The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to fund the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $3.5 billion program to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution directly from the air.

In 2021, U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased by 296 million metric tons (MMmt), or 6%, compared with 2020 levels.

In 2021, GHG emissions from the power sector rose by more than 8.3%, as the economic recovery fuelled the electricity demand - it returned to its 2019 level - and as the surge in European gas prices incited power generation groups to shift from gas to coal.

US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including LULUCF) declined by 11% in 2020 to 5,222 MtCO2eq, i.e., 21% below 2005 levels, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Japan’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 5.1% in the financial year 2020-2021 (April 2020-March 2021) to 1,150 MtCO2eq, their lowest level since 1990-1991, according to final figures from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.

Germany has missed emissions targets for two straight years.

To make lasting progress, carbon transition policy must be tailored to each country’s needs and dynamics while addressing the limitations of renewable energy like intermittency and lack of storage.

CO2 emissions from power generation thus rose by 13% in 2021, though remaining within the path of the Climate Protection Act.

Saudi Arabia also intends to develop carbon capture use and storage (CCUS), and to reduce global methane emissions in 2030 by 30% relative to 2020 levels. It will focus on energy efficiency in industry, building and land transportation and plans to retrofit the entire pool of public and governmental assets and facilities.

As of end-2020, China had nearly 282 GW of installed wind capacity, and over 253 GW of solar capacity.