Latest news with #energysovereignty
The National
22-07-2025
- Business
- The National
A new energy era is within reach, but we need to grab it quickly
Energy has shaped humanity's path – from mastering fire, to harnessing steam, to splitting the atom. Today, we are at the dawn of a new era. The Sun is rising on a clean energy age. Last year, nearly all new power capacity came from renewables. Investment in clean energy soared to $2 trillion – $800 billion more than fossil fuels. Solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of power on Earth, and clean energy sectors are creating jobs, boosting growth and powering progress – despite fossil fuels still receiving far greater subsidies. Countries that cling to fossil fuels are not protecting their economies, they are sabotaging them – undermining competitiveness, and missing the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century. Clean energy also delivers energy sovereignty and security. Fossil fuel markets are at the mercy of price shocks, supply disruptions and geopolitical turmoil, as we saw when Russia invaded Ukraine. But there are no price spikes for sunlight, no embargoes on wind, and almost every nation has enough renewable resources to be energy self-sufficient. Finally, clean energy spurs development. It can reach the hundreds of millions of people still living without electricity – quickly, affordably and sustainably, particularly through off-grid and small-scale solar technologies. All this makes the clean energy era unstoppable. But the transition is not yet fast or fair enough. Developing countries are being left behind. Fossil fuels still dominate energy systems, and emissions are still rising when they must plummet to avoid the worst of the climate crisis. To fix this, we need action on six fronts. First, governments must fully commit to the clean energy future. In the coming months, every country has pledged to submit new national climate plans – known as Nationally Determined Contributions – with targets for the next decade. These plans must align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, cover all emissions and sectors, and lay out a clear path to clean energy. G20 countries, responsible for about 80 per cent of global emissions, must lead. This is our moment of opportunity to supercharge the global shift. Let's seize it Second, we must build 21st-century energy systems. Without modern grids and storage, renewable power can't fulfil its potential. But for every dollar invested in renewable power, just 60 cents go to grids and storage. That ratio needs to be one-to-one. Third, governments must aim to meet the world's surging energy demand with renewables. Major tech companies must also play their part. By 2030, data centres could consume as much electricity as Japan does today. Companies should commit to power them with renewables. Fourth, we must embed justice in the energy transition. This means supporting communities still dependent on fossil fuels to prepare for the clean energy future. And it means reforming critical minerals supply chains. Today, they are riddled with rights abuses and environmental destruction, and developing countries are trapped at the bottom of value chains. This must end. Fifth, we must make trade a tool for energy transformation. Clean energy supply chains are highly concentrated and global trade is fragmenting. Countries committed to the new energy era must work to diversify supplies, cut tariffs on clean energy goods and modernise investment treaties so they support the transition. Sixth and finally, we must drive finance to developing countries. Africa received just 2 per cent of renewables investment last year, despite having 60 per cent of the world's best solar resources. We need international action – to prevent debt repayments sucking developing country budgets dry, and to enable multilateral development banks to substantially increase their lending capacity, and leverage far more private finance. We also need credit rating agencies and investors to modernise risk assessments, to account for the promise of clean energy, the cost of climate chaos, and the danger of stranded fossil fuel assets. A new energy era is within reach – an era where cheap, clean and abundant energy powers a world rich in economic opportunity, where nations have the security of energy autonomy, and the gift of electricity is a gift for all.
Free Malaysia Today
15-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Hajiji gets top marks for helping Sabah ‘turn the corner'
Former Sabah Law Society president Roger Chin said the GRS administration, led by Hajiji Noor, has implemented several 'notable' initiatives such as the setting up of the energy commission, and moves towards asserting energy sovereignty. PETALING JAYA : A former Sabah Law Society president has praised chief minister Hajiji Noor's leadership, saying his administration is helping the state turn the corner. In a Facebook post, Roger Chin said Hajiji's government is laying the foundations of a more self-reliant, results-driven administration. Chin noted several initiatives implemented by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah administration, such as the establishment of the state's energy commission. He said the setting up of the Energy Commission of Sabah marked a turning point in how the state governs its most strategic resource. The state government's decision to take back 50% equity in the producing Semarang oil field under state-owned SMJ Energy was also a significant marker of progress in asserting energy sovereignty, he said. 'This shift aligns with the broader spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation – returning rights and agency to Sabah without fanfare, but with focus.' Chin also described as 'notable' the creation of the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation, which he said were the building blocks of an investor-friendly ecosystem. The state's ability to secure long-term, high-impact investments, such as E-Steel's manufacturing facility and other FDI-led industrial projects, reflected such a shift. 'These are not fly-by-night deals but strategic entries into Sabah's industrial and logistics backbone, particularly in energy-adjacent and halal sectors,' he said. Chin said Sabah has also improved its fiscal standing, noting that the state revenue has seen stable growth, with increased allocations to development budgets. Sabah's reserves have surged to RM86 billion from the RM2.93 billion recorded in 2020, which he said was a clear indicator of improved financial governance and expanding revenue streams. 'This reflects not just fiscal prudence, but also stronger performance from some state-linked companies,' he said. He also said the Sabah government has expanded rural electrification, water access, and road upgrades, which were 'critical interventions' for a state where more than 40% of the population lives outside urban centres. Chin said while the state government was gradually tackling longstanding issues in land recognition and native customary rights, much remains to be done. While bureaucratic delays, inequality, and capacity constraints persist, he said, the approach adopted by the state government has shifted. 'Instead of headline-chasing, the Sabah government has chosen institutional depth and economic realism, a style of leadership that may not always grab national attention but is increasingly delivering results on the ground,' he said.
Sustainability Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
'Electric Car Batteries Just Leveled Up': These 2025 Breakthroughs Are Slashing Charging Times and Doubling Driving Range
IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 The electric vehicle industry is rapidly evolving with breakthroughs in battery technology , transforming performance and sustainability. , transforming performance and sustainability. 🌍 Companies are pursuing energy sovereignty by diversifying battery materials, reducing dependency on strategic raw materials like lithium and cobalt. by diversifying battery materials, reducing dependency on strategic raw materials like lithium and cobalt. 🚗 Emerging technologies such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries offer promising alternatives, though challenges remain in performance and scalability. and offer promising alternatives, though challenges remain in performance and scalability. 🔄 Despite new innovations, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate the market due to ongoing advancements in density, charging speed, and cost-efficiency. The electric vehicle industry is undergoing a transformative era, driven by rapid advancements in battery technology. As we approach 2025, breakthroughs in battery innovations promise to reshape the landscape of electric mobility. From solid-state batteries to sodium-ion alternatives, and lithium-sulfur innovations, each development offers unique benefits and challenges. This article delves into the current state and potential of these technologies, examining how they might redefine energy sovereignty, environmental impact, and the future of transportation. The Pursuit of Energy Sovereignty As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the demand for strategic raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel intensifies. Geopolitical tensions and increasing demand have made securing these resources a priority. In response, industries are exploring new pathways to reduce reliance on these materials. By 2025, the quest for energy sovereignty involves diversifying battery technologies. According to the latest report by the International Energy Agency, significant strides have been made in various innovations, paving the way for a more resilient and independent energy future. Efforts to achieve energy sovereignty are critical to ensuring a stable supply chain amidst potential disruptions. Industries are investing in alternative resources and technologies to reduce their dependency on specific materials. This strategic shift not only enhances security but also fosters innovation, as companies push the boundaries of what's possible in battery technology. 'China Issues Full-Scale Alert': US Spinning Cannon Hurls Hundreds of Flying Pancake Satellites Into Orbit in Stunning Tech Leap Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Viable Alternative? Sodium-ion batteries, once confined to laboratories, are now gaining attention as a credible alternative to lithium-based solutions. Utilizing a more abundant and less expensive material than lithium, sodium-ion technology offers a compelling option for reducing production costs. By 2025, companies like CATL and HiNa have launched second-generation sodium-ion batteries, boasting increased energy density and faster charging capabilities. Despite these advancements, sodium-ion batteries currently underperform compared to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, with their competitiveness hinging on lithium price fluctuations. Nevertheless, sodium-ion batteries exhibit advantages in cold climates, making them attractive for specific regions. As the technology matures, it promises to play a crucial role in stabilizing the electric vehicle market by offering diverse options to meet varying customer needs and environmental conditions. 'Mini Nuclear Breakthrough': China Activates World's First Compact Reactor to Deliver Clean Energy to Over Half a Million HomesPlant Set to Power Over Half a Million Homes in China Solid-State Batteries: Work in Progress Solid-state batteries, also known as semiconductor batteries, are highly anticipated for their potential to double energy density while enhancing safety by eliminating liquid electrolytes. Companies like Toyota, Samsung SDI, and Nio are leading the charge in this revolutionary technology. In 2024, several large-scale prototypes emerged, and industrial alliances have formed, particularly in China. However, commercial deployment remains a challenge, with maturity levels still at pilot stages. The first solid-state batteries, expected between 2027 and 2028, may initially include 'semi-solid' versions that still utilize liquid or gel electrolytes. Despite the hurdles, solid-state batteries remain a beacon of hope for the future of electric vehicles. Their promise of increased performance and safety continues to drive research and investment, with the potential to significantly alter the industry landscape once fully realized. 'Fusion Reactors Were About to Explode': This Insane X-Point Radiator Hack Is Saving the Planet in Real Time Lithium-Sulfur: Promising Mass Density Another promising avenue in battery technology is lithium-sulfur, which offers high mass energy density while consuming fewer critical metals. Companies like Lyten and Stellantis are making strides in this area, with plans to establish production facilities and partnerships aimed at delivering 'cheaper' and 'lighter' batteries. However, challenges such as low volumetric density, limited durability, and safety concerns persist, restricting their widespread application. Innovative chemistries, including iron-air and redox flow batteries, are diverging from automotive use to target large-scale stationary storage. These technologies, being explored by companies like CATL and Tesla, offer cost-effective solutions for long-term electricity storage, crucial for balancing renewable energy-integrated grids. As these solutions evolve, they will become essential in supporting a sustainable energy ecosystem. The Dominance of Lithium-Ion Amidst the excitement surrounding emerging technologies, lithium-ion batteries continue to evolve and dominate the market. Recent advancements have optimized existing cells, enhancing ultra-high density, rapid charging, longevity, and innovative formats. These improvements reinforce lithium-ion's status as the benchmark technology for electric vehicles in 2025. New technologies must demonstrate clear competitive advantages to challenge this dominance. As the industry progresses, the focus remains on enhancing performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries are set to remain a cornerstone of electric mobility, with ongoing research and development driving further improvements and setting the stage for future innovations. As we look towards the future, the landscape of electric battery technology is brimming with potential. The rise of alternatives like sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, alongside the ongoing evolution of lithium-ion and the promise of solid-state solutions, paints a dynamic picture of innovation. How will these advancements shape the future of transportation, and what new challenges and opportunities will arise as these technologies become mainstream? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (30)
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Power of renewables headlines Indigenous Clean Energy Forum
The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut'ina Nation. It's the first time the two-day conference has been hosted in the Calgary area. Speakers and panels discussed a range of topics from energy security and sovereignty to economic empowerment and future infrastructure. 'Energy sovereignty means not relying on an electricity grid. Democratization of energy choices so we can choose between clean energy sources or others like nuclear,' said Guy Lonechild, First Nations Power Authority CEO. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. Many Indigenous groups are working to ensure affordable and secure access to energy on First Nations lands while creating jobs and wealth using clean energy projects. 'In the north, we have inconsistent power and lots of power outages. So, we want to make sure it's reliable power and that it's affordable power,' said Chief Felix Thomas, Kinisitin Saulteaux Nation. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. The future of renewables was the focus of the ninth annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Wednesday. Indigenous Peoples are partners or beneficiaries of almost 20 per cent of Canada's electrical-generating infrastructure, the majority of which is renewable, according to Indigenous Clean Energy. Clean Energy Canada forecasts there will be more than 400,000 jobs created from clean energy in Alberta over the next 25 years. The forum runs Wednesday and Thursday.
