OMNI Features｜Methane Emissions Reach Record High in 2023．Canada and Germany Sign Hydrogen MOU．Penghu Initiates Circular Economy Reuse of Discarded Oyster Shells

｜Methane Emissions Reach Record High in 2023 - Global Efforts Against Warming Cannot Be Ignored
At the "2024 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting" held this week in Geneva, the spotlight was on methane. While methane may have a shorter lifespan in the atmosphere, its greenhouse effect is more substantial than carbon dioxide, making it the second-largest contributor to global warming and a crucial factor in climate change. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) states that 60% of methane emissions are attributed to human activities, especially those from the fossil fuel industry. Countries like the European Union and the United States have initiated a global methane pledge, aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30% by the end of 2030.

｜Canada and Germany Sign Hydrogen MOU
Canada and Germany have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on hydrogen energy, accelerating the commercialization and trade of green hydrogen between the two nations. This move also encourages other countries to participate, aiming to reduce dependency on energy from Russia. Both countries pledge to support transactions between Canadian hydrogen fuel producers and German industrial manufacturing and energy sectors. In August 2022, the two countries agreed to establish a transatlantic supply corridor and coordinate hydrogen investment policies, with Canada aiming to start exporting to Germany by 2025. Canada has announced over 80 low-carbon hydrogen fuel production projects.

｜Penghu Initiates Circular Economy Reuse of Discarded Oyster Shells
The Fisheries Research Institute - Penghu Fishery Research Center recently introduced the first oyster shell resource processing equipment capable of producing 600 tkg (台斤) (approximately 360 kg) of oyster powder daily. Collaborating with industry, government, and academia, they aim to develop non-structural circular construction materials to address the issue of discarded oyster shells. The center highlights the versatility of oyster shells across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, food, and cosmetics. Through technological collaboration, they aim to transform oyster shells into reusable materials, contributing to sustainable utilization goals.

Reference: The International Trade Administration (TITA)｜CNA