Pakistan to add 556.5 MW of solar by end of 2018
Around 956.8 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity is now under development at 28 locations across Pakistan, with 556.5 MW set for completion by the end of 2018.
Nations
Teen birth rates in the U.S. hit a record low
The rate of births among 15-to-19 year olds declined by 9% in 2016 compared to 2015 a record low for that age group, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control.
Parliament in Germany approves same-sex marriage
Lawmakers in Germany voted on Friday to allow same-sex marriage after a brisk but emotional debate in Parliament, setting the stage for the country to join more than a dozen European nations including Ireland, France and Spain in legalizing such unions.
Paraguay to pass renewable energy law this year
Paraguay is preparing to issue its first legislation to support the development of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, by the end of 2017.
Nordic states support UN Sustainable Development Goals
Leaders of the five largest Nordic countries recently announced support of the Nordic countries as a whole for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed under UN auspices.
Pakistan issues its first passport recognizing a transgender designation
Instead of having “male” or “female” listed on their official documents, Pakistani transgender men and women can have a “X” under the sex category.
France to ban all new oil and gas exploration licenses
France plans to terminate the granting oil and gas exploration licenses at home and in overseas territories, as the country aims to increase the share of renewables in the nation’s energy mix.
South Korea to transition from nuclear to renewables
President Moon also plans to close at least 10 ageing coal-fired power plants before his term ends in 2022, as well as boosting renewables’ share of the country’s energy mix from 6.6 per cent today to 20 per cent by 2030.
Taiwan plans for $59 billion in finance for renewables
Prime Minister Lin Chuan’s administration hopes to attract $59 billion of private capital in order to boost the share of renewable energy in Taiwan’s power mix to 20 per cent by 2025.
Europe mostly ends mobile roaming fees
Europeans traveling through the 28 Member State bloc are now able to use their mobile devices more freely, thanks to a top level abolition of mobile roaming charges across the region.