Energy Transition, Renewables, Emissions, Carbon
August 05, 2026
ET Highlights: Xpansiv expands nuclear-backed certificates; Australia, Singapore deepen energy ties; Air Liquide French green hydrogen plant on track
Energy Transition Highlights: Our editors and analysts bring together the biggest stories in the industry this week, from renewables to storage to carbon prices.
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Xpansiv expands nuclear-backed certificates trading amid data center demand
Xpansiv has been increasing its footprint in nuclear-based emission-free energy certificates, amid emergent voluntary markets in the US and growing energy demand from data centers.
Xpansiv CBL launched trading of the so-called emission-free energy certificates, or EFECs, from the New England Power Pool on July 15, six months after launching the same certificates from the PJM Interconnection power pool.
"Demand is coming not only from hyperscalers, but from the entire data center ecosystem," said Russell Karas, senior vice president at Xpansiv.
EFECs represent the environmental attributes of electricity generated by power plants without relevant carbon emissions. Similar to zero-emission certificates, or ZECs, they are usually related to nuclear power, although renewable sources are also allowed to issue these certificates.
Benchmark of the Week
$2,530/metric ton
Platts SAF HEFA-SPK FOB Straits assessment on July 27, as Japan plans to mandate 5% SAF blend from 2030.
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Australia, Singapore pledge deeper energy ties, eye CCS deal
Australia and Singapore have agreed to conclude negotiations on a cross-border carbon capture and storage agreement by the end of 2026, marking a further step in bilateral energy cooperation. The commitment emerged from the inaugural Australia-Singapore ministerial dialogue on energy in Sydney, where both countries pledged to strengthen energy security and support net-zero goals. The proposed pact would create a legal framework for transporting and storing captured carbon across borders.
Japan plans to mandate 5% SAF blend from 2030 with 7 airports, levy
Japan plans to require sustainable aviation fuel supply at seven major airports from fiscal 2030 as part of efforts to decarbonize aviation. Under the proposal released by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, SAF would account for at least 1% of jet fuel supply in fiscal 2030, rise to 3% in fiscal 2031 and reach 5% or more from fiscal 2032 onward for international flights.
German cabinet approves green energy law reform amid shift to cut grid costs
Germany's cabinet approved major reforms to its green energy law (EEG) that will end feed-in tariffs amid a shift from rooftop to ground-mounted solar and link future wind and solar projects to regional grid capacity in a bid to cut redispatch costs, the energy ministry said July 29. Cabinet approved amendments to the EEG 2023 alongside a new grid connection package that introduces market-based incentives to steer wind and solar away from congested network areas.
US bans foreign power inverters for renewables over national security concerns
The US Federal Communications Commission has imposed a new ban on foreign-produced power inverters – typically used in solar, wind and battery projects – citing national security concerns. The FCC on July 28 issued a restriction on foreign-made inverters effective immediately.
Air Liquide on track to start 200-MW French green hydrogen plant in 2026
L’Air Liquide SA is on track to start up its 200-megawatt electrolyzer in Normandy, France, by the end of 2026, as EU regulations drive refiner demand for renewable hydrogen, the French industrial gas producer said in an earnings call on July 28. The Normand'Hy facility will supply up to 28,000 metric tons/year of green hydrogen to industrial customers in the region, including TotalEnergies SE’s Gonfreville refinery.
Japan's JOGMEC grants subsidy to Hokkaido Electric for low-carbon ammonia hub
Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security has approved subsidy support for Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.'s plans to develop a low-carbon ammonia supply hub in Tomakomai under the Hydrogen Society Promotion Act. The project will underpin infrastructure for storing and transporting low-carbon ammonia imported from Louisiana by Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Hokkaido Electric, Mitsui, IHI Corp. and Tomakomai Futo Co. will jointly develop and operate the hub, which is intended to strengthen Japan's low-carbon fuel supply chain.