Cop: Parties back battery storage, grids and H2 pledges

: Electricity, Hydrogen
24/11/15

Parties including the US, the UK, Germany, Brazil, the UAE and Saudi Arabia on Friday endorsed pledges on energy storage and grids, and low-carbon hydrogen put forward earlier this year by the UN Cop 29 summit presidency.

The pledges aim to increase battery storage capacity six-fold by 2030, from 2022 levels, and enhance energy grids, as well as unlock the potential for a global market for low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives.

It is unclear how many countries have endorsed the pledges so far. Some government representatives, international energy agencies and private sector firms showed their support today to the Cop pledge aiming to enhance grid capacity through a global deployment goal of adding or refurbishing 25mn km of grids by 2030. The commitment also recognises the need "to add or refurbish an additional 65mn km by 2040 to align with net-zero emissions by 2050".

"Achieving the grid's target would require the build-up rate to increase by double," energy think-tank Ember said today, adding that the 1,500GW storage goal can be exceeded "significantly".

The battery storage goal is in line with what the IEA said is needed to meet the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, while maintaining energy security. The commitment was taken last year during Cop 28 in Dubai. The IEA expects that most projects will be located in China and developed economies.

Delegates called for national targets for energy storage and power grids as well as for more energy connectivity and trade to be able to decarbonise countries faster and to support regional energy cooperation. "Cross-border energy in Asia Pacific remains mainly in bilateral contracts," said a representative from the region.

Parties highlighted the urgency to accelerate energy investment, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) calling for a new finance goal for developing countries — currently under negotiations — that reflects the need of financing these nations need to accelerate their clean energy expansion.

Clean energy investments in emerging and developing countries outside China have risen to $320bn in 2024, according to the IEA. But a representative from Egypt pointing out that over $1 trillion per year is needed for these countries' transition.

Saudi Arabia supported both of the pledges, while reiterating that natural gas storage and carbon and capture storage was needed to be able to guarantee stable energy with less emissions.

US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm said that the battery storage and grid pledges at the summit will set the tone at next week's G20 where she hopes countries set a similar target.

By Jacqueline Echevarria

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25/04/10

US absence unlikely to derail IMO talks

London, 10 April (Argus) — The US delegation's absence from the 83rd International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting is unlikely to derail the outcome of discussions on a greenhouse gas (GHG) economic pricing mechanism, market participants told Argus . This comes after the US sent a statement to foreign embassies of countries partaking in the IMO GHG economic pricing mechanism talks, confirming the US' absence from the negotiations. The statement says: "President Trump has made it clear that the US will not accept any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the US or the interests of the American people," according to a document seen by Argus . It adds: "Should such a blatantly unfair measure go forward, our government will consider reciprocal measures so as to offset any fees charged to US ships and compensate the American people for any other economic harm from any adopted GHG emissions measures". The statement ends: "The US will engage with partners on energy and investment issues of common interest. We stand ready to work with you to advance our shared commitment to energy security and economic growth". "The US will not be engaging in negotiations at the IMO's 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee. Consistent with President Trump's executive orders on international environmental agreements and on energy dominance, it is the administration's policy to put the interests of the US and the American people first in the development and negotiation of any international agreements", the US State Department told Argus . IMO member countries are voting this week on the economic pricing mechanism for marine GHG emissions, for which the structure is expected to be agreed by 11 April, according to IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez. Even if the US does not engage in the GHG talks, it cannot unilaterally block decisions at the IMO, a spokesperson told Argus . Many of the GHG measures remain under discussion, with final approvals from the working group expected by 11 April. "The US doesn't have a huge share of the global ocean-going fleet, so their absence or opposition probably won't change the broader [IMO members] consensus", a Chile-based ship owner told Argus . US imposing "reciprocal" costs on foreign ships calling at US ports will almost certainly get passed on to [US] consumers, which could lead to higher prices for goods in the US, the owner said. If the measures are ratified by IMO member nations, US-flagged ships will probably not adhere to IMO's regulations when they call into ports of member countries, a Singapore-based shipbroker said. "We are not expecting any impacting on Asia-Pacific region yet, and it's subject to what is agreed at the MEPC and how levies are calculated," the shipbroker added. Despite not having veto power, the US remains the largest financial contributor to the UN, a Greece-based shipowner told Argus . If international shipbuilding credit lines begin to tighten under US influence, other countries may align with Washington's stance, it added. The IMO has 176 member countries. Greece, China and Japan account for the largest shares of the global ocean-going fleet. During the ongoing session, member states have approved interim guidance on the carriage of biofuel blends. The guidance allows conventional bunker ships certified for carriage of oil fuels under Marpol Annex I to transport blends of not more than 30pc by volume of biofuel , as long as all residues or tank washings are discharged ashore, unless the oil discharge monitoring equipment is approved for the biofuel blends being shipped. By Hussein Al-Khalisy, Madeleine Jenkins, Stefka Wechsler, Mahua Mitra, Natália Coelho, and Gabriel Tassi Lara Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Trump takes aim at state climate policies

25/04/09

Trump takes aim at state climate policies

Washington, 9 April (Argus) — US president Donald Trump is threatening legal action against state climate and clean energy policies, a move that sent environmental markets sharply lower early Wednesday. Trump on Tuesday directed the Department of Justice to consider taking action against any states and local laws that hamper the development or use of domestic energy resources, with a specific focus on climate-related policies. US environmental markets stumbled in response to the president's executive order, with California Carbon Allowances (CCAs) for December 2025 delivery trading as low as $22.51/metric tonne on the Intercontinental Exchange and December 2025 Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) CO2 allowances as low as $16/short ton, after being assessed Tuesday at $29.31/t and $21.52/st, respectively. California Low Carbon Fuel Standard futures on ICE also traded as low as $48/t, after going as high as $65.50/t Tuesday. Fears about the Trump order also spilled into the renewable energy certificate (REC) markets. Vintage 2026 PJM Class I traded as low as $28/MWh on the exchange to start the session, but last traded at $33/MWh. Argus assessed the vintage at $34.60/MWh on Tuesday. Trump's order specifically calls out California's cap-and-trade program, as well as "extortion laws" from New York and Vermont that seek to levy fees against fossil fuel companies for responsibility for historical GHG emissions. Such climate "superfund" laws are also being considered by a number of other states. But he also suggests state permitting decisions and other laws could be targeted as well. His order suggests that many of these policies run afoul of the US Constitution by imposing "significant barriers" to trade and discriminating against out-of-state energy sources, or though "arbitrary or excessive" fines. "These state laws and policies weaken our national security and devastate Americans by driving up energy costs for families coast-to-coast, despite some of these families not living for voting in states with these crippling policies," Trump said. The president directed attorney general Pamela Bondi to report within 60 days on actions she has taken against state laws and to recommend any additional action by the White House or US Congress to stop enforcement of objectionable policies. Trump unsuccessfully attempted to sever the link between the California and Quebec carbon markets during his first term, on the grounds that it violated federal authority to establish trade and other agreements with foreign entities under the US Constitution. The office of California attorney general Rob Bonta (D) said it is reviewing Trump's order, and others he issued Tuesday that aim to bolster the use of coal-fired electricity. "But this much is clear: the Trump Administration continues to attempt to gut federal environmental protections and put the country at risk of falling further behind in our fight against climate change and environmental harm," the office said. "The California Department of Justice remains committed to using the full force of the law and tools of this office to address the climate crisis head on and protect public health and welfare." California earlier this year bolstered funding for its Department of Justice in anticipation of increased legal fights with the Trump administration. New York officials also said they are considering their next steps. The state participates in RGGI and has a renewable energy mandate, but it is also developing an economy-wide carbon market. "We are thoroughly reviewing the [executive order] to determine the potential impact to New Yorkers. The governor is committed to ensuring a clean, affordable and reliable energy grid in New York state," the office of governor Kathy Hochul (D) said. By Michael Ball Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Trump issues executive orders to boost coal

25/04/08

Trump issues executive orders to boost coal

Cheyenne, 8 April (Argus) — US president Donald Trump signed four executive orders today aimed at increasing the country's coal production and use, including directing agencies to possibly expand access to federal land and use emergency authority to keep coal-fired power plants open. The orders follow up on a pledge Trump made on 17 March to authorize his administration "to immediately begin producing Energy with BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL." At the time of Trump's social media post, the White House did not elaborate on his plans. The executive orders signed today are primarily focused on US coal use and production. These include directing the chair of the National Energy Dominance Council to designate coal as a "mineral" covered under a previous executive order signed in March that uses emergency power granted under the Federal Power Act to fast track permit reviews for critical mineral projects. Today's orders also direct agencies to revoke policies that aim to move the US away from coal production or favor other generation resources over coal. This includes authorizing the Department of Justice to investigate state policies considered to be prejudicial against coal. The orders also direct agencies to identify coal resources on federal land and prioritize coal leasing on those lands, and orders the Secretary of the Interior to make it clear that a moratorium on federal coal leasing that was initially in effect from 2016-17 and reinstated from 2022-24 is no longer active. Trump also signed a proclamation allowing some coal plants to comply with a less stringent version of the EPA's mercury and air toxics standards for two years. Another order signed today directs the Secretary of Energy to "streamline, systemize, and expedite processes for issuing emergency orders under the Federal Power Act during forecasted grid interruptions." "We're slashing unnecessary regulations that targeted beautiful, clean coal" and "will end the government bias against coal", Trump said today before signing the orders at an event featuring coal miners and lawmakers from coal-producing states. The US is "going to produce energy the likes nobody has seen before." He said his administration is going to devise a "guarantee" that will ensure the industry and investment in coal projects will be protected from "the ups and downs" of politics, but did not elaborate on what that would be. Other parts of the orders have the Council of Environmental Quality assisting agencies in making some exclusions for coal under the National Environmental Policy Act, encourage coal-fired generation for artificial intelligence and call for the Secretary of Energy to consider whether coal used for steel production can be defined as a critical mineral. The orders also aim to promote coal and coal technology exports, including by possibly facilitating international offtake agreements for US coal. US coal exports rose in 2023 and 2024 but trading activity has faltered lately amid restrained steel production, limited coal-fired generation in some countries and uncertainty over recent tariffs and the US Trade Representatives proposal to charge Chinese-built and operated ships that do business in the US. The National Mining Association praised Trump's actions. "It's a stark shift from the prior administration's punitive regulatory agenda, hostile energy policies and unlawful land grabs," NMA chief executive officer Rich Nolan said before Trump signed the order. But environmental group Sierra Club warned the order will be costly. "Forcing coal plants to stay on line will cost Americans more, get more people sick with respiratory and heart conditions, and lead to more premature deaths," Sierra Club executive director Ben Jealous said. By Courtney Schlisserman Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

US mid-Atlantic gas prices may rise on cold

25/04/08

US mid-Atlantic gas prices may rise on cold

New York, 8 April (Argus) — Spot natural gas prices across the mid-Atlantic this week may rise on an increase in heating demand resulting from colder weather. The mid-Atlantic in the week ending on 12 April was forecast to have 148 population-weighted heating degree days (HDDs), up by 37pc from a week earlier and 12pc more than the seasonal norm, according to the US National Weather Service (NWS). Below-average temperatures were expected across the northeast US, eastern midcontinent and southeastern Canada through 11 April, according to the private forecaster Commodity Weather Group. Normal seasonal weather was expected in all those regions from 12-16 April, the forecaster noted. The May price at Transco zone 6 in New York was $3/mmBtu, and the 12-month strip was $4.54/mmBtu, according to Argus forward curves. Mid-Atlantic spot prices last week rose on an increase in weather-related demand, despite the 31 March official end to the winter heating season. The Transco zone 6 New York index in the week ended on 4 April averaged $3.37/mmBtu, up by 9pc from a week earlier and 5pc higher than the April bid week price. The Tetco M-3 index over the period averaged $3.32/mmBtu, up by 10pc from a week earlier and 3pc higher than the April bid week price. By Julian Hast Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Australian hydrogen developer IGE enters administration

25/04/08

Australian hydrogen developer IGE enters administration

Sydney, 8 April (Argus) — Australian hydrogen developer Infinite Green Energy (IGE) has entered administration the day before an application for a winding up order was due to be heard before the Western Australian (WA) state Supreme Court, filings show. IGE had been fighting an application filed by plaintiff DD Investment WA, a privately-owned company, to appoint liquidators because of unpaid debts. The firm entered administration on 7 April, financial regulator Australian Securities and Investments Commission filings show. The company's Arrowsmith project in WA was supposed to produce 23 t/d of green hydrogen with stage 1 of its scheme, at a rural site about 290km north of state capital Perth. The project's focus was developing fuel for the transport sector, with a final fortnight-long public consultation period for its environmental impact assessment scheduled to close on 12 April, according to the WA government. IGE's plans included a 100MW alkaline electrolyser and 40 t/d liquefaction system with first output in late 2027-28. It would later scale up to 42 t/d in stage 2, the developer said, with South Korean engineering company Samsung C&T backing plans in 2023 for an eventual 100,000 t/yr of production . By Tom Major Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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