola graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Finance. She also received a Master of Health Administration from the University of South Florida.

    About Fusion Fuel Green PLC

    Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO) is an emerging leader in the energy services sector, offering a comprehensive suite of energy engineering and advisory solutions through its Al-Shola Gas and BrightHy brands. Al Shola Gas provides full-service industrial gas solutions, including the design, supply, and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems, as well as the transport and distribution of LPG to a broad range of customers across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. BrightHy, the Company’s newly launched hydrogen solutions platform, focuses on delivering innovative engineering and advisory services that enable decarbonization across hard-to-abate industries.

    Learn more about Fusion Fuel by visiting our website at https://www.fusion-fuel.eu and following us on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target”, “may”, “intend”, “predict”, “should”, “would”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “future”, “outlook” or other similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions) that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Fusion Fuel has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations, including but not limited the ability of the investment reported on to be consummated as anticipated. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties (including those set forth in Fusion Fuel’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    ir@fusion-fuel.eu

    Wire Service Contact:
    IBN
    Austin, Texas
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    512.354.7000 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Reverse combustion

    Source: European Investment Bank

    What if carbon dioxide could itself be turned into a fuel? Such a neat solution for the waste gas that’s causing climate change may be just round the corner, because German start-up INERATEC has developed a chemical process to do just that.

    “We’re reversing the combustion process,” explains Tim Boeltken, INERATEC’s chief executive. “The chemical process we’ve created takes the greenhouse gas CO2 that nobody wants and combines it with green hydrogen to create a synthetic hydrocarbon fuel.”

    INERATEC’s method could reduce emissions in a number of sectors that have few clean alternatives, including aviation, which accounts for a growing share of global greenhouse gas emissions. The company already has clients in the aviation, shipping and chemicals industries, but to demonstrate its technology at a larger scale, it is building a facility near Frankfurt airport with the backing of a €40 million venture debt loan from the European Investment Bank. The deal is supported by the European Union’s InvestEU programme and includes a €30 million grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, a financing platform for climate innovation founded by Bill Gates.

    “The aviation industry is struggling to decarbonize,” says Stephan Mitrakas, a senior loan officer who worked on the deal at the European Investment Bank. “Alternatives to jet fuel, such as electricity and hydrogen, both have major drawbacks and would require the development of a completely new infrastructure set up for transport, storage and fueling.”

    “The beauty of synthetic fuels is that you can keep the infrastructure we already have,” Mitrakas adds. “You can take the synthetic fuel from INERATEC, mix it in with the kerosene that planes currently use, and the aeroplane will work. INERATEC is the most promising start-up in the field right now, certainly in Europe and probably in the world.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We need to switch to heat pumps fast – but can they can overcome this problem?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    StockMediaSeller/Shutterstock

    People in the UK need to adopt heat pumps and electric vehicles as fast as they once embraced refrigerators, mobile phones and internet connection according to a new report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

    This government watchdog says the next 15 years will be critical for decarbonising the UK, one of the world’s largest (and earliest) carbon polluters. Eighty-seven percent of its climate-heating emissions must be eliminated by 2040 to keep the country on track for net zero emissions by mid-century, per the report. The majority (60%) of these cuts are expected to come via a single source: electricity.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Out of possible alternatives to a fossil fuelled economy, electrification has emerged as the favoured solution of experts at the CCC.

    Ran Boydell, an associate professor in sustainable development at Heriot-Watt University, agrees. “Home boilers will very soon move into the realm of nostalgia,” he says.



    Read more:
    UK ban on boilers in new homes rules out hydrogen as a heating source

    The reason why heat pumps are increasingly touted as the future of home heating – and not retooled boilers that burn hydrogen instead of methane – is efficiency.

    Boydell points out that green hydrogen fuel is made using electricity from solar and wind farms. We could eliminate emissions a lot quicker, he argues, if that electricity went directly to heat pumps instead.

    Electricity can be turned into a fuel – or power appliances directly.
    Piyaset/Shutterstock

    “This is because you end up with only two-thirds of the energy in the hydrogen that you started with from the electricity,” he says.

    Likewise, battery-powered vehicles have an advantage that has allowed them to race ahead of hydrogen fuel cells to comprise almost a fifth of all new vehicles sold in the UK in 2024.

    “An electric vehicle can be recharged wherever there is access to a plug socket,” say Tom Stacey and Chris Ivory, supply chain experts at Anglia Ruskin University. “The infrastructure that exists to support hydrogen vehicles is limited in comparison and will require extensive investment to introduce.”



    Read more:
    The days of the hydrogen car are already over

    If the route to zero emissions is largely settled, we need to travel it quickly.

    Electric dreams

    One of the fastest energy transitions in history occurred over a decade in South Korea, according to energy system researchers James Price and Steve Pye (UCL). Between 1977 and 1987, the generation of electricity from oil in the east Asian country collapsed – from roughly 7 million gigawatt-hours to nearly 7,000 – and was replaced with, among other sources, nuclear power.

    There are historic analogues for the rapid shift necessary to arrest climate change. But a zero-carbon power sector, which the UK government aims to achieve by 2030, is just the start.



    Read more:
    For developing world to quit coal, rich countries must eliminate oil and gas faster – new study

    “Wind and solar, which provide more than 28% of the UK’s electricity, will soon overtake gas as the main generation source as more wind farms come online,” say energy system modeller Andrew Crossland and engineer Jon Gluyas, both of Durham University.

    “But successive governments have failed to achieve the same result in homes and communities where so much high-carbon gas is burned, despite their decarbonisation being critical to net zero.”



    Read more:
    Is Britain on track for a zero-carbon power sector in six years?

    Crossland and Gluyas note that solar panels, batteries and heat pumps can be installed “in days” to rapidly cut emissions, and that doing so would create “skilled jobs across the country”. As things stand, however, it would also present a severe challenge to the grid.

    Mechanical engineer Florimond Gueniat of Birmingham City University predicts that converting UK transport to battery power wholesale would require expanding grid capacity by 46% – the equivalent of erecting 5,800 skyscraper-sized wind turbines. And that’s even accounting for the greater efficiency of electric vehicles, which waste less of the energy we put into them compared with oil-powered cars.



    Read more:
    Switching to electric vehicles will push the power grid to the brink

    A massive upgrade to the electricity network is needed, and ordinary people have a part to play. Charging cars could serve as batteries that grid operators draw from during a supply pinch. The same goes for the power generated by solar panels on top of houses.

    “Such policies in Germany have … already offset 10% of the national demand,” says Gueniat.

    Getting to net zero requires the public’s involvement. But some of the CCC’s advice may be difficult to swallow. Not least the implication that people will have to eat 35% less meat and dairy in 2050 compared with 2019.



    Read more:
    The UK must make big changes to its diets, farming and land use to hit net zero – official climate advisers

    So are people ready for a world that runs on electrons alone? Aimee Ambrose, a professor of energy policy at Sheffield Hallam University, thinks heat pumps will struggle to compete with the inviting warmth of wood stoves and coal fires. Over three years she spoke with hundreds of people in the UK, Finland, Sweden and Romania and found strong attachments to high-carbon fuels even among people committed to solving climate change.

    The allure of the wood stove is hard to ignore.
    Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock



    Read more:
    Heat pumps have a cosiness problem

    Human behaviour is the most difficult variable for experts who study climate change to model. There will certainly be drawbacks to abandoning fossil fuelled conveniences at breakneck speed. Yet, there are bound to be benefits too – some of which might only materialise once we get going.

    In mid-April 2020, while much of humanity was under some form of lockdown to halt the spread of COVID-19, atmospheric chemist Paul Monks of the University of Leicester was marvelling at the sudden drop in air pollution, which kills millions of people each year and is predominantly caused by burning coal, oil and gas.

    “If there is something positive to take from this terrible crisis, it could be that it’s offered a taste of the air we might breathe in a low-carbon future,” he said.



    Read more:
    Coronavirus: lockdown’s effect on air pollution provides rare glimpse of low-carbon future

    – ref. We need to switch to heat pumps fast – but can they can overcome this problem? – https://theconversation.com/we-need-to-switch-to-heat-pumps-fast-but-can-they-can-overcome-this-problem-249658

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –