Energy

The UK government is set to allow oil and gas exploration beneath offshore wind farms, sparking controversy and raising concerns among environmentalists who argue it undermines the country's climate agenda. This move, while potentially boosting Prime Minister Sunak politically, faces criticism for prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy and jeopardizing the UK's climate goals.

In a historic move, G7 energy ministers pledged to phase out coal-fired power generation by the 2030s, marking a crucial step towards achieving global climate goals. The agreement acknowledges the need for flexibility, allowing Germany and Japan, which are heavily reliant on coal, to transition at their own pace.

A special committee within the Genkai town assembly in Saga Prefecture met on April 25 and approved a request for Genkai to potentially become the final disposal site for nuclear waste. The assembly is set to vote on this request, and if approved, the town mayor will then decide whether to formally ask the central government to consider Genkai as a candidate for this role.

The Japan Business Federation, Keidanren, has stated that Japan needs to develop a comprehensive long-term strategy to become a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enhance industrial competitiveness and economic growth through innovative businesses, particularly in strategic fields like AI, robotics, semiconductors, and energy.

The Asian Development Bank is willing to provide funding to India's space sector while also focusing on climate finance to address associated risks, according to its Vice President Bhargav Dasgupta. The bank has shown interest in supporting projects related to satellite technology in India and is open to exploring opportunities that align with their Sustainable Development Goals.