Category: Energy and Power

The latest national climate plans (NDCs 3.0) of developed countries expose a stark truth: those most responsible for the climate crisis are still refusing to lead its solution.

A new analysis by Climate Action Network (CAN) International finds that every developed economy fails all three tests of a fair and 1.5°C-aligned pathway – ending fossil fuel production, delivering public climate finance, and ensuring a just and equitable transition. Reviewing developed countries’ NDCs against three tests, the review found that: Instead of phasing out fossil fuels, most continue to subsidies or expand them; Instead of honoring financial commitments, they defer and dilute them. References to ‘Just Transition’ appear largely symbolic, stripped of the measures needed to protect workers, Indigenous Peoples, and communities on the frontline of change.

Among developed countries, the EU failed to submit its NDC on time, while the US submitted its NDC before withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.

The EU and the US together account for over 40% of historical CO2 emissions. Nine other G20 countries did not submit their NDCs by the end of September: Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey.

Together with the EU, they account for half of the current global emissions. Given the glaring and alarming ambition gaps across developed and G20 countries, the report calls on leaders to agree to fix NDCs that are not in line with countries’ fair shares of responsibilities. Parties must commit to this at the COP30 Leaders’ Summit. Key findings from CAN’s brief Climate finance remains under-delivered: Just two developed countries (Canada and the UK) specify climate finance volumes beyond 2025, but not beyond 2027, and none outline how they will meet their fair share obligations. No country commits to increasing international adaptation finance; in fact, only Japan and the UK mention adaptation finance at all. None of the NDCs reference contributing to the UNFCCC Fund for responding to Loss and Damage. No fossil fuel phase-out: Despite the clear mandate from the UAE COP28 decision, every fossil-fuel-producing developed country omits a timeline to end coal, oil, or gas production.

Brazil and Russia, the only two other G20 countries that have submitted their NDCs, do not commit to phasing out fossil fuels. None of the countries that currently provide fossil fuel subsidies has committed to phasing them out completely.

Every country plans or is considering using carbon offsets to achieve its targets and/or unproven and risky technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage, shifting the focus to reducing emissions from fossil fuel production rather than phasing out production itself.. Just transition and adaptation measures sidelined: Though references to a just transition are present across the majority of analyzed NDCs, the phrase is often mentioned only once and is not accompanied by implementation measures, the need to address inequalities, or essential concepts such as social protection, social dialogue, or decent work. For developed countries, just transition measures are too narrow, mainly focusing on skills training and green jobs. While several NDCs note consultations with Indigenous Peoples, none explicitly commit to upholding Free, Prior and Informed Consent or implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Only two countries analyzed mention Loss and Damage in their NDCs (Canada and Brazil), and each only once. What CAN is calling for at COP30 At the COP30 Leaders’ Summit, Heads of State from rich countries must publicly commit to submitting strengthened NDCs before COP31, in line with their fair shares and reflecting their legal obligations, including those affirmed by the recent climate action ruling by the International Court of Justice.

These revised NDCs must implement the guidance from the first Global Stocktake in line with equity and the fair shares of each country: Set whole-of-economy, timebound fossil fuel phase-out plans in line with a 1.5°C pathway and by 2040 at the latest for developed countries; Outline contributions to the global goals on renewable energy and energy efficiency, and measures to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030; Embed just transition and resilience-building measures that uphold human rights and enable sustainable development within planetary boundaries, while addressing inequalities both within and between countries.

In addition, developed countries should commit to providing new, additional, and grant-based finance for mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and just transition measures, with specific details on how they plan to align with their fair shares.

Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, said: ‘This round of NDCs is an indictment, not a plan.

The richest countries on Earth – those who built their wealth on fossil fuels – are still refusing to take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused.

They know exactly what justice requires: a time-bound fossil fuel phase-out, predictable grant-based finance, and real Just Transition measures grounded in rights and equity.

Instead, they deliver delay tactics dressed up as ambition. Without credible timelines, without money on the table, and without protection for workers and communities, these NDCs are a betrayal of 1.5°C – and of the people already living with the impacts of climate disaster.’ Jacobo Ocharan, Head of Political Strategies at Climate Action Network International, said: ‘NDCs that dodge production phase-out for fossil fuels, while leaning on offsets and risky emissions reduction technologies, are a recipe for overshoot and global climate injustice. We expect developed countries to lead with concrete end-dates for coal, oil, and gas-and to fund transitions with public, grant-based finance rather than debt and creative accounting.’ David Knecht, Climate expert at Fastenaktion Switzerland, added: ‘1.5°C-aligned NDCs are not just a technical issue about emissions reductions.

Behind every weak target and climate plan are real lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems being lost to floods, droughts, and fires. Communities all over the world-especially communities in remote areas, Indigenous Peoples, women, and workers-are already suffering from delayed action. Climate plans must be centered around people and nature, not preserving the profits of the polluters that caused this crisis.’

A consortium comprising Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Jurong Engineering Limited (JEL) has been awarded an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract by PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP) to develop the largest, high efficiency combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility in Singapore.

The power plant will be the first CCGT unit in Singapore integrated with a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling dynamic energy management to align electricity supply with grid demand. Located on Jurong Island, Singapore, the 670MW facility, capable of powering more than 965,000 four-room flats, is scheduled to begin operations in 2029.

It will have the ability to operate on 30% hydrogen and will be capable of shifting to run entirely on hydrogen in future.

The new CCGT power plant will deploy Mitsubishi Power’s state-of-the-art M701JAC gas turbine with hydrogen cofiring potential, as the power sector works towards net zero carbon emissions.

Bangladesh’s climate action pledges, outlined in the third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, have set a global precedent by embedding just transition principles at the heart of the country’s national climate strategy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has said. ‘Submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 30 September, Bangladesh’s climate strategy for the first time incorporates just transition to ensure that the shift to environmentally sustainable and low-carbon economies is job-rich, genderresponsive, and inclusive – leaving no one behind,’ the ILO said in a statement.

This approach emphasizes maximizing the social and economic opportunities of climate and environmental action-such as green jobs-while minimizing and carefully managing any arising challenges through effective social dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

F rom both an energy efficiency and methane (CH4 ) emission reduction standpoint, Bangladesh’s gas supply chain has now become critically important. Methane is emitted from gas fields at the wellhead, from treatment plants, and through flaring in gas transmission and distribution systems. Petrobangla companies routinely monitor losses and emissions as part of their operations and maintenance, but credible reports suggest that significant methane leakage occurs across the entire gas supply chain.

If these fugitive emissions were professionally audited, identified, and fixed, Bangladesh could save valuable gas currently being wasted-while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

At present, the gas system faces a deficit of about 1,200 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD), and the gap continues to widen.

According to Petrobangla, total demand stands at roughly 4,000 MMCFD, while maximum supply, including 1,050 MMCFD of imported LNG, reaches only about 2,800 MMCFD.

Experts believe that a comprehensive audit of the gas supply chain-from production to transmission and distribution-could identify sources of leakage and loss.

Effective remediation could save as much as 200 MMCFD of gas, easing pressure on the overstressed system while reducing environmental degradation caused by methane emissions.

Such an audit could be conducted by the Energy Auditors of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), or a joint team from BERC and the Department of Environment (DOE). Gas fields in Bangladesh are operated by Petrobangla subsidiaries – BGFCL, BAPEX, and SGFL – as well as two international oil companies (IOCs), Chevron and Tullow.

Every gas field flares gas as part of its system operation, though the technology used varies widely – from outdated setups to more modern systems.

A gas system expert visiting Bangladesh’s gas fields would notice differences in flare color and composition, suggesting variations in methane loss.

Some fields may be emitting more than the allowable threshold, which could be reduced through modernized treatment facilities.

This would not only save gas but also significantly curb methane emissions. While DOE is expected to set parameters for gas flaring, it remains unclear whether these are consistently monitored.

The operational standards of IOCs and Petrobangla companies differ greatly – IOCs typically follow strict operational protocols and rigorous monitoring, while Petrobangla entities often lag behind.

This is not to discredit Petrobangla, but some of its plants, such as those at Beanibazar, Koillashtilla, and Bakhrabad, still operate with outdated technology.

These facilities were designed decades ago based on the gas composition of virgin wells.

Over time, the gas composition, as well as water and condensate ratios, have changed, likely increasing methane loss. For instance, the flares at Beanibazar and KTTL-2 show signs of higher methane emissions, though it’s unclear whether the flared gas composition is regularly analyzed.

Therefore, a comparative case study between an IOC-operated and a Petrobangla-operated field could yield valuable insights.

The Gas Transmission Company Ltd. (GTCL) is responsible for transporting gas from the fields to designated custody transfer metering (CTM) stations.

These meters should be regularly calibrated, and the quality and composition of delivered gas monitored through online or mobile chromatographs, something audit teams can verify.

The GTCL network ideally should include smart meters, a fully functional SCADA system, and leak detection devices.

Smart cathodic protection systems would further ensure network integrity.

Aside from metering inaccuracies, the transmission system should have minimal gas losses. GTCL delivers gas to distribution companies through CTM stations, but it is uncertain whether all interfaces between transmission and distribution systems have modern metering systems.

An audit could review these arrangements and help resolve long-standing disputes over metering accuracy once and for all, aligning Bangladesh’s practices with global standards.

However, the major sources of leakage and loss lie within the distribution networks. Much of this stems from aging infrastructure built in the 1970s through the 1990s.

Other losses result from illegal connections and pilferage.

There are widespread allegations of thousands of unauthorized gas taps. Despite regular disconnection drives, companies such as TGTDCL, KGDCL, and BGDCL struggle to control illegal usage. Distribution companies should adopt digital mapping and GIS-based monitoring to strengthen oversight.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) and Petrobangla must also seriously consider phasing out gas pipelines in densely populated city areas such as Greater Dhaka and Chattogram, where leak risks are high. Within the next two to three years, Bangladesh should fully transition domestic and commercial consumers to LPG, even if subsidies are required.

The country simply cannot afford to waste gas-especially imported LNG-when the economy is under strain. Moreover, deteriorating gas networks not only leak methane but also pose safety hazards, causing fires and explosions. Conclusion Bangladesh’s gas supply system cannot expect major improvement in the near term, even with renewed exploration efforts.

Supply from existing fields is rapidly declining, and Petrobangla’s exploration work has yet to yield encouraging results.

Increasing LNG imports before 2029-2030 also appears unlikely, while potential offshore exploration, even if initiated in 2026 or 2027, may take eight to nine years to deliver results.

In this scenario, saving 200-250 MMCFD of gas through coordinated action would be like finding an oasis in a desert.

The interim government should make it a priority to commission a comprehensive gas system audit before leaving office.

The EMRD and DOE should form a highpowered team to identify losses, pilferage, and methane leaks, and then implement an emergency action plan to fix them.

Bangladesh may not be able to produce new gas overnight, but it can certainly save what is already being lost.

That, too, would be a meaningful step toward energy efficiency, environmental protection, and national resilience.

Japan’s new PM Sanae Takaichi is expected to push for the accelerated revival of nuclear power to tackle inflation, a source of public discontent, with reactor restarts key to reducing costly fuel imports.

Takaichi has appointed Ryosei Akazawa, who was Japan’s point person in its recent tariff deal with the US, as trade and industry minister – a portfolio that includes energy – signalling a willingness to engage with Washington, including on liquefied natural gas purchases, analysts said.

Her government plans a package of purchases to present to US President Donald Trump during his visit to Tokyo soon, including LNG, although not for now from the Alaskan pipeline project championed by Trump.

However, Akazawa said recently that it was essential to maximize power sources that contribute to energy security and decarbonization. ‘We aim to proceed with nuclear restarts while taking concrete steps to gain the necessary understanding of local communities and stakeholders,’ he said. Japan spent 10.7 trillion yen ($71 billion) last year on imported LNG and coal, a tenth of its import costs.

The energy ministry’s Power Division has signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with five ministries and divisions on installing rooftop solar power panels at educational institutions and hospitals across the country. ‘The government took the National Rooftop Solar Program Initiatives to increase renewable energy,’ Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan said as he witnessed the signing at Bidyut Bhaban.

He expected quick completion of the panel installations and their connection to the national power grid to ensure flow the surplus power generated in the panels by February next year.

Officials concerned said the Initiative aimed to increase renewable energy under OPEX model, subscription-like payments for the service where the institutions will not have to bear installation expenses for the solar projects.

Signatory organizations would implement ‘National Rooftop Solar Program Initiative ‘B’ which covers educational Institutions and health facilities.

The introduction of the system would largely save their electricity bills.

As the world stands at a crossroads on climate action, another pivotal UN Climate Conference (COP 30) is set for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.

In a time of wars, geopolitical tension, and economic uncertainty, it will be a major challenge for participating nations to negotiate and reach a consensus on emission reduction, climate finance, and smart energy transition. For the first time, a country in the Amazon region will host this global event-symbolic given that deforestation in the world’s largest rainforest has accelerated due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and agricultural pressure. COP 30 is expected to focus on climate justice and food system reform, emphasizing a just food transition and redirecting public funds toward sustainable practices.

It will also push for eliminating deforestation and integrating climate, biodiversity, land use, and food strategies coherently and equitably. Globally, there is growing hope that COP 30 will mark a turning point for climate action, driving meaningful commitments and reform.

The discussions, debates, and decisions made in Belém will shape the direction of global climate policy and determine how effectively nations transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. What has been Achieved So Far?

For nearly three decades, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has served as the main platform for global efforts to combat climate change.

Through annual Conferences of the Parties (COPs), nations have worked to establish goals, rules, and institutions to guide international climate action. Many observers believe that with the Paris Agreement and its implementation framework now in place, the rule-making phase is largely complete.

The focus must now shift from policy design to concrete implementation. COP 30 Goals and Objectives Marking the 30th anniversary of the UN Climate Conference, COP 30 will take place in the heart of the Amazon- underlining nature’s vital role in stabilizing Earth’s systems. Delegates from about 200 nations are expected to gather to renew emission reduction strategies under the Paris Agreement.

Hosting the event in Brazil highlights the Amazon rainforest as a natural solution for climate stability.

Scientists note that the Amazon absorbs about 25% of global CO2 emissions each year, yet unchecked deforestation continues to threaten this balance. COP 30 is therefore expected to amplify calls for sustainable land use and investment in nature-based solutions, particularly in emerging economies.

The conference comes at a critical time, as nations update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Research shows that current pledges fall short of limiting global warming to 1.5°C-and global temperatures have already breached that threshold for a full year.

The responsibility now rests on every country to act decisively to protect the planet. Key Takeaways from COP 30 ? Nations will update national emission plans through 2035. ? The Amazon venue will spotlight forest conservation and naturebased solutions. ? Countries face mounting pressure to align with the 1.5°C warming limit. ? Climate finance for developing nations remains a top agenda item. ? The conference will build on previous pledges to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels.

To avoid catastrophic warming, global emissions must fall by 43% by 2030, according to climate scientists. More than 170 countries are expected to submit revised climate commitments by 2025, setting the stage for critical negotiations. COP 30 also aims to triple clean energy capacity and cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, while redirecting fossil fuel subsidies-worth $500 billion annually- toward renewable energy.

Strategies for Energy System Transformation Developing nations are calling for technology-sharing agreements to help leapfrog traditional, carbon-heavy grids.

Advanced economies, in turn, must demonstrate scalable models for retiring fossil fuel infrastructure.

A recent UN report notes that ‘energy security requires diversified renewable networks, not single-source dependencies.’ New accountability frameworks will monitor emission cuts every two years, ensuring countries stay on track with decarbonization while balancing economic growth.

The success of this transformation will depend on industrial policies that include clear, sector-based net-zero roadmaps. Mobilizing Climate Finance and Carbon Markets Achieving global climate goals will require at least $1.3 trillion annually for developing economies by 2035. Private investors will need stronger policy signals to fund renewable projects and carbon removal technologies.

As one UN climate official noted, ‘Blended finance models can unlock four dollars of private investment for every public dollar.’ Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, carbon markets are expected to expand with stricter transparency and accountability rules.

These systems will enable nations to trade verified emission reductions while supporting sustainable projects-potentially generating $120 billion a year in emerging markets by 2030.

Implementing Robust NDCs The challenge lies in integrating investment frameworks into energy, transport, and agricultural policies with clear timelines for businesses to align operations to net-zero goals. Multilateral development banks are now reforming lending practices to de-risk green projects, allowing solar farms in Nigeria and wind parks in Vietnam to attract international capital. Combined with carbon pricing, such strategies can create predictable environments for innovation.

Innovative Approaches to Global Climate Action If countries can combine human ingenuity with the planet’s natural systems, they can build powerful defenses against environmental threats.

Emerging technologies are making this possible.

Today, it is feasible to track deforestation in real time across 15 million square kilometers of rainforest.

Blockchain systems can verify carbon credits with 98% accuracy, preventing double-counting.

These tools support reforestation projects that store carbon and protect biodiversity.

In Brazil, Amazon ‘bio-industrial’ zones demonstrate how sustainable rubber production can outperform cattle ranching.

Similar initiatives in Indonesia and the Congo Basin are creating 40% more jobs than extractive industries.

AI-powered soil sensors are helping half a million farms manage climate risk, while solar microgrids and agroforestry boost energy access and food security.

Even 3D-printed coral reefs are restoring marine ecosystems while capturing ocean carbon. Conclusion We have only one planet to live on-and it is fast approaching a breaking point due to unchecked emissions and reckless exploitation.

The coming years will decide whether the world can pull back from the brink.

The greatest challenge now lies in convincing major emitters to strengthen their NDCs, commit to real technology transfers, and provide adequate funding for climate action in developing countries. COP 30, held in the heart of the Amazon, offers a historic opportunity for nations to turn promises into progress. Phasing out fossil fuels must be done equitably, with strong support for renewable investments and fair access to finance.

Only through collective commitment and global cooperation can the world bridge the gap between ambition and action. Let us hope that COP 30 delivers decisions rooted in shared responsibility- because our survival, and that of future generations, depends on it.

China Southern Power Grid (CSG) has become a patron of the World Energy Council, joining an exclusive group of leading i n t e r n a t i o n a l corporations and o r g a n i z a t i o n s committed to p r o g r e s s i n g solutions to achieve more and better energy for billions of people and a healthy planet.

The World Energy Council Patron program provides privileged access to an influential global community spanning industry, government, academia and start-ups for knowledge and information exchange to drive global energy agendas.

Established in 2002, CSG is a critical pillar in China’s national energy security network, with responsibility for investment, construction and operation of the electricity grid in southern China, and additional transmission and interconnection projects within and across regions. Covering five provinciallevel regions and around 1 million square km, CSG provides electricity to nearly 300 million people across 5 provinces in China.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has urged Korean investors to leverage Bangladesh’s dynamic investment landscape, highlighting the country’s strategic advantages and ongoing pro-business reforms aimed at facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI).

At an investment seminar titled ‘Gateway to Growth: Invest in Bangladesh’, held at a hotel in Seoul recently, a high-level delegation led by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA, engaged with more than 150 Korean business leaders, industry representatives, and development partners to showcase strategic investment opportunities in Bangladesh. ‘This is the most opportune moment for Korean businesses to align with Bangladesh’s growth trajectory,’ said Mr. Chowdhury in his keynote address. ‘Our government has implemented comprehensive reforms to ensure seamless entry, operation, and expansion for foreign enterprises. We welcome Korean investors to explore Bangladesh as their next growth destination.’ Ashik Chowdhury also assured full institutional support for Korean investors looking to establish or expand their businesses in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s hard-won economic resilience is being tested as the twin pressures of climate change and mounting external debt converge to threaten its financial stability.

The country’s debtsustainability outlook, once viewed as robust, is deteriorating amid intensifying climate disasters, faltering export growth, and tighter international credit conditions, according to a new report launched at an international conference recently.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organized the event– A World Beyond Crisis: Climate Solutions That Work — at the BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka, attended by policymakers, researchers, youth leaders, and practitioners to explore equitable and practical climate solutions. ‘The results from multiple scenarios and stress tests indicate that the economic loss and damage due to climate change pose a significant threat to Bangladesh’s shortrun debt sustainability, particularly when combined with other shocks such as an increase in interest rates for variable interest rate loans or a fall in exports,’ said the report authors, led by CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun.