Sweden to reach its 2030 renewable energy goal this year
An exciting new report shows that Sweden has installed so much wind power, the country is now 12 years ahead of schedule for its renewable energy goals.
Nations
U.K. to ban “abhorrent practice” of gay conversion therapy
The British government says it will ban gay conversion therapy as part of 4.5-million-pound ($5.9 million) effort to make society more inclusive for LGBT people.
Indonesia completes and begins operating its first-ever utility wind farm
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the 247-acre Sidrap Wind Farm in Sindereng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi, in July 2018. It immediately became the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia and among the first major non-hydro renewable energy projects in the world’s fourth most populous nation. The farm produces 75 MW of electricity and can power up to 70,000 households.
Norway pledges $17 million to global fight against forest crime
The new money will be spent on a taskforce to investigate the international gangs and powerful figures behind them.
Taiwan orders 1.6 gigawatts of new offshore wind power
It’s expected that the new Taiwanese projects will be constructed by 2025, although they are still subject to acquiring the relevant permits and final investment decisions.
Germany to raise minimum wage to 9.35 euros in 2020
Germany plans to raise the minimum wage to 9.19 euros ($10.74) per hour next year and to 9.35 euros per hour in 2020
23 nations sign “Declaration of Ambition”, pledging to set tougher climate goals
More than 20 nations ranging from Germany, France and Britain to Pacific island states said they planned to “lead from the front” in setting new, tougher goals by 2020 to cut greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris climate agreement.
India energy minister flags massive 100GW solar tender – by far the largest ever
India’s energy minister R K Singh has flagged a massive solar tender of 100GW — by far the biggest in the world, as the fastest growing energy consumer turns increasingly to renewables to satisfy its enormous needs.
Canada becomes second nation in the world to legalize marijuana
Recreational marijuana use will soon be legal in Canada after the Senate passed a “historic” bill on Tuesday with a vote of 52-29.
India increases its 2022 renewable energy target by 28%
India’s power and renewable energy minister announced that India was increasing its 2022 target by 52 GW up to 227 GW.