The recent publication of the EU’s new landmark Regulation, the Net-Zero Industry Act, in the Official Journal of the European Union means that this Act has now finally entered into force throughout the EU Member States. This piece of legislation is envisaged to pave the way for the EU to meet its ambitious climate and energy goals through bolstering the manufacturing of key net-zero technologies across the bloc.

Indonesia has relaxed energy sector local content requirements. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree 191/2024, issued on 6 August 2024, sets out new thresholds for each type of electricity infrastructure. Under the new regulations, the minimum local content for solar power plants is now 20%, less than half the previous amount. Solar projects can use imported panels provided ministerial approval is obtained; a power purchase agreement is signed before the end of 2024; the plant starts operation by mid-2026; and the panels are purchased from companies committed to investing in production in Indonesia. The window for importation will close in June 2025.

Jordan will exempt more green technologies from customs duties and general sales tax, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The country’s new tax exemption system was approved by the Cabinet on 19 August 2024 and will enter into force from its publication date in the Official Gazette. New exemptions will apply to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. These include electrical storage from renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal) and associated charging regulators; concentrated solar power (CSP) systems for steam production; energy audit services; and inputs for bioenergy and geothermal energy systems.

India’s Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019. Under that law, solar photovoltaic manufacturers must follow certain processes and provide information to be listed as approved producers. The amendments, issued on 7 August 2024, have modified one clause and introduced two new clauses.

The European Commission is planning to open a portal for third country operators that would allow them to submit confidential data required under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) directly to the European Commission (as reported by MLex). The new portal is expected to be available from 1 January 2025.

Mexico’s Ecomondo expo provided clear proof that agriculture can be a profitable market for green waste treatment companies.

Exhibitors at the Ecomondo Mexico circular economy expo were obligingly frank about the factors behind the country’s shift to sustainability.

Prioritising small efficiency gains over spectacular transformation appeared to be the order of the day at the Solar + Storage Mexico expo.

Mexico is in danger of falling behind in the race to shift to sustainable energy, according to exhibitors at the Solar + Storage Mexico event.

The Canadian government is seeking public input through 1 August on potential policy responses to protect Canada’s auto workers as well as its growing electric vehicle industry from unfair trade practices, primarily from mainland China, as well as to prevent trade diversion resulting from recent actions taken by Canadian trading partners.