Low Carbon Pulse Edition 37

Click here to the Long Form Version of Edition 37, covering each news item in this Short Form Version in more detail, and other news items.

Please click here for the First Compendium of Low Carbon Pulse (containing Editions 1 to 28, covering the period from October 6, 2020 to October 5, 2021) and click here for the Second Compendium of Low Carbon Pulse (containing Editions 29 to 36, covering October 7, 2021 to March 6, 2022, and containing the January and February 2022 Report on Reports).

Ill wind:

The impact of the conflict in Ukraine has resonated globally. In the energy sector, the resonance has been foundation shaking. As a result, energy security and energy transition have aligned, with a clear sighted view on natural gas (in the form of liquified natural gas (LNG) as an energy transition fuel, and the need to accelerate development of renewable energy capacity and hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuel production capacity (the "two legs" of decarbonisation). 

An element of this alignment has been the commitment between the European Union (EU) and the US on the supply and purchase of LNG (agreed on March 25, 2022) to the end of 2022. At a country level, the speed at which Germany has moved to procure floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) to receive LNG has been telling, which when combined with the accelerated commitment to achieve decarbonisation of the electrical energy industry by 2035, and the commitment to develop a Green Hydrogen pipeline system across Germany, provides a clear strategy.

Burning platform recognised:

• On March 24, 2022, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a press release outlining outcomes from the IEA Ministerial Meeting (a special event dedicated to how to adapt better policy, legal and regulatory frameworks to accelerate deployment of clean energy and low emission technologies);
• On March 29, 2022, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) published World Energy Transitions Outlook (WETO) 2022, "updating" the IRENA WETO 2021 (see Editions 21, 23, and 29 of Low Carbon Pulse), and outlining what needs to be done by 2030 to achieve NZE by 2050; and
• On April 4, 2022, the IPCC WGIII Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change report was published. 

A standalone Edition 38 of Low Carbon Pulse will cover the key findings of WETO 2022 and the IPCC WGIII Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change report – effectively, what needs to be done, and by when.

From a thorough read of WETO 2022 and an early morning read of the Summary for Policymakers contained in the 17 Volume IPCC WGIII Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change report, these reports are complementary and their findings should be read together. Together they describe what needs to be done, and quickly.

Vale those lost:

Finally, condolences for those lost in the conflict in Ukraine, and safe-haven to those displaced.

Content of Edition 37:

Clicking on the contents list will take the reader to the section clicked:

Legal, Policy Setting and Regulatory highlights:

IEA support for Clean Energy Start-ups:

On March 14, 2022, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published How Governments Support Clean Energy Start Ups – Insights from selected approaches around the world. The publication is excellent, providing both a summary and a guide. 

IRENA:

It has been a busy March 2022 for IRENA:

Coalition for Action:

On March 11, 2022, IRENA published Decarbonising end-use sectors Green Hydrogen Certification.

Green Hydrogen:

On March 20, 2022, IRENA published Green Hydrogen For Industry – A Guide to Policy Making (considered in detail below under A Guide to Policy Making);

Collaborative Framework:

On March 24, 2022, launched the new Collaborative Framework on Critical Materials For The Energy Transition, focusing on the need for cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and reach earth elements (REEs), with the associated publication of Collaborative Framework on Critical Materials For The Energy Transition. The Collaborative Framework on Critical Materials For The Energy Transition, follows like-frameworks from IRENA on Hydropower, Ocean Energy / Offshore Renewable Energy, Green Hydrogen, Geopolitics of Energy Transformation, Just and Inclusive Energy Transition and Enhancing Dialogues of High Shares of Renewables in Energy Systems. The Collaborative Framework on Critical Materials For The Energy Transition will be considered in the March and April Report on Report;

IRENA Africa Report:

In March, 2022, the Renewable Energy Market Analysis: Africa and its Regions report was published; and  

WETO 2022:

On March 29, 2022, IRENA published World Energy Transitions Outlook: 1.5°C Pathway. 

Australian Federal Court on duty of care:

Edition 18 of Low Carbon Pulse reported that the Australian Federal Environment Minister had a duty to take account of the interests of younger generations in considering applications for and grants of approvals for new coal mine projects. Edition 18 of Low Carbon Pulse reported as follows:

"In Australia, the Federal Court found that the Federal Environment Minister has a legal duty not to cause harm to the young people of Australia [i.e., Australians under the age of 18 years] by exacerbating climate change in the context of approving new or expanded coal mine projects. On the day of judgment, the concept of a legal duty of care was not determinative, but the concept may play a role in future decisions".

On March 15, 2022 (on appeal from the Minister) the Federal Court of Appeal found that a duty of care was not owed (here is a link to the case).

Whatever the merits of those bringing the action (and the principles of inter-generational equity are sound), it is for the Australian Federal Government, rather than the courts, to develop policy settings and laws and regulations consistent with achieving NZE, including to have regard to matters of inter-generational equity.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) progresses:

On March 15, 2022, the European Council of the European Union reached agreement on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and issued the draft Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism regulation (CBAM Regulation) As noted in Edition 22 of Low Carbon Pulse, CBAM is a key element of the Fit for 55 policy settings announced by the European Commission (EC) in July 2021. The CBAM is designed to ensure that prescribed products imported into the EU (and as such are not subject to the EU ETS) have equivalent carbon pricing principles applied to them consistent with the EU ETS.

Under CBAM, prescribed products (see Annex I of the draft CBAM Regulation) from the following industry sectors will be regulated: aluminium, cement, electrical energy, fertiliser, iron and steel. Each of these industry sectors may be regarded as carbon intensive, with products produced across these industry sectors within the EU being subject to the policy settings, critically the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). 

Shell directors focus of Companies Act action:

On March 15, 2022, it was reported widely that thirteen directors of Shell plc are being sued by a shareholder, ClientEarth, on the basis that the directors have not discharged their duty to ensure that the business of Shell is undertaken in a way that promotes the success of the company, and to exercise reasonable care, diligence and skill of this purpose. (The reported basis of the claim suggests that this is an action under ss. 172 and 174 of the UK Companies Act.) 

Disclosure requirements:

On March 21, 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released proposed climate change disclosure requirements, including required disclosure of climate risks (identification and mitigation) and emissions data. In broad terms, at a principled level, the proposed disclosure requirements are consistent with the GHG Protocol (see the Realizing Reserves and Realising Capital article) and TCFD (see Edition 24 of Low Carbon Pulse). The SEC Fact Sheet, Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures, is an excellent overview of the proposed disclosure requirements over three, punchy, pages.

Climate change reported and explained:

More carbon in 2021 than ever before:

On March 8, 2022, the IEA released Global Energy Review: CO2 Emissions in 2021 (the CO₂ 2021 Report). The headlines arising from the CO₂ 2021 Report are that 15.3 billion metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions arose from the use of coal and over 7.5 billion tonnes arose from the use of natural gas.

Energy Transitions Commission conclusions:

On March 9, 2022, the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) published Mind the Gap: How Carbon Dioxide Removals Must Complement Deep Decarbonisation to Keep 1.5°C Alive (ETC Report).

The headline arising from the ETC Report is that to ensure that the average increase in global temperatures does not exceed 1.5^OC above pre-industrial times, 165 giga-tonnes of CO₂ will have to be removed from the atmosphere by 2050, and as a consequence of this finding, much deeper thinking is required around carbon credits and carbon off-sets and trading.

Middle East including GCC Countries

BEEAH Energy and Chinook Sciences busy:

On March 7, 2022, fuelcellworks.com reported that BEEAH Group (leading sustainability corporation) and Chinook Sciences (UK based technology corporation) had signed an agreement to produce "clean to green" hydrogen to provide hydrogen to power and to propel over 300 trucks and buses a day.

The hydrogen is to be produced from waste at a waste-to-hydrogen facility, producing high-quality activated carbon as well as "clean to green" hydrogen. BEEAH Group will supply the non-recyclable waste streams (predominantly plastics and wood), and will process those waste streams using Chinook Sciences' gasification technology. 

Busy day in paradise:

On March 7, 2022, it was reported widely that Acme Group (Indian renewable energy company) and Scatec (Norway based renewable power producer) are to develop a Green Ammonia production facility in Oman. The Green Ammonia production facility is world scale, with nameplate Green Ammonia production capacity of 1.2 million metric tonnes a year on completion of planned development and deployment. 

DEWA Aquifer Storage and Recovery:

On March 14, 2022, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it had completed construction of the first stage of its Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. 

While the thinking behind the DEWA ASR project focuses on it as a strategic reserve of water, it appears possible that ASR technology will be applied to store water as feedstock for Green Hydrogen production in due course.

UAE and Germany:

Working Group:

On March 15, 2022, it was reported widely that the UAE and Germany Working Group met in Dubai, UAE, to discuss future cooperation. (See Edition 30 of Low Carbon Pulse in respect of the establishment of the Working Group.) 

UAE and Germany working all week:

The week-beginning March 21, 2022, saw considerable activity between the UAE and Germany, including on March 22, 2022, the https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3546461/uae-germany-boost-hydrogen-collaboration from ADNOC that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Dr Robert Habeck, with ADNOC and Germany to undertake studies jointly to strengthen the collaboration to develop clean hydrogen capacity, including work around hydrogen logistics and pilot cargoes, in addition to studies to be undertaken jointly on difficult to decarbonise sectors, including considering new uses of clean hydrogen.  

NEOM progress continues:

Helios Green Light:

On March 17, 2022, it was reported widely that the USD 5 billion Helios Green Hydrogen production project (part of the development of the Neom project) is to commence construction. The Helios project is to be powered by 4 GW of renewable electrical energy. The Helios project is to deploy 120 electrolysers supplied by thyssenkrupp AG. The commencement of construction is a landmark.

ENOWA Green Utility:

On March 21, 2022, NEOM announced the launch of ENOWA which will lead the development and deployment of NEOM's world class sustainable energy and water systems, including The Line, OXAGON (see Editions 31 and 35 of Low Carbon Pulse) and Trojena, and of course as a shareholder in the joint venture with Air Products to develop the Helios Green Hydrogen production project. 

Masdar releases Sustainability Report:

On March 22, 2022, Masdar (the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) released its ninth sustainability report. The Masdar Sustainability Report has become a reference work. The key headline from the Masdar Sustainability Report is that Masdar intends to accelerate 100 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, and then double that capacity again, to 200 GW. 

UAE and the Netherlands sign MOU:

On March 22, 2022, https://hydrogen-central.com/uae-biggest-suppliers-hydrogen-europe/ (under UAE Could Be One Of The Biggest Suppliers of Hydrogen to Europe) reported that the UAE and the Netherlands had signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to develop export-import corridors for clean hydrogen, between the UAE and the Netherlands as the gateway to Europe. 

Africa:

Alignment in Egypt:

• On March 10, 2022, it was reported widely that Scatec (leading Norwegian renewable electrical energy corporation) had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Suez Canal Economic Zone, The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, and the New and Renewable Energy Authority. It is understood that the MOU provides for the development jointly of a 1 million metric tonnes per annum Green Ammonia production facility (with potential to expand to 3 million metric tonnes annually).
• On March 28, 2022, it was reported widely that A.P. Moller – Maersk had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the Prime Minister of Egypt, Mr. Mostafa Madbouly, under which A.P. Moller will work with Suez Canal Economic Zone, The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, and the New and Renewable Energy Authority to develop green energy and green fuel production capacity. 

Renewable Energy Market Analysis:

As noted above, in March, 2022, the IRENA Africa Report was published. In addition to the IRENA Africa Report, at woodmac.com, Wood Mackenzie released a paper, Utility 3.0: How Africa is remaking the grid. This will be considered in detail along with the IRENA Africa Report in the March and April Report on Reports, to be contained in the Appendix to the Second Compendium of Low Carbon Pulse.

India and Indonesia

Feasibility Study to decarbonise maritime industry:

On March 10, 2022, h2-view.com reported (under Indonesian maritime industry to be decarbonised with hydrogen) that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supported by Longitude Engineering, is to undertake a feasibility study, jointly, with PT Pertamina. The purpose of undertaking the feasibility study is stated to be to develop a road map for the integration of low carbon fuels into the domestic shipping industry, with hydrogen (and hydrogen-based fuels), being key for these purposes. 

India 50 GW of solar:

On March 15, 2022, pv-magazine-australia.com reported that to December 31, 2021, India had installed 50 GW of photovoltaic electrical energy capacity (40.4 GW utility scale, and 8.57 GW roof-top), having added 3.17 GW of installed capacity during Q4 of 2021, of which 2.5 GW was utility-scale and 520 MW roof-top. 

ArcelorMittal and Greenko co-develop 975 MW:

On March 22, 2022, the economic times.com reported (under ArcelorMittal joins hands with Greenko for renewable energy projects) that ArcelorMittal and Greenko had agreed to co-develop 975 MW of photovoltaic solar and wind renewable energy capacity as part of the progress being made by ArcelorMittal to decarbonise the production of iron and steel. 

KPMG takes the pulse:

On March 25, 2022, KPMG India launched its India Decarbonisation Hub. To accompany the launch of the Indian Decarbonisation Hub, KPMG published India's green hydrogen ambition - setting the wheels in motion, which provides a helpful overview of the current state of play, and the road ahead.

USD 1.2 billion Green Hydrogen Project in Indonesia:

On March 25, 2022, it was reported widely that Hyundai and Samsung are to join with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to develop a Green Hydrogen Project in Indonesia. It is understood that the intention is to derive renewable electrical energy from geothermal energy sources, with the Green Hydrogen to be supplied to the Sei Mangkei Industrial Zone, Sumatra, with the Green Hydrogen to be used to decarbonise industrial activities, including the difficult to decarbonise cement and iron and steel industry sectors.

Further, it is understood that the Green Hydrogen Project will use Green Hydrogen to produce Green Ammonia, with the Green Ammonia to be exported, including to ROK, with Hyundai to provide the shipping for export, and KOGAS to import the Green Ammonia. Samsung Engineering will undertake the design and viability study for the project.

PT Pertamina investments plans:

On March 25, 2022, energyvoice.com reported that PT Pertamina plans to invest up to USD 11 billion on renewable energy projects over the period 2022 to 2026 so as to continue progress in energy transition.

India Hydrogen Alliance – March 2022:

Attached is the link to the March edition of India H2 Monitor – March 2022. As noted in previous editions of Low Carbon Pulse, we intend to include the link rather than repeat the content of the India H2 Monitor.

Japan and Republic of Korea (ROK)

Japan's 11th solar auction:

On March 9, 2022, the Green Investment Promotion Organisation in Japan released the results (please see the original results in Japanese here) of the 11th solar auction for projects with an electrical energy dispatch rating of greater than 250KW. The outcome of the 11th solar auction is significant because the average bid was below ¥10 per kW/h for the first time, and as such the lowest in any preceding auction.

Japan to accelerate off-shore wind field development:

On March 18, 2022, it was reported widely that the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr Kōichi Hagiuda, had announced that Japan will accelerate the development of off-shore wind field capacity.

POSCO in South America:

On March 21, 2022, mining.com reported that POSCO (leading iron and steel producer head-quartered in ROK) is to invest USD 4 billion in a new lithium mining project in Argentina. The mining project is understood to be located on a salt flat, Salar del Hombre Muerto, which is located on the border between provinces of Catamarca and northern Salta. It is understood that production of 100,000 tonnes a year of lithium hydroxide is expected on completion of the development of the mine. 

PRC and Russia

Sinopec continues progress on hydrogen:

On March 17, 2022, it was reported widely that Sinopec (one of the Big Three PRC NOCs) is to increase its investment in the development and deployment of Green Hydrogen facilities so as to develop 500,000 metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen in annual production capacity by 2025. As reported previously in Low Carbon Pulse, Sinopec intends to have deployed hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in 1,000 locations by 2025, which will have refuelling capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes a year. 

PRC continues progress on hydrogen:

On March 23, 2022, h2-view.com reported on the plans of the PRC for the development of hydrogen production capacity with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) providing a roadmap to 2025, 2030 and to 2035. 

In the near term, the plan is to develop hydrogen production capacity so as to produce 200,000 metric tonnes of clean hydrogen by 2025. This sits well inside the aspirations of Sinopec to have developed 500,000 metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen production capacity by 2025. 

In the medium term (by 2030), the plan is to have developed a hydrogen production industry configured to produce clean hydrogen using integrated hydrogen technologies so as to maximise the reduction in GHG emissions arising from production, transportation, storage and use of hydrogen. In the near to medium term, the focus appears to be the decarbonisation of the mobility industry. In the medium to longer term (by 2035), the plan is to have developed hydrogen production capacity so as to support the decarbonisation of the difficult to decarbonise industries. 

Europe and UK

Clearing Round in ScotWind:

On March 7, 2022, Crown Estate Scotland (CES) indicated that it will undertake a Clearing Round under which further lease areas will be auctioned, specifically lease area NE1 east off Shetland. It is understood that bidders in the ScotWind Leasing Scheme (see Edition 33 of Low Carbon Pulse) process that were not successful (but scored highly applying assessment criteria) will be eligible to bid in the Clearing Round. It is understood that CES will outline its plans for a Clearing Round during April 2022 (which will be covered in Edition 39 of Low Carbon Pulse). 

EU to accelerate decarbonisation initiatives: 

EC plans clear and hard:

On March 8, 2022, the European Commission (EC) outlined its plans to accelerate the development of renewable electrical energy capacity across the EU, and to increase fourfold the Green Hydrogen production capacity by 2030 (REPowerEU, including a Hydrogen Accelerator). 

In short, there are two legs to RePowerEU, first, near to medium term energy security (through diverse sources of natural gas supply, delivered into the EU as liquified natural gas (LNG) and increased production of bio-gas and bio-methane within the EU) and, second, the dash to accelerate renewable electrical energy deployment. 

Notably, Mr Timmermans included nuclear reactor electrical energy power generation in the thinking. The attached link links to the detail of REPowerEU. The REPowerEU, is consistent with (some may say follows) the progress that has been made in recent times in EU countries, in particular in northern Europe. 

On March 3, 2022, the IEA published A 10 Point Plan to Reduce EU Reliance on Russian Natural Gas. The first five points in the plan (dealing with macro issues) are entirely consistent with REPowerEU. 

LNG receiving terminals as part of energy transition: 

• Edition 36 of Low Carbon Pulse reported on the re-enlivening plans in Germany (under LNG Terminals progressing) to develop two LNG receiving terminals at Wilhelmshaven (Uniper) and at Brunsbüttel (Gasunie and Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW)) so as to ensure diversified sources of natural gas imported as LNG. 
  
  On March 8, 2022, it was reported widely that Enel, giant Italian utility, is to revisit plans to develop an LNG receiving terminal south of Rome, to allow it to source natural gas from diversified sources. 
• Continued progress in the development of LNG receiving terminals: 
  • On March 23, 2022, Germany agreed a long-term contract with Qatar to take LNG.
  • On March 23, 2022, German LNG Terminal announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding under which it will contract long-term for capacity in the Brunsbüttel LNG receiving terminal project, having 165,000 m3 of storage capacity and two berths capable of accommodating Q-Max (266,000 m3) LNG carriers.
  • On March 25, 2022, the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mr Robert Habeck announced that the German Federal Government had promoted securing three floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) for use by RWE and Uniper.

Cluster sequencing Phase 2:

On March 22, 2022, the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Sector issued a notice (entitled Cluster sequencing Phase-2: eligible projects (power CCUS, hydrogen and ICC) detailing the projects that had satisfied the eligibility criteria (outlined in Phase-2 guidance) for Phase-2 progress. 

The following table identifies the projects that have satisfied the eligibility criteria for Phase-2:

UK ETS Development Review:

On a busy week for the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Sector, on March 25, 2022, it announced an Open consultation - Developing the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), with the link taking the reader to the document outlining the matters under consideration. The open consultation process closes at 11.45 pm on June 17, 2022.

All is well in the Kingdom of Denmark:

Denmark Power-to-X:

In Denmark, the concept of Power-to-X is well-established, and becoming part of the framework for progress towards the achievement of NZE. In December 2021, the Danish Government launched a strategy to develop Power-to-X (see December and January Report on Reports in the Second Compendium of Low Carbon Pulse). 

In this context, the Danish Government has earmarked funding support for the development of Power-to-X capacity development, critically the development of electrolyser capacity, with the policy setting target being the development and deployment of between 4 GW and 6 GW of production capacity. 

Principal objectives:

There are four objectives to the promotion and development of Power-to-X capacity in Denmark, as follows: 1. Power-to-X must contribute to achieving the objectives in the Danish Climate Act; 2. It is necessary to develop the framework and infrastructure for the Power-to-X sector to develop; 3. It is necessary to improve the interface between the current energy system and the Power-to-X sector; and 4. Demark must be able to export Power-to-X products and technologies. 

Americas:

Stitching together renewable energy seams:

On March 8, 2022, cleantechnica.com published an article authored by Ms Tina Casey. The article is well-worth a read, both for the outline of plans and for the optimism that the plans engender. The article notes that the US' massive off-shore wind resources are "finally in the pipeline" (see Editions 2, 7, 8, 20, 21, 26, and 30 of Low Carbon Pulse) and the "land-based renewable energy profile is about to get a shot of adrenaline". 

The "shot of adrenaline" is sourced from plans of two leading transmission system operators (the Midcontinent Independent Power System Operator or MISO and the South West Power Pool or SPP) "to stitch together" their systems, and in doing so "opening a bottleneck that has held back wind and solar developers for years". 

The thinking (which is continuing to develop) is based on the Interconnections Seam Study, with the core idea being the efficiency benefits of uniting the Eastern and Western US transmission systems. After further work by MISO and SPP, seven projects have been identified (having a combined cost of USD 1.65 billion) in a Joint Interconnection Queue Study (JIQS) that contemplates the stitching together of both systems. 

Hubbub among the States:

• Edition 35 of Low Carbon Pulse reported that the US DOE had "gone-live" on the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIAJA) also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Going live involves rolling-out the initiatives in the IIAJA. The largest hydrogen program in the IIAJA provides the US DOE with USD 8 billion to provide support for at least four hydrogen hubs that are able to demonstrate that their development and deployment will contribute to production of clean hydrogen (being hydrogen that gives rise to less than 2 kg of CO₂ for each 1 kg of hydrogen produced) and to multiple uses of that clean hydrogen. The IIAJA prescribes that at least one hydrogen hub will use fossil fuel feedstock to produce hydrogen, one will use renewables and one will use nuclear.
• Edition 36 of Low Carbon Pulse reported (under Mountain States Hub) that Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming had signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a regional clean Hydrogen Hub, and in so doing, position more effectively to seek funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIAJA).
• Mississippi States Hub: Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma are reported to be progressing with a like initiative to create a bipartisan three-state bloc to develop a regional clean Hydrogen Hub.
• West Virginia gets in first: On March 22, 2022, it was reported widely that the State of West Virginia, through the West Virginia Hydrogen Hub Coalition had submitted a proposal to the US DOE seeking funding to develop a hydrogen hub in the State. 
• Northeast Hydrogen Hub: On March 24, 2022, the Governor of New York State, Ms Kathy Hochul indicated that New York, together with Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and 40 hydrogen ecosystem partners, were combining for the purposes of seeking to become one of at least four regional clean hydrogen energy hubs.

For the Mountain States Hub, Mississippi States Hub, West Virginia Hydrogen Hub and Northeast States Hub, the development of a Hydrogen Hub represents an opportunity to take advantage of their natural advantages.

Canada Climate Change Report:

On March 23, 2022, Canada's Changing Climate Report in Light of Latest Global Science Assessment (Climate Change Report or CCR) was published. The CCR is a supplement to Canada's 2019 Changing Climate Report, updating the earlier report to take into account the findings of the IPCC Working Group I Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.

France and Germany:

Germany earmarks €200 billion by 2026:

On March 7, 2022, the German Finance Minister, Mr Christian Linder, announced plans to provide funding to enable German industry to accelerate progress towards NZE, including funding to accelerate the development of hydrogen technology and to allow the build-out of battery electric vehicle (BEV) recharging infrastructure. 

French State Support for Normand'Hy:

• Funding support on time:
  
  On March 8, 2022, it was reported widely (and announced by Air Liquide) that it had received funding support from the French Government. As noted below (under France promotes 15 major H2 projects), Normand'Hy is one of 15 projects in respect of which Important Project of Common European Interest is sought.
• Edition 29 of Low Carbon Pulse reported as follows (under The road to Normand'Hy):
  
  "On October 20, 2021, Air Liquide increased its stake in H2V Normandy, renaming it Air Liquide Normand'Hy, so as to accelerate the 200 MW Green Hydrogen production facility at Port-Jerome, using a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser. The Green Hydrogen production facility is located within the Normandy carbon cluster / industrial basin, with Air Liquide intending to supply Green Hydrogen to industrial customers and to the mobility / transport sector. The Green Hydrogen production facility will connect to Air Liquide's existing hydrogen pipeline network in Normandy."
  
  It will be noted that a final investment decision of Air Liquide was dependent on the provision of funding support.

France promotes 15 major H2 projects: 

• On March 9, 2022, the French Government announced a list of 15 major hydrogen projects to submit to the EC each to be designated as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI). 
  
  The map below provides detail of the location of each of the 15 projects. The 15 projects will require €7 billion in investment in the medium term, including €2 billion in funding support. 
• The 15 projects may be grouped into three categories:
  • Giga-factory developments for electrolysers: Elogen, Genvia, John Cockerill and McPhy;
  • Manufacture for mobility: fuel cells (Alstom, HYVIA and Symbio), tanks (Faurecia and Plastic Omnium) and key components (Arkema); and
  • Hydrogen production capacity: Air Liquide's Normand'Hy project (see above) and the Dunkirk iron and steel project (see Edition 34 of Low Carbon Pulse), Hynovi (Hynamics and VICAT) and Masshylia (Engie and TotalEnergies).

Germany and Norway aligned:

On March 17, 2022, it was reported widely that Germany and Norway had discussed the feasibility of the transportation of hydrogen produced in Norway, via pipeline, for delivery to Germany. It is understood that the use of Blue Hydrogen (near to medium term) and Green Hydrogen (medium to long term) is being considered. 

RWE and OGE plan hydrogen backbone:

On March 24, 2022, it was reported widely that RWE (the German renewables electrical energy giant) and OGE (a German TSO) had outlined their plans to roll-out hydrogen infrastructure to produce and transport hydrogen, including a 1 GW electrolyser and a 1,500 kilometre, hydrogen pipeline system (the H₂ercules Project). 

Australia:

ACCUs and Emission Reduction Fund:

On March 4, 2022, Australian Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Angus Taylor, announced that Australian Carbon Capture Units (ACCUs) could be sold to buyers of carbon credits seeking to deliver on voluntarily assumed commitments to achieve carbon neutrality (the proposed change).

During the week beginning March 7, 2022, the implications of the decision of the Australian Federal Energy Minister, Mr Angus Taylor became apparent, and for the balance of the month there was (and no doubt for some time to come, there will be) an increasing focus on the decision of Mr Taylor, and the legislative basis for the grant of ACCUs. 

Unsurprisingly, the proposed change impacted the price of ACCUs. What has been surprising is the accompanying narrative, in particular from Professor Andrew Macintosh (chair of the Integrity Committee of the Emissions Reduction Fund for six years): 

"The available data suggests that 70 to 80% of the ACCUs issued to these projects [i.e., under the Emissions Reduction Fund] are devoid of integrity – they do not represent real and additional abatement". 

As might be expected, a number of industry participants and experts have suggested that the Federal Australian Government reconsiders the proposed change, including as part of a wider review.

NSW Ahead of the curve:

On March 24, 2022, it was reported widely that the Government of New South Wales (NSW) has announced an expression of interest process under which interested private sector parties could register interest to develop a standby 700 MW / 1,400 MWh Waratah Super Battery (a Very Big BESS). 

The Very Big BESS is to be located on the Central Coast region of NSW and is critical to the maintenance of integrity and stability of electrical energy supply in response to the announcement by Origin Energy of its intention to shutter the 2,880 MW Eraring Coal-fired Power Station in August 2025 (see Edition 35 of Low Carbon Pulse). 

Eastern Sea-board States – Nation Building (again):

On March 25, 2025, it was reported widely that the Governments of the Australian States of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria are to develop the East Coast Hydrogen Refuelling Network. 

The timing and the thinking behind the East Coast Hydrogen Refuelling Network is clear for all to see, but it is not often that Governments take a lead that works at so many levels, critically to allow the development of supply to satisfy domestic demand that will be encouraged by the development of the Network. 

Blue and Green Carbon Initiatives and Biodiversity

Blue Carbon, Sindh Province, Pakistan:

On March 10, 2022, Respira International announced that it had purchased some of the first tranche of carbon credits (Delta Blue Carbon Project (DBC-1)), together with Carbon Growth Partners and Trafigura. The source of the carbon credits are the world's largest mangrove swamp restoration project, and as such a leading Blue Carbon project: it is understood that the Delta Blue Carbon Project is restoring more than 73,000 hectares of degraded mangrove swamps and tidal wetlands. 

Bioplastic whitepaper:

On March 15, 2022, Carbion and TotalEnergies published Sustainable sourcing of feedstocks for bioplastics – Clarifying sustainability aspects around feedstock use for the production of bioplastics. For those interested in plastics generally, and bioplastics in particular, the publication is excellent.

Blueprint For Nature:

From March 14 to March 29, 2022, the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework met in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the meeting was to advance work on the development of the Global Diversity Framework, with the purposes of the Global Diversity Framework to address the loss of habitat and resulting loss of biodiversity. 

As noted in Editions 33 and 34 of Low Carbon Pulse, later in 2022, the second part of COP 15 will take place in the PRC. During the first part of COP-15 the Kunming Declaration was adopted, addressing bio-diversity loss.

As might be expected, the Open-ended Working Group was accompanied by multiple narratives – for example, Wetland International continued to emphasise the importance of wetlands (covering 7% of land mass, and home to 40% of the world's diversity). On March 23, 2022, Wetland International published an article on the key issues for wetlands in the context of the development of the Global Diversity Framework. 

On March 29, 2022, a press release was published, noting progress around targets and supporting mechanisms. It is clear however that a good deal of work needs to be done ahead of, and at, the second part of COP 15.

Bioenergy and heat-recovery

Biogas and Biomethane:

As noted above, there are two legs to the RePowerEU policy settings, near to medium term energy security (through diverse sources of natural gas supply, delivered into the EU as liquified natural gas (LNG) and increased production of bio-gas and bio-methane within the EU) and the dash into renewables.

The role that biogas and biomethane has to play is likely to increase, and to do so dramatically in the near to medium term as renewable sources of feedstock are sought and used to derive or to produce biogas / biomethane as part of the means of assuring near to medium term energy security in the EU. By some estimates, by 2030 up to 35 billion m3 of biogas / biomethane may be derived or produced, and by 2050 up to 100 billion m3.

Fortum and Microsoft – world first:

On March 17, 2022, Fortum announced that it had entered into a unique project with Microsoft, with Fortum (Finnish state-owned utility company) to capture excess heat generated by a new data centre region to be built by Microsoft in Helsinki, Finland. The data centres will use electrical energy from renewable sources, and the clean heat arising from the data centres will be used to heat premises that are connected to the Fortum district heating system. The location for the data centres was chosen to allow the capture of clean heat, and its use in the district heating system.

BESS and HESS (and energy storage)

RWE develops HESS:

On March 7, 2022, it was reported widely that RWE (the German electrical energy giant), through RWE Gas Storage West, plans to develop a HESS at Kottiger Hook in Gronau, Germany by 2027. The HESS will use an underground salt cavern, with connection to above ground dispatch storage.

AGL Energy gets green light for green project:

On March 8, 2022, it was reported widely that AGL Energy (one of the three large integrated energy corporations in Australia), had been given approval to develop and to deploy a 500 MW / 2000 MWh BESS at the site of the Liddell coal-fired power station in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales (the Liddell coal-fired power station to be shuttered completely by 2023, with shut-down of units having commenced).

Quidet Energy:

On March 9, 2022, cleantechnica.com reported (under High Pressure Water Energy Storage Coming to San Antonio) that it intends to develop a Geothermal Pumped Storage (GPS) facility in San Antonio, Texas, having signed a 15 year agreement with CPS Energy (the municipal electric utility serving the city of San Antonio).

CIP and Alcemi make gold:

On March 15, 2022, it was reported widely that Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Alcemi had combined to develop 4 GW of BESS across the UK. It has been reported that CIP will led procurement and development activities, with the first BESS to be energised in 2023.

EDF Pivot Power BESS:

On March 22, 2022, it was reported widely that Pivot Power (a subsidiary of EDF) has been granted approval to develop and to deploy two BESSs (each of 50 MW / 100 MWh) in the UK – one at Sundon, Luton (to go live in 2023), and the other at Indian Queens, Cornwall (to go live in 2024). 

Carbon Accounting, Carbon Capture and Carbon Capture and Use and CDR

CCS Databases:

• During the week beginning March 14, 2022, the author of Low Carbon Pulse came across the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Carbon Capture and Storage Database. The NREL Carbon Capture and Storage Database has been developed from publicly available information globally, and includes details of the evaluation of sites for CO₂ storage, estimated project development and operation costs, mass of CO₂ captured / stored and the technologies deployed.
• On March 24, 2022, CO2 Value launched a New CCU Project Database. The New CCU Project Database is available publicly (hence the link), and provides a reference for CCS / CCUS projects across Europe.
• On March 24, 2022, the Clean Air Task Force launched its Carbon Management Tracker, mapping carbon capture projects in the Middle East and North Africa. 

First BECCS:

On March 22, 2022, Bellona.org reported (under Oslo leading by example: world's first CO2 capture and storage on waste incinerator to become reality in 2026) that the Klemetsrud CO₂ capture and storage project will be the world's first waste-to-energy plant with full scale CCS (BECCS depending on one's view). The Bellona Foundation is working with City of Oslo and Fortum Oslo Varme for seven years to realise this outcome.

Pulling up DACs to capture CO₂:

On March 23, 2022, Occidental Petroleum Corp announced that it intends to develop and to deploy up to 70 carbon capture facilities globally by 2035, with each CC facility to capture as much as 1 million metric tonnes of CO₂ directly from the atmosphere (and otherwise from the climate system). 

Carbon Credits and Hydrogen Markets and Trading

CIX partners with Carbonplace:

On March 25, 2022, The Business Times.com reported that CIX had partnered with Carbonplace (a carbon credit settlement platform, developed by seven banks - BNP Paribas, CIBC, Itau Unibanco, National Australia Bank, NatWest Group, Standard Chartered and UBS). The purpose of the partnership is to lower the cost of entry to corporations seeking to acquire high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market which CIX is to facilitate.

MENA Voluntary Carbon Markets: 

• On March 25, 2022, Ms Riham ElGizy reported (on LinkedIn) that it had been a Big Day for the MENA regional Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), with the announcement of the first five potential partners in the market, Aramco, Saudi Airlines, ACWA Power, Maaden and ENOWA. Low Carbon Pulse will follow the development of the market.
• On March 24, 2022, the PIF announced that the VCM will provide the means to connect corporations and institutions (and investors) with a supply of quality carbon credits, so as to allow those corporations and institutions to achieve progress to carbon neutrality ahead of achieving NZE, providing the following graphic.
• On March 29, 2022, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (the UAE's financial free zone) announced that it was partnering with AirCarbon Exchange to create the "world's first fully integrated" carbon trading exchange and clearing house.

Mandatory Markets as a contrast:

On March 30, 2022, the ICAP Status Report 2022 was published, with the headlines being that there 25 emissions trading schemes globally, covering 17% of global GHG emissions (9 Gt of CO₂-e). The ICAP Status Report is well-worth a read, and provides a helpful contrast the developing momentum in respect of the Voluntary Carbon Markets, and the development of trading platforms to market carbon credits. 

E-fuels & feedstocks / Future Fuels & Feedstocks / Now Fuels & Feedstocks

AP Moller – Maersk and Ørsted aligned:

Edition 26 of Low Carbon Pulse reported on the decision of A.P. Moller - Maersk to order eight dual fuel container vessels (with an option for a further four), capable of being powered and propelled by methanol. In reporting on this decision it was noted that A.P. Moller – Maersk was aware of the need to continue to procure supplies of methanol. As noted in editions of Low Carbon Pulse then and since, one of the key risks for A.P. Moller - Maersk in procuring dual fuel container ships was the supply of sufficient clean or low carbon methanol.

Methanol supply:

• On March 10, 2022, Ørsted announced that it had signed a letter of intent with A.P. Moller - Maersk to develop a Power-to-X-facility on the US Gulf Coast to produce e-methanol to fuel A.P. Moller -Maersk's dual fuel container vessels. The Power-to-X-facility contemplated will be world scale – a 675 MW Power-to-X-facility able to produce 300,000 metric tonnes of e-methanol a year. The Power-to-X-facility will be powered by 1.2 GW of renewable electrical energy from off-shore wind fields and photovoltaic solar farms to be developed by Ørsted.
• On March 10, 2022, Proman announced that it had signed a cooperation agreement under which, among other things, Proman will aim to supply A.P. Moller - Maersk with between 150,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes of bio-methanol from its 200,000 metric tonne a year facility. (Proman has an existing methanol facility in Pampa, Texas.)
• On March 10, 2022, A.P. Moller - Maersk announced (by way of something of a summary) that it had entered into six strategic partnerships globally to scale Green Methanol production by 2025, with partners CIMIC, ENRIC, European Energy (see below), Green Technology Bank, Ørsted (see above), Proman (see above) and WasteFuel (see Edition 32 of Low Carbon Pulse).

Petronas and ENEOS making progress:

On March 11, 2022, it was reported widely that Petronas (the national oil company of Malaysia) and ENEOS (leading hydrocarbon importer into, and refiner in, Japan) are undertaking a feasibility study jointly to assess hydrogen production and a conversion project to use hydrogen as a feedstock to produce a clean / low carbon energy carrier / vector.

A Guide to Policy Making:

On March 20, 2022, IRENA published Green Hydrogen For Industry – A Guide to Policy Making. The publication is both a summary and reference guide, and is well-worth a read. 

There is nothing new in Green Hydrogen For Industry – A Guide to Policy Making, but there are helpful points of reference; touchstones for those developing and implementing policy settings as follows:

• Policy makers have a number of solutions to effect energy transition "with Green Hydrogen being one of them alongside electrification, energy efficiency, greater material efficiency, a circular economy approach, higher energy efficiency and carbon capture measures. These solutions are not in competition with each other. Instead, they can complement each other when proactive policy making is in place".
• Policy setting for Green Hydrogen strategy relies on the assessment of different factors, critically "technological readiness of the decarbonisation solutions and the potential size of the local hydrogen demand".
• Policy makers can devise policy settings to support Green Hydrogen and the energy transition in the difficult to decarbonise industry sectors and can do so "through a careful assessment of the experiences in the renewable energy sector as well as by considering the distinctive nature of the [applicable] industrial sector".

As noted, this is nothing new in this, rather it is a synthesis of good sense, a guide to thinking, not a tool-kit.

bp Energy Outlook out:

On March 14, 2022, bp released its Energy Outlook 2022. The key takeaways for the author from the bp Energy Outlook 2022 edition are as follows (tying to the three current scenarios described):

• Accelerated: There has been an increase in the ambition and acceleration of policy settings among some countries, but more ambition and acceleration is required;
• Net Zero: There has been an acceleration in the level of installation of photovoltaic solar and wind capacity, increased sales of EVs and the rate of progress of CCS / CCUS projects contemplated has increased markedly;
• New Momentum: There has been new momentum broadly across progress to addressing climate change, including decarbonisation and as such NZE.

The key takeaways need to be considered against the realities of increasing mass of GHG emissions year-on-year (with the exception of 2020), and as such the increased rate of consumption of the finite carbon budget.

Hyzon and Raven SR progressing:

Edition 16 of Low Carbon Pulse and Hydrogen for Industry – Hydrogen from Waste reported on the joint venture between Hyzon and Raven SR to derive and to produce hydrogen from waste.

• On March 15, 2022, it was reported widely that Samsung Ventures had joined Chevron Corporation, Itochu Corporation and Ascent H2 Fund in backing Raven SR in respect of its first waste to hydrogen plant in northern California. 
• On March 30, 2022, it was reported widely that Raven SR was to develop a hydrogen from waste facility in Aragon, Spain. As reported, the facility will treat 75 metric tonnes of organic waste a day to produce 1,600 metric tonnes of hydrogen a year.

Moorburg, Hamburg:

On March 23, 2022, hydrogen-central.com reported (under Former Coal Plant Site Moorburg in Hamburg Could Produce Green Hydrogen by 2026) that a feasibility study had concluded that the Moorburg site would be used to house a 500 MW electrolyser to produce Green Hydrogen.

Sunfire GmbH scaling production:

• On March 23, 2022, it was reported widely that Sunfire GmbH (Dresden head-quartered electrolysis technology corporation) had contracted with P2X Solutions Oy (Finnish headquartered circular economy solutions corporation) to supply a 20 MW alkaline electrolyser to allow P2X Solutions to produce Green Hydrogen.
• On March 24, 2022, it was reported widely that Sunfire GmbH had partnered with Blue Earth Capital AG and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), raising €195 million to allow it to scale up the production of its alkaline electrolysers, with a clear line of sight to supply up to 640 MW of electrolysers to CIP.
• On March 28, 2022, Sunfire GmbH announced that it had commissioned successfully an alkaline electrolyser in Völs, Austria.

EON and FFI ink in green:

On March 29, 2022, is was reported widely that E.ON SE and Fortescue Future Industries (a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group, founded by Dr Andrew Forrest, AO) had signed a supply and distribution agreement, with the two leading corporations combining to deliver 5 million metric tonnes a year of Green Hydrogen into the European market by 2030.

Cities, Clusters, and Hubs and Corridors and Valleys, and Giga-Factories:

UN Environment Program (UNEP) reports on cities:

On March 4, 2022, the UNEP published Smart, Sustainable and Resilient cities: the Power of Nature Based Solutions. The report will be considered in the March and April Report on Reports. 

NEL plans expansion of capacity to 2 GW:

On March 9, 2022, fuelcellsworks.com reported that NEL ASA (leading electrolyser technology provider) is planning to increase its electrolyser production capacity. While this increase in capacity is driven by demand it is also informed by the policy settings from the EU to accelerate the development of hydrogen production capacity in the EU.

Elogen to establish giga-factory:

On March 9, 2022, h2-view.com reported that Elogen is to establish an electrolyser stack giga-factory at the Les Ulis site, in Vendôme, France. 

Subject to achieving IPCEI status, the production capacity will reach 1 GW by 2030: IPCEI connotes Important Project of Common European Interest. 

Basque Hydrogen Corridor:

The Basque Energy Agency (EVE) has developed a Basque Hydrogen Strategy (BHS) and key part of the BHS is the development of the Basque Hydrogen Corridor (BHC), which comprises 78 corporations and institutions, including CIC energiGUNE. 

Electrolyser technology development:

• On March 14, 2022, it was reported widely that the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is developing new, and improving existing, electrolyser technologies to improve the efficiency of the electrolysers. The NREL is an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy part of the US DOE. The work of the NREL fits within the work streams arising from the Hydrogen at Scale (H2@Scale) initiative of the US DOE.
• On March 15, 2022, nature published A high-performance capillary-fed electrolysis cell promises more cost competitive renewable hydrogen. For those interested in differing electrolyser technologies the article in  nature is clear and informative. On March 16, 2022, at cefc.com (under CEFC congratulates Hysata on recognition in scientific journal Nature Communications) Australia's Clean Energy Finance Corporation congratulated Hysata as a recipient of funding from the Clean Energy Innovation Fund of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).

Northvolt charging ahead: 

• Edition 36 of Low Carbon Pulse reported that northvolt (under Northvolt to transform closed paper mill in Sweden into new Gigafactory) had announced that it plans to develop the Kvarnsveden Mill and the area surrounding it at Borlange, Sweden. 
• On March 15, 2022, Northvolt announced plans to construct the Northvolt Drei at Heide, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, to manufacture battery cells – up to 60 GWh annually: in context, 60 GWh of battery cells is sufficient for 1 million BEVs. 

Tesla Opens in Berlin:

On March 22, 2022, dw.com reported (under Tesla opens Giga Berlin factory in Germany) that Mr Elon Musk (Chief Executive of Tesla) delivered Tesla BEVs to customers personally to mark the opening of Tesla's Giga Berlin plant, the largest EV plant in Europe.

VinFast Vast-Giga-Factory for North Carolina, USA:

On March 29, 2022, The White House released a statement (Statement by President Biden on Electric Vehicle and Battery Manufacturing Investments in North Carolina) outlining the plans of electric vehicle maker VinFast (Vietnamese headquartered BEV manufacturer) to build a USD 4 billion electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

Siemens Energy plans to produce electrolysers on industrial scale:

On March 31, 2022, it was reported widely that Siemens Energy (leading global energy transition technology corporation) is to develop an electrolyser manufacturing plant in Berlin, Germany. 

Green Metals / Minerals, Mining and Difficult to Decarbonise Industries:

Green Steel Tracker:

On March 14, 2022, the Green Steel Tracker was released. The Green Steel Tracker has been developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Leadit Secretariat. A link to the internet site with the Green Steel Tracker is included here (at the website of Leadit – Leadership Group for Industry Transition). The Green Steel Tracker is a helpful tool for those wishing to follow green iron and steel projects globally. 

Anglo American and EDF plan big:

On March 18, 2022, rechargenews.com reported (under Anglo American and EDF plan 5 GW "renewables ecosystem" for South African mining) that Anglo American plans to develop a "regional renewable energy ecosystem" (RREE). The RREE will comprise photovoltaic solar and wind, and storage facilities. It is understood that Anglo American is to work with EDF to install between 3 and 5 GW of renewable electrical energy capacity by 2030. 

thyssenkrupp Steel and STEAG partner:

On March 21, 2022, it was reported widely that thyssenkrupp Steel and STEAG (to produce and to supply Green Hydrogen) were combining to integrate hydrogen at the large steelmaking facility in Europe. The integrated steelmaking facility is at Duisburg, and will deploy a 520 MW electrolyser to produce Green Hydrogen for use in the high heat temperature processes required for the production of iron and steel. 

Wind round-up, on-shore and off-shore:

Danish Downunder:

On March 7 and 8, 2022, it was reported widely that Copenhagen Energy A/S, through Leeuwin Offshore Wind Pty Ltd, intends to develop up to 3 GW of off-shore wind field capacity in Geographe Bay off of south west, Western Australia. The proposed Geographe Bay development is around 130 kms south of Perth, between the towns of Mandurah and Bunbury, within both Commonwealth of Australia and Western Australia waters. 

Danish in Columbia:

On March 8, 2022, it was reported widely that Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners or CIP (leading global renewable energy developer and investor) and the Mayor of Barranquilla, Mr Jaime Pumarejo, were to sign an agreement (during CERAWeek, Houston, Texas) to allow the development of a 350 MW off-shore wind field development off the coast of Columbia. 

Danish off-shore ROK:

On March 8, 2022, it was reported widely that Vestas had signed a memorandum of understanding with Sejin Heavy Industries and Construction, Ulsan City and Ulsan Port Authority to cooperate in the development of the 9 GW off-shore floating wind field complex.

BlueFloat and Falck Renewables progress:

Orda Energia Concession Granted:

On March 8, 2022, it was reported widely that BlueFloat Energy and Falck Renewables had been granted a 40 year maritime concession to allow the development of the 1.35 GW Orda Energia floating off-shore wind field project (Orda Energia OWP). 

The Netherlands progresses to next auction: 

Regulations issued:

On March 10, 2022, offshorewind.biz reported that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy had issued regulations detailing rules for the upcoming licensing of Hollandse Kust (west) Wind Farm Zone, which comprises Hollandse Kust (west) VI and Hollande Kust (west) VII in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The licence areas are located 53 kms off the west coast of the Netherlands. The auction for the two licenses open on April 12, 2022 and will close on May 12, 2022.

Double Dutch:

On March 18, 2021, it was reported widely that the Dutch Government had doubled its forecasts for off-shore wind field capacity: an additional 10.7 GW of off-shore wind field capacity is to be installed, doubling current planned capacity, to 21 GW of installed capacity by 2030. The capacity will be installed in five zones in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. 

Swedish Fair Wind …. Continues for OX2 in the Baltic Sea:

On March 14, 2022, offshorewind.biz reported that OX2 had applied for a Natura 2000 permit to develop the 5.5 GW Aurora off-shore wind field, located 20 kilometres south of Gotland and 30 kilometres east of Öland, within the Swedish Baltic Sea Exclusive Economic Zone. 

Taiwan reviewing EIAs:

On March 15, 2022, offshorewind.biz reported that the Environmental Protection Agency in Taiwan was in the process of reviewing Environmental Impact Statements (EIAs) in respect of nine off-shore wind field developments, together projected to comprise 9.1 GW of installed capacity. The majority of the developments are proposed by developers head-quartered in Europe.

Shell's ROK Floating plans:

On March 15, 2022, it was reported widely that Shell Gas & Power Developments B.V. had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd (KOSPO) for the purposes of exploring opportunities to work together in the context of energy transition. 

Portugal moves to auction:

On March 16, 2022, Reuters (under Portugal to auction 3-4 GW of floating offshore wind farms in summer) reported that the Energy Transition Minister, Mr João Matos Fernandes, had indicated that 3 to 4 GW of offshore wind field capacity was intended to be installed by 2026. 

bp and Marubeni joint venture:

On March 23, 2022, The Marubeni Corporation announcement provided further detail, stating that it had signed a Cooperation Agreement and a Participation Agreement with BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited (BPAEI, a wholly owned subsidiary of BP plc). The first stage of the strategic partnership involves the establishment of a joint venture (51% Marubeni Corporation, 49% BPAEI) for the purposes of pursuing selected off-shore wind field development opportunities.

Carolinas Greenlighted:

On March 25, 2022, offshorewind.biz reported (under US Greenlights Wind Auction Offshore the Carolinas) that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had completed its environmental review, and will hold an off-shore wind field energy auction for two lease areas off-shore North Carolina and South Carolina on May 11, 2022. 

New Zealand off-shore wind – world class fundamentals:

On March 28, 2022, it was reported widely that Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has joined forces with NZ Super Fund to develop a 1 GW off-shore wind field development off Aotearoa, New Zealand in the South Taranki Bight. 

Solar and Sustainability (including NZE Waste)

Heliogen and Woodside CS demonstration project:

On March 28, 2022, it was reported widely the Woodside Energy (USA) Inc., is to deploy Heliogen AI-enabled concentrated solar technology for the purposes of a demonstration project. The CS demonstration project is to be built in the Mojave, California. 

First sovereign sustainability linked bond:

On March 29, 2022, the London Stock Exchange congratulated The Republic of Chile on the issue of the world's first sustainability-linked bond (a USD 2 billion 4.35% note due March 2042) listed on the London Stock Exchange's International Securities Market and Sustainable Bond Market. 

MENA Climate Week:

From March 28 to March 31, 2022, the first-ever Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW) conference took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the auspices of the UNFCCC. 

On March 31, 2022, the UN released the following press release (titled MENACW Galvanises Regional Momentum for COP-27). As the MENACW 2022 report on outcomes is published, a future edition of Low Carbon Pulse will report on them. 

Cepsa steps up – "Small enough to move, big enough to lead":

On March 30, 2021, it was reported widely that Cepsa (multinational oil and gas corporation) plans to invest between USD 7.8 billion and USD 8.9 billion in the development of 2 GW of Green Hydrogen capacity and 7 GW of renewable electrical energy capacity. 

Land Mobility / Transport

Buses and coaches: 

Houston, Texas, Bussing:

On March 14, 2022, houston.culturemap.com reported that the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County had awarded a contract for 20 battery electric buses for Nova Bus (Canadian headquartered technology corporation, Saint-Eustache), with an option for a further battery electric buses. The first buses are expected to be in operation by late 2022, early 2023.

Bratislava, Slovakia, Trolley-bussing:

On March 16, 2022, Solaris Bus & Coach announced that its Solaris Trollino 24 trolleybuses would be deployed in Bratislava by mid-2023. Solaris is supplying 16 bi-articulated trolleybuses to operator Dopravny Podnik Bratislava. 

Wroclaw, Poland, electric:

On March 18, 2022, Daimler Truck AG announced that 11 of its eCitaro G electric buses had been ordered by the City of Wroclaw, and would be deployed in the third quarter of 2023. 

UK on Track to Reach 4000 Zero Emission Bus Pledge:

On March 28, 2022, hydrogen-central.com reported that the UK was on track to deploy 4000 Zero Emission Buses by 2050. This follows a GBP 198 million funding commitment that will provide sufficient funding for the deployment of 943 buses. 

Industrial Vehicles and Trucks: 

First hydrogen truck in Australia:

On March 21, 2022, it was reported widely that JJ Waste & Recycling had contracted with Pure Hydrogen for a wet-lease of a hydrogen-powered and propelled garbage truck, with Pure Hydrogen providing the truck and the hydrogen for the truck.

A.P. Moller – Maersk to deploy 300 electric trucks:

On March 24, 2024, A.P. Moller – Maersk announced that it add 300 electric trucks to its North America network. The electric trucks will be delivered between 2023 and 2025. Einride (a technology corporation that provides freight mobility solutions) will supply the e-trucks, assembled to specification in the US.

Recharging and refuelling infrastructure:

In addition to the news items covered above in respect of the development of an East Coast of Australia recharging and refuelling network, the following news items are both material and significant:

World's largest biomethane refuelling station opens:

On March 9, 2022, it was reported that the world's largest biomethane refuelling station had opened at Avonmouth in the UK, capable of refuelling up to 80 heavy goods vehicles / trucks per hour, using 14 high-speed dispensers.

KOGAS to roll-out hydrogen refuelling stations:

On March 24, 2022, the Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) stated that by 2030 it planned to establish 152 hydrogen refuelling stations around South Korea, with 90 of the HRS's to be liquid hydrogen.

BP to Invest GBP 1 billion:

On March 25, 2022, bp announced that it intended to invest GBP 1 billion over 10 years to expand its EV charging capacity across the UK. 

Trains:

Wales of a time:

On March 9, 2022, it was reported widely that Ballard Motive Solutions is leading a study in respect of the deployment of hydrogen-powered and propelled trains in Wales, in particular the feasibility of their use to displace diesel powered and propelled trains.

Scotland on time:

On March 13, 2022, The Scotsman reported on routes within Scotland that were expected to be first to benefit from battery powered and propelled trains. The progress reported in The Scotsman reflects the commitment of the Scottish Government to phase out ScotRail's diesel fleet by 2025.

East Japan Railway is testing hydrogen train:

In March 2022 the testing of the two car hydrogen-powered hybrid (Hybari) trainset commenced. The Hybari trainset, developed by Hitachi Ltd and Toyota Motor Corporation, is able to travel 140 km at its top speed of 100 km/h between refuelling. 

Bavaria is procuring hydrogen trainset:

On March 16, 2022, it was reported widely that the Siemens Mobility and Bayerische Regiobahn had signed a lease of a two car hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus trainset, developed by Siemens Mobility. The Mireo Plus trainset is to be tested on the Augsburg-Füssen route.

Ports Progress and Shipping Forecast:

Ferries and other craft:

Sembcorp Marine completes fabrication:

On March 16, 2022, Sembcorp Marine announced that it had completed the fabrication of the first of three zero-emission battery powered Ropax Ferries for Norled AS. The design of each of the Ropax Ferries has been optimised for the requirements of Norled A/S, with each ferry to be powered and propelled by lithium-ion batteries, and having a back-up battery-diesel hybrid mode.

Green Shipping:

In addition to the news items covered above in respect of the ADB and Pertamina and A.P. Moller – Maersk, the following news items are both material and significant:

Egil Ulvan Rederi H2 vessel gets AiP:

In early March, and then throughout March, 2022, it was reported that Egil Ulvan Rederi AS has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyds Register for its zero-emission self-discharging hydrogen-fuelled bulk carrier – the With Orca. The With Orca is designed by Norwegian Ship Design.

As reported the With Orca will be powered and propelled by hydrogen, with propulsion and energy capture provided by two rotor sails as well as hydrogen. The hydrogen is to be supplied by Statkraft (global leader in hydropower and Europe's largest generator of renewable electrical energy).

MAN B&W Engines ordered:

Edition 29 of Low Carbon Pulse reported that Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd was to build two 7,500 m³ liquid CO₂ carriers to transport CO₂ captured and liquified as part of the Longships project, with the CO₂ to be stored in the Northern Lights project. On March 9, 2022, MAN Energy Solutions announced that Dalian Shipping had ordered two MAN B&W 7S5ME-GI dual-fuel engines.

Airports and Aviation:

A world of sunlight:

On March 7 and 8, 2022, it was reported widely that Lufthansa Group and Swiss International Airlines (SAL) and Synhelion had established a strategic collaboration to allow progress to the realisation of "sun-to-liquid fuel (STF). 

A world of flight:

On March 7, 2022, it was reported widely that Airbus Industries and Fortescue Future Industries had established a basis for the development of a partnership under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to work together to progress development of zero emissions aircraft powered and propelled by hydrogen. A link to the joint announcement is attached. 

On March 17, 2022, it was reported widely that Airbus Industries and Delta Airlines had agreed to work together to accelerate the development of hydrogen-powered and propelled aircraft. For these purposes, Delta Airlines will work with Airbus Industries to identify fleet and network expectations and requirements to enable it to progress to the use of commercial aircraft powered and propelled by hydrogen.

FlyZero spot-on:

In March 2022, FlyZero, led by the Aerospace Technology Institute published Hydrogen Infrastructure and Operation, Airports, Airlines and Aerospace (backed by the UK Government). The publication is excellent. 

Neste's fund continues:

On March 21, 2022, Neste announced that it had contracted with DHL for the supply of 320,000 metric tonnes (or around 400 million litres) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This is the largest SAF supply agreement to date for Neste.

Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines fuelled by SAF:

On March 28, 2022, it was reported widely that an Airbus A380 powered by Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, had completed its first flight using SAF.

HyPoint – another high point:

On March 29, 2022, it was reported widely that HyPoint (technology corporation) had developed a new technology that would allow the carriage of liquid hydrogen (LH2) using ultra-light weight fuel tanks.

 The author of (and researcher for) each edition of Low Carbon Pulse is Michael Harrison.