Thẻ: energy

Nuclear energy: Where China is getting with small modular and fusion reactors

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

On Oct. 13 of this year, the PRC state media outlet CPNN, reported that China is pulling ahead in advanced nuclear power technology development with the launch of the large-scale production “Hualong One” (also known as HPR1000). As it develops, China not only aims to tackle the transmission bottleneck in the south, but also to export to countries like Pakistan as the PRC’s “business card” to the world.

China’s dual goals of localization and export orientation have long defined its nuclear strategy. Led by state-owned giants such as the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Beijing has invested heavily in domestic innovation while aggressively expanding into overseas markets. Beijing has sought to expand its reactor sales to markets such as Argentina and the United Kingdom, while also securing control over upstream uranium resources. CNNC’s 2019 acquisition of Namibia’s Rössing Uranium Mine, one of the world’s largest open-pit uranium operations, underscored China’s growing dominance across the nuclear value.

Beijing’s policy support for state-owned enterprises has enabled it to build a vertically integrated nuclear industry, driving rapid advances in small modular reactors (SMRs), fourth-generation technologies, and nuclear fusion research (the Artificial Sun). Furthermore, intensifying US–China competition is reshaping global nuclear exports and deepening the geopolitical risks of dependence on Chinese nuclear systems.

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The lights dim on Laos’ brief Bitcoin dream

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

mekoneye.com By Võ Kiều Bảo Uyên 17 November 2025 at 14:50

Four years after it first approved Bitcoin mining projects powered by surplus hydropower, Laos is beginning to rethink whether the energy-hungry industry — now linked to massive transnational cryptocurrency scams — is worth keeping alive

High-rise buildings stand in the Boten Special Economic Zone in northern Laos, near the border with China. The area is suspected to be a hotspot for scam operations, including schemes that store fraudulent money in crypto for later laundering. PHOTO: Thanh Hue

Houaphanh Province, LAOS — Bitcoin is a world far away from 19-year-old Chai, an ethnic Hmong and a college student who has never owned a computer. 

But its shadow has already crept into his mountainous village, where power outages are common—often a side effect of the vast energy demands elsewhere, including cryptocurrency mining.

Despite the national grid being connected to his remote community seven years ago, he and his classmate studied by candlelight, oil lamp, or mobile flashlight at night to prepare for university entrance exams. The blackout worsens during the dry seasons when hydropower drops. 

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10 Years After a Breakthrough Climate Paris Agreement, Here’s Where We Are

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

nytimes.com Nov. 7, 2025

Almost exactly 10 years ago, a remarkable thing happened in a conference hall on the outskirts of Paris: After years of bitter negotiations, the leaders of nearly every country agreed to try to slow down global warming in an effort to head off its most devastating effects.

The core idea was that countries would set their own targets to reduce their climate pollution in ways that made sense for them. Rich, industrialized nations were expected to go fastest and to help lower-income countries pay for the changes they needed to cope with climate hazards.

So, has anything changed over those 10 years? Actually, yes. Quite a bit, for the better and the worse. For one thing, every country remains committed to the Paris Agreement, except one. That’s the United States.

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Australia and Mekong River Commision deepen cooperation to strengthen river monitoring and digital innovation in Lao PDR

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

mrcmekong.org

Australia and MRC deepen cooperation to strengthen river monitoring and digital innovation in Lao PDR

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Vientiane, Lao PDR, 6 November 2025 – The Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Government of Australia have reinforced their long-standing partnership through additional Australian support and the use of new digital innovations to enhance water monitoring and management in the Mekong region.

At a ceremony held today at the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane, Australia formalised an additional USD 1.71 million to support the MRC’s Environment and River Profile Survey, a key program that helps the MRC to enhance monitoring of river conditions, improve forecast changes, and better assess the health of the basin. This ensures the MRC can continue gathering and analysing data effectively that inform decisions on the river’s management and protection.

Australia’s support for the Environment and River Profile Survey builds on its core support to the MRC under the Mekong-Australia Partnership, which seeks to strengthen water security, economic resilience and sustainable growth in the sub-region. “Australia is proud to support this project as it will benefit the MRC, its member countries, and the river’s communities, economy, and environment” said H.E. Ms Megan Jones, Australian Ambassador to Lao PDR.

Joining the event was His Excellency Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR. Together with the MRC and Australia, he witnessed the formal launch of a new “Digital Twin” platform, a real-time modelling tool that integrates hydrological, meteorological and spatial data to help visualise how changes in rainfall, flow or land-use could affect communities and ecosystems.

“With this Digital Twin platform, we are giving our communities and partners a window into the river’s future,” said Dr Douangsavanh. “When we see what may come, we can plan better, respond faster and protect the peoples and their livelihoods and nature that depend so much on the Mekong.”

“Today we harness new digital capabilities and advanced capabilities so that we can ensure shared benefits for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin. The MRC is grateful for this timely support from Australia that has allowed this to happen,” said H.E. Ms Busadee Santipitaks, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat.

About the Mekong River Commission

The MRC is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1995 to boost regional dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Based on the Mekong Agreement among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam, the MRC serves as both a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub – to manage water resources and support sustainable development of the region.

Japan Struggles to Find a Site for Its High-Level Radioactive Waste

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

nippon.com Jan 15, 2025 Matsumoto Sōichi [Profile]

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan recently backed the further survey of two potential disposal sites for high-level radioactive waste in Hokkaidō. The government has struggled to convince municipalities to participate in review procedures, with a growing list of stakeholders calling for a new approach to the selection process.

A Three-Step Process

The Japanese government and nuclear power plant operators have long grappled with how to dispose of spent fuel and other high-level radioactive waste. Authorities finally settled on the approach of burying waste deep underground at facilities 300 or more meters below the surface. In 2002, NUMO, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan, began hunting for a storage location by inviting municipalities to put themselves forward as candidate sites. To date, this “volunteer” policy has netted only three participants, the towns of Suttsu and Kamoenai in Hokkaidō and Genkai in Saga.

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The US is on the cusp of a nuclear renaissance. One problem: Americans are terrified of the waste

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

By Ella Nilsen and Bill Weir, CNN Published 6:00 AM EST, Mon November 25, 2024

An array of containers storing nuclear waste sit at the decommissioned Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, New York.

An array of containers storing nuclear waste sit at the decommissioned Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, New York. Brian Vangor/HoltecBUCHANAN, New YorkCNN — 

The Indian Point nuclear power plant was an energy juggernaut for 50 years, generating a quarter of the electricity that powered New York City’s iconic, glowing skyline.

It is well into its decommissioning process after shutting down in 2021: The remaining waste of the radioactive fuel that once generated all of that power has been sealed inside more than 120 hulking metal and concrete canisters.

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Green energy statecraft and Australia’s clean industry future

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

lowyinstitute.org Elizabeth Thurbon Oliver Yates

A new policy model that removes the risk in clean commodity innovation will put Australia ahead of the pack.

Australia will need to lead as global supply chains pivot towards low-emissions production (Getty Images)

Australia will need to lead as global supply chains pivot towards low-emissions production (Getty Images)

Published 9 Jul 2025  Australia Australian trade, investment & economy

As global supply chains pivot towards low-emissions production, Australia will need to lead, or risk being left behind. The country’s challenge is not a lack of technology, capital, or ambition. It’s a gap in policy architecture. Without bankable demand, Australia’s most promising clean commodity projects – green iron, sustainable aviation fuel, and clean ammonia – remain stuck at the starting line.

To meet that challenge, we propose a new demand-side policy model: the Clean Commodities Trading Initiative (CCTI) – a flagship example of green energy statecraft. At its heart is a new tool for national transformation: Clean Commodity Credits that reward innovation and emissions savings.

A market-friendly mechanism to kickstart large-scale clean production.

Green energy statecraft is a strategic approach to governance that uses the clean energy transition to simultaneously advance a nation’s economic, environmental, social, and geostrategic goals. Unlike conventional industry policy, which focuses on domestic market corrections, statecraft treats clean energy as key to national security and prosperity – used to build alliances, secure supply chains, boost productivity, and shape global rules.

The European Union, China, Japan, and South Korea are all pursuing variations of green energy statecraft. Australia must do the same – on its own terms, with tools suited to its advantages, institutions, and budget.

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‘Madness’: World leaders call for deep-sea mining moratorium at UN ocean summit

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

Mongabay.com Elizabeth Claire Alberts 11 Jun 2025 France

  • World leaders have renewed calls for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining at the 2025 U.N. Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, as the U.S. moves to mine the deep sea in international waters under its own controversial authority.
  • Four additional countries have joined the coalition of nations calling for a moratorium, precautionary pause, or ban on deep-sea mining, bringing the total number to 37.
  • The U.S., which did not have an official delegation at UNOC, is pushing forward with its plans to mine in international waters — a decision that has drawn criticism from the international community.

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China is Southeast Asia’s biggest public funder of clean energy with US$2.7bn in investment

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

eco-business.com

Indonesia received the most funding from China over the last decade, according to a new report by Zero Carbon Analytics. But uncertainties caused by US-driven tariff plans could see Southeast Asian countries retract green investments, said an analyst.

Cirata floating solar Indonesia
China’s PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited constructed the Cirata floating solar plant in West Java, Indonesia. Image: PLN Nusantara

By Hannah Alcoseba Fernande June 4, 2025

China is the leading source of public clean energy investments in Southeast Asia over the last decade, channeling over US$ 2.7 billion into projects across the region, according to a report by international research organisation Zero Carbon Analytics.

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Oil and Gas Majors Need to Invest $20 Billion Yearly to Dominate in Renewables

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

Greentechmedia

That hypothetical amount would equate to “a massive boost for the market.”

EMMA FOEHRINGER MERCHANT OCTOBER 25, 2018
Spending $20 billion per year on renewables would support 7 gigawatts of offshore wind annually.

Spending $20 billion per year on renewables would support 7 gigawatts of offshore wind annually Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

China plans super-grid for clean power in Asia

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

Financial times

As hydropower hits problems, China plans renewable energy for region

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s ambitious outbound investment strategy which links at least 65 countries along terrestrial and maritime trade corridors, will open massive new opportunities for trade and investment in frontier markets. Energy infrastructure investments are a backbone of BRI, so aligning these investments with sustainable development goals is necessary for China to navigate regional patchworks of social, environmental and economic priorities. Tiếp tục đọc “China plans super-grid for clean power in Asia” →

Milestones in the development the power system in Vietnam

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

EVN

  • Construction of the first 35 kV power line in the North

In January 1958, the first 35 kV power line (Hanoi – Pho Noi) was built and in the third quarter of the same year was inaugurated and successfully energized. This was a remarkable milestone in the development of the Vietnam power network.

  • Construction of the first large scale thermal power plant in the North

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Vietnam increasingly reliant on imported energy

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này
Vietnamnet.vn

Due to limited domestic supply, Vietnam has become increasingly dependent on energy imports, putting national energy security at risk, Nguyen Van Thanh, deputy head of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, told the Vietnam Technology and Energy Forum 2018 on July 31.

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An active hydropower dam 

According to a report by the Electricity and Renewable Energy Department, after executing the national energy development strategy by 2020 with a vision to 2050 for 10 years, the local energy sector has achieved positive results. However, some targets have yet to be fulfilled.

Dung Quat and Nghi Son oil refineries are likely to reach a combined processing capacity of 16.5 million tons of crude oil by 2020, well below the estimate of 25-30 million tons. Tiếp tục đọc “Vietnam increasingly reliant on imported energy” →

An Australian Coal Company Tries Desperately to Sell Coal to Vietnam

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ 1 bình luận
reneweconomy.com.au

Adani’s desperate bid to sell Carmichael coal to Vietnam

By  on 25 May 2018
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adani carmichael

The invitation of an Adani Mining executive as a speaker at a “energy roundtable” in Hanoi organised by an Australian government agency is symptomatic of the desperate challenge the company faces getting its Carmichael coal project off the ground.

Adani Mining’s Senior Marketing Manager, Christine Evans, was listed by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) to speak on “future supply opportunities, international coal procurement practice” at the roundtable on May 22. Tiếp tục đọc “An Australian Coal Company Tries Desperately to Sell Coal to Vietnam” →

Europe’s biggest insurance group Allianz stops insuring coal companies

~ Đào Thu Hằng ~ Bình luận về bài viết này

DW

Europe’s biggest insurance group, Germany-based Allianz, stops selling policies to coal companies effective immediately under efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuel and foster climate-saving energy policies.

    
Allianz Versicherungskonzern Zentrale bei München (picture-alliance/dpa)

Munich, Germany-based Allianz Group announced on Friday that it would refuse insurance coverage of coal-fired power plants and coal mines with immediate effect, and would aim to get rid of all coal risks in its business by 2040.

Read more: How can the world move beyond fossil fuels?

In addition, Europe’s biggest insurer said it would stop investing in companies that do not cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

“We want to promote the transition to a climate-friendly economy,” said chief executive Oliver Bäte, adding that the company wanted to get “even more serious on global warming.” Tiếp tục đọc “Europe’s biggest insurance group Allianz stops insuring coal companies” →