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Category: Renewable Hydrogen

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Stennis Flashback: Learning About Rocket Engine Smoke for Safe Space Travel

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is widely known as the nation’s largest rocket propulsion test site. More than 35 years ago, it also served as a hands-on classroom for NASA engineers seeking to improve the efficiency of space shuttle main engines.
    From 1988 to the mid-1990’s, NASA Stennis engineers operated a Diagnostic Test Facility to conduct rocket engine plume exhaust diagnostics and learn more about the space shuttle main engine combustion process. The effort also laid the groundwork for the frontline research-and-development testing conducted at the center today.
    “The Diagnostic Test Facility work is just another example of the can-do, will-do attitude of the NASA Stennis team and of its willingness to support the nation’s space exploration program in all ways needed and possible,” said Joe Schuyler, director of the NASA Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate.

    joe schuyler
    NASA Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate Director

    Envision a rocket or space vehicle launching into the sky. A trail of bright exhaust, known as the engine plume, follows. As metals wear down in the engines from the intense heat of the combustion process, the flame glows with colors, some visible, such as orange or yellow, and others undetectable by the human eye.
    The colors tell a story – about the health and operation of the engine and its components. For space shuttle main engines, which flew on multiple missions, engineers needed to understand that story, much as a doctor needs to understand the condition of a human body during checkup, to ensure future engine operation.
    Where better place to study such details than the nation’s premier propulsion test site? Paging NASA Stennis.

    NASA Stennis has long enabled and supported innovative and collaborative work to benefit both the agency and the commercial space industry. When NASA came calling in the late 1980s, site engineers went to work on a plan to study space shuttle main engine rocket exhaust.
    The concept for an enabling structure about the size of a home garage was born in October 1987. Five months later, construction began on a Diagnostic Testbed Facility to provide quality research capabilities for studying rocket engine exhaust and learning more about the metals burned off during hot fire.
    The completed facility featured a 1,300-square-foot control and data analysis center, as well as a rooftop observation deck. Small-scale infrastructure was located nearby for testing a 1,000-pound-thrust rocket engine that simulated the larger space shuttle main engine. The 1K engine measured about 2 feet in length and six inches in diameter. Using a small-scale engine allowed for greater flexibility and involved less cost than testing the much-larger space shuttle engine.

    Engineers could quickly conduct multiple short-duration hot fires using the smaller engine. A six-second test provided ample time to collect data from engine exhaust that reached as high as 3,900 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Chemical solutions simulating engine materials were injected into the engine combustion chamber for each hot fire. The exhaust plume then was analyzed using a remote camera, spectrometer, and microcomputers to determine what colors certain metals and elements emit when burning.
    Each material produced a unique profile. By matching the profiles to the exhaust of space shuttle main engine tests conducted at NASA Stennis, determinations could be made about which engine components were undergoing wear and what maintenance was needed.

    Glenn Varner
    NASA Stennis Engineer

    The Diagnostic Testbed Facility played a critical safety role for engine operations and also provided a real-time opportunity for NASA Stennis engineers to learn about exhaust diagnostics.
    Multiple tests were conducted. The average turnaround time between hot fires was 18 to 20 minutes with the best turnaround from one test to another taking just 12 minutes. By January 1991, the facility had recorded a total of 588 firings for a cumulative 3,452 seconds.
    As testing progressed, the facility team evolved into a collection of experts in plume diagnostics. Longtime NASA Stennis engineer Glenn Varner serves as the mechanical operations engineer at the Thad Cochran Test Stand, where he contributed to the successful testing of the first SLS (Space Launch System) core stage onsite.
    However, much of Varner’s hands-on experience came at the Diagnostic Test Facility. “We learned about purging, ignition, handling propellants, high-pressure gases, and all the components you had to have to make it work,” he said. “It was a very good learning experience.”

    joe schuyler
    NASA Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate Director

    The Diagnostic Testbed Facility impacted more than just those engineers involved in the testing. Following the initial research effort, the facility underwent modifications in January 1993. Two months later, facility operators completed a successful series of tests on a small-scale liquid hydrogen turbopump for a California-based aerospace company.
    The project marked an early collaboration between the center and a commercial company and helped pave the way for the continued success of the NASA Stennis E Test Complex. Building on Diagnostic Testbed Facility knowledge and equipment, the NASA Stennis complex now supports multiple commercial aerospace projects with its versatile infrastructure and team of propulsion test experts.
    “The physical remnants of the Diagnostic Testbed Facility are barely recognizable now,” Schuyler said. “But that spirit and approach embodied by that effort and its teams continues in force at the center.”
    Additional Information
    NASA Stennis has leveraged hardware and expertise from the Diagnostic Testbed Facility to provide benefit to NASA and industry for two decades and counting.
    The facility’s thruster, run tanks, valves, regulators and instrumentation were used in developing the versatile four-stand E Test Complex at NASA Stennis that includes 12 active test cell positions capable of various component, engine, and stage test activities.
    “The Diagnostic Testbed Facility was the precursor to that,” said NASA engineer Glenn Varner. “Everything but the structure still in the grass moved to the E-1 Test Stand, Cell 3. Plume diagnostics was part of the first testing there.”
    When plume diagnostic testing concluded at E-1, equipment moved to the E-3 Test Stand, where the same rocket engine used for the Diagnostic Testbed Facility has since performed many test projects.
    The Diagnostic Testbed Facility thruster also has been used for various projects at E-3, most recently in a project for the exploration upper stage being built for use on future Artemis missions. 
    In addition to hardware, engineers who worked at the Diagnostic Testbed Facility also moved on to support E Test Complex projects. There, they helped new NASA engineers learn how to handle gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen propellants. Engineers learned about purging, ignition, and handling propellants and all the components needed for a successful test.
    “From an engineering perspective, the more knowledge you have of the processes and procedures to make propulsion work, the better off you are,” Varner said. “It applied then and still applies today. The Diagnostic Testbed Facility contributed to the future development of NASA Stennis infrastructure and expertise.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Alberta’s oil and gas wells threaten people’s health, but there are disparities in who is most at risk

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martin Lavoie, Senior Scientist and Data Analyst, St. Francis Xavier University

    Around 13 per cent of Albertans live within 1.5 kilometres of an active oil or gas well. Given the link between oil and gas production and ill health, this leaves a significant proportion of the province’s population at risk.

    But certain groups may be at a disproportionately greater risk, according to recent research our team published. Our study revealed stark socioeconomic disparities in those at the greatest risk of health problems due to their proximity to an oil or gas well — with Indigenous people and those who were less educated most affected.

    The link between oil and gas production, air pollution and human health is well documented. Oil and gas production emits numerous pollutants into the air we breathe. These pollutants are associated with poor cardiovascular and respiratory health.

    But while numerous studies have been published on the link between proximity to oil and gas producers and ill health, this data has mainly come from the United States — the world’s leading oil and gas producer. Relatively little research on this topic has been done in Canada. This is what our recent research sought to do.

    Alberta residents

    The study examined Alberta — the province which in 2023 was responsible for 80 per cent of Canada’s oil, and 61 per cent of its gas production. We analyzed multiple datasets including census, health, emissions and oil and gas activity data. This allowed our lab to create the first spatial understanding of oil and gas air pollution in Alberta.

    This also made it possible to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of those living nearest the pollution’s source, alongside their experiences with cardiovascular or respiratory health issues.

    The study found that over 360,000 Albertans live within one kilometre of an active oil or gas well. Nearly half a million people live within 1.5 kilometres of one. These are significant numbers considering the province only has around four million residents.

    Albertans living within one or 1.5 kilometres of an active oil and gas well are more likely to be rural residents (10 per cent), people with less formal education (20 per cent) and Indigenous people (21 per cent).

    Our findings align with previous studies which have shown that people with similar sociodemographic characteristics are more likely to experience worse health outcomes compared to the general population.

    Unnervingly, our study also found that those living within at least 1.5 kilometres of an oil or gas well faced an estimated nine to 21 per cent higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular or respiratory issues due to their proximity. The closer a person lived to an oil or gas well, the greater their risk.

    Although we adjusted our findings for age and sex, there was no information available in the datasets we used on other factors which may have affected the results, such as lifestyle habits or pre-existing health conditions. It will be important for more research to be conducted on this topic which takes these factors into account.

    Health risks

    Our findings align with other published studies on the topic which have found a link between health issues and proximity to oil and gas producers.

    Notably, much of the oil and gas workforce are located in rural areas near production facilities. This may explain why our study found rural residents were more likely to experience health issues from oil and gas wells.

    Our findings also align with research from the U.S. on this topic. For comparison, a 2022 study found nearly 18 million U.S. residents live within 1.6 kilometres of an active oil and gas well, with some states such as West Virginia and Oklahoma seeing over 50 per cent of their total population in this proximity. Research has also found similar socioeconomic disparities in exposure to oil and gas wells in the U.S. as our study did.

    Our study highlights the need for more research on this topic, especially since it has been suggested that oil and gas emissions are often underestimated. It’s possible that even more people are impacted than our study determined.

    It will also be important for studies to investigate the effects of specific oil and gas pollutants (such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) on health. Currently in Alberta, regulations on the minimum distance between residents and oil and gas wells primarily focus on hydrogen sulphide levels.

    Overlooking other relevant air pollutants may mean that minimum setbacks from pollution sources may be insufficient, especially given the impacts our study showed in those residing within 1.5 kilometres of an oil or gas well.

    Nearly 100 countries produce oil and gas. Air emissions from this sector represent an urgent global problem. Targeted actions such as stricter policies for air emissions, as well as health risk assessments when building developments, are necessary to protect people living in these regions.

    David Risk receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

    Martin Lavoie and Matthew Rygus 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. Alberta’s oil and gas wells threaten people’s health, but there are disparities in who is most at risk – https://theconversation.com/albertas-oil-and-gas-wells-threaten-peoples-health-but-there-are-disparities-in-who-is-most-at-risk-249637

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will the UK’s proposed long-term emissions strategy get us to net zero? An expert review

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Barrett, Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, Deputy Director of the Priestly Centre for Climate Futures, Theme Lead for the UKRI Energy Demand Research Centre, University of Leeds

    In the seventh carbon budget, electric vehicles are key to reducing carbon emissions. nrqemi / shutterstock

    The UK government’s official advisory Climate Change Committee (CCC) has now published its recommendations for the country’s “seventh carbon budget”, covering the period from 2038 to 2042.

    This advice provides robust evidence for the government to set legally binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions over this five year period, while striving to meet its international commitments on climate change.

    The late 2030s may seem far off, but long-term planning is essential. Achieving these targets requires the rollout of low-carbon technologies and the building of consensus for social change. It takes a long time to plan, design and build a power plant or factory.

    It could take even longer to change social norms and values around flying, driving or the foods we eat. Setting targets more than a decade in advance gives much needed clarity to investors, businesses and citizens on the direction of travel.

    Colleagues and I at the University of Leeds’s Climate Evidence Unit have produced a detailed analysis of the nearly 400 page CCC report. One key takeaway is that the transition to net zero is not only possible but highly beneficial.

    Academic analyses (including our own) consistently support this conclusion, showing that it will strengthen the economy and position the UK as a leader in global climate action. And it will deliver warmer homes, cheaper household bills, reduced air pollution, greater energy security with less reliance on imported gas, and many other benefits.

    While the report acknowledges the upfront costs, it confirms that acting now will reduce expenses in the long run, with cost savings emerging by the late 2030s and beyond. However, the report significantly underestimates the full economic impacts of the transition, as the CCC’s analysis does not factor in the financial losses associated with extreme weather and other effects of climate change.

    These losses could be substantial. A recent report by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries suggests the effects of climate change could shrink global GDP by 50% between 2070 and 2090. When combined with the additional benefits of climate action, it’s clear that a “do nothing” approach is simply not an option.

    The CCC’s proposed plan to achieve this goal, known as the “balanced pathway”, leans heavily on key technologies while placing less emphasis on broader societal changes that help to fully realise these benefits. Compared to the sixth carbon budget report from 2020, this latest analysis gives greater consideration to reducing demand for energy, but the technological bias remains.

    It’s politically easier to boost electric vehicles than it is to get people to drive less.
    brian.martin.photographer / shutterstock

    There is a sense that the report pre-empts what the government would prefer as opposed to challenging current thinking. The problem with this approach is that failing to fully address demand makes the technological transition harder and more expensive than necessary, and increases the risk of failure. More energy must be generated, more car miles need to be driven, and more materials and products must be supplied.

    The technological transition

    So, what technologies are expected to drive emissions reductions? The first key point is the increasing reliance on technologies that, although they are already available, still need to be deployed at scale. These include electric vehicles, heat pumps for both households and industry, and the rapid expansion of solar and wind power.

    In contrast, the report places less emphasis than previous recommendations on currently expensive and emerging technologies, such as hydrogen power or “direct air capture” – essentially huge machines that filter carbon from the air. This is very welcome as it keeps the focus on decarbonisation, rather than emitting now and cleaning up later.

    This shift is particularly evident when examining individual sectors, where the focus is on scaling up existing solutions rather than banking on future technological breakthroughs.

    Surface transport, for instance, accounts for about a quarter of the UK’s emissions. The report places heavy reliance on electric vehicles (EVs), projecting that they will be responsible for 72% of all surface transport emissions reduced between 2025 and 2050.

    To put this into perspective, from this point forward, the UK would need to substantially outpace Norway, the current global leader in EV adoption. In contrast, only 11% of total emissions reductions are attributed to people shifting from driving to public transport or walking and cycling.

    Switching from gas boilers to heat pumps like these will deliver most household emissions savings.
    Wozzie/Shutterstock

    Electrification is also expected to be the primary driver of emissions reductions in both homes and the industrial sector, mostly through replacing gas heating with heat pumps. This will be a particular challenge in industries which require high temperature heat pumps, a technology that hasn’t been installed yet.

    Efficiency measures and unsustainably high consumption patterns receive less attention in the industry section. In homes, improved insulation will reduce demand though there is little space for new and additional energy saving actions.

    In the food and farming sector, the report identifies three roughly equal sources of emissions reductions: low-carbon farming, reductions in livestock numbers, and land management improvements. The reduction in livestock numbers primarily reflects lower meat and dairy consumption, while the other measures rely predominantly on technological solutions.

    Overall, this is a very welcome report from the Climate Change Committee with a robust analysis that lets the government, industry and citizens know that the pathway to net zero is possible and very much needed. However, it does place enormous responsibility on some key technologies and their rapid roll out to achieve these goals.

    As the UK government digests the findings, my colleagues and I would suggest greater consideration of the “social” transformation that examines how we travel and what we buy, to fully unlock the benefits of net zero.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. 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 so far.

    John Barrett receives funding by the Priestly Centre for Climate Futures where he holds the position of Deputy Director of Policy. He is also funded by a UKRI centre, called the Energy Demand Research Centre where he is the Futures theme lead.

    – ref. Will the UK’s proposed long-term emissions strategy get us to net zero? An expert review – https://theconversation.com/will-the-uks-proposed-long-term-emissions-strategy-get-us-to-net-zero-an-expert-review-250845

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Haffner Energy successfully commissioned its hydrogen-from-biomass production unit in Marolles, France – a breakthrough for the hydrogen industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vitry-le-François, France – February 26, 2025, 6:00 PM (CEST)

    • Commissioning of the world’s first plant producing hydrogen from solid biomass at the Marolles site (Champagne region, France).
    • Unique thermochemical process that significantly reduces green hydrogen costs.
    • “Super green”1 hydrogen available for commercial use beginning the second half of 2025.

    Haffner Energy (ISIN: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF) announces the commencement of hydrogen2 production utilizing its proprietary solid biomass thermolysis technology at its Marolles hydrogen production, testing, and training center, as was announced in the 12/17/2024 press release. This unique technology enables the production of renewable hydrogen at a substantially lower cost compared to conventional methods, while offering an unparalleled carbon footprint.

    “Achieving the continuous production of competitive green hydrogen is a decisive step. Currently, the industry faces significant delays due to the excessive cost of decarbonized hydrogen. We are confident that our solution will accelerate the adoption of renewable hydrogen and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. I want to congratulate the Haffner Energy team and our partners for this remarkable achievement, ushering the company into a new era,” stated Philippe Haffner, Co-founder and CEO of Haffner Energy.

    A Flexible and Economically Advantageous Production Model

    The site’s production capacity will be 15 kg of hydrogen per hour (kg/h), with an initial phase temporarily limited to 11 kg/h due to the existing PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) purification equipment. This equipment will be replaced in the coming months by a PSA designed to reach a 15 kg/h capacity. The unit already produces hydrogen at 8 bar pressure, ready for commercial distribution starting in the second half of 2025 to serve transportation and industrial markets.

    Anticipated since late 2024, this commissioning required the site to be connected to the medium-voltage electrical grid, which was completed earlier this year, followed by the on-site presence of commissioning engineers focused on the main equipment suppliers for hydrogen purification.

    The biomass thermolysis unit, operational since June 2024, exceeds the capacity required to produce 15 kg/h of hydrogen. The new PSA, already received by Haffner Energy, will be complemented by a compressor reaching 35 bar pressure, supplying an H14 distribution station provided by HRS.

    Marolles is designed to operate 8,000 hours per year. As part of this site’s operations, 120 metric tons of mobility-grade hydrogen per year (15 kg/hour) will be produced, contributing to the decarbonization of mobility and industry. This is equivalent to 12 million kilometers traveled with hydrogen vehicles. Approximately 2,400 metric tons of CO₂ per year will be avoided or captured through hydrogen and biocarbon (char or biochar) combined.

    A memorandum of understanding for the offtake has been signed for the supply of 90 tonnes of hydrogen per year, mainly for mobility applications, which is designed to ensure a commercial outlet within the next few months.

    Hydrogen Production from Residual Solid Biomass: A Game Changer

    The scaling up of Haffner Energy’s proprietary biomass thermolysis technology is poised to disrupt the global and French renewable hydrogen markets, facilitating accelerated commercial and industrial development. This technology offers several key advantages:

    • Economically Competitive Solution: Already capable of competing with gray hydrogen for installations of 20 MW and above – a feat far from achievable by alternative technologies.
    • Economic Model Based on Low-Cost Biomass Energy: Hydrogen from biomass thermolysis is significantly cheaper to produce than hydrogen from the electrolysis of water thanks to low primary energy costs (<30€/MWh and often even <20€/MWh, compared with >70€/MWh for decarbonized electricity) and optimal energy efficiency (generally >70%).
    • Independence from the Electrical Grid: Unlike electrolysis, thermolysis is minimally dependent on electricity availability and cost, ensuring stable and predictable production.
    • Negative Carbon Footprint: This technology sequesters biogenic carbon through biochar co-production, achieving a negative carbon footprint when considering the full LCA.3
    • Flexible Sourcing: This biomass-agnostic technology is able to utilize various residual biomasses, in particular from agriculture, ensuring greater autonomy and resilience against feedstock market fluctuations while significantly expanding available resources.

    Towards Commercial and Industrial Expansion

    The commissioning of the Marolles unit marks a strategic milestone for Haffner Energy. This success accelerates commercial discussions with several partners interested in this disruptive technology and, as announced in previous communications, will enable the Company’s project pipeline to be converted into firm orders, thereby generating revenue. In particular, the effective commissioning of the site is a catalyst for finalizing the signing of two major contracts.

    The continuous operation of hydrogen and renewable gas production equipment on site will also enable Haffner Energy’s team to conduct tests using specific biomasses for each potential client, including non-conventional biomasses such as organic sludge, manure, and algae, thereby confirming the compatibility of Haffner Energy’s technology.

    Furthermore, Haffner Energy is now positioned to leverage a previously untapped technological solution that converts hydrogen into electricity at an extremely competitive cost, highly valuable during peak consumption periods.

    Despite a global context that remains unfavorable to the development of the hydrogen market, particularly in Europe and in France—where the national hydrogen strategy has yet to be announced—Haffner Energy’s position in this high-potential market is now strengthened.

    Additional resources

    Next events 

    • Annual results 2024-2025                         June 18, 2025
    • Annual Shareholders Meeting                  September 10, 2025

    About Haffner Energy

    Haffner Energy is a French company providing solutions for competitive clean fuels production. With a 32- year experience converting biomass into renewable energies, it has developed innovative proprietary biomass thermolysis and gasification technologies to produce renewable gas, hydrogen and methanol, as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company also contributes to regenerating the planet through the co-production of biogenic CO2 and biocarbon (or char/biochar). Haffner Energy is listed on Euronext Growth (ISIN code : FR0014007ND6 – Ticker : ALHAF).

    Investor Relations

    investisseurs@haffner-energy.com

    Media Relations

    Laure BOURDON
    laure.bourdon@haffner-energy.com
    +33 (0) 7 87 96 35 15

    Glossary:

    * Biocarbon is a carbon-rich solid material. Biocarbon contains biogenic carbon absorbed from the atmosphere by plants via photosynthesis. This characteristic makes it a major carbon sink when used as a soil amendment, either applied directly or incorporated into fertilizers (known as biochar), or incorporated into building materials (known as char). Biocarbon is also a very dense source of renewable energy (31 MJ/kg) that can be gasified on site to increase the production of biofuels such as bio-SAF or the production of renewable hydrogen, but can also be shipped and gasified at another site, notably for the production of e-fuels.

    1 In accordance with the order of July 1, 2024 specifying the greenhouse gas emission threshold and the methodology for qualifying hydrogen as renewable or low-carbon.

    2 Samples were taken today by an independent laboratory to validate the mobility quality of this hydrogen.

    3 In accordance with the life cycle assessment study carried out by the LCA consultancy EVEA at the end of 2021.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget Speech by the Financial Secretary (9)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Accelerating Green DevelopmentGreen Industries171. Development of green industries is a major international trend and key to addressing global climate change. The combination of green finance and green technology will accelerate the build-up of multi-faceted industry clusters, thereby creating huge business opportunities and financing needs, and making contribution to green transformation and development.Green Finance172. We launched the Sustainable Finance Action Agenda last year, setting out goals for the banking industry to achieve net zero. We also launched the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong. It provides a well defined pathway for large publicly accountable entities to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards no later than 2028. This will make Hong Kong one of the first jurisdictions to align its local requirements with the Standards.173. To continuously support local green-finance talent training, we will extend the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme to 2028. Over 5 700 applications have been approved under the Scheme.Green Technology174. The HKSTPC will develop the InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong into a leading green technology hub – “GreenTech Hub”, bringing together more than 200 green technology companies. The HKSTPC will invite financial and business institutions, universities, institutions supporting business, etc, to become partners of the admitted companies and provide support such as talent training, testing and application scenarios, and business matching.Green Shipping175. The Government will provide tax exemption for green methanol used for bunkering. Meanwhile, the Government will implement the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering to develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre.Green Aviation176. To provide support for the decarbonisation of the international and local aviation industry, we are promoting the application of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the HKIA. The AA completed a relevant study last year. We will announce an SAF consumption target this year.Green CityWaste Reduction and Recycling177. To enhance waste reduction at source, the Government will allocate an additional funding of $180 million for increasing the number of residential food waste smart recycling bins and food waste collection facilities across the city, as well as expanding the recycling network and increasing waste recovery.Waste to Energy178. I·PARK1, Hong Kong’s first waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste, is expected to commence operation this year. Moreover, we have invited the open tender for I·PARK2, the second large-scale facility with an expected treatment capacity of 6 000 tonnes per day. It is a major step towards “zero landfill”.Charging Network for Electric Vehicles179. There are more than 100 000 electric vehicles in Hong Kong, about eight times of that five years ago. The Government will launch a $300 million subsidy scheme in the middle of the year. It is expected that the scheme will provide impetus for the industry to install 3 000 fast chargers across Hong Kong by 2030 to be used by 160 000 additional electric vehicles.Green Transformation of Public Buses and Taxis180. The Government has announced the Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis and earmarked $470 million under the New Energy Transport Fund to subsidise franchised bus operators in purchasing about 600 electric buses. Also, $135 million were earmarked to subsidise the taxi trade in purchasing 3 000 electric taxis. In addition, the Funding Scheme to Trial of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Heavy Vehicles is now open for application.Smart and Green Mass Transit Systems181. Last year, the Government invited expressions of interest for the smart and green mass transit system projects in Kai Tak, East Kowloon and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South NDAs. The Government will continue to take forward the projects with an innovative mindset, and strive to invite tenders for the Kai Tak project this year and the East Kowloon and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South NDAs projects next year respectively. Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries Industries182. We will continue to take forward the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries to assist the upgrading and transformation of the agriculture and fisheries industries. The Government has reserved a site in Sheung Shui for the agriculture sector to set up the first multi-storey, modernised and environment-friendly livestock farm. For the fisheries sector, the first batch of marine fish-culture licences at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Mirs Bay will be issued in the middle of the year the earliest. We are also proactively working to establish a brand building and certification system for leisure fisheries and farming, as well as local agricultural and fisheries produce. Land and Housing SupplyLand Supply183. We need a sufficient supply of land to create the capacity for supporting the development of new industries, injecting new impetus into our economy, and providing a better living and leisure environment for our people.184. The Government will closely monitor market situation and development, and roll out sites in a paced and orderly manner. Having learned from past experience that land shortage would constrain Hong Kong’s development, we must persist with our work on planning and land creation. The pace of rolling out sites to the market can be adjusted in the light of actual circumstances.  185. The commercial property market has been facing considerable challenges in the past few years. In view of the high vacancy rates of offices in recent years and the relatively ample supply in the next few years, the Government will not roll out any commercial site for sale in the coming year to allow the market to absorb the existing supply. We will also consider rezoning some of the commercial sites into residential use and allowing greater flexibility of land use. To tie in with the relevant work, we will also extend the deadline for completing in-situ land exchange for commercial sites in the town centre of HSK/HT NDA. 186. The Land Sale List of the coming year comprises eight residential sites. There will also be railway property development projects, projects undertaken by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) as well as private development and redevelopment projects. Taken together, the potential land supply for the whole year is expected to have a capacity for providing about 13 700 units, similar to the projected annual demand for private housing as announced in the Long Term Housing Strategy.  The sale arrangements will be announced on a quarterly basis having regard to market situation and relevant circumstances.187. We will prepare land for the production of about 80 000 private housing units in the coming five years. About 65 per cent of the land comes from the NM and the Tung Chung New Town Extension. The above projection has yet to take into account the supply from development projects undertaken by the URA and other private development projects.Housing Supply188. On public housing supply, the Government has identified sufficient land for meeting the supply target of 308 000 public housing units over the next 10 years. Coupled with Light Public Housing, the total public housing supply in the coming five years will reach 190 000 units, which is about 80 per cent higher than that of the first five year period since the current term Government took office.189. On private housing supply, it is estimated that the completion of private residential units will be on average over 17 000 units annually in the coming five years, representing a decrease of about eight per cent over the annual average of the past five years. The potential supply of first hand private residential units for the next three to four years will be around 107 000 units. Infrastructure DevelopmentTransport Infrastructure190. The Government will strive to commence the detailed planning and design of the South Island Line (West) project this year. The construction works of the remaining sections of Route 6, namely the Central Kowloon Route and Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel, are entering the final stage. The Central Kowloon Route project is expected to be completed by the end of this year while Route 6 will be fully commissioned next year.Professional Development of Construction Industry191. I have set aside $15 million for the work of the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders over the next two years to enhance the professionalism, innovation capabilities and cost-effectiveness management of the construction industry. The Centre will organise summits and various events to promote exchanges and co-operation transcending geographical and sectoral boundaries.192. To attract more young people to join the construction industry, we and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) will jointly allocate funding totalling about $95 million to continue the provision of on-the-job training subsidies to trainees enrolling in part-time construction-related degree programmes over the next two academic years. It is anticipated to benefit about 1 000 trainees.193. The CIC will allocate around $150 million to subsidise the construction industry to provide on the job training for about 2 500 graduates of degree programmes in engineering, architecture, surveying, planning and landscape architecture. This will assist more young people in obtaining professional qualifications. A Caring and Inclusive CommunitySupport for Youth194. The Government has just raised the upper age limit for participants of the Youth Employment and Training Programme to 29 and introduced workplace attachment opportunities in the GBA to help young people enhance their employability. The estimated expenditure for the Programme next year is around $100 million.195. In the coming year, we plan to offer around 4 000 short term internship placements in bureaux and departments and public organisations for tertiary students. Students who aspire to pursue a career in public service may take the opportunity to broaden their horizons and better plan for their future career development.196. The Hong Kong Housing Authority has launched the “Well Being ??? Start Up” Programme on a pilot basis, offering rent-free shop premises in its shopping centres for young people to trial their business plans. The Programme has received ardent support from different sectors of the community. The Authority will expand the programme and appeal to private landlords for support.Caring for the Elderly197. The Government will, in the next financial year, increase the number of vouchers under the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly by 1 000 to 6 000 in total and increase the number of vouchers under the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly by 1 000 to 12 000 in total, involving an annual expenditure of about $1,710 million and $900 million respectively.198. The Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy will implement measures in five areas, namely boosting “silver consumption”, developing “silver industry”, promoting “quality assurance of silver products”, enhancing “silver financial and security arrangements”, and unleashing “silver productivity”. Relevant policy bureaux are taking forward their work.199. The HKMA will collaborate with the Hong Kong Association of Banks to formulate industry guidelines this year, with a view to encouraging banks to offer elderly-friendly electronic banking services.Support for Working Families200. As at the end of last year, about 50 000 households were receiving allowance under the Working Family Allowance Scheme, involving around 170 000 persons, inclusive of some 70 000 children. In 2025-26, the estimated expenditure for the Scheme is about $2.1 billion. The Government has increased the rates of the household and child allowances under the Scheme by 15 per cent across the board with effect from April last year.Child Protection201. The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect next January, creating a wider protection web for children. The Government will provide an additional annual provision of $186 million to increase emergency places for residential child care and strengthen professional support for child abuse victims and their families.Support for Persons with Disabilities202. The Government will set up 14 Integrated Community Rehabilitation Centres across the territory in phases to provide persons with disabilities who require medium to high level care with flexible and integrated community support services through a case management approach. Besides, 1 280 additional day community rehabilitation and home care service places will be provided for persons with disabilities, involving about $160 million additional annual expenditure.203. Starting from the third quarter of this year, the Government will regularise the Pilot Project on Enhancing Vocational Rehabilitation Services to provide training to persons with disabilities according to their personal interest and abilities to enhance their employment opportunities. The annual expenditure involved is about $100 million and it is expected to benefit about 10 000 people.Women’s Development204. The Government is committed to women’s development and launched the Women Empowerment Fund in June 2023 with an annual funding of $20 million. To date, the Fund has provided funding support to women’s groups and non governmental organisations for launching over 240 projects, empowering women to excel. This year, a two year pilot mentorship programme will be launched, pairing female university students with women leader mentors to promote women’s workplace development.District Services and Community Care Teams205. Last year, the Chief Executive announced that the Government would regularise the establishment of District Services and Community Care Teams and increase their funding by 50 per cent in the next term of service. Since the launch of the Community Care Teams, they have paid visits to about 390 000 households and provided around 43 000 times of support services. The Government will further enhance the provision of caring services.Enhancement of Public Healthcare System206. To develop primary healthcare, the Government will upgrade the District Health Centre Expresses in Central and Western District, Eastern District and Yau Tsim Mong District into District Health Centres this year, with a view to strengthening the community healthcare system.207. The Government is progressively implementing and completing the 16 works projects, which entail a total of about $190 billion, under the First Hospital Development Plan. Taking into account the latest demographic structure, planning and development situation in Hong Kong, we will review the distribution, scale and priority of projects under the Second Hospital Development Plan, and will make the announcement in due course.208. Furthermore, the Government and the HA are reviewing the structure and levels of subsidisation for public healthcare, with a view to strengthening the financial sustainability of public healthcare services and providing better support for patients with serious or critical conditions as well as those with financial difficulties. The outcome of the review will be announced this year.Combatting Illegal Betting209. In recent years, quite some members of the public have expressed concerns about the problem of illegal basketball betting in Hong Kong. According to the latest assessment of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the turnover of illegal basketball betting reached $70 billion to $90 billion last year. To combat illegal betting activities in an effective manner, the Government will explore regulating basketball betting activities and invite HKJC to submit a proposal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting the UK aviation sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Supporting the UK aviation sector

    Secretary of State for Transport outlines next steps for airport expansion during the Airlines UK annual dinner.

    Good evening, everyone.

    I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of you over the last couple of weeks individually. But I will be honest with you, not only did I not expect to find myself in this job, I also didn’t envisage spending quite so much time talking about airports.

    But I am glad I have because aviation not only underpins the growth we want, but our approach to it says a lot about the country we want to be.

    Now some might say the current debate about airport expansion highlights a fundamental tension between growing the economy, whilst protecting the environment. 

    I say: we must do both. 

    We could put our head in the sand and pretend that people don’t want to fly. Pretend that families aren’t dispersed across the globe. That they don’t work hard for, and enjoy, their summer holidays. We could pretend that businesses don’t have international clients and colleagues and that air freight isn’t a significant part of the UK’s trade by value. We could pretend that aviation isn’t critical to the economy of an island nation. But we would be knowingly detaching ourselves from reality.

    We live in an increasingly interconnected world. Whilst technology has in some respects brought us all so much closer together, there are some things that smartphones, streaming or Zoom just can’t replicate. So as a government, we have a choice – either engage with the world as we find it, or we fail. We know demand for air travel is only going in one direction. Record-breaking stats from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) last week confirm passenger levels were 7% higher in 2024 than the previous year. Demand is up – and if we don’t meet it, then we will lose out to our European competitors and risk being on the wrong side of public aspirations.  

    So the Chancellor has been clear: we will do all we can to support the sector and take the brakes off growth. It’s why we’ve approved London City Airport’s plans to expand to 9 million passengers per year by 2031 and it’s why we welcomed Stansted’s additional £1.1 billion investment to extend its terminal. But there remain capacity problems – particularly at airports in the southeast.

    So, as you know, planning applications for Gatwick and Luton are literally on my desk. And as you might have picked up, the government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once received, we will move at speed to review the Airports National Policy Statement. But let me be clear – this is in no way a blank cheque. My job as decision maker on all of these schemes will be to strike a balance – between expansion’s potential benefits of jobs, trade and tourism, with tough questions on:

    • whether this is compatible with our climate and air quality obligations
    • whether we can minimise noise and disruption to local communities
    • whether this will benefit airlines and passengers, and how we make sure costs are shared fairly

    This government believes in increasing airport capacity. We’re ambitious for the sector, but these strict criteria must be met if we are to balance the needs of today with the necessities of tomorrow.  

    But it’s not just about airport expansion – I want us to take a holistic look at aviation. Our Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, has worked with many of you for years on what are now some of this government’s key manifesto commitments. He has seen first-hand this sector re-emerge stronger from one of its toughest periods and stand today at the cusp of what could be the biggest transformation in its 100-year history. Now more than ever, you need a government that is a willing partner you can trust, whose electoral mandate provides stability, and whose policy agenda provides certainty.

    But I would ask that you judge me and the government not on what we say – because goodness knows you’ve had enough of politicians promising you things. But judge us on the choices we make. While this government is only 8 months old, our choices are clear. Every decision measured against the yardstick of growth:

    • planning reforms – delayed by successive governments as just too hard, now allowing us to finally build again
    • a national wealth fund – now creating thousands of jobs and unlocking investment
    • the first industrial strategy in years – due this summer
    • work accelerated on modernising our airspace, that critical national infrastructure which gets forgotten far too often

    Right across the board, it’s clear, we’re choosing growth. For us here tonight, that means running hell for leather towards greener and quieter flights. Stand still and we risk making ourselves poorer in every way. I, therefore, see both decarbonisation and modernisation, above all, as a moral mission.

    Let me be clear, I have no intention of clipping anyone’s wings. I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco-warrior. I love flying – I always have. For me, there is something intrinsically optimistic about taking to the sky. I’d even go as far as saying that EasyJet’s bacon sandwich on an early morning flight from Gatwick is up there with my favourite things in life. Other airports, operators and snacks are of course available!

    I believe it is incumbent on all those in public life to give businesses the tools for success and increase opportunities for people to improve their lot. That means more passengers and freight in the air, not less. But I am equally clear that this must also mean less carbon, not more. That’s why sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is so important. Over its lifecycle, it will reduce emissions by 70% when compared with jet fuel. And just weeks into office, we reiterated our commitment to the SAF Mandate and, in November, we signed it into law.

    Throughout, we’ve listened to your concerns. You rightly said demand without supply will mean higher costs – and that’s on top of pressures you’re already facing on many fronts. Harming your competitiveness doesn’t help anyone. So I don’t suggest for a second that SAF is a silver bullet, but it is integral to reaching net zero aviation by 2050 – that’s why we are backing it to the hilt. And by legislating for a price guarantee, we will send a clear signal to investors: that this is a serious opportunity for you.

     It will give certainty to producers looking to grow their UK production, and our £63 million investment in the Advanced Fuels Fund will ensure we start becoming more self-sufficient. 

    I know it is early days, and many technologies are not yet scaled, but SAF sits alongside a range of other levers that we must pull to decarbonise the sector. More efficient aircraft and engines will burn less fuel and play a key role. We are even starting to get ready for zero emission flights. These projects – and more – are supported by nearly £1 billion in government funding for the aerospace technology programme as well as the CAA’s hydrogen in aviation regulatory challenge. And I’ve mentioned it already, but our ongoing commitment to airspace modernisation is key for both growth and decarbonisation, with the potential for quicker and greener flights. 

    Getting all this right matters – it matters for the planet and for the next generation. I don’t have children, but I know what I want for my nieces and nephew.

    A world ravaged by climate change and extreme weather events? Of course not.

    A world where they have been denied the opportunities to travel that I have? No.

    I want them to live life. To fly. To see different places. Experience different cultures. To understand that those who would see countries retreating into their own corners of the globe are on the wrong side of history.  

    So this matters – for the next generation, but also for today. Decarbonising aviation could be worth billions to the economy, and support thousands of jobs. It is an important enabler to our industrial strategy.

    And if we are to be successful, we must embrace partnership.

    I am grateful to many in this room for your involvement in the Jet Zero taskforce, it’s crucial that we pool our resources and expertise – both government and industry – to secure this industry’s future.  

    So, I’ll finish by saying this – the government’s Plan for Change depends on aviation’s success, on the economic value you bring, on the jobs you support, on the trade you facilitate. But that growth depends on us running as fast as we can towards cleaner aviation. It’s the only way to break out of the paralysis successive governments have tolerated.

    The new aviation futures forum will be a crucial vehicle for that work. Some of you may remember this as the Aviation Council – and I’m sorry that we seem to have to rename everything when there’s a change of government. But I hope it’s clear that our commitment is immutable: we are as determined as you are to tackling our shared challenges.

    I don’t just want to talk about challenges though. Because if we continue making the right choices, we will achieve our shared vision of a growing, thriving aviation sector. One that improves both the lives and the livelihoods of people right across the country. Not many sectors so visibly and tangibly sustain both our economy and people’s lives. So let’s make sure, together, that we secure more of those benefits in the future.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Green sector a growth area: FS

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    In his 2025-26 Budget speech, Financial Secretary delivered an update on initiatives to harness green industries in Hong Kong, stressing that green finance and green technology are accelerating the build-up of multi-faceted industry clusters and creating huge business opportunities.

    In terms of green finance, Mr Chan iterated that Hong Kong last year launched the Sustainable Finance Action Agenda, setting out goals for the banking industry to achieve net zero, and committed to becoming one of the first jurisdictions to align local requirements on sustainability disclosure standards with those outlined in the International Financial Reporting Standards.

    He said that to support local green-finance talent training, the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme will be extended to 2028. 

    The finance chief also reported that the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) will develop its InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong into a green technology hub, to be named “GreenTech Hub”. The hub will bring together more than 200 green technology companies, with the HKSTPC inviting partners such as financial and business institutions and universities to support the companies by providing training, business matching, and more.

    With regard to shipping, the Government plans to develop Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre by the implementing the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering. Mr Chan said the Government will provide tax exemptions on green methanol used for bunkering. In the aviation sector, meanwhile, a Sustainable Aviation Fuel consumption target will be announced this year.

    In terms of waste reduction, the Government will allocate additional funding of $180 million to increase the number of residential food waste smart recycling bins and food waste collection facilities across the city. I·PARK1, Hong Kong’s first waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste, is expected to commence operation this year, and an open tender has been invited for I·PARK2, which will have an expected treatment capacity of 6,000 tonnes per day. 

    Mr Chan announced that the Government will launch a $300 million electric vehicle subsidy scheme in the middle of the year, adding that the scheme is expected to provide impetus to for the industry to install 3,000 fast chargers across Hong Kong by 2030.

    In relation to public transport, the finance chief remarked that the Government recently launched a “Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis” and earmarked $470 million under the New Energy Transport Fund to subsidise franchised bus operators in purchasing about 600 electric buses.  A further $135 million was earmarked to subsidise the taxi trade in purchasing 3,000 electric taxis.  In addition, the “Funding Scheme to Trial of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Heavy Vehicles” is now open for application.

    The Government intends to invite tenders for a smart and green mass transit system project in Kai Tak this year, and for similar projects in East Kowloon and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas next year. 

    Mr Chan also reported that the Government has reserved a site in Sheung Shui for the agriculture sector to set up the city’s first multi-storey, environment-friendly livestock farm.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” and TsKBM opened a laboratory to study technologies for producing hydrogen and its derivatives

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 25, the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” ceremonially opened the scientific and technological educational space “Laboratory of integrated development of the main equipment of chemical-technological and energy systems of the new generation”.

    The laboratory was created jointly with the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (part of the mechanical engineering division of the Rosatom State Corporation) as part of the implementation of the SPbPU PISh program.

    This space is focused on studying chemical technologies for hydrogen energy projects using digital solutions. The laboratory occupies 125 square meters and can accommodate up to 15 people at a time.

    The latest Russian-made equipment allows for science-intensive research and development, and also enables undergraduates and postgraduates to conduct research in the field of chemical technology, develop kinetic models of catalytic processes, including the production of hydrogen and derivatives based on it, and collect data to create and validate digital twins of physical, mechanical and chemical processes.

    The only catalytic unit in St. Petersburg, LKU-1, for studying high-temperature processes with a fixed catalyst bed is located here. It will allow studying the processes of catalytic processing of natural gas (steam reforming), testing catalysts and developing promising technologies for producing hydrogen.

    In the 2024-2025 academic year, with the support of the Central Design Bureau of Machine Building, a new master’s program was opened at the SPbPU PISH “Digital Engineering” “Digital engineering of the main technological equipment of hydrogen technologies and energy systems of the new generation”It trains advanced specialists capable of developing, modeling, optimizing and designing high-tech production proprietary equipment for chemical technologies, including hydrogen production, using digital twin technology.

    Let us recall that the agreement on cooperation in educational, scientific and innovative activities for the purpose of implementing joint basic and additional educational training programs for current tasks between the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering and the Saint Petersburg Polytechnical University’s PIS “Digital Engineering” signed On November 21, 2022, at the Atomexpo International Forum, the main event of the global nuclear industry.

    In the new laboratory, master’s students will not only master the methodology of scientific research and gain research experience, but will also be able to conduct important research within the framework of the promising projects implemented by the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering in the field of hydrogen energy.

    The opening ceremony of the space was attended by representatives of the Polytechnic University and the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, including the Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, the Head of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov, the Vice-Rector for Organizational and Economic Work of SPbPU Stanislav Vladimirov, the Deputy Head of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU Oleg Rozhdestvensky, the Head of the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering Yuri Gordienkov, and the First Deputy Head of the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering Alexey Mikhailov.

    The ceremony’s guests of honor included representatives of the industrial partner of the SPbPU PISh — the Krylov State Research Center. These were Deputy Director General for Scientific and Production Activities Igor Marenich, Deputy Head of the Hydrogen Energy Scientific and Production Complex Aleksandr Karpovich, and Head of the Experimental Production of the Hydrogen Energy Scientific and Production Complex Aleksandr Datskevich.

    “One of the important tasks in the implementation of the federal project “Advanced Engineering Schools” is the development of the infrastructure of the participating universities. The competencies of teachers of advanced engineering schools and representatives of the high-tech industry, the formulation of engineering challenges, as well as modern laboratory equipment – all this gives a synergistic effect, allowing us to train engineers with world-class competencies. Seven scientific and educational spaces have already been opened in the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”.

    The opening of the Laboratory for Complex Development of the Main Equipment for New-Generation Chemical-Engineering and Energy Systems together with the TsKBM company will allow us to carry out R&D in the interests of the key partner of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU — the State Corporation Rosatom — and, within the framework of solving frontier engineering problems, train students in the promising area of chemical-engineering and energy systems,” noted Alexey Borovkov.

    The head of the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, Yuri Gordienkov, emphasized the long-term and fruitful cooperation with the Polytechnic University and noted that the opening of the laboratory will be an important step in the development of joint projects.

    In the new laboratory, TsKBM plans to focus on the development of chemical technologies, including the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas for use in industrial processes and energy systems. In the next decade, hydrogen energy may become one of the main areas of development for TsKBM, which will lead to diversification of the order portfolio, sustainable development of the enterprise and ensuring the technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Training highly qualified specialists in the field of chemical technologies and hydrogen energy is a key factor for the successful development of this promising area, emphasized Yuri Gordienkov.

    The development of a joint scientific and technological infrastructure of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” and the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering will ensure comprehensive interaction with an industrial partner in terms of solving urgent frontier problems in the energy sector.

    After the opening of the laboratory, a working meeting was held to discuss current joint projects and promising areas of cooperation. The high-tech projects of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU in the interests of CBMD represent the “foundation” for creating a new generation of equipment that will allow the industrial partner to become a technology licensor and take a leading position in the new industry.

    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 Economics: APEC 2025: Korea Advances Regional Trade, AI, and Sustainability Agenda Gyeongju, Republic of Korea | 26 February 2025 Issued by the APEC Secretariat Korea kicks off its APEC 2025 host year in Gyeongju, a historic city home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    Korea kicks off its APEC 2025 host year in Gyeongju, a historic city home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. It brings together delegates from 21 economies to set the stage for a year of policy deliberations and cooperation on trade, digital transformation and sustainability.

    Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, this first set of meetings taking place from 24 February to 9 March, will serve as the launchpad for Korea’s forward-looking agenda — one that seeks to enhance regional connectivity, harness AI-driven growth, and accelerate the transition to a more resilient and prosperous Asia-Pacific.

    Under the overarching theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,” APEC 2025 will focus on three key priorities: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper. These pillars reflect APEC’s commitment to developing practical policies to support a resilient and interconnected future.

    “The Asia-Pacific is navigating complex challenges — supply chain disruptions, the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and industries, and fundamental changes in the demographic landscape,” said Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee, Chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting.

    “Through APEC, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen trade and investment flows, promote resilience in supply chains, and foster innovation that is beneficial to everyone,” she added.

    Also read: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: APEC Returns to Korea After 20 Years

    Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju has evolved into a dynamic modern city while preserving its rich cultural heritage — making it a fitting venue for these meetings. More than 100 events are set to take place covering issues such as investment, trade facilitation, anti-corruption efforts, energy cooperation, and digital economy policy. The city is anticipating participation from around 1,500 delegates from all around the Asia-Pacific.

    “APEC 2025 is about creating meaningful change,” said Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. “The discussions and commitments we make this year will shape the region’s ability to tackle global uncertainties and ensure shared prosperity for all.”

    “Korea’s role as host is not just about convening meetings — it is about setting a vision for a resilient, interconnected, and innovative APEC region. We look forward to working with all member economies, businesses, and stakeholders to turn this vision into reality,” Pedrosa added.

    Notable sessions for the meetings in Gyeongju include an exhibitions on customs technologies and green customs initiatives; policy dialogues on AI governance, digital privacy, and cross-border data flows; workshops on carbon-free energy, hydrogen and fuel cell standardization, and clean energy transitions; as well as discussions on financial inclusion, structural reform, and the future of work.

    A press conference is scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, at 13:30 local time at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), featuring Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee and Eduardo Pedrosa. They will provide a readout on the outcomes of the meetings and outline key priorities and upcoming events for APEC 2025 in the months ahead. The time and venue are subject to change, with updates to be communicated via email and posted on APEC’s social media platforms.

    “We are at a critical juncture for the global economy and Korea is committed to making APEC 2025 a platform for real and measurable progress on economic resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability,” Ambassador Yoon concluded.

    For further details and media inquiries, please contact:  
    [email protected] 
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Is There Potential for Life on Europa? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 52

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]

    That’s a great question. And it’s a question that NASA will seek to answer with the Europa Clipper spacecraft.
    Europa is a moon of Jupiter. It’s about the same size as Earth’s Moon, but its surface looks very different. The surface of Europa is covered with a layer of ice, and below that ice, we think there’s a layer of liquid water with more water than all of Earth’s oceans combined.
    So because of this giant ocean, we think that Europa is actually one of the best places in the solar system to look for life beyond the Earth.
    Life as we know it has three main requirements: liquid water — all life here on Earth uses liquid water as a basis.
    The second is the right chemical elements. These are elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur. They’re elements that create the building blocks for life as we know it on Earth. We think that those elements exist on Europa.
    The third component is an energy source. As Europa orbits around Jupiter, Jupiter’s strong gravity tugs and pulls on it. It actually stretches out the surface. And it produces a heat source called tidal heating. So it’s possible that hydrothermal systems could exist at the bottom of Europa’s ocean, and it’s possible that those could be locations for abundant life.
    So could there be life on Europa? It’s possible. And Europa Clipper is going to explore Europa to help try to answer that question.
    [END VIDEO TRANSCRIPT]
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s speech at inauguration of Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 2:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, dynamic Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, industry leaders, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

    The land of Eastern India and the Northeast is about to embark on a new future today. Advantage Assam is a grand initiative to connect the entire world with Assam’s potential and progress. History bears witness that Eastern India played a significant role in Bharat’s prosperity in the past. Today, as Bharat moves towards becoming a developed nation, Eastern India and our Northeast are once again set to showcase their strength. I see Advantage Assam as a reflection of this very spirit. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Assam government and the entire team of Himanta ji for organising this grand event. I recall when I was visiting Assam for an election campaign in 2013, I spontaneously said something at a gathering— “The day is not far when people, while learning the alphabet, will say: A for Assam.”

    Friends,

    Today, we are all closely observing and understanding global circumstances. Even amidst this global uncertainty, experts around the world have one certainty—and that certainty is Bharat’s rapid growth. There is a solid reason behind this confidence in Bharat. The Bharat of today is taking one step after another, working on a large scale, keeping in mind a long-term vision for the next 25 years of this 21st century. The world’s confidence today rests on Bharat’s young population, which is rapidly becoming skilled and driving innovation. The world trusts Bharat’s neo-middle class, which is emerging from poverty and advancing with new aspirations. The world believes in Bharat’s 1.4 billion people, who support political stability and policy continuity. The world has faith in Bharat’s governance, which is continuously implementing reforms. Today, Bharat is strengthening its local supply chains. Bharat is signing free trade agreements with different regions across the world. Our connectivity with East Asia is continuously improving. Additionally, the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is opening up many new opportunities.

    Friends,

    Amidst the growing global trust in Bharat, we have all gathered here today in Assam, on the sacred land of Maa Kamakhya. Assam’s contribution to Bharat’s growth is steadily increasing. The first edition of the Advantage Assam Summit was held in 2018. Back then, Assam’s economy was worth 2.75 lakh crore rupees. Today, Assam has become a 6 lakh crore rupee economy. This means that in just six years under the BJP government, Assam’s economy has doubled in value. This is the double effect of the double-engine government. The large-scale investments in Assam, including those made by all of you, have transformed Assam into a state of unlimited possibilities. The Assam government is focusing on education, skill development, various infrastructure projects, and creating a better investment environment. 

    In recent years, the BJP government has worked extensively on connectivity-related infrastructure in the state. Let me give you an example. Before 2014, there were only three bridges over the Brahmaputra River, meaning that just three bridges were built in 70 years. However, in the past 10 years, we have constructed four new bridges. One of these bridges has been named after Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika ji. Between 2009 and 2014, Assam received an average of 2,100 crore rupees in the railway budget. Our government has increased Assam’s railway budget more than four times, taking it to 10,000 crore rupees. Additionally, over 60 railway stations in Assam are being modernised. Today, the first semi-high-speed train of the Northeast has started running between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri.

    Friends,

    Assam’s air connectivity is expanding rapidly. Until 2014, flights operated on only seven routes here. Today, flights are running on nearly 30 routes. This has provided a major boost to the local economy and created employment opportunities for the youth of Assam.

    Friends,

    This transformation is not limited to just infrastructure. There has been an unprecedented improvement in law and order. Over the past decade, numerous peace accords have been signed, and long-pending border issues have been resolved. Today, every region, every citizen, and every young person in Assam is working tirelessly for the development of this state.

    Friends,

    Today, major reforms are taking place across every sector and every level of Bharat’s economy. We have consistently worked to improve the Ease of Doing Business. We have built a complete ecosystem to promote industry and an innovation culture. Whether it is policies for start-ups, PLI schemes for manufacturing, or tax exemptions for manufacturing companies and MSMEs, we have formulated excellent policies for all. The government is also making massive investments in infrastructure. This combination of institutional reforms, industry, infrastructure, and innovation is the foundation of Bharat’s progress. That is why investors are recognizing Bharat’s potential and the transformative possibilities of growth. Assam, too, is moving forward at double-engine speed in this progress. Assam has set a target to grow its economy to 150 billion dollars by 2030. I firmly believe that Assam can achieve this goal. My confidence stems from the capable and talented people of Assam and the commitment of the BJP government here. Today, Assam is emerging as the gateway between Southeast Asia and Bharat. To further enhance this potential, the government has launched the North East Transformative Industrialisation Scheme, also known as “Unnati”. This scheme will boost industry, investment, and tourism across the Northeast, including Assam. I urge all industry leaders here to take full advantage of this scheme and Assam’s unlimited potential. Assam’s natural resources and strategic location make it a preferred investment destination. One example of Assam’s strength is Assam Tea. Assam Tea is a global brand, a cherished part of tea lovers’ lives worldwide. Assam Tea has now completed 200 years. This legacy inspires Assam to excel in other sectors as well.

    Friends,

    Today, a major transformation is taking place in the global economy. The world is demanding a resilient supply chain. At this crucial time, Bharat has launched an initiative to strengthen its manufacturing sector in mission mode. Under Make in India, we are promoting low-cost manufacturing. Our industries—pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automobiles—are not only meeting domestic demand but are also setting new benchmarks of manufacturing excellence in international markets. Assam is playing a crucial role in this manufacturing revolution.

    Friends,

    Assam has always had a significant share in global trade. Today, Assam accounts for more than 50% of Bharat’s onshore natural gas production. In the past few years, the capacity of Assam’s refineries has increased significantly. Assam is also emerging rapidly in new-age sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and green energy. Due to the government’s policies, Assam is becoming a hub for high-tech industries as well as start-ups.

    Friends,

    Just a few days ago, the central government approved the Namrup-IV plant in the Union Budget. In the coming years, this urea production plant will meet the fertilizer demand of not just the Northeast but the entire country. The day is not far when Assam will become a major manufacturing hub of Eastern India. The central government is fully supporting the BJP-led state government in achieving this goal.

    Friends,

    In the 21st century, the world’s progress depends on digital revolution, innovation, and technological advancements. The better we prepare for this, the stronger we will be on the global stage. That’s why our government is moving forward at full speed with 21st-century policies and strategies. We all know how Bharat has made a huge leap in electronics and mobile manufacturing over the past 10 years. Now, Bharat aims to replicate this success story in semiconductor production as well. I am proud that Assam is emerging as a key centre for semiconductor manufacturing in Bharat. A few months ago, the Tata Semiconductor Assembly & Test Facility was inaugurated in Jagiroad, Assam. This plant will play a crucial role in promoting technological growth across the entire Northeast region in the coming years.

    Friends,

    We have also collaborated with IITs to drive innovation in the semiconductor sector. A semiconductor research centre is also being developed in the country. By the end of this decade, the electronics sector is expected to reach a value of 500 billion dollars. Given our speed and scale, it is certain that Bharat will emerge as a global powerhouse in semiconductor production. This will create millions of jobs and significantly benefit Assam’s economy.

    Friends,

    Over the past 10 years, Bharat has taken policy decisions while being mindful of its environmental responsibilities. The world today considers our Renewable Energy Mission a model practice and is following our approach. The country has made massive investments in solar, wind, and sustainable energy resources in the last 10 years. This has not only fulfilled our ecological commitments but has also significantly expanded our renewable energy production capacity. We have set a target to add 500 GW of renewable energy capacity to the country’s energy infrastructure by 2030. The government is also working on a mission to achieve an annual production of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030. With the expansion of gas infrastructure, demand for gas in the country has also risen rapidly. The gas-based economy is expanding at a fast pace, and Assam holds a huge advantage in this journey. The government has created numerous opportunities for industries—from PLI schemes to green initiatives, all policies have been designed in your favour. I want Assam to emerge as a leader in the renewable energy sector. However, this can only happen when industry leaders like you step forward and maximise Assam’s full potential.

    Friends,

    By 2047, Eastern India will play a crucial role in making Bharat a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Today, the Northeast and Eastern India are advancing rapidly in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and industry. The day is not far when the world will witness this region leading the way in Bharat’s development journey. I firmly believe that you will be partners in this journey and will contribute to Assam’s growth. Let us work together to make Assam a state that takes Bharat’s capabilities to new heights in the entire Global South. Once again, I extend my best wishes to all of you for this summit. And as I say this, I give you my assurance—I stand with you and fully support your contributions in the ‘Viksit Bharat’ journey.

    Thank you very much.

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Decarbonisation investments in the steel sector – E-002694/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The hydrogen and decarbonised gas market package[1] sets a clear framework for the development of infrastructure and the revised Renewable Energy Directive[2] creates obligations for the consumption of renewable hydrogen in industry and transport. When transposing them, Member States should put in place incentives for the sectors.

    In 2023, the Commission identified 65 European priority hydrogen infrastructure projects[3], that can benefit from funding under the Connecting Europe Facility and accelerated permitting. The Commission launched the second European Hydrogen Bank auction on 3 December 2024[4], next to Innovation Fund calls[5].

    In line with Article 30 (2) of Regulation (EU) 2023/956, the Commission will in 2025 assess a potential scope extension of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

    This includes an assessment of goods further down the value chain, goods at risk of carbon leakage other than those listed in Annex I of the CBAM Regulation and other input materials.

    On this basis, the Commission will prepare, where appropriate, a legislative proposal, including an impact assessment, on extending the scope of the regulation.

    Member States can prioritise sectors for potential future Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). Several approved IPCEIs[6] have benefitted the steel industry’s green transition through renewable hydrogen.

    In addition, the Guidelines for Climate, Environmental Protection and Energy and the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework allow Member States to notify individual aid measures[7] and aid schemes supporting industrial decarbonisation[8] or renewable hydrogen production or carbon capture and storage.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and  Regulation (EU) 2024/1789 .
    • [2]  Directive (EU) 2023/2413.
    • [3] Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest, including ~20,000km of pipelines, storages, terminals, and electrolysers: C/2023/7930 final.
    • [4] EUR 1.2 billion of EU funds and up to EUR 836 million from Spain, Lithuania, and Austria for projects in their Member State.
    • [5] Two H2 DRI projects producing and consuming large volumes of H2 have already been awarded under the Innovation Fund, ‘HYBRIT’ (Sweden) https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101051316.pdf) and ‘H2Green Steel’ (Sweden) (https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101133206.pdf).
    • [6] ‘Hy2Tech’ (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4544), ‘Hy2Infra’ (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_789) and ‘Hy2Use’ (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5676).
    • [7] See an example: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5968
    • [8] For instance a German scheme (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_845) and an Austrian scheme (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_4746).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Dream79/Shutterstock

    Shimmering, wobbling and painstakingly prepared, jelly was a staple of elite Victorian dining tables. But beneath its elegant presentation lay a deeper significance – one that reveals much about the era’s understanding of bone, health and scientific progress.

    By examining what jelly meant to the Victorians, we gain a fascinating insight into how food, science, and social status were entwined, and why our modern fascination with bone broth and collagen supplements is nothing new.

    To the Victorians, food was not merely sustenance but spectacle, and few dishes displayed culinary prowess as effectively as jelly.

    The ability to produce a flawless, quivering mould showed not only a cook’s technical skill but also a household’s refinement and affluence. A beautifully set table featuring jewel-toned jellies and savoury aspics signified sophistication, wealth and control over one’s domestic sphere.

    Despite its seemingly effortless appearance, jelly was among the most labour-intensive dishes a Victorian cook could prepare. Before the advent of commercially available gelatin, creating the perfect jelly required hours of patient work, beginning with the extraction of gelatin from animal bones.

    Beneath the quivering surface of a Victorian jelly lies a remarkable structural conversion that begins deep within bone.

    The key to jelly is collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a fundamental component of bone. Collagen provides bone with tensile strength and flexibility, working alongside hydroxyapatite, a crystalline form of calcium phosphate, which lends bone its rigidity.

    In its natural state, collagen exists as a tightly wound triple-helix structure – a molecular arrangement that resists breakdown under normal conditions. However, through prolonged exposure to heat and water, this resilient protein undergoes hydrolysis, breaking apart into gelatin — a substance capable of setting liquids into the delicate, tremulous form so prized by the Victorians.

    The process begins with the slow simmering of bones, a practice familiar to both culinary and medical traditions.

    When bones are boiled in water over extended periods, heat disrupts the hydrogen bonds stabilising the collagen fibrils, causing them to unravel. This process, known as thermal denaturation, leads to the gradual breakdown of collagen’s highly ordered triple helix, transforming it into smaller, soluble protein fragments.

    The longer the bones are boiled, the more collagen dissolves, releasing a rich, proteinaceous broth — the precursor to both gelatin and the contemporary trend of bone broth, a healthy soup made by boiling animal bones.

    As hydrolysis progresses, collagen loses its fibrous structure, forming a loose network of protein chains that remain suspended in the liquid. Unlike intact collagen, which is rigid and insoluble, these denatured fragments possess the unique ability to trap water molecules within a gel matrix when cooled.

    This transformation is the defining characteristic of gelatin: once heated, it dissolves readily into a liquid, but upon cooling, the reformation of weak intermolecular bonds allows it to set into a flexible, semi-solid state.

    The final stages of gelatin extraction involve purification and clarification. Victorian kitchens employed traditional methods of refining the broth, often using egg whites to bind to impurities, which were then skimmed from the surface. Once sufficiently clarified, the liquid was left to cool, allowing the gelatin to set into its characteristic wobbly structure.

    Unlike modern commercial gelatin, which undergoes industrial processing for uniformity and ease of use, Victorian gelatin varied in strength and purity depending on the bones used and the duration of boiling.

    Some bones yielded a stronger gelatin than others, influencing both its setting properties and clarity. Calves’ feet were among the most prized sources, rich in collagen and capable of producing a firm, well-setting jelly.

    In contrast, ox bones, though commonly used for broths, contained less collagen and required prolonged boiling to extract enough gelatin, often resulting in a weaker set.

    Boiling time was critical in determining gelatin strength. A long, slow simmer (12–24 hours) was optimal. Shorter boiling times, often used for poultry or lighter broths (and lighter bones), resulted in weaker gelatin. However, overboiling (beyond 24–36 hours) risked breaking down the protein structure too much, preventing the gelatin from setting properly.

    Collagen and health

    The link between gelatin and bone health was not lost on Victorian society. Medical texts of the period frequently recommended gelatin-rich broths for invalids, children, and the elderly, reinforcing the belief that consuming gelatin could replenish and strengthen the body’s own systems.

    This intuitive logic mirrors contemporary claims that bone broth supports joint health, digestion and skin elasticity. However, while broth provides collagen and minerals, scientific evidence for its direct functional benefits remains limited.

    Collagen from food is broken down during digestion and does not directly restore cartilage or connective tissue. Despite its nutrient content, bone broth is no more beneficial than other protein sources, with its resurgence driven more by slow food and wellness trends than firm scientific backing.

    In many ways, the gelatinous dishes that graced Victorian dining tables were as much a product of scientific curiosity as they were of culinary tradition. The transformation of bone into jelly encapsulated an era fascinated by both anatomy and domestic mastery, offering a rare but not exclusive intersection between the dinner table and the laboratory.

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

    – ref. How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen – https://theconversation.com/how-the-victorians-started-the-modern-health-obsession-with-collagen-249215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Alcohol ingestion by animals is surprisingly widespread – and we’re starting to understand its impact

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Christina Bowland, PhD Candidate in Biosciences, University of Exeter

    Humans may not be the only animals that ingest alcohol, research is suggesting. Studies on animals are showing they may be eating natural ethanol for its medicinal or nutritional properties.

    Humans drink alcohol in almost every part of the world, apart from places where people abstain for religious reasons. In the past, many people believed alcohol consumption was unique to humans, but growing evidence is showing we aren’t alone in our taste for booze.

    It has long been known that vinegar flies are closely linked to alcohol given their tendency to breed on fermented fruits. However, it turns out they are not an outlier.

    When you think of alcohol, you may think of a pint of beer or a glass of wine. But there are many types of alcohol, most of which are extremely toxic. For example, isopropanol (rubbing alcohol), which is commonly used as a disinfectant.

    Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, but ethanol is also prevalent in nature. Yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as brewer’s yeast, are widespread in the natural environment and produce ethanol (possibly to defend the plant’s sugary resource from competing microorganisms), when they metabolise sugars via fermentation. Many fruits, nectars and saps contain an abundance of sugars. Some of this sugar becomes ethanol when colonised by yeast.

    Fruit from plants in Panama, Costa Rica, Singapore, Israel and Finland have been found to contain ethanol, as well as some nectars and saps. The concentration of ethanol in naturally fermenting fruit is typically much lower than those in human-made alcoholic beverages, but some overripe fruit, such as fruits of the black palm (Astrocaryum standleyanum) have ethanol levels similar to a standard beer (5%).

    If fruit, nectars and saps ferment in the wild, it is not surprising that some animals may ingest ethanol. Studies, experimental and in the wild, have confirmed insects (including honeybees and butterflies) ingest it, as well as birds (such as hummingbirds, cedar waxwings and bohemian waxwings) and mammals (for example, pen-tailed tree shrews and the slow loris). Non-human primates, including one of our closest living relatives the chimpanzee, ingest it too.

    Although examples in the wild are rare, this may be due to lack of research rather than prevalence. Researchers are developing methods that make it easier to measure ethanol in the field, and as more research is conducted, more examples will probably be discovered.

    Do animals get drunk?

    There are many anecdotes of “drunk” animals, from moose to elephants, but none of these cases have actually been validated. From an evolutionary standpoint, being drunk is disadvantageous. Intoxicated animals could be more susceptible to injury or predation, and less likely to survive.

    Instead, many scientists expect natural selection would favour adaptations for increased ethanol metabolism to avoid becoming “drunk”. This allows animals to eat fermented foods while minimising the negative effects of intoxication.

    In animals, including humans, the primary metabolic route for ethanol is similar. Ethanol is first oxidised to acetaldehyde (a toxic intermediate) by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase.

    Acetaldehyde is then converted to acetate (which is less toxic) by aldehyde dehydrogenase. Yet, the efficiency at which different animals metabolise ethanol varies. It can vary between humans too.

    Some animals appear to have enhanced ethanol metabolism. Much like humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and bonobos share a mutation that make them particularly efficient at metabolising ethanol.

    Interestingly, the only Asian great ape (orangutan), which is highly arboreal (tree-dwelling), doesn’t share this mutation. This may be because orangutans did not experience the same evolutionary pressures as the more terrestrial (ground-dwelling) African great apes.

    For example, orangutans primarily feed in trees where fruit is expected to be less fermented than when it falls to the ground.

    Adult female chimpanzee feeding on ripe Spondias mombin
    Kimberley Hockings, CC BY-NC-ND

    It is possible that if sugary foods ferment naturally, then animals that eat these foods may consume ethanol without meaning to. Ethanol may have some benefits. It has antimicrobial properties and vinegar flies are known to use it to self-medicate against parasites. However, not much is known on whether other animals also use ethanol for medicinal purposes.

    There are confirmed sightings of many animals, from chimpanzees to orangutans using plants for medication, so the use of ethanol in this way could be widespread. Animals may also ingest food with ethanol in it because ethanol itself is a source of calories and its presence indicates sugar and nutrient content.

    Ambrosia beetles use the smell of ethanol as a cue to find suitable host trees to colonise. The ethanol increases the growth of fungi which the beetles feed on.

    Many of us are keenly aware of ethanol’s cognitive impact, including feelings of relaxation. Ethanol might play a significant role in promoting sociality among humans. This may also apply to other species, but has yet to be studied in a natural context.

    We still have much to learn about wild animals’ natural use of ethanol. Many
    hypotheses remain untested, and we know little about whether animals seek out ethanol and fermented foods. But many animals ingest it. It is clear the party is growing, and we are just one of many species that partake in ethanol.

    Anna Christina Bowland has received funding from the Primatological Society of Great Britain (PSGB) and the University of Exeter.

    – ref. Alcohol ingestion by animals is surprisingly widespread – and we’re starting to understand its impact – https://theconversation.com/alcohol-ingestion-by-animals-is-surprisingly-widespread-and-were-starting-to-understand-its-impact-246638

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Colorado is tackling air pollution in vulnerable neighborhoods by regulating 5 air toxics

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jenni Shearston, Assistant Professor of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder

    The Suncor Refinery in Commerce City, Colo., is a known air polluter. RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images

    The Globeville, Elyria-Swansea and Commerce City communities in metro Denver are choked by air pollution from nearby highways, an oil refinery and a Superfund site.

    While these neighborhoods have long suffered from air pollution, they’re not the only ones in Colorado.

    Now, Colorado is taking a major step to protect people from air pollutants that cause cancer or other major health problems, called “air toxics.” For the first time, the state is developing its own state-level air toxic health standards.

    In north Denver, the 80216 ZIP code has been named one of the most polluted in the country. Rocky Mountain PBS created a two-part documentary about the history of this area and the impact the pollution has on current residents.

    In January 2025 Colorado identified five air toxics as “priority” chemicals: benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium compounds and hydrogen sulfide.

    The state is in the process of setting health-based standards that will limit the amount of each chemical allowed in the air. Importantly, the standards will be designed to protect people exposed to the chemicals long term, such as those living near emission sources. Exposure to even low amounts of some chemicals, such as benzene, may lead to cancer.

    As a researcher studying chemical exposure and health, I measure and evaluate the impact of air pollution on people’s well-being.

    Colorado’s new regulations will draw on expert knowledge and community input to protect people’s health.

    Communities know what needs regulation

    In your own community, is there a highway that runs near your house or a factory with a bad odor? Maybe a gas station right around the corner? You likely already know many of the places that release air pollution near you.

    When state or local regulators work with community members to find out what air pollution sources communities are worried about, the partnership can lead to a system that better serves the public and reduces injustice.

    For example, partnerships between community advocates, scientists and regulators in heavily polluted and marginalized neighborhoods in New York and Boston have had big benefits. These partnerships resulted in both better scientific knowledge about how air pollution is connected to asthma and the placement of air monitors in neighborhoods impacted the most.

    In Colorado, the process to choose the five priority air toxics included consulting with multiple stakeholders. A technical working group provided input on which five chemicals should be prioritized from the larger list of 477 toxic air contaminants.

    The working group includes academics, members of nongovernmental organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund – local government and regulated industries, such as the American Petroleum Institute.

    Community members often know which air toxics they want regulated.
    Hyoung Chang/Denver Post via GettyImages

    There were also opportunities for community participation during public meetings.

    At public hearings, community groups like GreenLatinos argued that formaldehyde, instead of acrolein, should be one of the prioritized air toxics because it can cause cancer.

    Additionally, formaldehyde is emitted in some Colorado communities that are predominantly people of color, according to advocates for those communities. These communities are already disproportionately impacted by high rates of respiratory disease and cancer.

    Other members of the community also weighed in.

    “One of my patients is a 16-year-old boy who tried to get a summer job working outside, but had to quit because air pollution made his asthma so bad that he could barely breathe,” wrote Logan Harper, a Denver-area family physician and advocate for Healthy Air and Water Colorado.

    How is air quality protected?

    At the national level, the Clean Air Act requires that six common air pollutants, such as ozone and carbon monoxide, are kept below specific levels. The act also regulates 188 hazardous air pollutants.

    Individual states are free to develop their own regulations, and several, including California and Minnesota, already have. States can set standards that are more health-protective than those in place nationally.

    Four of the five chemicals prioritized by Colorado are regulated federally. The fifth chemical, hydrogen sulfide, is not included on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s hazardous air pollutant list, but Colorado has decided to regulate it as an air toxic.

    State-level regulation is important because states can focus on air toxics specific to their state to make sure that the communities most exposed to air pollution are protected. One way to do this is to place air pollution monitors in the communities experiencing the worst air pollution.

    For example, Colorado is placing six new air quality monitors in locations around the state to measure concentrations of the five priority air toxics. It will also use an existing monitor in Grand Junction to measure air toxics. Two of the new monitors, located in Commerce City and La Salle, began operating in January 2024. The remainder will start monitoring the air by July 2025.

    When Colorado chose the sites, it prioritized communities that are overly impacted by social and environmental hazards. To do this, officials used indexes like the Colorado EnviroScreen, which combines information about pollution, health and economic factors to identify communities that are overly burdened by hazards.

    The Commerce City monitor is located in Adams City, a neighborhood that has some of the worst pollution in the state. The site has air toxics emissions that are worse than 95% of communities in Colorado.

    Air toxics and health

    The five air toxics that Colorado selected all have negative impacts on health. Four are known to cause cancer.

    Benzene, perhaps the most well known because of its ability to cause blood cancer, is one. But it also has a number of other health impacts, including dampening the ability of the immune system and impacting the reproductive system by decreasing sperm count. Benzene is in combustion-powered vehicle exhaust and is emitted during oil and gas production and refinement.

    Ethylene oxide can cause cancer and irritates the nervous and respiratory systems. Symptoms of long-term exposure can include headaches, sore throat, shortness of breath and others. Ethylene oxide is used to sterilize medical equipment, and as of 2024, it was used by four facilities in Colorado.

    Formaldehyde is also a cancer-causing agent, and exposure is associated with asthma in children. This air toxic is used in the manufacture of a number of products like household cleaners and building materials. It is also emitted by oil and gas sources, including during fracking.

    Hexavalent chromium compounds can cause several types of cancer, as well as skin and lung diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. A major source of hexavalent chromium is coal-fired power plants, of which Colorado currently has six in operation, though these plants are scheduled to close in the next five years. Other sources of hexavalent chromium include chemical and other manufacturing.

    Finally, long-term exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause low blood pressure, headaches and a range of other symptoms, and has been associated with neurological impacts such as psychological disorders. Some sources of hydrogen sulfide include oil refineries and wastewater treatment plants.

    Read more of our stories about Colorado.

    Jenni Shearston has received funding from the United States National Institutes of Health.

    – ref. Colorado is tackling air pollution in vulnerable neighborhoods by regulating 5 air toxics – https://theconversation.com/colorado-is-tackling-air-pollution-in-vulnerable-neighborhoods-by-regulating-5-air-toxics-248520

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025

    Assam’s dynamic workforce and rapid growth are driving its transformation into a leading investment destination: PM

    Even in global uncertainty, one thing is certain – India’s rapid growth: PM

    We have built a complete ecosystem to promote industry, an innovation-driven culture and Ease of Doing Business: PM

    India is driving its manufacturing sector in Mission Mode, We are promoting Low Cost Manufacturing under Make in India: PM

    The global progress depends on the digital revolution, innovation and tech-driven progress: PM

    Assam is becoming a crucial hub for semiconductor manufacturing in India: PM

    The world sees our Renewable Energy Mission as a model practice and is following it; In the last 10 years, India has taken policy decisions understanding its environmental responsibilities: PM

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 1:22PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, Assam today. Welcoming all the dignitaries to the event, Shri Modi said “East India and North East India are embarking on a new journey of future today and Advantage Assam is a mega initiative to intertwine the incredible potential and progress of Assam with the world”. He added that history is a witness to the major role played by Eastern India in India’s prosperity. Expressing hope, the Prime Minister said, “Today, when we are progressing towards Viksit Bharat, Eastern India and North East will display their true potential”.  He said that Advantage Assam was a representation of the same spirit and congratulated the Government and Chief Minister of Assam for organising such a grand event. He recalled his words from 2013, when he had said that it was not very far when ‘A for Assam’ would be the norm. 

    “Despite global uncertainties, experts unanimously agree on one certainty: India’s rapid growth”, said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that today’s India is working with a long-term vision for the next 25 years of this century. He highlighted that the world has immense trust in India’s young population, which is rapidly becoming skilled and innovative. He also noted the growing confidence in India’s neo-middle class, emerging from poverty with new aspirations. Underscoring the trust the world places in India’s 140 crore people who support political stability and policy continuity, Shri Modi highlighted India’s governance that continues to implement reforms. Furthermore, he pointed out that India is strengthening its local supply chains and entering free trade agreements with various global regions. He also mentioned the robust connectivity with East Asia and the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, bringing new opportunities.

    Highlighting the growing global trust in India, as witnessed by the gathering in Assam, Shri Modi remarked, “Assam’s contribution to India’s growth is steadily increasing”. He noted that the first edition of the Advantage Assam Summit was held in 2018, at which time Assam’s economy was valued at ₹2.75 lakh crore. Today, Assam has become a state with an economy of approximately ₹6 lakh crore, he added, emphasizing that under their government, Assam’s economy has doubled in just six years. Furthermore, he said that this is the double effect of their Governments at the Center and the state. The numerous investments in Assam have turned it into a state of unlimited possibilities, he stated. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Assam government is focusing on education, skill development, and creating a better investment environment. He noted that their Government had worked extensively on connectivity-related infrastructure in recent years. He provided an example, stating that before 2014, there were only three bridges over the Brahmaputra river, built over 70 years. However, in the past 10 years, four new bridges have been constructed. One of these bridges is named after Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. Shri Modi remarked that between 2009 and 2014, Assam received an average rail budget of ₹2,100 crore but their Government increased Assam’s railway budget more than four times to ₹10,000 crore. He added that over 60 railway stations in Assam are being modernized and also mentioned that the first semi high-speed train in the North East is now operational between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri.

    Touching upon the rapid expansion of air connectivity in Assam, the Prime Minister said that until 2014, flights operated on only seven routes, but now there are flights on nearly 30 routes. This expansion has provided a significant boost to the local economy and created employment opportunities for the youth, he added. Shri Modi emphasized that these changes are not limited to infrastructure alone, but there were unprecedented improvements in law and order, with numerous peace accords signed in the past decade and long-pending border issues resolved. He underscored that every region, every citizen, and every youth in Assam is working tirelessly for the state’s development.

    “India is undergoing significant reforms across all sectors and levels of the economy and continuous efforts have been made to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, and a comprehensive ecosystem has been established to promote industry and an innovation culture”, emphasised Shri Modi. He highlighted that excellent policies have been formulated for startups, manufacturing through PLI schemes, and tax exemptions for new manufacturing companies and MSMEs. He also noted the substantial investment the Government is making in the country’s infrastructure. Prime Minister underscored that the combination of institutional reform, industry, infrastructure, and innovation forms the foundation of India’s progress. He stated that this progress is also being seen in Assam, which is advancing at double engine speed. He pointed out that Assam has set a target to achieve a $150 billion economy by 2030. He expressed confidence that Assam can achieve this goal, attributing it to the capable and talented people of Assam and the commitment of their Government. Remarking that Assam is emerging as a gateway between South East Asia and India, Shri Modi said, to further this potential, the Government has launched the North East Transformative Industrialization Scheme, ‘Unnati.’ He highlighted that the ‘Unnati’ scheme will accelerate industry, investment, and tourism across the entire North East region, including Assam. He urged industry partners to take full advantage of this scheme and Assam’s unlimited potential. The Prime Minister noted that Assam’s natural resources and strategic location make it a preferred destination for investment. He cited Assam tea as an example of Assam’s potential, stating that it has become a global brand over the past 200 years, inspiring progress in other sectors as well.

    Highlighting the significant changes occurring in the global economy, with a growing demand for resilient supply chains worldwide, the Prime Minister said, “India has initiated mission-mode efforts to advance its manufacturing sector”. He emphasized that under the Make in India initiative, the focus is on promoting low-cost manufacturing in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automobiles. He noted that India’s industry is not only meeting domestic demands but also setting new benchmarks for manufacturing excellence in international markets. He pointed out that Assam is playing a significant role in this manufacturing revolution.

    Stressing that Assam has always had a share in global trade, Shri Modi remarked that today, over 50 percent of India’s on-shore natural gas production comes from Assam and there has been a significant increase in the capacity of Assam’s refineries in recent years. He also pointed out that Assam is rapidly emerging in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and green energy. He emphasized that due to Government policies, Assam is becoming a hub for high-tech industries as well as startups.

    Highlighting that in the recent budget, the Central government has approved the Namrup-4 plant, the Prime Minister remarked that this urea production plant will meet the demand of the entire North East and the country in the future. He said, “the day is not far when Assam will become a major manufacturing hub in Eastern India”. He emphasized that the Central Government is fully supporting the state Government of Assam in achieving this goal.

    Emphasising that the progress of the 21st century world depends on digital revolution, innovation, and technological advancements, Shri Modi stated, “The better prepared we are, the stronger we will be globally”. He added that the Government was advancing with 21st century policies and strategies. He highlighted India’s significant leap in electronics and mobile manufacturing over the past decade and expressed the desire to replicate this success story in semiconductor production. Prime Minister proudly noted that Assam is developing as an important center for semiconductor manufacturing in India and mentioned the recent inauguration of the Tata Semiconductor Assembly & Test facility in Jagiroad, Assam, which will promote technological growth in the Northeast. He emphasized the collaboration with IIT for innovation in the semiconductor sector and the ongoing work on a semiconductor research center in the country. The Prime Minister projected that by the end of this decade, the value of the electronic sector will reach $500 billion. He confidently stated, “With India’s speed and scale, the country will emerge as a major force in semiconductor production, creating employment for millions and benefiting Assam’s economy”.

    “India has made policy decisions over the past decade while understanding its environmental responsibilities and the world considers India’s Renewable Energy Mission as a model practice”, said the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India has made significant investments in solar, wind, and sustainable energy resources over the past ten years. This has not only fulfilled ecological commitments but also expanded the country’s renewable energy production capacity multiple times, he added. Shri Modi noted that the country has set a target to add 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. “Government is working on a mission to achieve an annual green hydrogen production of 5 million metric tons by 2030”, he said. Pointing out that the growing gas infrastructure in the country has led to increased demand, and the entire gas-based economy sector is rapidly expanding, Shri Modi remarked that Assam has a significant advantage in this journey. He emphasized that the Government has created many pathways for industries, including PLI schemes and policies for green initiatives. He expressed his desire for Assam to emerge as a leader state in the renewable energy sector and urged industry leaders to maximize the potential of Assam.

    Impressing that Eastern India will play a significant role in making India a developed nation by 2047, Shri Modi remarked, “today, the Northeast and Eastern India are rapidly advancing in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and industry”. He expressed confidence that the day is not far when the world will see this region leading India’s development journey. He invited everyone to be partners and companions in this journey with Assam and concluded by calling for collective efforts to make Assam a state that elevates India’s capabilities to new heights across the global south. The Prime Minister boosted the confidence of the investors and industry leaders by saying that he stood by them in the journey of Viksit Bharat by fully supporting their contributions.

    The Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Dr. S Jaishankar, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, Union Minister of State, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, is being held from 25th to 26th February. It includes an inaugural Session, seven ministerial sessions and 14 thematic sessions. It also includes a comprehensive exhibition illustrating the state’s economic landscape, with a focus on its industrial evolution, global trade partnerships, booming industries, and the vibrant MSME sector, featuring over 240 exhibitors.

    Various international organisations, global leaders and investors, policymakers, industry experts, startups, and students among others will participate in the Summit.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The future of ArcelorMittal and the steel industry in the EU – E-000737/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000737/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left)

    On 11 February 2025, the management of the ArcelorMittal Europe group announced that it was considering relocating certain activities to India. This decision follows Donald Trump’s introduction of 25 % tariffs on European steel and aluminium.

    In November 2024, ArcelorMittal announced the suspension of all its European decarbonisation projects, including the flagship hydrogen furnace project in Dunkirk, despite having received state aid to the tune of EUR 850 million. The company also chose to invest almost a billion dollars in a new ‘electrical steel’ plant in the USA, rather than in Europe.

    But this is not an isolated case. The entire European metallurgical industry is in crisis, with the threat of tens of thousands of direct and indirect job losses.

    Can the Commission say whether:

    • 1.it intends to reform the European electricity market to combat high electricity prices?
    • 2.it intends to respond to the US proclamations on raising tariffs by imposing retaliatory measures?
    • 3.it reaffirms its intent to exempt 80 % of European companies from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, even though it protects European metallurgy from unfair competition?

    Submitted: 18.2.2025

    Last updated: 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra energy bill support for the country

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Extra energy bill support for the country

    The government is bringing forward strengthened support for millions of households to help pay their energy bills next winter.

    • Nearly 3 million more families would be eligible to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount next winter under new proposals to help people with their energy bills
    • 1 in 5 families in Britain would get help with their bills through these proposals, giving households a helping hand to deal with an unpredictable international energy market
    • comes alongside plans to accelerate a debt relief scheme which will help tackle debt and reduce households’ energy costs

    Almost 3 million more households, including almost 1 million households with children, would get support to pay their energy bills next winter, as the government consults on proposals to offer more support to consumers across the country.  

    Due to global gas price spikes this winter and the continued impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the energy regulator Ofgem has announced today (Tuesday 25 February) an increase in the energy price cap for April to June 2025. This price is set independently of the government, reflecting changes in wholesale prices and global markets. 

    In response, the government is acting to protect billpayers by consulting on the expansion of the Warm Home Discount, giving eligible households £150 off their energy bills. This would bring around 2.7 million households into the scheme – pushing the total number of households that would receive the discount next winter up to an estimated 6.1 million.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This is worrying news for many families.

    This government is determined to do everything we can to protect people from the grip of fossil fuel markets. Expanding the Warm Home Discount can help protect millions of families from rising energy bills, offering support to consumers across the country.

    Alongside this, the way to deliver energy security and bring down bills for good is to deliver our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower- with homegrown clean power that we in Britain control.

    The government will also work closely with Ofgem to accelerate proposals on a potential debt relief scheme, first consulted on last year, to target unsustainable debt built up during the energy crisis.  

    The proposed debt support scheme, alongside the Warm Home Discount, is an important first step to cut the costs of servicing bad debt, which is currently contributing to higher bills for all billpayers. Under these plans, the target would be to reduce the debt allowance to pre-crisis levels, with Ofgem estimating that these plans could lower these costs by £25 to £30 per year. 

    This additional support for households complements the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, delivering energy security and bringing down bills for good. The expected rise in the price cap shows once again the cost of remaining reliant on the unstable global fossil fuel markets that are driving price increases. Three years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wholesale gas prices have now risen by 15% compared to the previous price cap period, which is directly affecting the cost of generating power and heating of homes. Moving to a power system based on homegrown, clean energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on volatile markets and protect billpayers. 

    To achieve this, government has set out the most ambitious reforms of the UK’s energy system in a generation. Within its first 8 months in office, the government has lifted the onshore wind ban, established Great British Energy, approved nearly 3 GW of solar, delivered a record-breaking renewables auction and kickstarted the carbon capture and hydrogen industries in the UK. Reforms to nuclear planning rules have also been introduced to clear a path for smaller, and easier to build nuclear reactors – helping to deliver energy security, grow the economy and deliver clean, cheap energy.

    Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley said:

    Energy debts that began during the energy crisis have reached record levels and without intervention will continue to grow. This puts families under huge stress and increases costs for all customers.

    We’re developing plans that could give households with unmanageable debt the clean slate they need to move forward. We welcome the government’s support for these plans, and their plans to expand the Warm Home Discount, which will also offer financial help to nearly 3 million more households that need it most.

    While the government presses on with the clean power mission, swift action has already been taken to shield energy consumers from high prices. These measures include:

    • extended the Household Support Fund to provide help through local councils to struggling households with essential costs, including energy bills
    • worked with energy suppliers to negotiate a £500 million winter support package for consumers
    • rolled out the next steps of the Warm Homes Plan, which will upgrade 300,000 homes this financial year
    • consulting on boosting living standards in the private rented sector by requiring all private landlords in England and Wales to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties by 2030, which will help a million renters out of fuel poverty
    • announced a comprehensive review of the energy regulator Ofgem, empowering it to facilitate growth and innovation and become a stronger champion for consumers
    • driving forward with pro-consumer reforms: 

      • challenging unlawful back billing; taking action on inaccurate bills
      • driving the smart meter rollout
      • giving every family the option of a zero standing charge tariff, so they have more choice in how they pay for their energy
      • ensuring compensation for wrongful installation of prepayment meters

    In addition, government has also moved quickly to protect working people from wider cost of living pressures, including:

    • helping to keep prices down at the pumps by freezing fuel duty for an additional 12 months, saving motorists £3 billion in 2025 to 2026
    • targeting support with the largest increase to the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit since it was introduced in 1976 – worth £41 a week
    • capping the amount that can be deducted cut from Universal Credit payments when repaying short-term loans and debts, saving 1.2 million of the poorest families in the UK £420 a year on average
    • through the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock, millions will see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900 over this parliament

    Taken together, these reforms will help to improve the lives of working people and put more money in their pockets, secure home-grown energy and kickstart economic growth, as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Through this ambitious programme, the government will deliver a decade of national renewal and fix the foundations of the country.

    Notes to editors

    The consultation sets out proposals to expand the reach of the Warm Home Discount Scheme by removing the high-cost-to-heat threshold in the current Warm Home Discount (England and Wales) Regulations 2022 (for winter 2025 to 2026) and increasing the level of spend available in Scotland for suppliers to allocate through the Broader Group. All households in receipt of means-tested benefits would then be eligible to receive the £150 electricity bill rebate. 

    If you live in England and Wales, you currently qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, are on a means tested benefit and have high energy costs.

    If you live in Scotland, you currently qualify if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, are on a means tested benefit in Scotland and / or meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

    Further information on the Warm Home Discount scheme can be found here: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview 

    Ofgem’s confirmation that they would progress work on the proposed debt relief scheme can be found here: Debt Strategy.

    Ofgem’s consultation on establishing a debt relief scheme closed on Thursday 6 February. The consultation document can be found here: Resetting the energy debt landscape: the case for a debt relief scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – NRRP funds for Poland – E-000001/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has received on 27 December 2024 Poland’s third payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

    This payment request brings together a total of 41 milestones and targets from the fourth and fifth instalments (both loan and grant parts) identified in the Council Implementing Decision Annex[1].

    The payment request covers reforms aimed at matching skills with labour market needs, advancing hydrogen technology development, and improving public employment services. In the field of public health, reforms include the entry into force of the Act on the National Cardiological Network, and the introduction of low-emission zones for the largest and most polluted cities.

    The request also covers investments aiming to shorten the supply chain of agricultural and food products, investments in the replacement of heat sources and the improvement of energy efficiency in single family residential buildings, as well as projects improving road safety. 

    The Commission has generally up to two months to share its preliminary assessment of the satisfactory fulfilment of milestones and targets with the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), asking for its opinion. This period can be extended upon request of the Member State, in particular in case where the Member State decides to revise its plan.

    In case of a positive preliminary assessment, and following the EFC’s opinion, the Commission will adopt the final decision on the disbursement of the financial contribution, in accordance with the Comitology examination procedure. Following the adoption of the decision by the Commission, the disbursement to Poland can take place. 

    • [1] See p. 212 — 251 of the Council Implementing Decision Annex, available through the following link: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3a4cd838-426b-449d-98fb-49d33ba854db_en?filename=COM_2024_284_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v4.pdf
    Last updated: 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mobilizing Finance is Key to Achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Source: Government of India

    Mobilizing Finance is Key to Achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Renewable Energy Financing Obligation is the need of the hour: Union Minister Joshi National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy Concludes in Mumbai

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai : 24 February 2025

    Mobilising finance is key to achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030, said Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi. He was addressing the National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy organised by Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in Mumbai today. Union Minister Joshi also called for collective efforts from financial institutions and policymakers to ensure accessible funding to Renewable Energy (RE) sector. The Minister along with the Minister of State, (MNRE), Shri Shripad Naik also addressed a Press Conference held in conjunction with the Workshop.

    Highlights of the Workshop

    The Minister stated that the idea for the workshop emerged after a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions focused on accelerating flagship schemes like PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. Highlighting the scale of India’s energy needs, Shri Joshi said that as the country aims to become the third-largest economy, its energy demand is expected to double. He stressed that renewable energy must be scaled up to match thermal energy production, ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply.

    The Minister also spoke about India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. He called upon financial institutions to align their lending policies with India’s renewable energy growth strategy and emphasized that carbon-intensive industries will face reduced export opportunities in the future. Shri Joshi noted that India has already made significant progress in renewable energy, with capacity increasing to 222 GW today. He pointed out that solar tariffs have drastically reduced, with a recent bid in Madhya Pradesh touching ₹2.15 per unit, compared to ₹11 per unit earlier. However, he stressed the importance of battery storage solutions to support large-scale renewable deployment.

    Speaking on the role of decentralization, the Minister highlighted that PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar empower farmers to become “Urjadata” (energy providers), while also reducing transmission losses. He urged banks to simplify financing processes, particularly for rooftop solar projects, and called for the introduction of a Renewable Energy Financing Obligation to ensure dedicated funding for the sector, similar to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) for discoms.
    Shri Joshi underscored India’s leadership in green hydrogen (GH2), stating that the country has already received major export orders and is ahead of several developed nations in this field. He noted that global investors are increasingly looking at India as a preferred destination for manufacturing and clean energy investments, recognizing its young workforce and strong industrial capacity.

    The Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s directive to engage global financial institutions for renewable energy investments, citing India’s recent success in securing commitments worth ₹34.5 lakh crore during a global RE summit in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that the transition to renewable energy is not optional—it is a necessity.Concluding his address, Shri Pralhad Joshi called for a national movement in renewable energy financing, stating that PM Surya Ghar is not just a scheme but an Andolan (movement). He urged financial institutions to streamline lending processes, reduce unnecessary compliance burdens, and adopt a more supportive approach towards financing clean energy projects.

    Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Y Naik said that achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 will require an investment of approximately ₹30 lakh crore, covering infrastructure, transmission, and storage systems. He urged the stakeholders to adopt innovative financing models, extend flexible lending terms, and prioritize green investments that will accelerate our energy transition.

    In her context setting speech, Secretary MNRE Smt. Nidhi Khare emphasized the critical role of affordable finance, green bonds, and innovative funding models in driving India’s renewable energy transition.

    The National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy featured four key sessions focused on addressing financing challenges in the renewable energy sector. The first session examined the financing landscape for utility-scale renewable energy (RE) projects, assessing challenges faced by developers, banks, and NBFCs in securing funding. Discussions covered interest rates, perceived risks, and potential solutions for financial institutions to support large-scale RE projects. The second session focused on financing new and emerging RE technologies, such as offshore wind, floating solar, and green hydrogen. Panelists, including experts from NABARD, and leading financial institutions, discussed capital allocation strategies, policy interventions, and mechanisms to reduce financial risks for private sector investments in these technologies.

    The third session addressed financing challenges for Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) and innovative RE applications, including rooftop solar, canal-top PV, and Agri-PV. Experts explored financing constraints for startups, perceived investment risks, and policy support required to scale up these solutions. The final session focused on regulatory and capacity-building measures for banks and NBFCs, discussing RBI guidelines, sector-specific lending policies, and strategies to enhance financing in consumer-oriented RE applications. Stakeholders highlighted the need for better regulatory frameworks, risk-sharing mechanisms, and financial instruments to unlock capital for India’s renewable energy ambitions. The discussions reinforced the necessity of collaborative efforts among policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to mobilize large-scale investments and achieve India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

    The discussions led to several key takeaways, including the need for lower-cost financing, improved access to global climate funds, and enhanced risk-sharing mechanisms for new technologies. Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding green financial instruments to support India’s clean energy transition. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work towards innovative financing models and policy frameworks that can unlock large-scale investments in the renewable energy sector.

    Senior officials from major public and private sector banks such as State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, IDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank and Bank of Maharashtra also attended the event.

    The workshop marked a significant step toward ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder India’s renewable energy ambitions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a clean, sustainable, and financially inclusive energy future. The workshop provided a platform for key stakeholders, including banks, NBFCs, policymakers, and industry leaders, to discuss strategies for mobilizing large-scale
     
    investments in renewable energy. Participants reiterated their commitment to supporting India’s clean energy transition, ensuring energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The event marked a significant step in bridging the financial gap for renewable energy projects, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in the clean energy revolution.

    Dhanlaxmi/Preeti

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Deliver Keynote Address at 10th Powering Africa Summit

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LONDON, United Kingdom, February 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Department of Energy, has been confirmed as a speaker and guest of honour at the 10th Powering Africa Summit (PAS), taking place at JW Marriott Washington, D.C. across March 6-7. This is an important step to provide an answer to the question that all of African energy is now asking: how will the new Administration approach the strategic energy relationship between the U.S. and Africa?

    Under the Summit theme, The Future of the US & Africa Energy Partnership, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will deliver a keynote address at the 10th annual Powering Africa Summit. Wright will be joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of State: Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of African Affairs; Kimberly Harrington, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources; and Stephen Banks, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy, Bureau of Energy Resources. All will share their vision for this future relationship between African countries and the US-based investors that are so vital to realizing their energy ambitions.

    “As Secretary of Energy, I am committed to unleashing all forms of affordable, reliable and secure energy here at home and advancing that mission of energy security around the world – and nowhere is that more critical than the continent of Africa. I look forward to joining the Summit to reaffirm the strategic energy partnership between the U.S. and Africa and share my vision for advancing innovation and removing barriers to energy access, both at home and around the world,” Secretary Wright said.

    Ministers and governments from 19 African countries will arrive in Washington D.C., where the Africa Welcome Address will be given by H.E. Honourable Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Nigeria. Together with H.E. Honourable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President, Liberia; H.E. Honourable Dr. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria; H.E. Honourable Mahmoud Mustafa Esmat, Minister of Electricity & Renewable Energy, Egypt; H.E. Honourable Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Egypt; H.E. Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals & Energy, Botswana; H.E. Honourable Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Kenya; and Amina Benkhadra, Director General, Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco, he will meet distinguished Ministers and leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Togo, Sierra Leone and more to drive energy development across the continent.

    Flagship ministerial boardrooms and regional energy cooperation sessions will discuss and debate   derisking projects, South Africa’s energy future, the need for West African regulatory reforms, and the role of hydrogen in North Africa. New areas of opportunity such as bitcoin mining and data centers will be discussed through an East African lens. The Mission 300 initiative, set to provide electricity access to 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, is also high on the agenda.

    The 10th Anniversary Gala Drinks Reception sponsored by Genesis Energy, will celebrate International Women’s Day, ahead of March 8.

    Critical to the week’s discussions will be a host of private players including Alliant Insurance Services, GE Vernova, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment, Globeleq, Africa50, Nextracker, Schneider Electric, Newmarket Capital and the summit’s general sponsor, Sun Africa, who are looking to a new future for the U.S.-Africa relationship.   

    Sun Africa CEO, Adam Cortese said: “We are seeing a sea change in how the U.S. participates in foreign infrastructure development and our unique model of development is an excellent illustration of how U.S. energy companies can thrive in emerging markets on a strictly commercial basis. Sun Africa remains committed to harnessing Africa’s immense energy resources through innovative structures, state-of-the-art technology and strong alliances while maintaining our long-standing market-based approach to development.  At Sun Africa, we believe energy development on the continent truly represents an opportunity for win-win partnerships and look forward to sharing our experience.”

    Simon Gosling, MD of EnergyNet added: “This summit has always been about bringing together African countries seeking investment with U.S.-based investors who see the vast potential on the continent.  It is more important than ever to establish the crucial energy projects that Africa needs. PAS25 will put the continent center stage and make sure that both sides have a future relationship to be excited about.”

    Media Credentials Requited for Powering Africa Summit

    The Secretary will open the Summit on 6 March, delivering a Keynote Speech at 09:45, followed by a Fireside Chat with Mission 300 Accelerator CEO, Andrew Herscowitz.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Rossetto, Adjunct, Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, University of Adelaide

    Financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia have reignited debate about the nation’s steel industry and its future.

    Australians should have access to quality steel at competitive prices. The domestic steel production industry employs tens of thousands of people.

    The state and federal governments have stepped in, however, announcing a A$1.9 billion support package for Whyalla, together with a new $1 billion green iron investment fund. Half of the new fund will be allocated to Whyalla to support its transition to green steel production. That’s a large amount of money for a privately owned business.

    So, are the new packages going to be money well spent? To answer that question, let’s examine the priorities.

    A national priority

    Steel is an industry in which securing sovereign production capability is crucial. Sovereign capability means ensuring an industry can survive external shocks such as interruptions to shipping routes or disputes with other countries in the supply chain.

    Steel is a vital input for defence industries such as ship and submarine building. What could be said of a country’s autonomy – or its sovereign capability – if it relies on others for the steel needed for its defence?

    Whyalla is one of the two largest steelworks in Australia, the other being BlueScope’s Port Kembla plant. At least at first glance, the green iron investment fund seems to deal with the sovereign capability criterion well enough. Whyalla appears an ideal candidate.

    However, the public subsidy is large. The subsidised plant’s ability to operate in an economically competitive manner needs to be examined. Further, while the Whyalla plant began its life as a supplier to an adjacent shipbuilding operation, its share of the current domestic defence industry steel market is unclear.

    Environmentally friendly steel?

    Production of steel using iron ore and coking coal is a greenhouse gas emissions intensive process. It can result in as many as 2.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas per tonne of steel.

    The plan for Whyalla has long been to replace its coal-fired blast furnace with an electric arc furnace. This could, in turn, be supplied with low-emission sources of energy and consume scrap steel. While there is no globally agreed definition, this kind of approach would likely qualify as green steel.

    Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG, the owner of the plant, had originally wanted this furnace to be operating by 2025, potentially using solar among its energy supply. The plan would have cut its emissions dramatically. The timeline later slipped to 2027.

    The longer term plan for Whyalla appears based around production of green hydrogen to replace coking coal. As the world charges toward net zero emissions by 2050, the belief is that Australia can capture a good part of the green metals market.

    The challenge is that green hydrogen is expensive and not widely used around the world. It’s hard to find signs that the global steel market is willing to pay a premium in the absence of sectoral emissions pricing. The strategy could therefore be seen as a bet on the future. If the bet went wrong, who would absorb the losses? It would, most likely, be the taxpayer.

    The United States leads the way in low-emissions steel production. Firms there use electric arc furnaces to recycle scrap steel with energy from low-emission sources. This technology is proven and operates at industrial scale. It has a fraction of the emissions intensity but relies on the availability of scrap steel.

    Can we add value?

    Australia is a major world supplier of two key materials crucial for most steel making. These are iron ore and coking coal.

    The countries to which we sell those raw materials then do the processing and manufacture, capturing profit that is arguably lost to the Australian economy. Whyalla is already an example of domestic value-adding. It uses iron ore from mines in the adjacent area, and domestic coking coal.

    For Australia, however, this is going to be tricky. Australia is effectively signalling to its international customers that, one day, it hopes to compete with them in the global steel markets. In other words, this creates an incentive for the country’s customers to look for alternatives to buy iron ore.

    Whether Australia increases steel production ahead of its customers finding new sources of iron ore elsewhere in the world is a risky race with an uncertain result.

    Focus on government spending

    So, back to the question: is the new funding going to be money well spent? Perhaps the most solid justification among the priorities examined, is sovereign capability.

    The government probably needs to provide more information on how the new fund differs through from Future Made in Australia or the National Reconstruction Fund. Is this old funding with a new name? The nation is entering federal election season. Focus on government spending efficiency is likely to increase.

    Daniel Rossetto is the owner of Climate Mundial Limited, a private company that does consulting work but is currently inactive. He does ad hoc private consulting through various consulting platforms. He is also the owner and host of a new private and independent YouTube channel called Climate Mundial’s Energy and Climate Weekly. He is on the editorial board of the Discover Sustainability journal published by Springer Nature.

    – ref. How Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia – https://theconversation.com/how-whyalla-can-be-upgraded-to-green-steel-and-why-we-need-to-keep-steel-production-in-australia-250402

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival to be held today and tomorrow (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival to be held today and tomorrow (with photos)
    Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival to be held today and tomorrow (with photos)
    *******************************************************************************

         The Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival, organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and co-organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Construction Industry Council – Zero Carbon Park (CIC-ZCP), is being held today and tomorrow (February 22 and 23) at the CIC-ZCP in Kowloon Bay. The carnival integrates educational elements of STEAM in an innovative and interactive way, showcasing the development prospects and potential application of hydrogen technology in all aspects and attracting the participation of young people.           Speaking at the opening ceremony today, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, emphasised that hydrogen energy is a promising zero-carbon energy source with a wide range of applications. The country has clearly positioned hydrogen energy as an important component of the future energy system. Young people are stakeholders in addressing climate change and promoting carbon neutrality. She hoped that students will deepen their understanding of the industry chain, safety and applications of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong through enjoyable educational experiences.           The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, said in his speech that the sustainable development of hydrogen energy requires not only the concerted effort of the Government and industry, but also the support of the public and the younger generation. To this end, the EMSD has arranged for engineers to explain technologies and latest developments of hydrogen energy to teachers and students. In addition, the EMSD has recently collaborated with the EDB to organise the HydroRace Challenge, allowing students to gain first-hand experience on the application of hydrogen energy. The competition received overwhelming responses, with the participation of a total of 67 secondary schools across the territory.           Admission to the carnival is free. Activities include hydrogen-themed STEAM workshops, guided tours to the CIC-ZCP STEAM Lab, the display of hydrogen-fuelled street washing vehicles and hydrogen power generators, as well as booth games. For details, please visit the event website www.h2carnival.com.

     
    Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2025Issued at HKT 17:09

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry

    Source: University of South Australia

    24 February 2025

    UniSA researchers are encouraging airlines to explore sustainable fuel options.

    Unplanned oil supply outages caused by geopolitical instability, military conflicts, natural disasters and technical issues are throwing airline stock markets into chaos and making it more expensive to fly.

    That’s the conclusion from Australian aviation experts in a new paper published in Energy Economics examining the links between unforeseen oil supply disruptions and airline stock prices.

    University of South Australia researchers argue that because fuel accounts for 30% of an airline’s total expenses, the industry is especially sensitive to any sudden fluctuations in the crude oil market, particularly from non-OPEC countries that are more volatile.

    Major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines are the most affected.

    UniSA aviation lecturer Dr Yifei Cai, who led the study, says the unpredictability of oil supply shocks provides compelling evidence why alternative energy sources are needed, including biofuels and hydrogen.

    “Global airline operations rely heavily on stable fuel supplies, and unexpected oil supply outages make it very difficult for them to predict their costs,” Dr Cai says.

    Co-author, UniSA Aviation Professor Shane Zhang, says that unplanned oil supply outages have a significant impact on oil prices as they can disrupt the balance between oil supply and demand, creating shortages and driving up prices.

    “Our findings suggest that airlines may need to rethink their risk management strategies and fuel hedging practices to mitigate potential financial turbulence caused by such outages,” Prof Zhang says.

    The oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia in March 2020, for example, triggered a significant shift in oil prices and was recognised as a pivotal factor in the stock market crash of 2020.

    The study highlights the potential impact on investment strategies, stock market stability and long-term financial planning in the aviation sector.

    The researchers claim that diversifying fuel supply sources would reduce reliance on a single region or supplier.

    Investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable initiatives such as biofuels and hydrogen would also lessen dependence on traditional jet fuels and their price fluctuations.

    Prof Zhang says that more than 90% of Australian oil is imported from overseas markets, for example, and it would “make sense” to grow the domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry to reduce the reliance on the overseas supply for traditional jet fuels in the long term.

    Future research will investigate the impacts of unplanned oil supply outages at country levels.

    Notes for editors

    “Accessing the influence of unplanned oil supply outages on airline stock connectedness” is authored by researchers from Wuchang University of Technology and the University of South Australia.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2024.108145

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Researcher contact: Prof Shane Zhang E: shane.zhang@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New energy vehicle market poised for growth driven by technological innovations, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    New energy vehicle market poised for growth driven by technological innovations, says GlobalData

    Posted in Automotive

    The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this change. The new energy vehicle (NEV) market is dynamic in nature and is poised for growth as economic conditions improve and technological innovations continue to emerge, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    According to GlobalData, the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market in Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a period of stagnation in 2024; however, a robust rebound is projected for 2025.

    Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The positive outlook is supported by declining interest rates and the introduction of more competitive vehicle offerings. In particular, government policies in China, including the purchase tax exemption extension until 2027 for NEVs, are expected to invigorate the market, with BEVs poised to play a dominant role in both the short and long term.”

    Moreover, recent upgrades to emission regulations, which impose stricter standards, will serve as significant catalysts for the adoption of NEVs. For example, India plans to implement the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) phase 3 regulations in 2027 and phase 4 in 2032. These stringent fleet carbon dioxide (CO2) limitations will compel original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to either enhance their internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains or increase the sales of EVs within the passenger vehicle sector.

    Additionally, significant policy changes, particularly in China, are influencing the market dynamics. The purchase tax exemption and the introduction of a dual-invoice system for swappable battery vehicles are expected to enhance the appeal of EVs.

    Palit adds: “Government incentives, such as tax rebates and subsidies, play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of EVs, as seen in the success stories of Norway and Denmark. In the US, the ongoing dilemma about policy change might create tricky and unfavorable conditions for domestic automakers and establish market dominance for Tesla.”

    Technological advancements are pivotal in driving the market forward. Toyota‘s launch of the world’s first hydrogen hybrid vehicle and CATL’s unveiling of the “Freevoy” supercharging hybrid battery exemplify the industry’s commitment to innovation. These developments, along with the standardization of hybrid technology by automakers like Toyota and Honda, are making new energy vehicles more accessible and appealing to consumers. The expansion of charging infrastructure and government incentives further supports the growth, addressing range anxiety, and increasing overall awareness of the benefits of NEVs among consumers.

    Palit concludes: “The future of hybrids and EVs looks bright, driven by a combination of favorable economic conditions, strategic policy changes, and breakthrough technological advancements. As the market share for ICEs declines, the rise of new energy vehicles is a testament to the industry’s adaptability to sustainable transportation solutions. Ongoing innovations in technology and infrastructure promise a greener and more efficient automotive landscape.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IWAI Board commissions feasibility study for Urban Water Transport System in 17 cities

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Board – in its 196th Board Meeting – took a key decision to carry out feasibility study for developing Urban Water Transport System in various cities.  The Board decided to explore Water Metro in full or part in 17 cities across 12 states of India.  Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have been appointed to carry out the feasibility study.

    This initiative will provide a robust and sustainable urban transport system by utilising existing navigable waterways. The Water Metro model represents a breakthrough in urban water transportation, offering safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional modes of transport. Leveraging India’s rich network of rivers, canals and other water bodies, the project will focus on cities with significant potential for urban water transport system.

    The 17 cities chosen by IWAI, in consultation with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for developing water metro include – Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey in Kerala as well as Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands where inter-island ferry services could transform connectivity.

    The Urban Water Transport System will connect mainland and adjoining municipalities/panchayat areas/islands through waterways and integrate the system with other modes of transport. Besides, it will promote tourism and regional economic growth. It will employ non-polluting and sustainable measures through energy-efficient electric ferries, modernised terminals and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity.

    Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country – from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West and Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South. 

    In line with Harit Nauka guidelines, the Authority has taken multiple green initiatives which includes procurement of electric catamarans for passenger ferries.  Two such catamarans have already been deployed, one each at Varanasi and Ayodhya.  Six more shall be deployed soon in Mathura and Guwahati.  One hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel has also been procured which recently completed the trials successfully. The move to strengthen urban water transport system by developing water metro projects will be an extension to these proactive initiatives being taken by the Authority.

    ***

    G.D. Hallikeri / Henry

    (Release ID: 2105345) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The latest domestic developments are presented at the Future Technologies Forum

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the exhibition of the Future Technologies Forum

    February 21, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the exhibition of the Future Technologies Forum

    February 21, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the exhibition of the Future Technologies Forum

    February 21, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the exhibition of the Future Technologies Forum

    February 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the exhibition of the Future Technologies Forum

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko inspected the exhibition of the Future Technologies Forum, which is taking place in Moscow on February 20–21.

    The forum’s exposition brought together developments from high-tech enterprises and startups from all over the country – achievements are presented at the stands of the largest corporations that develop science-intensive production.

    “The joint work of representatives of science, business and the state is of key importance in achieving Russia’s technological leadership – a national goal set by President Vladimir Putin. The Future Technologies Forum exhibition shows striking examples of such interaction. It presents dozens of the latest domestic developments that are being introduced into industrial production and have high export potential,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade presented the national project “New Materials and Chemistry” at the forum. The ministry’s stand featured developments and samples in four areas of the national project: chemistry, biotechnology, composites and rare earth metals. The exhibits included an absorbent carbon dressing for healing open wounds and burns; synthetic blood vessel prostheses that allow replacing critically damaged areas of blood vessels in atherosclerosis, aneurysm, and thrombosis; polymeric materials for the manufacture of bone substitutes that are similar in properties to human bone tissue; samples of raw biomass obtained from medicinal plants without harming the environment; innovative fertilizers; composite materials based on carbon fiber and thermoplastics, which are used in aviation, UAV design, and automotive engineering, as well as products made of rare and rare earth metals, which are used in high-tech products, and other developments.

    “It is extremely important that Russia ensures its sovereignty, including in the extraction of minerals for the needs of our industry. It is also important to form directions and invest in science: the processing of these materials and the creation of technologies based on them,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, one of the leaders in modern Russian materials science, demonstrated aircraft parts manufactured using additive technologies, polymeric materials for medical use, heat-resistant materials for engine building, special cold-resistant steels and coatings for Arctic use, and other developments.

    The stand presents a model of the synchrotron-laser complex “SILA” – a fundamentally new research mega-installation, which is being built at the site of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” in Protvino (Moscow Region) and will allow obtaining unique data on the structure and properties of any substances at the level of individual atoms.

    Rosatom demonstrated developments of nuclear industry organizations, they were presented by the CEO of the state corporation Alexey Likhachev. Composite material with boron carbide is capable of effectively blocking different types of radiation. The material is indispensable in nuclear power plants, where it reduces the impact of radiation on personnel and equipment, in medicine (in radiotherapy) and in industry, where they work with radioactive substances.

    The drug synthesis platform is designed to create radiopharmaceuticals – drugs with radioactive elements. The essence of the development is that radioactive substances are added to microspheres that can decompose in the body, which help directly destroy diseased cells. The drugs attack only the affected cells without harming healthy ones – this is their main advantage.

    The Rosatom stand also features beryllium-based materials, which have high strength, withstand high temperatures and can be used in spacecraft, in the production of spark-proof alloys and in the radio-electronic industry.

    Another exhibit is carbon fiber, a unique component for the production of composite materials. The fiber consists almost entirely of carbon atoms, which means high strength with a significantly lower weight than metals and their alloys, and is used to create structural elements of aircraft, to strengthen wind turbine blades and in gas centrifuges, to create prostheses and orthoses, in automobile and shipbuilding, sports and construction.

    Gazprombank presented several high-tech developments of Russian startups at once. The companies Prokeramika and M-Shape demonstrated titanium and steel intervertebral disc prostheses printed using 3D technologies, ceramic scaffolds – biological tissue implants grown on a 3D printer.

    “Such work needs to be supported and accelerated. Especially now, in the conditions of the SVO, when a lot is required for operations and for the creation of implants,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Gazprombank’s subsidiary N2Tech demonstrated the innovative CryoSafe-42 tank container, which allows for safe and lossless transportation of liquid hydrogen, one of the most promising sources of clean energy, over a distance of up to 15,000 km. All developments are designed to ensure high efficiency of their implementation and use in practice with a focus on saving resources and technological leadership in Russian industry, medicine, and the aerospace industry. The stand also demonstrated the interface and workflow of products from KuBoard, a developer of quantum software.

    At the Moscow government stand, Dmitry Chernyshenko was presented with samples of the latest materials and products manufactured at Moscow enterprises. Among them are lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, composite panels, carbon fibers, innovative building materials, and much more. For example, prototypes of implants for bone tissue restoration, forearm and hip prostheses with biocoating, and knee modules with microprocessor control, which are used in restorative medicine and surgery, are on display.

    “In the context of rapid changes in the global economy and technological progress, events such as the Future Technologies Forum are becoming a platform for exchanging knowledge, experience and innovation. Moscow actively promotes research and development in the field of new materials. The prospects for using achievements in this area are enormous. This concerns not only industry, but also the daily life of the capital’s residents. We are talking about improving the quality of life through the creation of safer, more durable and efficient products, such as building materials, medical products and much more. This approach not only meets modern requirements for sustainable development, but also emphasizes our commitment to creating a comfortable environment for every resident,” said Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.

    During the Future Technologies Forum, Sber demonstrated the concept of the AI for Science platform with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which is designed to improve the quality of scientific research in Russia. The main goal of the platform is to help scientists speed up research, improve its quality and facilitate the writing of scientific articles.

    At the stand, Dmitry Chernyshenko made a number of proposals on the possible use of digital technologies in the work of scientists.

    Detailed information about the events of the Future Technologies Forum is available on the website Futura-forum.The.

     

    The Future Technologies Forum is a flagship event where leading researchers and industry leaders present high-tech technologies, innovative scientific developments and implemented projects that determine the vector of development of economic sectors in the coming years.

    The forum has been held in Moscow annually since 2023 with the participation of the President of Russia. The event is supported by the Government of Russia, and the operator is the Roscongress Foundation.

    In 2023, the FBT was dedicated to quantum technologies, in 2024 it focused on the future of medicine. In 2025, the forum is dedicated to new materials and chemistry.

    In 2025, the forum is held with the support of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russian Science Foundation, and the Russian Quantum Center. The co-organizers of the forum are Gazprombank, the Moscow government, and the Rosatom state corporation. The general partner is Sber, the strategic partner is PJSC Rosseti, and the strategic scientific partner is the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center.

     

    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 Russia: The Acceleration Interuniversity Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0” has been launched at the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The acceleration program is carried out by the State University of Management in cooperation with the industrial partner of the State University of Management – OOO TEN Group – the TechnoSpark technology park in the city of Troitsk.

    Thematic areas of the accelerator: – TN1. Technologies for comfortable and safe human life; – TN2. Technologies of “green energy”; – TN3. Resource-saving systems, lean, digital technologies.

    These thematic areas of the Accelerator correspond to the critical technologies of the Russian Federation, approved by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of July 7, 2011 N 899, contribute to solving the problems of ensuring the technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation, and correspond to the markets of the National Technology Initiative.

    The acceleration program implementation period is February – June 2025.

    The acceleration program consists of the following educational events: — lectures; — traction meetings (held in the form of team meetings with a tracker to develop a project); — expert presentations from representatives of the partner companies of the State University of Management in the thematic areas of the accelerator; — the Equator event, where teams present the intermediate results of their projects; — the Pre-Defense event, where teams present to other teams and trackers. Trackers make a decision on admission and recommendation of a team to participate in DemodDen; — the DemodDen event, where teams present the results of their projects to invited external experts.

    The head of the acceleration program “City Energy. Environment 2.0” Ekaterina Khalimon talks about the features of the program:

    “This year, the implementation model of the 7th acceleration program based on the State University of Management has undergone some changes. Firstly, it is implemented entirely by the State University of Management, without attracting third-party funding and without attracting the services of third-party organizations. Today, the State University of Management has a sufficient number of highly qualified specialists who can efficiently implement the conceived ideas. The State University of Management has already accumulated practical experience. The acceleration program “City Energy. Environment 2.0” is the 7th acceleration program carried out on the basis of the State University of Management. Since 2022, over 5,000 students have been trained in acceleration programs in the field of technological entrepreneurship based on the State University of Management.

    Secondly, an important emphasis was placed on interuniversity coverage: if in previous accelerators 80% of participants were SUM students, then in this program we want to achieve a 40/60 ratio, where 40% are SUM students, and 60% are students from third-party universities, attracted by SUM students themselves based on the team’s requests. We understand that SUM trains talented managers who can package any project, calculate, plan, and brilliantly present it to investors. But if we want to achieve prototypes and deep project development, then engineers, programmers, doctors, and students from other fields of study need to be attracted at the earliest stages of project development. The experience of the 6th acceleration program “Healthy Life Technologies 2.0” showed that teams that included both managers and students from other universities demonstrated a high degree of development of their projects, demonstrated prototypes, sketches, and conducted experiments in the laboratories of partner universities.

    And finally, the third feature of the current acceleration program “City Energy. Environment 2.0″ is that at the project initiation stage we provide students with requests for technological innovations received in January 2025 from the industrial partner of the State University of Management – the TechnoSpark technology park. The requests concern such areas as: urban infrastructure, hydrogen energy, automation of warehouse complexes, waste disposal, synthesis of coal, peat, biomass. In total, over 30 requests have been received in these areas. Close cooperation with such a large partner allows us to develop projects and products that are already urgently needed by our domestic manufacturers.”

    The accelerator trackers are teachers from the project management department who are certified project management specialists, active entrepreneurs, and experts in tracking and mentoring student startups.

    Following the results of the Acceleration Program, teams that have passed the Demo Day will receive feedback from invited experts and representatives of the technology park, the best teams will be invited to practice at the company for further work on projects.

     

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 02.21.2025

    технопарком «ТехноСпарк» города Троицка….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6074-1-scaled.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b2-%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%83-%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b0%d1%80%d1%82%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%bb%d0%b0-%d0%b0%d0%ba%d1%81%d0%b5%d0%bb%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%b0%d1%86%d0%b8%d0%be%d0%bd%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%8f-%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%b6/”>

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic in Numbers: Panasonic HX

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic in Numbers: Panasonic HX

    Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd. (Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK; hereinafter referred to as “PMUK”), which develops, manufactures, and sells microwave ovens and other products in the UK, has completed the installation and begun trial operation of a demonstration power generation system. The microwave oven assembly factory is powered by renewable energy generated by the system through the integrated control of three types of energy sources: pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, photovoltaic generators, and storage batteries. This demonstration system, the first of its kind outside Japan, will bring Panasonic HX to scale with the Group seeking to build relationships with government agencies, local partner companies and business customers related to the hydrogen business to establish a foundation that will contribute to UK society and climate change countermeasures in the UK and across Europe.
    This demonstration uses green hydrogen produced in the UK for in-house power generation and aims to supply 100% of the electricity consumed in PMUK’s microwave assembly from renewable sources by means of pure hydrogen fuel cell generators using green hydrogen, in combination with photovoltaic generators and storage batteries. This globally unique initiative integrating the three energy sources into a demonstration facility is the first attempt even for Panasonic. Through this demonstration, Panasonic is committed to developing its hydrogen business from a long-term perspective toward the realization of a future hydrogen society and carbon neutrality.

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Changlong Wang, Research fellow in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Monash University

    D.Alimkin, Shutterstock

    Hydrogen was once sold as a universal climate fix — a clean, green wonder fuel for cars, homes, power grids and even global export. But reality has cooled that buzz.

    This week, the South Australian government shelved plans for a A$593 million hydrogen power plant, in favour of injecting that money into the $2.4 billion Whyalla steelworks rescue package. Premier Peter Malinauskas said there was “no point in producing hydrogen” without a customer: the steelworks.

    It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for hydrogen. Last year, Australian mining and energy giant Fortescue pared back its green hydrogen projects as a result of increasing costs and changing financial circumstances in the United States.

    Then, gas and oil heavyweight Woodside withdrew plans for two large-scale green hydrogen projects and Origin Energy dropped out of the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub.

    Meanwhile, the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain project in Victoria, meant to ship hydrogen to Japan, has met with delays and overruns. Earlier this month, the new Queensland government chose to halt further investment in the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project, putting plans to export hydrogen in doubt.

    These setbacks show hydrogen isn’t the ultimate solution to all our energy needs, especially if we want to export it. But they don’t spell doom. Instead, they nudge us toward where hydrogen really shines: in heavy industry, right where it’s made.

    Heavy industry: where hydrogen makes sense

    Heavy industries such as steel manufacturing and ammonia production are where hydrogen proves its worth. These sectors are significant contributors to climate change — steel accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, ammonia a further 2%.

    Most emissions from steelmaking come from burning coal in blast furnaces to convert ore into iron and carbon dioxide.

    In a cleaner alternative, hydrogen (when produced using renewable energy) can be used to strip oxygen from the ore and make iron, with water as a byproduct. The result is green iron, ready to be turned into steel in an electric arc furnace – with a fraction of the emissions.

    Ammonia is used to make fertiliser and industrial chemicals, and hydrogen is one of the main ingredients in its production. Hydrogen bonds with nitrogen from the air to form ammonia. No hydrogen, no ammonia — it’s that simple. Conventional ammonia plants get hydrogen from methane, producing CO₂ in the process. Green ammonia uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen by splitting water via electrolysis.

    Our recent research crunched the numbers on producing these new green commodities. We found making green iron in Australia with hydrogen and shipping it to Europe for steel production could be 21% cheaper than exporting raw iron ore and hydrogen separately. Plus, it could cut emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional methods.

    There are huge economic opportunities for Australia too. Instead of shipping low-value raw materials, Australia could export ready-to-use green iron or green steel, reshaping global supply chains while cutting costs and carbon. That’s the kind of rethink hydrogen enables.

    Industry hubs: a practical fix

    Transporting hydrogen long distances is costly and inefficient. The fix? Industry hubs that produce hydrogen right where it’s needed — next to steel mills, ammonia plants, desalination plants, water treatment plants or even aluminium smelters. Putting producers and consumers together slashes transport costs and unlocks efficiencies.

    We’ve built tools to pinpoint places with the greatest potential to produce these new green commodities.

    The Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool maps where renewable energy, infrastructure and industrial sites align for cost-effective hydrogen production.

    The Green Steel Economic Fairways Mapper zooms in on prime locations for green steel, spotlighting places such as Eyre Peninsula in SA and the Pilbara in Western Australia, among others (see below). These locations have abundant wind and solar resources alongside an existing industrial base.

    The Green Steel Economic Fairways Mapper compares the levelised cost of steel, including production and transport to the port. a) Regional changes across Australia b) Example of how to optimise the system to minimise the levelised cost of producing 1 million tonnes per annum c) Breakdown of costs d) Hourly system performance, in terms of energy flows.
    Green Steel Economic Fairways Mapper, Geoscience Australia

    Challenges remain

    Green hydrogen promises to revolutionise heavy industries, but significant hurdles stand in the way of widespread domestic adoption. The biggest challenge comes from the unpredictable nature of renewable energy, which makes it hard to maintain the steady hydrogen supply industries need.

    The costs remain steep, too. Splitting water into hydrogen using renewable electricity isn’t cheap, particularly when you need backup storage systems to keep production going during cloudy or windless periods.

    Getting hydrogen where it needs to go poses another major challenge. As hydrogen is both bulky to transport and highly flammable, it requires special handling and infrastructure, driving up costs, especially for facilities far from production sites.

    Many companies also hesitate to invest in hydrogen-compatible equipment, as retrofitting existing plants or building new ones requires substantial upfront costs without guaranteed returns.

    The $2.4 billion rescue package for the Whyalla Steelworks (ABC News)

    Government backing: a push in the right direction

    Thursday’s announcement of A$2.4 billion investment in the Whyalla steelworks along with plans for a $1 billion green iron investment fund are a bold bet on green steel. Furthermore, the landmark Future Made in Australia legislation introduces a $6.7 billion Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, offering $2 per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced between 2027–28 and 2039–40, alongside a 10% tax credit for critical minerals processing.

    Meanwhile tax credits for green aluminium and alumina should help another heavy industry to navigate the energy transition using clean hydrogen.

    These measures aim to unlock tens of billions in private investment, boost regional economies, and position Australia as a leader in clean energy manufacturing. This isn’t just about one-off projects. It’s laying the groundwork for hubs that link renewable energy and hydrogen production to industrial demand.

    There’s more in the pipeline. The Hydrogen Headstart program pumps funds into hydrogen innovation, and the Future Made in Australia initiative backs clean industry with billions more. Add in policies like carbon pricing or low-interest loans, and the economics tilt even further toward green steel and ammonia. Government buying power — in the form of procurement targets for low-carbon materials — could seal the deal by guaranteeing demand.

    These policies aren’t just wishful thinking — they’re practical steps that are already working elsewhere. Sweden’s HYBRIT project, which paired green steel with government-backed demand, has already led to construction starting on new industrial-scale green steel facilities. At the same time, the European Union’s hydrogen strategy leans on carbon pricing and subsidies to guide industries and suppliers through the energy transition, while Japan offers incentives for the use of green steel in their automotive industry.

    Australia has the renewable energy and the industrial base to take advantage of these opportunities. With the right leadership, we can turn hydrogen’s stumbles into a global triumph for heavy industry.

    Changlong receives funding from the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining to conduct the SA Green Iron Study, and from Geoscience Australia under the Exploring for the Future program to develop the Hydrogen and Green Steel Economic Fairways tool. Changlong is affiliated with Melbourne Climate Futures, University of Melbourne, and is a visiting fellow at Engineering Science, Oxford University, UK.

    Stuart Walsh receives funding from Geoscience Australia supporting the development of the Bluecap software suite, which highlights opportunities for new renewable energy and critical mineral projects in Australia. Stuart received funding from the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining to conduct the SA Green Iron Study and from Geoscience Australia under the Exploring for the Future program to develop the Hydrogen and Green Steel Economic Fairways tool.

    – ref. The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive – https://theconversation.com/the-promise-of-green-iron-steel-and-ammonia-is-keeping-the-green-hydrogen-dream-alive-250410

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –