The Council of the EU has adopted new rules intended to make it much easier for EV owners to travel across Europe, while simultaneously helping to reduce the output of harmful greenhouse gases. The new regulation is set to benefit owners of electric cars and vans in three ways: It reduces range anxiety by expanding the EV charging infrastructure along Europe’s main highways, it makes payments “at the pump” easier without requiring an app or subscription, and ensures pricing and availability is clearly communicated to avoid surprises.

A new EV battery topology that could revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) industry has been unveiled by the Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS). A joint venture between CNRS, Stellantis, and Saft, IBIS aims to develop a battery system that integrates the inverter and charger functions directly into the lithium-ion modules. This innovation not only enhances the range of EVs but also reduces costs and frees up space within vehicles.

Malaysia has not been spared from the impact of climate change, from the intense heatwaves of recent months to the coming flood season. If the country does not change its course, economic growth will be at a standstill, said Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at the Climate Finance Summit last Thursday (July 20). Nik Nazmi, who gave the keynote speech at the summit, shared his experience witnessing the sea level rise and coastal erosion in Malaysia.

Prominent experts will share insights, outlook and perspectives on navigating the changing landscape in the energy industry during the August 28-29, 2023 Energy Transition (ET) Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Organised by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), conference speakers include Japan’s Institute of Energy Economics (IEEJ) chief economist and senior managing director Dr Ken Koyama and Asian Development Bank vice-president Ashok Lavasa.

Malaysia has been recognised as the best country in Southeast Asia in the Energy Transition Index by the World Economic Forum (WEF) recently. The index takes into account the system performance and the country's readiness to switch to more environmentally friendly energy sources. According to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, the achievement shows that Malaysia is on the right track to manage a fast, safe and affordable energy transition.

The COP28 UAE Presidency and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have convened the first in a landmark series of high-level dialogues through to COP28 around building a 1.5°C-aligned energy transition. The initiative is being conducted in conjunction with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and is supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Tesla Sdn. Bhd. (Tesla), an American multinational electric automotive manufacturer, has on Thursday announced its strategic expansion into the Malaysian market. Tesla and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said in a statement that Tesla is committed to introducing its cutting-edge lineup of electric vehicles to Malaysian consumers by offering its Model 3 and Model Y into the market. As the company aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of Malaysians, more of its models will be introduced in the future.  

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday (Jul 17) discussed clean energy cooperation with top officials during a visit to the UAE, host of this year's UN climate talks. Kishida's visit to the United Arab Emirates, which will host COP28 in November-December, is part of the first Gulf tour by a Japanese premier since the late Shinzo Abe in 2020. Japan relies almost entirely on imports for its crude oil, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar accounting for the bulk of its supplies.

Tucked within the leafy enclave of Chreav Village, Siem Reap province, the engines of sustainable innovation are quietly humming. ACE Energy Solutions Cambodia (ACE), an eco-conscious business venture, has been pushing the boundaries of ecological responsibility by converting sugarcane pulp and wood chips into eco-friendly firewood. This remarkable innovation, both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, is attracting a growing legion of admirers.

In this latest episode of Smart Regions, we find out how the islands of Favignana and Lampedusa are exploring the BloRin model of producing, sharing, and selling solar energy. Two small Sicilian islands, Lampedusa and Favignana, are testing energy 'microgrids' based on renewables and blockchain technology. Vincenzo Tenerello lives in Favignana. His company, SEA, is involved in an innovative project that he is trialling at home.

Buffeted by waves as high as 10m in China’s Yellow Sea about 30km off the coast of Shandong province, two circular rafts carrying neat rows of solar panels began generating electricity in late 2022, a crucial step towards a new breakthrough for clean energy. The experiment by State Power Investment, China’s biggest renewable power developer, and Norway-based developer Ocean Sun is one of the most high-profile tests yet of offshore solar technology.

Indonesia burned more coal in 2022 than any other year, a preliminary analysis shows, putting the country on track to become one of the largest carbon emitters from fossil fuel in the world. Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources showed that coal consumption amounted to 745.72 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) in 2022, a 33 per cent increase from 558.78 million BOE in 2021. The data shows the country’s coal consumption to be the highest ever by a very large margin.