Latest news with #decarbonisation
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
British Sugar given £7.5m to cut carbon emissions at Wissington site
British Sugar has been given £7.5m in funding to help overhaul crop drying processes with the aim of cutting carbon emissions by 25%. The company, which operates a factory in Wissington, Norfolk, plans to use the money to install emission-cutting technology including heat pumps and carbon capture. The government funding is part of a £37m project to revolutionise the on-site drying process with gas dryers replaced by steam dryers to save 193,000 MWh a year in energy usage. Terry Jermy, Labour MP for South West Norfolk, said: "This is excellent news as British Sugar is a pillar of our country and region with regards to production and innovation." The company needs to clean, shred, boil and process the beet crop into different grades of sugar for food and confectionary manufacturers. Phil McNaughton, head of decarbonisation at British Sugar, said the project would "not be possible" without the funding. He said the change was a "significant milestone" in the company's aim of achieving a net zero operation."We look forward to working together with the government in the future to utilise new technologies and continue decarbonising our operations."In recent years British Sugar has also invested in an evaporation plant at the Wissington factory. It was awarded the money as part of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund. The government hopes the investment will help to cut carbon emissions and improve the efficiency of operations while supporting local jobs and economic growth. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Africa's green industrial future hinges on global trade and investment reform
The continent has what is needed to lead the green industrial revolution but it can't do it without building its trade and investment partnerships. (File photo) South Africa's G20 presidency identified green industrialisation as one of its priorities for the Working Group on Trade and Investment. Africa faces a pivotal moment as climate-related trade measures tighten and the global economy reconfigures around decarbonisation. This framework supports the integration of developing countries in global green value chains. The continent has the resources, the demographic dividend and the ambition to lead in the emerging green economy, but without an enabling global trade and investment environment, we risk this opportunity slipping away. The G20, as the world's most influential economic forum, must recognise that green industrialisation is not just an environmental imperative but a development strategy. The Africa Future Policies Hub's recent Green competitiveness for inclusive growth The global push toward decarbonisation is reshaping trade flows, production systems and industrial policy. From carbon border taxes, like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, to green subsidies and technology standards, countries are adjusting the rules of engagement in the name of climate action. But, if these changes are not matched with complementary support for developing economies, they could further entrench global inequality. Africa's contribution to historical emissions is minor but many industries, some of which are carbon-intensive and still in their infancy, face new barriers to export. Instead of punitive trade measures that disregard the continent's development realities, the G20 should champion an agenda of cooperative green competitiveness — one that recognises differentiated responsibilities, fosters innovation and builds productive capabilities across regions. Renewable energy and mineral value chains must be effectively leveraged to serve as a foundation for new industrial models. To realise these benefits, market shifts, coordinated policy efforts and global partnerships are needed. Inclusive green initiatives must be strategically targeted and embedded within strategic value chains that have the potential to expand industrial capacity. Existing regional initiatives can be harnessed to design pilot projects that are scalable. The scale and nature of financing mechanisms and investments play a crucial role in targeting and shaping green pathways. To be successful, there must be access to sufficient, highly concessional and patient capital, which is essential for a sustainable green industrialisation agenda. A path forward: Local strength, global partnership Green industrialisation in Africa must begin with sectors where the continent has clear comparative advantages and potential for value addition: renewable energy, transition minerals, green fertilisers and low-carbon construction materials like cement, for example. But building competitiveness in these areas is not simply a matter of targeting sectors; it requires deliberate investment in industrial ecosystems. This includes infrastructure; access to affordable and clean energy; skills development and strong institutions. It means creating industrial clusters where firms, technology providers and research institutions co-evolve around shared innovation. Public-private partnerships, as well as 'climate-smart' PPPs, hold the potential to bridge technical and financial gaps in critical infrastructure and new industrial sectors. At the same time, Africa cannot industrialise in isolation. The scale of transformation required depends on deep and equitable global partnerships with capital, technology and know-how flowing in ways that preserve sovereignty and generate mutual benefit. African countries must work together. Local development strategies must be aligned with regional trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area to scale up demand and anchor value chains within the continent. Cross-border cooperation holds significant potential to open up opportunities for advancing green industrialisation Financing the future One of the biggest barriers to Africa's green industrial transformation is finance. Green investments, whether in grid infrastructure, hydrogen production or decarbonised manufacturing, are costly, risky and long-term. In a context of rising debt burdens and constrained fiscal space, few African governments can shoulder this alone. The G20 must prioritise reforms to the global financial architecture that unlock concessional, patient capital for green industrial development. This includes expanding the mandates and capital base of multilateral development banks, enhancing their ability to take on early-stage risk and developing blended finance instruments that can crowd in private capital. Crucially, financial support must be channelled through platforms that align with country-led strategies. Models like the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonisation Investment Platform, driven by the EBRD and the World Bank, offer promising templates. Regional banks like Afreximbank also have a critical role to play in facilitating green trade finance and scaling African-driven solutions. From technology transfer to knowledge partnerships Technology needs to be approached differently. Traditional models of 'technology transfer' often imply a one-directional, donor-recipient relationship. But building green competitiveness demands a more collaborative approach. It is one where technology is co-developed, adapted to local contexts and accompanied by institutional and human capacity building. Initiatives like the Industrial Transition Partnership between India and Sweden, facilitated by the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), show how structured, multi-stakeholder collaborations can produce strategic decarbonisation projects that reflect shared interests. African countries should be supported to participate in — and lead — similar arrangements. Major economies that impose carbon pricing or border adjustment measures should channel a portion of revenues into co-innovation and green technology diffusion funds. These funds should be earmarked for developing countries. This would not only help mitigate trade imbalances but also build trust in global climate cooperation. The G20's responsibility For the G20, the challenge is clear — align global trade and investment rules with a just, inclusive green transition. That means putting developing countries, not just as aid recipients, but as equal partners in global production, at the heart of climate-compatible growth strategies. It means recognising that industrial development is not incompatible with climate goals; if done right, it's the very pathway to achieving them. Green industrialisation can deliver cleaner economies and more resilient, diversified and dignified livelihoods across the Global South. Africa stands ready. But readiness without partnership is not enough. The G20 must rise to the moment by enabling the policies, incentives and institutions that allow all regions to thrive in the green economy, not just a few. The cost of inaction is not just lost opportunity, it's deepening global fragmentation at a time when cooperation has never been more critical. Maria Nkhonjera is a senior policy officer: public finance at African Future Policies Hub and Shimukunku Manchishi a senior policy officer: trade also at the hub.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Decarbonisation drive: Al Fanar and Siemens Energy propel UAE's green goals
Al Fanar Gas Group, the energy arm of EHC Investment, has evolved a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change and promote clean energy after signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens Energy to jointly advance decarbonisation and clean energy innovation across the UAE, its top executive says. Dr Gamal El Gebely, Deputy CEO and General Manager of Al Fanar Gas Group, highlighted the salient features of MoU with Siemens Energy and said international collaboration can enhance knowledge sharing and facilitate the development of a global hydrogen economy, enabling countries to transition to sustainable energy systems. 'Our strategy focuses on innovation, partnerships, and practical decarbonisation. Through initiatives similar to our collaboration with Siemens Energy, we're aligning with national goals by investing in green technologies and building capabilities that support long-term sustainability,' Dr Gamal El Gebely told BTR during an exclusive interview. Al Fanar Gas Group signed an agreement with Siemens Energy on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The MoU supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy as both the companies will co-develop clean energy solutions that integrate advanced digital technologies into energy and industrial infrastructure, with a focus on areas such as hydrogen and Power-to-X, flare gas management, and port and vessel electrification. Excerpts from the interview: Al Fanar Gas Group and Siemens Energy recently signed a strategic MoU to collaborate on clean energy and decarbonisation. Please share some details. This MoU marks a major milestone for Al Fanar Gas Group. We are partnering with Siemens Energy with the focus on green hydrogen and Power-to-X, flare gas management, emissions control, digitalisation and predictive maintenance — combining our local industry expertise with their global research and development technology to accelerate clean energy transformation. What does this partnership mean for the future, and how will this impact the UAE's sustainability goals? This partnership directly supports the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Together, we aim to build real and scalable solutions that reduce emissions, foster innovation, and lead the energy transition across the nation. What is your strategy to introduce intelligent systems that optimize energy consumption, monitor carbon emissions, and streamline operations? We're adopting digital technologies and predictive maintenance tools that enhance operational efficiency, cut energy waste, and provide accurate carbon tracking — laying the foundation for smart & sustainable energy infrastructure. How do you see the role of technology in clean energy to protect the environment? Technology is a critical enabler. Incorporating advanced emissions control, digital twin systems, and AI-based monitoring enables the development of energy systems that are cleaner, safer, and more efficient, benefiting both people and the environment. The UAE has set a target to achieve Net Zero by 2050. What is Al Fanar Gas Group's overall strategy to deliver meaningful solutions and actively support the government in achieving this national goal? Our strategy focuses on innovation, partnerships, and practical decarbonisation. Through initiatives similar to our collaboration with Siemens Energy, we're aligning with national goals by investing in green technologies and building capabilities that support long-term sustainability.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nippon Steel to spend $6 billion on decarbonisation efforts at three plants
TOKYO (Reuters) -Nippon Steel plans to invest nearly 870 billion yen ($6.05 billion) to introduce electric furnaces at its three domestic plants to reduce carbon emissions, the company said on Friday. Japan's government plans to subsidise as much as 251 billion yen of the steelmaker's decarbonisation efforts focused on the three plants by the 2029 fiscal year, Nippon Steel said in a statement. Following the investments, Nippon Steel will add around 2.9 million metric tons of new steel production capacity, it said. ($1 = 143.7300 yen) Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emsteel, Magsort to start decarbonised cement production in Al Ain
UAE - Emsteel, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, has announced a major milestone in its decarbonisation journey where it has signed a strategic partnership with Finnish company Magsort to produce decarbonised cement. The agreement follows the success the Group has had in implementing an industrial-scale pilot for decarbonised cement production at its Al Ain facility through utilising 10,000 tonnes of materials that reduce carbon, which have been developed by incorporating steel-slag. Emsteel Group's pilot provides a unique use-case for complementary operations between its two main business lines: Steel and Cement. This is achieved by incorporating steel slag at scale as raw material for clinker and cement production, reinforcing the Group's commitment towards driving sustainability in the sector. Due to its diverse product range, Emsteel in uniquely positioned to pioneer a viable and practical circular economy case study. This simultaneously underscores Emsteel's strategic capability to expedite decarbonisation efforts across diverse sectors and strengthens its standing as a regional sustainability leader setting new benchmarks for industrial innovation in developing low-carbon cement. To address the growing local market demand for low-carbon cement, an integrated line will be built at the company's Al Ain plant, said the company in a statement. This line will process steel residue and refine materials sourced from Emsteel's steel plant in Abu Dhabi. This significant initiative is a crucial step expected to directly contribute to reducing Scope 1 carbon dioxide emissions, it stated. This initiative is a core component of Emsteel's decarbonisation strategy. The company aims to achieve a 40% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its Steel Business Unit and by 30% reduction in its Cement Business Unit by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year. Emsteel remains firmly committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Group CEO Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi said: "This is a proud moment for Emsteel and a strong signal of what is possible when innovation meets ambition. By transforming steel slag into a valuable input for cement, we are not only cutting emissions but also proving the commercial value of industrial circularity." "Our integrated model is unlocking real results, and this milestone is a testament to our commitment to accelerate our decarbonisation journey and help deliver the UAE's Net Zero vision," he stated. Hugo Losada, CEO of Emirates Cement, part of Emsteel Group, said: "This milestone represents an important step in our decarbonisation journey. Proving the technical and commercial viability of this decarbonisation effort is a promising sign that we will be able to achieve our objective of hitting the 2030 decarbonisation targets by 2026." "We look forward to continuing this very fruitful co-operation with Magsort over the years to come," he stated. Kalevi Kostiainen, CEO of Magsort, said: "We are extremely happy in achieving this key milestone in Abu Dhabi. The co-operation with Emirates Cement has been incredibly productive and this facility serves as a large-scale example for the industry on how to achieve significant CO₂ reduction with today's technology and existing materials." "It's a clear win-win for the cement and steel industries. We would like to thank Emirates Cement for leading the way and taking action," he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
