Since 2019 China’s energy system seems to be undergoing significant shifts.

Governments worldwide are recognising the economic and strategic benefits of controlling supply chains for low-carbon technologies. Specifically, China’s dominance in solar PV module production (almost 85% of global production as of 2023) (Statista, 2024a) and battery manufacturing (79% of global EV Li-ion batteries as of 2021) (Statista, 2024b) has spurred rival policies.

The essential role of rare earths is as a multiplier, especially in energy applications. In their absence, they move from multiplier to decelerator, especially for renewables.

Then the ACCC weighed in again in late March, warning, ‘the east coast outlook for Quarter 3 2025 has worsened. The market will need access to LNG producers’ uncontracted gas to mitigate the risk of shortfall’.

"Despite the significant progress achieved under the REPowerEU Plan and via sanctions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in 2024 the EU saw a rebound in Russian gas imports," the EC said. "More coordinated actions are therefore needed, as the EU's overdependency on Russian energy imports is a security threat."

Renewable hydrogen is also part of a broader plan and series of directives aiming at increasing the share of renewable energies in EU’s energy consumption.

Our projections indicate significant uncertainty in societal cost estimates for 2050, ranging from approximately €236/tCO₂ to €3,938/tCO₂. Consequently, direct comparisons with marginal abatement costs become difficult; for instance, even the relatively lower MAC of €1,944/tCO₂e in the “Linear Path to Net Zero” scenario aligns with societal costs only under particular discount rates and growth assumptions.

Gas plays a crucial role in the energy transition by replacing higher-carbon energy sources and as a partner to renewable energy.

Japan faces substantial challenges in managing its energy trade deficit and high end-user costs while aggressively pursuing decarbonization targets amidst geopolitical tensions. There are significant concerns about Japan's ability to meet its emissions targets, casting doubts on its broader 2050 decarbonization plans.

The two sides discussed cooperation within the OPEC+ framework and the energy sector, including electricity, hydropower and renewables. Three coal-fired thermal power plants will be built in Kazakhstan in the cities of Kokshetau, Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk, and two power units at Ekibastuz TPP-2 will be renovated with the involvement of Russian specialists.