According to a new analysis, wind and solar generated a 10% of global electricity for the first time in 2021. This could pave a way for a less warm and a green world.

Wind & Solar: Future of global electricity

A new record has been set by the Chinese 'artificial sun' or the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor in Hefei as it ran at 70 million°C) for 1,056 seconds, which is over 17 minutes. The record was apparently achieved on December 30.&nbsp;

Media reports have mentioned that the achieved temperature is almost five times hotter than the real Sun, which hits a temperature of 15 million°C at its core.

Quoting experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinhua reported that the continuous high-temperature plasma operation is the longest time of operation of its kind in the world.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/part-of-failed-russian-rocket-makes-uncontrolled-re-entry-into-earths-atmosphere-crashes-442554">Part of failed Russian rocket makes uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, crashes</a>

The previous record set by EAST set was in May by running for 101 seconds at a higher temperature of 20 million°C. &nbsp;

It is learned that the aim of EAST is basically to create nuclear fusion like the Sun to provide clean energy after using deuterium abound in the sea.&nbsp;

Gong Xianzu, who is a researcher at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, announced the development. Xianzu is in charge of the experiment conducted in Hefei. &nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chemical-leftovers-from-earths-creation-still-lingering-deep-within-our-planet-study-442513">Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study</a>

"We achieved a plasma temperature of 120 million degrees Celsius for 101 seconds in an experiment in the first half of 2021," said Xianzu, as quoted by Xinhua.

"This time, steady-state plasma operation was sustained for 1,056 seconds at a temperature close to 70 million degrees Celsius, laying a solid scientific and experimental foundation toward the running of a fusion reactor," he added.&nbsp;

Important to note that nuclear fusion power works by colliding heavy hydrogen atoms to form helium. It releases vast amounts of energy.&nbsp;

A new record has been set by the Chinese 'artificial sun' or the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor in Hefei as it ran at 70 million°C) for 1,056 seconds, which is over 17 minutes.

A new record has been set by the Chinese 'artificial sun' or the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor in Hefei as it ran at 70 million°C) for 1,056 seconds, which is over 17 minutes. The record was apparently achieved on December 30. Media reports have mentioned that the achieved temperature is almost five times hotter than the real Sun, which hits a temperature of 15 million°C at its core. Quoting experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinhua reported that the continuous high-temperature plasma operation is the longest time of operation of its kind in the world. ALSO READ | Part of failed Russian rocket makes uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, crashes The previous record set by EAST set was in May by running for 101 seconds at a higher temperature of 20 million°C. It is learned that the aim of EAST is basically to create nuclear fusion like the Sun to provide clean energy after using deuterium abound in the sea. Gong Xianzu, who is a researcher at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, announced the development. Xianzu is in charge of the experiment conducted in Hefei. ALSO READ | Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study "We achieved a plasma temperature of 120 million degrees Celsius for 101 seconds in an experiment in the first half of 2021," said Xianzu, as quoted by Xinhua. "This time, steady-state plasma operation was sustained for 1,056 seconds at a temperature close to 70 million degrees Celsius, laying a solid scientific and experimental foundation toward the running of a fusion reactor," he added. Important to note that nuclear fusion power works by colliding heavy hydrogen atoms to form helium. It releases vast amounts of energy.

Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion

California has been battling an oil spill. The Governor of the state Gavin Newsom took a stalk of the cleanup work and pushed for clean energy.

California Governor pushes for clean energy amid oil spill

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera hailed the production of the first green hydrogen molecule in the country, setting the goal of becoming a leader in the clean energy sector.

Chile produces its first green hydrogen molecule

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy".

Speaking to our WION's Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said, "point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan government&nbsp;in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway".

Amid the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid pandemic</a>, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines," he said.

Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards Covid relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines. Here is the full interview:

WION:&nbsp;How did Norway reach out to India amid the Covid crisis and how are both the countries cooperating? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Both Norway and India have been quite hard hit by the pandemic; it has hit globally. India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway consistently for more than 20 years has been working to provide and distribute vaccines to developing countries through the GAVI cooperation, also COVAX which is providing vaccines through multilateral channels.

We actually have a co-chairship in the accelerating activities against Covid. Those are some of the backdrops. When second wave hit because then we already, from our side, from the embassy's side reallocated funds from other health programmes like the mother health programme to the covid crisis. We also reallocated resources from other programmes and additional resources from Norway to the tune of 8 million Kroners. Also, Norweigan businesses took up the challenge, felt the need to show solidarity and presence where they had activity, and provided about 12 million Kroners in contributions. That is part of the picture. When it comes to COVAX, we have committed five&nbsp;million doses and 141 million dollars, that is the total. That is back of the backdrop, two countries having an important role in combating the pandemic.

WION: Can Indians go to Norway right now?&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund:&nbsp;To&nbsp;be quite frank, just now, it is very difficult. Norway has been very strict in allowing travellers, not just for foreigners but also for us. We have restrictions on going back and forth. We have a plan to lift that, and you may access if you have family, relations and now we prepared for students who are supposed to start in universities this Autumn. We hope we can remove restrictions as soon as possible, but for time being it is quite regulated. That is a problem because Indians are the biggest work immigrant group in Norway outside the EU and those are very important in Norwegian high-tech industries. We have a highly competent workforce from India helping us develop our economy which we are very grateful.&nbsp;

WION: What is the India Norway green cooperation and how is your country taking a lead on dealing with climate change? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to enhance our cooperation with India. In October last year, we were able to hold a government meeting — joint commission digitally going through a huge area of the field of cooperation. The minister of external affairs summed it up in a very nice way: our partnership is green clean and human-centric. That brings us our priorities in that respect:&nbsp;ocean, climate, and energy. When it comes to energy, it is hydroelectric power, wind power, and the Norweigan investment fund for developing countries just invested 100 million dollars in rooftop solar in India.

What we, in the embassy, are focusing&nbsp;on is hydrogen, since this is a very rapidly developing field that is very promising and Norway has a century-old tradition in the production and know-how. India has defined hydrogen as one of the areas that they will get priority to provide clean energy. For instance, Norwegian company Greenstat and India's Indian Oil are establishing center for excellence for Hydrogen and we are going to have an international climate summit linked to hydrogen in September organised by PHDCC. So, we have clear emphasis on green, clean and renewable energy. There is&nbsp;huge potential in that area and our priority number one is oceans.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;India will host a maritime meet at the United Nations Security Council with PM Modi addressing it.&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We really appreciate that India took the initiative during its presidency to put emphasis on maritime security. So this is a theme that deserved to be discussed and we hope there will be a result which we can use as a building block to improve maritime security in all its aspects. In that process, we are discussing what we can do with MEA, the Ministry of shipping. We have not been on it security-wise as a direct economic part of it. The blue economy and we were able to have a task force on blue economy meet in June. We were actually able to further our projects on cooperating on integrated oceans management which means how you actually, wisely use your blue resources. We have been pushing when it comes to plastics and ship recycling for which India has a huge capacity and Norway has a huge fleet that needs to be recycled, and needs to be done in a sustainable and green manner. Research is an important part of cooperation — ocean and arctic research where we have very close relations.

WION: How do you see the developments on Afghanistan?&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We are very concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. Norway has been engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years, diplomatically with development aid and militarily. We have been able to work consistently for a political and peaceful solution and we will continue to do that. In this respect, contact with India has been crucial. We faced difficulties. A number of developments happened that we don't have control over but we need to continue the dialogue and cooperation to push for a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

WION: What is your government's view about China? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Noway is a country far away from India and China. The big picture is that you have the growing importance of both China and India, the point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards. This can be challenging with stronger and more assertive China and it can also create opportunities. To develop those opportunities, it is one of the reasons the Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because India is becoming more important for Norway. Since we need to actually relate more to India and that is my task, my mandate is to implement that strategy for improved relations and improved cooperation in areas I have mentioned —oceans, climate, energy — but also to rule of law, democracy. In this respect, our cooperation in security council is very important and we really appreciate it.&nbsp;

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy".

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy". Speaking to our WION's Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said, "point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway". Amid the second wave of Covid pandemic, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines," he said. Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards Covid relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines. Here is the full interview: WION: How did Norway reach out to India amid the Covid crisis and how are both the countries cooperating? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Both Norway and India have been quite hard hit by the pandemic; it has hit globally. India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway consistently for more than 20 years has been working to provide and distribute vaccines to developing countries through the GAVI cooperation, also COVAX which is providing vaccines through multilateral channels. We actually have a co-chairship in the accelerating activities against Covid. Those are some of the backdrops. When second wave hit because then we already, from our side, from the embassy's side reallocated funds from other health programmes like the mother health programme to the covid crisis. We also reallocated resources from other programmes and additional resources from Norway to the tune of 8 million Kroners. Also, Norweigan businesses took up the challenge, felt the need to show solidarity and presence where they had activity, and provided about 12 million Kroners in contributions. That is part of the picture. When it comes to COVAX, we have committed five million doses and 141 million dollars, that is the total. That is back of the backdrop, two countries having an important role in combating the pandemic. WION: Can Indians go to Norway right now? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: To be quite frank, just now, it is very difficult. Norway has been very strict in allowing travellers, not just for foreigners but also for us. We have restrictions on going back and forth. We have a plan to lift that, and you may access if you have family, relations and now we prepared for students who are supposed to start in universities this Autumn. We hope we can remove restrictions as soon as possible, but for time being it is quite regulated. That is a problem because Indians are the biggest work immigrant group in Norway outside the EU and those are very important in Norwegian high-tech industries. We have a highly competent workforce from India helping us develop our economy which we are very grateful. WION: What is the India Norway green cooperation and how is your country taking a lead on dealing with climate change? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to enhance our cooperation with India. In October last year, we were able to hold a government meeting — joint commission digitally going through a huge area of the field of cooperation. The minister of external affairs summed it up in a very nice way: our partnership is green clean and human-centric. That brings us our priorities in that respect: ocean, climate, and energy. When it comes to energy, it is hydroelectric power, wind power, and the Norweigan investment fund for developing countries just invested 100 million dollars in rooftop solar in India. What we, in the embassy, are focusing on is hydrogen, since this is a very rapidly developing field that is very promising and Norway has a century-old tradition in the production and know-how. India has defined hydrogen as one of the areas that they will get priority to provide clean energy. For instance, Norwegian company Greenstat and India's Indian Oil are establishing center for excellence for Hydrogen and we are going to have an international climate summit linked to hydrogen in September organised by PHDCC. So, we have clear emphasis on green, clean and renewable energy. There is huge potential in that area and our priority number one is oceans. WION: India will host a maritime meet at the United Nations Security Council with PM Modi addressing it. Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We really appreciate that India took the initiative during its presidency to put emphasis on maritime security. So this is a theme that deserved to be discussed and we hope there will be a result which we can use as a building block to improve maritime security in all its aspects. In that process, we are discussing what we can do with MEA, the Ministry of shipping. We have not been on it security-wise as a direct economic part of it. The blue economy and we were able to have a task force on blue economy meet in June. We were actually able to further our projects on cooperating on integrated oceans management which means how you actually, wisely use your blue resources. We have been pushing when it comes to plastics and ship recycling for which India has a huge capacity and Norway has a huge fleet that needs to be recycled, and needs to be done in a sustainable and green manner. Research is an important part of cooperation — ocean and arctic research where we have very close relations. WION: How do you see the developments on Afghanistan? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We are very concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. Norway has been engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years, diplomatically with development aid and militarily. We have been able to work consistently for a political and peaceful solution and we will continue to do that. In this respect, contact with India has been crucial. We faced difficulties. A number of developments happened that we don't have control over but we need to continue the dialogue and cooperation to push for a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan. WION: What is your government's view about China? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Noway is a country far away from India and China. The big picture is that you have the growing importance of both China and India, the point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards. This can be challenging with stronger and more assertive China and it can also create opportunities. To develop those opportunities, it is one of the reasons the Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because India is becoming more important for Norway. Since we need to actually relate more to India and that is my task, my mandate is to implement that strategy for improved relations and improved cooperation in areas I have mentioned —oceans, climate, energy — but also to rule of law, democracy. In this respect, our cooperation in security council is very important and we really appreciate it.

Norway's envoy Hans Jacob bats for strong ties with India; says focus on ocean, clean energy

The buzzword these days is ‘clean energy green energy’ but if the world’s population is not stabilised can clean energy or green energy alone be effective?

Mission Sustainability: Population v/s Planet: The importance of clean energy

India and the US can "creatively collaborate" on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday after US Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry called on him.

An official statement said Modi noted that India is committed to meeting its nationally determined contributions under the Paris agreement and that it was among the few countries on track to meet these commitments.

"Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable," Modi tweeted.

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Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnKerry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnKerry</a>. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable. <a href="https://t.co/HzCbigUfKt">pic.twitter.com/HzCbigUfKt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1379821385816629249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"With our complementary strengths, India and the US can creatively collaborate on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet. @JohnKerry," he said in another tweet.

The statement said Kerry noted that the US would support India's climate plans by facilitating affordable access to green technologies and requisite finance.

"The prime minister agreed that cooperation between India and the United States particularly on financing innovation and faster deployment of green technologies would have a positive demonstration effect on other countries," it said.

It also said Kerry conveyed greetings of President Joe Biden to the prime minister.

"The prime minister fondly recalled his recent interactions with President Biden, including during the Quad leaders' summit, and requested Kerry to convey his best wishes to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris," it said.

It said Kerry briefed Modi on his fruitful and productive discussions over the last two days in India.

"He positively noted India's Climate Actions including its ambitious renewable energy plans. He briefed the prime minister about the upcoming leaders' summit on climate scheduled for April 22-23," according to the statement.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the discussions focused on the climate leaders' summit as well as issues in the context of the upcoming UN climate change conference (COP26) and UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCC). Climate change has been a major area of focus for President Biden.

After taking charge as the US president, Biden on January 20 announced the return of the US to the Paris climate accord.

President Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Modi to the virtual summit on the climate crisis.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the key leaders invited to the two-day conference.

India and the US can "creatively collaborate" on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday after US Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry called on him.

India and the US can "creatively collaborate" on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday after US Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry called on him. An official statement said Modi noted that India is committed to meeting its nationally determined contributions under the Paris agreement and that it was among the few countries on track to meet these commitments. "Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable," Modi tweeted. Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable. pic.twitter.com/HzCbigUfKt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 7, 2021 × "With our complementary strengths, India and the US can creatively collaborate on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet. @JohnKerry," he said in another tweet. The statement said Kerry noted that the US would support India's climate plans by facilitating affordable access to green technologies and requisite finance. "The prime minister agreed that cooperation between India and the United States particularly on financing innovation and faster deployment of green technologies would have a positive demonstration effect on other countries," it said. It also said Kerry conveyed greetings of President Joe Biden to the prime minister. "The prime minister fondly recalled his recent interactions with President Biden, including during the Quad leaders' summit, and requested Kerry to convey his best wishes to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris," it said. It said Kerry briefed Modi on his fruitful and productive discussions over the last two days in India. "He positively noted India's Climate Actions including its ambitious renewable energy plans. He briefed the prime minister about the upcoming leaders' summit on climate scheduled for April 22-23," according to the statement. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the discussions focused on the climate leaders' summit as well as issues in the context of the upcoming UN climate change conference (COP26) and UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCC). Climate change has been a major area of focus for President Biden. After taking charge as the US president, Biden on January 20 announced the return of the US to the Paris climate accord. President Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Modi to the virtual summit on the climate crisis. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the key leaders invited to the two-day conference.

India, US can 'creatively collaborate' on agenda for clean and green technologies: PM Modi

The value of share offerings in fossil fuel companies dropped by almost 20% since 2012, while low-carbon companies gained ground in the shift towards clean energy, a report by think-tank Carbon Tracker showed on Wednesday.

From 2012 to 2020, investors have bought almost $640 billion of equities issued by oil, gas and coal producers, fossil fuel-dependent utilities, pipelines and service companies.

However, their investments have lost roughly $123 billion or nearly 20% in value, despite bullish equity markets during much of that period.

That contrasts with activity in clean energy. Investors bought $56 billion in equity from clean-energy companies, which has gained $77 billion in value, the report said.

"Investors have woken up to the fact that fossil fuel companies are no longer the growth stories they once were," said Henrik Jeppesen, the report's author and U.S. head of investor outreach.

"Climate risk is now very much a material one that cannot be ignored, and clean energy stocks are rapidly replacing the old order as the choice investment for a transitioning world," he added.

The report analysed the stock market fortunes of fossil fuel companies and compared them with electric utilities, renewables and clean-technology companies, as well as the general equity market (the MSCI All Country World Index).

It said an investor who bought into all fossil fuel and related equity issuances from 2012-2020 would have seen their investment underperform the ACWI by 52%.

In the same period, renewables and clean technology outperformed the ACWI by almost 54% and gained $77 billion in value. Electric utilities outperformed the index by less than 1% but increased by $111 billion in value.

Even though equity raised by clean-energy companies has grown rapidly, it is still far off what needs to be generated to finance a global energy transition.

According to scientists, clean-energy investments need to be $3 trillion to $5 trillion a year to keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The value of share offerings in fossil fuel companies dropped by almost 20% since 2012, while low-carbon companies gained ground in the shift towards clean energy, a report by think-tank Carbon Tracker showed on Wednesday.

The value of share offerings in fossil fuel companies dropped by almost 20% since 2012, while low-carbon companies gained ground in the shift towards clean energy, a report by think-tank Carbon Tracker showed on Wednesday. From 2012 to 2020, investors have bought almost $640 billion of equities issued by oil, gas and coal producers, fossil fuel-dependent utilities, pipelines and service companies. However, their investments have lost roughly $123 billion or nearly 20% in value, despite bullish equity markets during much of that period. That contrasts with activity in clean energy. Investors bought $56 billion in equity from clean-energy companies, which has gained $77 billion in value, the report said. "Investors have woken up to the fact that fossil fuel companies are no longer the growth stories they once were," said Henrik Jeppesen, the report's author and U.S. head of investor outreach. "Climate risk is now very much a material one that cannot be ignored, and clean energy stocks are rapidly replacing the old order as the choice investment for a transitioning world," he added. The report analysed the stock market fortunes of fossil fuel companies and compared them with electric utilities, renewables and clean-technology companies, as well as the general equity market (the MSCI All Country World Index). It said an investor who bought into all fossil fuel and related equity issuances from 2012-2020 would have seen their investment underperform the ACWI by 52%. In the same period, renewables and clean technology outperformed the ACWI by almost 54% and gained $77 billion in value. Electric utilities outperformed the index by less than 1% but increased by $111 billion in value. Even though equity raised by clean-energy companies has grown rapidly, it is still far off what needs to be generated to finance a global energy transition. According to scientists, clean-energy investments need to be $3 trillion to $5 trillion a year to keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Fossil fuel shares drop in value compared with clean energy, think tank says

Amazon.com Inc said on Tuesday it will launch a $2 billion venture capital fund that will focus on technology investments to reduce the impact of climate change and support sustainable development.

The Climate Pledge Fund will invest in companies across industries such as transportation and logistics, energy, storage and utilization, manufacturing and materials, and food and agriculture, the e-commerce giant said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/apple-google-amazon-take-aim-at-trump-visa-ban-308029" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban</a>

Amazon, which delivers about 10 billion items a year and has a massive transportation and data center footprint, has faced protests from environmental activists and pressure from its employees to take action on climate change.

The company has vowed to be net carbon neutral by 2040.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/amazon-to-use-ai-tech-in-its-warehouses-to-enforce-social-distancing-306310" hreflang="en">Amazon to use AI tech in its warehouses to enforce social distancing</a>

"Each prospective investment will be judged on its potential to accelerate the path to zero carbon and help protect the planet for future generations," Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said in a statement.

In February, Bezos committed about $10 billion to fund scientists, activists, non-profits and other groups fighting to protect the environment.&nbsp;

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the new fund.

Amazon.com Inc said on Tuesday it will launch a $2 billion venture capital fund that will focus on technology investments to reduce the impact of climate change and support sustainable development.

Amazon.com Inc said on Tuesday it will launch a $2 billion venture capital fund that will focus on technology investments to reduce the impact of climate change and support sustainable development. The Climate Pledge Fund will invest in companies across industries such as transportation and logistics, energy, storage and utilization, manufacturing and materials, and food and agriculture, the e-commerce giant said. Also read: Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban Amazon, which delivers about 10 billion items a year and has a massive transportation and data center footprint, has faced protests from environmental activists and pressure from its employees to take action on climate change. The company has vowed to be net carbon neutral by 2040. Also read: Amazon to use AI tech in its warehouses to enforce social distancing "Each prospective investment will be judged on its potential to accelerate the path to zero carbon and help protect the planet for future generations," Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said in a statement. In February, Bezos committed about $10 billion to fund scientists, activists, non-profits and other groups fighting to protect the environment. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the new fund.

Amazon pledges $2 billion venture capital fund to invest in clean energy

Hassan Raza says his clean fuel company, which captures natural gas &quot;flared&quot; at Pakistan&#39;s oil fields and sells it to industrial customers, is struggling to expand despite energy shortages and concerns over the country&#39;s poor pollution record.

EGas Pvt&nbsp;Ltd&nbsp;has a number of high-profile clients, some of whom turned to the small firm during the worst shortages in 2010 and 2011, but Raza says the government should be doing more to encourage environmentally friendly technology.

&quot;A high cost penalty on emitted carbon is the only way this type of business can grow; otherwise what incentive would companies have to stop flaring?&quot; Raza told Reuters at the EGas compression plant in Pakistan&#39;s central Chakwal district.

&quot;You penalise them and they will be forced to clean up their act. And that&#39;s where we come in.&quot;

A spokesman at the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency said flaring occurred, but that measures were being taken to control it. &quot;We are in touch with all stakeholders and are seeking their compliance as per international standards,&quot; he said.

Chronic power shortages severely dented Pakistan&#39;s economy earlier in the decade, and industry turned to burning wood, rubber, and even used shoes to keep its furnaces, boilers and generators running.

Those pressures have eased considerably, with rising volumes of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and heavy investment in pipelines and port terminals. There are plans to have five LNG terminals operational by the start of 2019.

Compared to state-led investment in LNG, Raza operates at the margins, but sees potential for growth in a country that generates only two-thirds of its energy needs.

Despite being around for seven years, and employing about 100 people, EGas only captures 3 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of the estimated 150 MMcfd of gas that Pakistan flares, or burns, daily.

&quot;I&#39;m only utilising a tiny portion of the gas that is being wasted around the country,&quot; Raza said.

Expansion is not cheap. EGas started out with one truck in 2010 and now has 25, each fitted with a network of cylinders inside to store and transport highly pressurised gas. The largest of the trucks costs $1 million apiece.

The company has also had to lay down an expensive network of pipelines that take the captured gas from the oil wells to the company&#39;s hydration and compression plants.

While Raza wants more support from Pakistan, some of his clients turned to the company because of concern about pressure from foreign regulators and businesses.

Kohinoor Textile Mills, one of Pakistan&#39;s largest exporters which sells bed linen to major foreign brands, chose EGas in 2011 partly because of its green credentials.

To keep its plants running during the height of energy shortages, it was burning huge piles of wood and coal each day.

&quot;Foreign regulators and clients come and if you are burning away rubber and diesel and wood, it doesn&#39;t look good to them,&quot; said Usman Zafar, Kohinoor&#39;s general manager for processing.

&quot;Harming the environment is almost as big a no-no now as child labour. So we had to find new ways to keep running.&quot;

Another major client is Murree Brewery that started sourcing gas from EGas in 2015.

&quot;We wanted to find something better than furnace oil, or burning wood, something that caused less pollution,&quot; said Mohammad Javaid, the brewery&#39;s general manager.

(Reuters)

Raza, who owns the clean energy company Egas PVT, says the government should be doing more to encourage environmentally friendly technology

Hassan Raza says his clean fuel company, which captures natural gas "flared" at Pakistan's oil fields and sells it to industrial customers, is struggling to expand despite energy shortages and concerns over the country's poor pollution record. EGas Pvt Ltd has a number of high-profile clients, some of whom turned to the small firm during the worst shortages in 2010 and 2011, but Raza says the government should be doing more to encourage environmentally friendly technology. "A high cost penalty on emitted carbon is the only way this type of business can grow; otherwise what incentive would companies have to stop flaring?" Raza told Reuters at the EGas compression plant in Pakistan's central Chakwal district. "You penalise them and they will be forced to clean up their act. And that's where we come in." A spokesman at the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency said flaring occurred, but that measures were being taken to control it. "We are in touch with all stakeholders and are seeking their compliance as per international standards," he said. Chronic power shortages severely dented Pakistan's economy earlier in the decade, and industry turned to burning wood, rubber, and even used shoes to keep its furnaces, boilers and generators running. Those pressures have eased considerably, with rising volumes of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and heavy investment in pipelines and port terminals. There are plans to have five LNG terminals operational by the start of 2019. Compared to state-led investment in LNG, Raza operates at the margins, but sees potential for growth in a country that generates only two-thirds of its energy needs. Despite being around for seven years, and employing about 100 people, EGas only captures 3 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of the estimated 150 MMcfd of gas that Pakistan flares, or burns, daily. "I'm only utilising a tiny portion of the gas that is being wasted around the country," Raza said. Expansion is not cheap. EGas started out with one truck in 2010 and now has 25, each fitted with a network of cylinders inside to store and transport highly pressurised gas. The largest of the trucks costs $1 million apiece. The company has also had to lay down an expensive network of pipelines that take the captured gas from the oil wells to the company's hydration and compression plants. While Raza wants more support from Pakistan, some of his clients turned to the company because of concern about pressure from foreign regulators and businesses. Kohinoor Textile Mills, one of Pakistan's largest exporters which sells bed linen to major foreign brands, chose EGas in 2011 partly because of its green credentials. To keep its plants running during the height of energy shortages, it was burning huge piles of wood and coal each day. "Foreign regulators and clients come and if you are burning away rubber and diesel and wood, it doesn't look good to them," said Usman Zafar, Kohinoor's general manager for processing. "Harming the environment is almost as big a no-no now as child labour. So we had to find new ways to keep running." Another major client is Murree Brewery that started sourcing gas from EGas in 2015. "We wanted to find something better than furnace oil, or burning wood, something that caused less pollution," said Mohammad Javaid, the brewery's general manager. (Reuters)

In Pakistan, clean fuel firm struggles despite energy shortages

Vietnamese families living in slums along the Red River in Hanoi are using red plastic buckets and old printers to help light homes, cook meals and slash electricity costs by as much as a third. 
 
The recycled goods form the blades and motors of electrical generators that power old motorcycle batteries to illuminate lamps with a brightness equivalent to a 45 watt light bulb. 
 
Though the output generated is small, it makes a significant difference for families previously denied power because they lived too far from a power station or had to ration supply because of the expense, at an average cost of $9 a month. 
 
&quot;It is enough to light the home of my family and other families around here,&quot; said Bui Van Ha, who earns about $4.50 a day on average by trading pottery to feed his family of four. 
 
&quot;Even for only a few hours after dark, it helped us to save on our monthly spending and bring profit to my family.&quot; 
 
The clean energy innovation on the floating village about five kilometres from Hanoi&#39;s central business district is the brainchild of Le Vu Cuong, a lecturer at a Hanoi university. 
 
His wind-powered generator makes use of materials that are cheap and easy to replace and works with a wind speed of just 0.4 metres a second. 
 
&quot;We want to support the low-income community,&quot; Cuong said. &quot;Now they can use more electricity without any extra costs, with energy coming from renewable sources.&quot; 
 
Vietnam produces just 140 MW of solar and wind power each year, but officials say it has the capacity to produce 500 times more. 
 
Cuong hopes to boost energy production, and is looking for donors to help lighten the electricity costs of other low-income families. 
 
(Reuters)

The clean energy innovation on the floating village about 5 km from Hanoi's central business district is the brainchild of Le Vu Cuong

Vietnamese families living in slums along the Red River in Hanoi are using red plastic buckets and old printers to help light homes, cook meals and slash electricity costs by as much as a third. The recycled goods form the blades and motors of electrical generators that power old motorcycle batteries to illuminate lamps with a brightness equivalent to a 45 watt light bulb. Though the output generated is small, it makes a significant difference for families previously denied power because they lived too far from a power station or had to ration supply because of the expense, at an average cost of $9 a month. "It is enough to light the home of my family and other families around here," said Bui Van Ha, who earns about $4.50 a day on average by trading pottery to feed his family of four. "Even for only a few hours after dark, it helped us to save on our monthly spending and bring profit to my family." The clean energy innovation on the floating village about five kilometres from Hanoi's central business district is the brainchild of Le Vu Cuong, a lecturer at a Hanoi university. His wind-powered generator makes use of materials that are cheap and easy to replace and works with a wind speed of just 0.4 metres a second. "We want to support the low-income community," Cuong said. "Now they can use more electricity without any extra costs, with energy coming from renewable sources." Vietnam produces just 140 MW of solar and wind power each year, but officials say it has the capacity to produce 500 times more. Cuong hopes to boost energy production, and is looking for donors to help lighten the electricity costs of other low-income families. (Reuters)

Plastic buckets, broken printers shine light on Hanoi's poor

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