Green Progress Amidst Challenges
Key Ideas
- US permitting reform bill faces obstacles despite bipartisan support, with concerns from climate activists and politicians.
- Paris Olympics making strides in reducing carbon footprint, but travel emissions remain a challenge.
- Investors eye graphite as key for batteries, seeking to challenge China's dominance in production.
- Study highlights potential benefits of EVs in African countries but notes challenges in grid infrastructure and policy support.
The US permitting reform bill, sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso, is making slow progress despite bipartisan support, facing opposition from climate activists and Democratic politicians, who argue it favors Big Oil. The Paris Olympics have significantly reduced their carbon footprint, focusing on limiting physical infrastructure and sourcing low-carbon materials, but travel-related emissions remain a concern. Investors are turning to graphite for batteries to reduce China's monopoly, with companies like Lyten and Group 14 exploring alternative technologies. The concept of 'hydrogen compatibility' in gas-fired power plants is questioned for its feasibility due to a lack of green hydrogen and infrastructure. A study by the Energy for Growth Hub highlights the potential for EV adoption in African countries for public health and economic benefits, but notes challenges in grid infrastructure and policy support.