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Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- Tariff Madness Forces World To Rethink Economic Planning
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. The recent tariff madness by the United States has rattled markets around the world. Top economists do not see the real value from such a move. Instead of coaxing global companies to shift their operations to the United States, as envisaged by the administration, it may even backfire on the U.S. economy. The world is now in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, or VUCA, state. Volatility and uncertainty are most dreaded by the economy and business. Decisions to invest are negatively impacted. The economic repercussions are devastating to say the least. What is more disconcerting is that the U.S. Congress appears powerless in stopping such madness. The world needs a serious rethink on the global economic order and execution. Malaysia included. Experts have prescribed key strategic options for the global economy in response. The need to diversify supply chains is imminent. A much-discussed strategy is to reduce dependency on any single country (especially China) by building alternative hubs in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, India), Latin America (Mexico, Brazil), and Africa. The obvious challenge is higher costs, slower growth in infrastructure and policy readiness in the alternatives. Few would dispute the fact that the recent escalation of U.S. tariffs, particularly on Chinese goods but also affecting allies like the EU, has disrupted global trade and forced a reassessment of economic strategies worldwide. This tariff madness reflects deeper trends including deglobalisation pressures, geopolitical rivalry, and a shift from efficiency to resilience. Regionalisation over Globalisation? A shift to regionalisation over globalisation is touted. This involves strengthening regional trade blocs (e.g., USMCA in North America, RCEP in Asia, African Continental Free Trade Area) to reduce geopolitical risks. This presents the opportunity towards faster logistics, aligned regulations, and political cohesion. There is however the risk towards fragmentation into competing blocs (United States vs. China spheres of influence). Reshoring and friend-shoring have been proposed as a strategy. This would bring critical industries (semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, clean energy) back to home countries or allies (e.g., U.S. CHIPS Act, EU's subsidies for battery production). But there is a trade-off between security vs. cost. Reshoring raises prices but mitigates supply chain risks. Currency and settlement systems diversification may result. The much-talked-about strategy is to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in trade settlements (e.g., China-Russia yuan/ruble trade, BRICS push for local currencies). A major obstacle is the fact that the dollar's liquidity and dominance remain entrenched. Tech decoupling and innovation wars present new strategy. Compete in strategic tech (AI, quantum, green tech) via subsidies (US IRA, EU Green Deal) and export controls (e.g., ASML's EUV bans to China). The risk is a duplication of R&D efforts, and slower global innovation. There have been suggestions to reform or even replace the WTO. The strategy calls for reforming the WTO to address tariff abuses and subsidies, or build alternative dispute mechanisms (e.g., plurilateral agreements). Then again, the reality is that the U.S.-China tensions make consensus unlikely. This is where regional deals may fill the gap. There is also talk of climate-led trade alliances. Link trade to climate goals (e.g., EU Carbon Border Tax, U.S.-EU "Green Steel Club") to create new alliances while penalising carbon-heavy exporters. Prioritising Security over Efficiency There is no denying that all such rethinks would lead to a more fragmented, resilient but costly system. The post-tariff global economy will prioritise security over efficiency, with competing blocs, higher consumer prices, and slower growth. Winners will be countries that can offer stable manufacturing alternatives (India, Vietnam, Mexico), lead in critical technologies (U.S., EU, China), and leverage regional alliances for scale, example ASEAN for us. The risk would be a "new Cold War' economic divide that stifles growth. The best path forward may be limited decoupling, keeping trade open in non-strategic sectors while securing supply chains in vital industries. For Malaysia, we need to re-strategise our involvement in manufacturing. For too long we have been stuck in the lowest of the manufacturing value chain, assembling, thus becoming too reliant on the global supply chain. The NIMP has rightly called for more focus on design and branding. This call was in fact made way back during IMP2. Unfortunately, our execution has been dismal. Time to change. -- BERNAMA Prof Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim (ahmadibrahim@ is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plug Power's GenEco Electrolyzers Power Live Customer Demos at The Green Box Innovation Hub
Live Demonstration Site in the Netherlands Already Hosting Leading Industrial Plug Customers Plug Power's GenEco Electrolyzers Power Live Customer Demos at The Green Box Innovation Hub SLINGERLANDS, N.Y., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in comprehensive hydrogen solutions, today announced that its GenEco electrolyzer systems are fully operational at The Green Box, a cleantech innovation campus in the Netherlands. The site features Plug's 1 MW and 5 MW PEM electrolyzers, which are now running at load and actively supporting live demonstrations and technical workshops for European customers. The GenEco platform is Plug's high-performance, modular electrolyzer system designed for flexible deployment across industrial applications such as refining, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and green ammonia production. 'Establishing a live demonstration site at The Green Box is a key step in supporting our European customers,' said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. 'Being able to showcase GenEco under real-world conditions reinforces confidence in our technology and supports commercial discussions already underway across the region.' Recent visitors to the site include Galp, Technip, Tata Steel, Sener, and several regulatory representatives and notified bodies. The site's successful hydrogen production launch in May 2025 demonstrated the 5 MW GenEco system operating at full load and on specification, primarily powered by on-site solar. Several testing periods aligned with negative electricity pricing, underscoring the economic advantages of integrating Plug's systems with local renewable power. Plug's deployment was enabled by The Green Box's advanced energy infrastructure, including a 6 MW public grid connection and an independently operated 10 kV network. With more than 18,000 solar panels, the campus meets most of its own electricity needs and functions as a smart energy hub—ideal for hosting and scaling technologies like Plug's GenEco electrolyzers. The Green Box strengthens Plug's European footprint, serving as both a live customer showcase and a hub for innovation. Plug continues to advance its regional strategy with an active electrolyzer opportunity pipeline exceeding $21 billion across 2025 and 2026, supported by policy programs such as the EU Green Deal, RePowerEU, and the UK Energy Act. About Plug Power Plug is building the global hydrogen economy with a fully integrated ecosystem spanning production, storage, delivery, and power generation. A first mover in the industry, Plug provides electrolyzers, liquid hydrogen, fuel cell systems, storage tanks, and fueling infrastructure to industries such as material handling, industrial applications, and energy producers—advancing energy independence and decarbonization at scale. With electrolyzers deployed across five continents, Plug leads in hydrogen production, delivering large-scale projects that redefine industrial power. The company has deployed over 72,000 fuel cell systems and 275 fueling stations and is the largest user of liquid hydrogen. Plug is rapidly expanding its generation network to ensure reliable, domestically produced supply, with hydrogen plants currently operational in Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana, producing 40 tons per day. With employees and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the globe, Plug powers global leaders like Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, BMW, and BP. Safe Harbor This communication contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve significant risks and uncertainties about Plug Power Inc. ('Plug'), including but not limited to statements about: the GenEco platform's applicability for flexible deployment across industrial applications; the Green Box cleantech innovation campus' ability to successfully demonstrate the 5 MW GenEco system; the economic advantages of integrating Plug's systems with local renewable power; and Plug's ability to continue to advance its regional strategy with an active electrolyzer opportunity pipeline exceeding $21 billion across 2025 and 2026. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Plug in general, see Plug's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), including the 'Risk Factors' section of Plug's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Plug's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and any subsequent filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and Plug undertakes no obligation to update such statements as a result of new information. Media ContactFatimah Nouilati – AllisonplugPR@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SolarEast Launches Global R290 Heat Pump System to Advance Climate Goals and Energy Efficiency
BEIJING, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SolarEast, a leading manufacturer of air-to-water heat pumps, has announced the global launch of its next-generation R290-based heating and cooling solution. Designed for both residential and commercial buildings, this system combines environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and advanced smart technology, positioning itself as a key contributor to the global energy transition. Meeting International Climate and Energy Policies As countries accelerate decarbonization efforts, SolarEast's new heat pump aligns with global climate action targets, including the EU Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the IEA's Net Zero by 2050 roadmap. The system qualifies for a range of government subsidies and tax incentive programs aimed at replacing fossil-fuel-based systems with high-efficiency alternatives. QuietEdge R290 Heat Pump: Ultra-Quiet Performance with Smart IoT Control Unveiled at ISH 2025, the QuietEdge R290 Heat Pump attracted strong attention for its ultra-quiet operation and refined energy performance. Designed to meet the needs of modern homes and commercial spaces, this system delivers whisper-quiet heating and cooling—as low as 35 decibels—making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as residential communities, schools, and hospitals. Powered by natural refrigerant R290 and full DC inverter technology, QuietEdge balances energy efficiency with climate-conscious design. The built-in 5G/2.4G Wi-Fi module enables users to monitor consumption, receive predictive maintenance alerts, and control the system remotely via an intuitive smart platform. Its combination of acoustic comfort and intelligent connectivity has attracted interest from European HVAC distributors and industry professionals. Flexible Applications from Homes to Industrial Facilities The modular design supports a broad capacity range—from compact 4kW units for energy-efficient single-family homes to high-power 100kW systems capable of meeting the demands of hotels, office buildings, and even industrial heating and hot water supply. Cascade configurations ensure uninterrupted operation during maintenance, while the system's customizable exterior integrates seamlessly with modern architecture, featuring a discreet casing that blends harmoniously into contemporary building facades Integration with Solar PV and Energy Storage Systems The system is engineered to integrate seamlessly with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage systems, offering users a fully decarbonized, energy-independent heating and cooling solution. This compatibility allows for greater use of self-generated renewable energy, reducing reliance on the grid and maximizing energy savings. For residential and commercial users pursuing net-zero building goals, SolarEast's R290 system provides a future-ready platform that supports PV-to-HP direct utilization and smart load balancing within energy management systems. In-House Manufacturing Ensures Quality, Safety, and Reliability SolarEast operates a vertically integrated production system, with over 85% of critical components—including evaporators, condensers, copper piping, and electronic control boards—manufactured in-house. This high degree of self-reliance allows for greater consistency, flexibility, and engineering precision across product lines. All units undergo rigorous quality checks at multiple stages of production. Inspection procedures include helium leak detection, halogen leak testing, and assembly on dedicated explosion-proof production lines. This comprehensive quality control process underscores SolarEast's commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance systems that meet global regulatory and customer expectations. A Clear Vision for Carbon Neutrality "At SolarEast, we believe in accelerating the global shift toward cleaner energy," said the company's CEO. "This R290 system is not just a product launch—it's our commitment to empowering global communities with sustainable, future-proof heating technologies that support climate goals and unlock real economic benefits through policy incentives." For detailed technical specifications and additional product information, visit: CONTACT: Zoe, heatpump@ View original content: SOURCE Solareast Heat Pump Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SolarEast Launches Global R290 Heat Pump System to Advance Climate Goals and Energy Efficiency
BEIJING, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SolarEast, a leading manufacturer of air-to-water heat pumps, has announced the global launch of its next-generation R290-based heating and cooling solution. Designed for both residential and commercial buildings, this system combines environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and advanced smart technology, positioning itself as a key contributor to the global energy transition. Meeting International Climate and Energy Policies As countries accelerate decarbonization efforts, SolarEast's new heat pump aligns with global climate action targets, including the EU Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the IEA's Net Zero by 2050 roadmap. The system qualifies for a range of government subsidies and tax incentive programs aimed at replacing fossil-fuel-based systems with high-efficiency alternatives. QuietEdge R290 Heat Pump: Ultra-Quiet Performance with Smart IoT Control Unveiled at ISH 2025, the QuietEdge R290 Heat Pump attracted strong attention for its ultra-quiet operation and refined energy performance. Designed to meet the needs of modern homes and commercial spaces, this system delivers whisper-quiet heating and cooling—as low as 35 decibels—making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as residential communities, schools, and hospitals. Powered by natural refrigerant R290 and full DC inverter technology, QuietEdge balances energy efficiency with climate-conscious design. The built-in 5G/2.4G Wi-Fi module enables users to monitor consumption, receive predictive maintenance alerts, and control the system remotely via an intuitive smart platform. Its combination of acoustic comfort and intelligent connectivity has attracted interest from European HVAC distributors and industry professionals. Flexible Applications from Homes to Industrial Facilities The modular design supports a broad capacity range—from compact 4kW units for energy-efficient single-family homes to high-power 100kW systems capable of meeting the demands of hotels, office buildings, and even industrial heating and hot water supply. Cascade configurations ensure uninterrupted operation during maintenance, while the system's customizable exterior integrates seamlessly with modern architecture, featuring a discreet casing that blends harmoniously into contemporary building facades Integration with Solar PV and Energy Storage Systems The system is engineered to integrate seamlessly with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage systems, offering users a fully decarbonized, energy-independent heating and cooling solution. This compatibility allows for greater use of self-generated renewable energy, reducing reliance on the grid and maximizing energy savings. For residential and commercial users pursuing net-zero building goals, SolarEast's R290 system provides a future-ready platform that supports PV-to-HP direct utilization and smart load balancing within energy management systems. In-House Manufacturing Ensures Quality, Safety, and Reliability SolarEast operates a vertically integrated production system, with over 85% of critical components—including evaporators, condensers, copper piping, and electronic control boards—manufactured in-house. This high degree of self-reliance allows for greater consistency, flexibility, and engineering precision across product lines. All units undergo rigorous quality checks at multiple stages of production. Inspection procedures include helium leak detection, halogen leak testing, and assembly on dedicated explosion-proof production lines. This comprehensive quality control process underscores SolarEast's commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance systems that meet global regulatory and customer expectations. A Clear Vision for Carbon Neutrality "At SolarEast, we believe in accelerating the global shift toward cleaner energy," said the company's CEO. "This R290 system is not just a product launch—it's our commitment to empowering global communities with sustainable, future-proof heating technologies that support climate goals and unlock real economic benefits through policy incentives." For detailed technical specifications and additional product information, visit: CONTACT: Zoe, heatpump@ View original content: SOURCE Solareast Heat Pump Ltd.
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
How Donald Trump's first 100 days have failed to derail fight against climate change
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It is now 100 days since Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. From policy reversals to triggering a global trade war, his return to the White House has been nothing short of eventful. Among his most striking, yet expected, early actions was a move that sent ripples through the international climate community. On January 20, President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement, citing economic concerns and claiming the deal placed an unfair burden on the country. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This, coupled with his decision to reverse many domestic climate regulations and introduce policies that favour fossil fuels, removed any ambiguity about his stance on climate change. For many, this decision was a déjà vu moment – a repeat of his first presidency, when he announced a similar withdrawal in 2017. While environmentalists and world leaders condemned the decision to remove the US from the Paris Agreement, a more pressing question remains: what has happened on a global scale since the US stepped away once more from the world's foremost climate accord? On his first day as US President, Donald Trump holds up an executive order announcing the US's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord in the Capital One Arena in Washington (Picture: Jim Watson) | AFP via Getty Images Pricing in climate risk It's worth noting that things have moved on since 2017. We have seen the EU, UK and China take-up stronger policy positions to reduce their emissions, including the EU Green Deal that aims to deliver the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. In global finance too, we have seen a significant shift in favour of net zero with banks, investors, and insurers pricing in climate risk. Corporate climate pledges are now mainstream and prevalent in sectors like tech, consumer goods and finance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Has Trump's latest decision derailed global climate action or has it galvanised renewed commitment? In short, the world has not stood still. Contrary to doomsday predictions, global carbon markets have remained resilient, even against the backdrop of a global trade war. Many nations have refused to row back on their emission commitments. If anything, Trump's Paris withdrawal has reinforced the understanding that climate action must transcend the politics of any one leader or nation. While the United States plays an enormous role in global emissions, its departure from the Paris Agreement does not mean the world, or even his own country, will backtrack on decarbonisation. What we saw in 2017 was that many states, especially Democratic ones, took independent action to uphold climate commitments — and we may well see similar moves this time around. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Market forces Despite President Trump's forthright views on the climate crisis, it's clear that market forces will have an enormous say in government policy, such as oil prices controlling drilling strategies. President Trump is often characterised for his brash, unpredictable style of leadership. However, it would be a mistake to use his climate scepticism as a scapegoat for other countries failing to meet their own emission targets. The responsibility to act on climate change does not rest solely on the shoulders of the United States; it is a global imperative. The renewable energy market is an enormous employer worldwide – accounting for more than 16 million jobs, according to the Renewable Energy Institute. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is important that global leaders recognise this as an opportunity for tomorrow's workforces and provide them with a platform where they can play their part in guarding against the effects of climate change. While a fully committed United States would, of course, strengthen our collective efforts, the absence of its federal government from the Paris Agreement should not become an excuse for other nations to slow down or waver in their commitments. UK a leader in industrial decarbonisation Instead, this moment should be seen as an opportunity to reaffirm and accelerate global decarbonisation efforts. Europe and other major economies including China – which is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2060 – have already demonstrated leadership in filling the void, increasing investment in renewables, green technologies, and industrial decarbonisation strategies. For the UK, this moment is particularly significant. As a leader in industrial decarbonisation, the UK has a unique opportunity to set an example through policy innovation, investment in carbon capture technologies, and forging international partnerships that drive emissions reductions. Our industries, researchers, and policymakers must work together to ensure that net zero remains not just a long-term aspiration but the opportunity of the 21st century. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The US's withdrawal from Paris leaves a gap, but it is not insurmountable. If every other country commits to accounting for the void left behind – roughly 10 per cent of global emissions – then we can collectively compensate for this shortfall and continue progressing toward a sustainable future. Emerging economies embracing renewables Even the current tariff war is unlikely to stop the global energy transition as the US's share of the global cleantech trade is relatively small and, moreover, emerging economies are poised to dominate clean energy markets by 2030. Just in the last 10 years alone, developed economies have ceased to dominate solar and wind installations, with a renewable boom in emerging economies. Trump's decision may have been designed to shock the system, but it does not have to define the trajectory of global climate action. According to BloombergNEF, the global clean-energy sector would be worth $10 trillion by 2050, with investments in clean energy reaching $1.8 trillion in 2023 – a record high. Now, more than ever, the world must stand united in its resolve to combat climate change – not because of the US withdrawal, but because the global prosperity and sustainability stakes are too high to do otherwise.
