Germany successfully auctions off 7 GW of offshore wind projects
It is Germany’s largest-ever offshore wind auction and marks a substantial milestone in Germany’s quest for renewable energy expansion and is worth about $13.96 billion.
Europe
E.U. strikes historic deal to eliminate super-potent greenhouse gases
The interinstitutional agreement to phase out fluorinated gases (or F-gases) paves the way for Europe to become the world’s first HFC-free continent by 2050, setting an unprecedented environmental and climate standard on a global scale.
European Union launches world’s carbon border tariff
The European Union has launched the initial phase of the world’s first system to impose CO2 emissions tariffs on carbon-intensive imports like iron and steel, as it tries to stop more polluting foreign products from undermining its green transition.
National Museum of Scotland returns stolen totem pole to Nisga’a people after 100 years
It was a historic “rematriation” for the Indigenous nation of around 600 people in what is now known to many as Canada’s British Columbia. The return of the Ni’isjoohl pole could also set a precedent in a broader repatriation movement gaining steam around the world.
World Health Organization approves second malaria vaccine for children
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed at Oxford University, is expected to offer countries a cheaper and more readily available option than the world’s first shot against the parasitic disease.
Nissan commits to exclusively sell EVs in Europe by 2030
Nissan’s Ambition 2030 aims to globally introduce 27 electrified vehicles, with 19 being EVs, by 2030. Additionally, Nissan plans to implement cobalt-free technology to reduce the cost of EV batteries by 65% by fiscal year 2028.
Oslo to replace almost all diesel buses with electric buses by end of 2023
Ruter, the public transportation operator for Oslo, announced this week that it expects to take delivery of 137 more electric buses before the end of December 2023. That will make its bus fleet almost 100% electric 4 years ahead of the company’s initial schedule.
Volvo Cars to cease production of all diesel models in 2024
This milestone follows Volvo’s previous announcement in 2022 to discontinue the development of new internal combustion engines. By selling its stake in Aurobay, the joint venture responsible for its remaining combustion engine assets, Volvo redirected its focus entirely towards electric powertrains.
Germany to surpass 50% renewable power this year
This year, Germany will add at least 9 gigawatts to its 67 gigawatts of solar capacity, with much of the growth driven by rooftop installations. It will also add around 3 gigawatts to its 58 gigawatts of onshore wind.
Norway completes its largest-ever nature restoration project
All traces of human activity since mining began in 1910 were to be removed from Sveagruva and Lunckefjell on Svalbard, with the exception of cultural monuments and buildings from before 1946. It is has been hailed as one of the most extensive environmental projects of all time.