DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) today launched its 2023 Asian Infrastructure Finance report, titled Nature as Infrastructure, with a panel discussion at its COP28 pavilion.

Amid accelerating climate change, the increasing value of carbon capture and the ongoing degradation of biodiversity globally, the concept of Nature as Infrastructure arrives at a pivotal moment. Viewing Nature as Infrastructure offers a transformative approach for recognizing the value of nature and enhancing investment in the protection of nature and biodiversity.

"It is high time for us to come to terms with nature; we cannot keep asking for more," said AIIB President and Chair of Board of Directors Jin Liqun. "This process of reconciliation must begin by understanding and recognizing the value that nature can offer us. Our ambition must be to turn the idea of nature as infrastructure from an abstract concept into an impactful asset class that commands increasing levels of investment and regulatory attention."

Viewing Nature as Infrastructure entails mitigating the impact of human development on nature. It includes nature-based solutions, direct investments into nature assets to sustain critical infrastructure-like services and directing more finance toward nature. Potential solutions toward a nature-positive future were discussed during the panel and is explored further in AIIB’s 2023 Asian Infrastructure Finance Report: "Nature as Infrastructure."

Following AIIB President Jin’s opening remarks, the panel was moderated by Devex Executive Vice President and Executive Editor Kate Warren, and joined by industry-leading commentators from across the world, including Erik Berglof, Chief Economist, AIIB; Jang Ping Thia, Lead Economist, AIIB; Simon Zadek, Executive Director, NatureFinance; Institute for Climate and Society Executive Director Maria Netto Schneider; Valerie Hickey, World Bank Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy and Rebekah Brown, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Monash University.

"MDBs must work to close the financing gap to adopt a more nature-friendly development path and reverse biodiversity loss," said Erik Berglof, Chief Economist of AIIB. "We must go beyond ‘do no harm’ and even beyond ‘nature-positive’ investment and look at how we can draw on the full potential of nature. This means unlocking fresh financing from our balance sheets, deploying new lending instruments and using our convening power to better mobilize private finance."

Incorporating nature into investments is already a key priority for AIIB and the report supports the existing strategy at the Bank. During the AIIB’s 8th Annual Meeting in September 2023, AIIB unveiled its inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP), which set out the Bank’s ongoing commitment to combatting climate change through four key principles. As part of the CAP, AIIB signaled its intention to focus on solutions that simultaneously mitigate climate change, build resilience, enhance adaptation and offer cobenefits for biodiversity and nature conservation. Viewing nature as infrastructure and integrating nature-based solutions into infrastructure design will enhance climate resilience.

Drawing on extensive data and case studies from all over the world, the report points to opportunities to maximize nature as our most critical infrastructure. Building on the basic understanding that there is a need to understand the value of nature—as well as how the economy of countries and sectors depends on nature—the report goes on to discuss how nature can provide infrastructure-like services, which in turn should influence how gray infrastructure and investments in nature’s restoration are made.

It shares examples of how better design can mitigate the impact of gray infrastructure and help people build greener infrastructure. In particular, the report looks at how China, Indonesia and Bangladesh adopted nature-based solutions to restore or renew nature. For example, tree planting in the northern countries of China was found to have a beneficial impact on dust conditions for countries further south without compromising agricultural productivity, mangrove planting in Indonesia was found to reduce losses from tidal floods and the wetlands of Bangladesh support critical primary industries and livelihoods.

All these examples demonstrate the importance of testing the best solutions customized to the local environment. Successfully and sustainably harnessing nature as infrastructure requires scientific research, effective implementation, consultation and engagement with local communities and a combination of policy incentives, including short-term fiscal support and commercial investments. The report also applies these tools to value natural capital in the Bank’s own projects.

The report also explores how various financial tools instruments can be used to channel more financial flows to nature and build on nature as infrastructure as an asset class. The report notes that there is a particular need to assist low-income economies, many of which are adversely affected by climate-related disasters, and how multilateral development banks like AIIB can catalyze efforts to mainstream nature into all development considerations.

Putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action is a key thematic priority at COP28. AIIB and the COP28 Presidency are collaborating to mobilize much-needed climate investment capital and accelerate clean energy investments to address critical resource gaps in Asia and beyond.

The report can be read in full on AIIB’s website here.

About AIIB

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 109 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

Source : AIIB Launches Report on Transformative Concept of Defining Nature as Infrastructure

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HONG KONG, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) announced today the grand opening of the HKSH Proton Therapy Centre (the Centre) – the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Located at the HKSH Eastern Medical Centre in A Kung Ngam, Shau Kei Wan, the Centre boasts two state-of-the-art treatment rooms and a cutting-edge proton therapy system. This system comprises two half-rotating proton therapy gantries, a synchrotron-based accelerator and an advanced beam transport system. The system is ingeniously positioned in a vertically stacked format, making it an excellent example of compact design configurations suitable for densely populated urban areas like Hong Kong.

Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Centre, Professor LO Chung-mau, Secretary for Health, HKSAR Government, said, "It is most encouraging to witness the introduction of proton therapy to Hong Kong which can provide our patients with a more effective and less invasive treatment option. The HKSAR Government is highly committed to fostering healthcare innovations in the city through various initiatives in recent years, such as commencing a large-scale genome sequencing project to promote genomic medicine and introducing a regulatory regime for advanced therapy products.  As recently announced in the Chief Executive’s Policy Address, the SAR Government will continue to work with stakeholders and society to develop Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub."

Dr. Walton LI, Chief Executive Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, said, "Introducing proton therapy to Hong Kong has been a decade-long, challenging journey, and we are grateful for the support of Hitachi, who helped us with the introduction of the proton therapy system. We are also grateful for the expertise of international specialists from Mayo Clinic Arizona, who oversaw the initial clinical application and design of a training program for our clinical oncologists and scientists. In addition to proton therapy, we also provide multidisciplinary cancer management services, including cancer genetics, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and counselling. In the next few years, we look forward to implementing inpatient services, additional operating theatre facilities, and cancer care units at the HKSH Eastern Medical Centre in Shau Kei Wan. Our goal is to provide cancer patients with access to advanced technology and treatment modalities. We will continue to strive for the best possible patient experience, ensuring that every patient under our care receives the highest level of support throughout their cancer-fighting journey."

Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Director of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, remarked, "The establishment of the HKSH Proton Therapy Centre is the result of 18 years of accumulative hard work. It represents one of HKSH’s most challenging projects to date due to its site location on solid granite rocks and the need to convert an industrial building into hospital use. Proton therapy is a cutting-edge treatment technique, so we have been strengthening and expanding our team of oncology professionals by providing them with the necessary expert training to ensure a high standard of treatment quality. HKSH now has the most comprehensive range of radiotherapy facilities in the world to provide diverse cancer treatment options catering for the unique condition of each patient. The launch of HKSH Proton Therapy Centre also aligns with the mission of The Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation, which is now in its 60th year, to bring the best medical treatment to Hong Kong."

Since commencing initial operations in July this year, the Centre has provided proton therapy to about 40 cancer patients aged between seven and 88. These cases encompass a wide range of cancer types, including 26 breast cancer cases and six paediatric cancer cases, while the rest are prostate, head & neck, thorax and craniospinal cancers. All six paediatric cancer cases were referred by the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. These paediatric cases involve neuroblastoma, synovial sarcoma, maxillary sinus sarcoma, maxillary sinus carcinoma and craniopharyngioma.

Proton therapy is considered the most advanced form of radiotherapy modality currently available for cancer treatment. Distinguished from conventional photon-based radiotherapy, which allows radiation to infiltrate through the target site and potentially destroy normal tissue beyond the tumour, proton therapy exhibits amazing precision. It delivers a concentrated burst of energy to the target volume while ensuring that radiation abruptly ceases and dissipates afterwards. This distinctive physical phenomenon is known as the "Bragg Peak".

Proton therapy involves meticulous computation and regulation of the depth and intensity of the proton beam, precisely targeting cancer cells. Since the proton beam only focuses on the cancer cells, damage caused to healthy tissues and organs surrounding the tumour is minimal, thus reducing the risk of complications and side effects commonly associated with conventional radiotherapy. Therefore, proton therapy is particularly effective in treating tumours located near critical organs, such as those in the head and neck, brain, lung, liver, breast, pancreas, prostate, as well as sarcoma.

The unique advantages of employing proton treatment in a head and neck cancer case were elucidated by Dr LAW Chun-key, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Specialist in Clinical Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. "While both proton therapy and conventional radiotherapy deliver comparable radiation doses to the tumour region for the purpose of killing cancer cells, proton therapy significantly minimises radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues and organs.  In the cases of head and neck cancer as well as brain tumours, it is crucial for minimising radiation exposure to the salivary glands, eyes, ears, oral cavity and the brain as a whole. Proton therapy can potentially reduce adverse effects like dry mouth, impaired hearing and vision, oral pain, temporal lobe necrosis and the development of secondary malignancies in the surrounding areas. These potential complications can have a long-lasting impact on the patient’s quality of life."

Proton therapy is the best option for treating breast cancer, according to Dr CHANG Tien-yee, Amy, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Specialist in Clinical Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. "This is especially true if vital organs like heart and lungs are in close proximity to the tumour. Proton therapy reduces the risk of late cardiovascular events while effectively protecting these organs," said Dr Chang.

She also illustrates the benefits of proton therapy in treating prostate cancer. One of the primary advantages is a significant reduction in radiation dose to adjacent organs such as the bladder, rectum, and intestines. "Many clinical studies have shown the high effectiveness of proton therapy with minimal side effects. Furthermore, because the length of the treatment and the number of fractions needed for the treatment are shortened, patients can complete their therapy sooner," added Dr Chang.

Professor CHAN Chi-fung, Godfrey, Honorary Consultant in Paediatrics and Specialist in Paediatric Haematology & Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, asserts that "proton therapy is less harmful to children in the short and long term without compromising its effectiveness. This treatment option lessens many radiation-induced adverse effects for growing children, such as cognitive function impairment, growth and endocrine issues, as well as the likelihood of secondary malignancy later in life."

Dr KAM Koon-ming, Michael, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Specialist in Clinical Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, recently treated several paediatric cases using proton therapy and highlighted the advantages of this treatment for children. He stated, "Children generally experience a longer survival period after treatment and are more vulnerable to the side effects of radiation during their developmental stage. Taking brain tumours as an example, proton therapy can reduce the radiation dose to vital structures in the developing brain. Studies indicate that the ten-year overall survival rate for children with medulloblastoma is comparable between those who undergo proton therapy and those who undergo conventional photon therapy. However, proton therapy has been shown to have a lower incidence of neurocognitive and thyroid function impairments, as well as a reduced risk of developing secondary malignancies within a ten-year period."

The ageing population of Hong Kong has led to an uptick in cancer cases, with approximately one in four people developing cancer before the age of 75.[1] To provide comprehensive support for patients facing aggressive types of cancer, HKSH aims to empower them with a wider range of treatment options tailored to their unique conditions. With the addition of the proton therapy system, HKSH now has one of the most extensive ranges of radiotherapy facilities worldwide. Mr Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Director of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, said, "The inauguration of the HKSH Proton Therapy Centre signifies a new chapter in cancer management in Hong Kong. It further underscores our commitment to establishing a centre of excellence in oncology. In addition to the essential hardware and infrastructure, we have also assembled a growing team of highly specialised and multidisciplinary oncology experts, including clinical oncologists, radiation therapists, medical physicists, medical dosimetrists and specialised nurses."

As the visionary leader spearheading the conceptualisation and realisation of the proton therapy centre, Mr Li disclosed that the idea of establishing the Centre originated in 2008. It represents one of the most intricate proton therapy construction projects worldwide, primarily due to its challenging site location on solid granite rocks and the limited floor space available for construction. "Extensive efforts were made to excavate the rocks from the ground and build the gantry-based treatment rooms deep underground. The COVID-19 pandemic also presented significant obstacles in recent years, as it impeded Hitachi engineers from traveling to Hong Kong to install the massive system. However, thanks to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Hitachi team, the proton therapy system was successfully delivered to HKSH in July this year. It is incredibly exciting to see this decade-long project come to fruition. We have conducted nearly a hundred studies on MR-guided radiation therapy and proton therapy, and our commitment to intensive clinical research in these applications remains unwavering. Our goal is to continually optimise the benefits of these treatment modalities and enhance their effectiveness in patient care," stated Mr Li.

HKSH is also a leading pioneer among international medical institutions in offering state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance (MR) guidance technology in proton radiotherapy. Dr Ben YU, Head of Medical Physics Department at HKSH Medical Group, explained, "imaging is particularly crucial for tumours located in organs that undergo motion, such as the lung or liver. It ensures accurate targeting of the proton beam by tracking the tumour’s movement, allowing clinicians to adjust the depth and intensity of the proton beam accordingly. This approach enables the tumour to receive an optimal dose while minimising the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissues."

HKSH will continue to collaborate with the public sector and the medical schools of Hong Kong’s universities to conduct clinical treatment, provide medical training, and engage in scientific research using this advanced proton beam system. With the accumulation of clinical application experience, HKSH aims to push the boundaries of proton therapy and improve outcomes for cancer patients. It is anticipated that 400 to 600 patients across a broad range of cancer types will benefit from proton therapy annually when the Centre is fully operated.

[1] Overview of Hong Kong Cancer Statistics of 2021, Hospital Authority.

About HKSH Medical Group

Officially launched in September 2017, HKSH Medical Group promotes public health and advanced medicine through a multi-faceted, coordinated approach across clinical services, medical education, scientific research and public health education. Members of the Group, including Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, HKSH Healthcare and HKSH Eastern Medical Centre, are dedicated to offering top-quality holistic care to patients, upholding the motto ‘Quality in Service, Excellence in Care.’

Established in 1922, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital is one of the key members of HKSH Medical Group and a leading private hospital in Hong Kong. Living up to its motto of ‘Quality in Service, Excellence in Care’, the Hospital is committed to serving the public as well as promoting medical education and research.

Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Professor LO Chung-mau, Secretary for Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (second left); Dr. Walton LI, Chief Executive Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (second right); Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Director of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (first left), and Dr. Yen-chow TSAO, Chief Clinical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (first right).

(From left to right) Dr LAW Chun-key, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Specialist in Clinical Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital; Professor CHAN Chi-fung, Godfrey, Honorary Consultant in Paediatrics and Specialist in Paediatric Haematology & Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital; Mr Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Director of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital; Dr KAM Koon-ming, Michael, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Specialist in Clinical Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital; Dr Ben YU, Head of Medical Physics Department at HKSH Medical Group; and Dr CHANG Tien-yee, Amy, Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology and Specialist in Clinical Oncology of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, shared the development of proton therapy and its clinical application.

Source : The Grand Opening of HKSH's Proton Therapy Centre Marks a Significant Advancement in Precision Cancer Treatment in Hong Kong

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TAIPEI, Dec. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the year draws to a close and the peak season for company year-end banquets kicks off, Silks Hotel Group is actively promoting sustainability goals within the banquets sector. The group has meticulously designed and launched year-end banquet packages centered around a "sustainable" themed meal plan and design. The package includes offerings from its hotels, including Regent Taipei, Silks Place Tainan, Silks Place Taroko, and Wellspring by Silks Jiaoxi, with each dish complying with principles of being local, seasonal, and fresh. We invite colleagues from all over to gather, enjoy delectable food, and actively contribute to CRS (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts. Let’s continue to work together towards sustainable goals of coexistence, mutual prosperity, and the common good for our future.

Regent Taipei adheres to the principles of local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly banquets that aim to reduce food miles.

Regent Taipei, which recently joined EarthCheck, a global sustainable tourism certification organization, and became the organization’s first five-star hotel member in Taiwan, is offering a Chinese-style year-end banquet available until March 31st, 2024, starting at NT$25,800 per table for 10 people. The menu emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, featuring 10 popular dishes including the classic "Regent’s Appetizer Set" which features Pingxi’s mountain yam, free-range eggs from Qingchang Ranch, local Taiwanese sea bream, and other locally sourced ingredients. The banquet also includes the indispensable soup "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall with Fresh Abalone," made with the highest quality angelica and abalone from Hualien County, as well as a pumpkin soup enriched with scallops to capture the ultimate flavor.

Silks Place Tainan is deeply rooted in the local community and actively promotes sustainable tourism of environmental protection and revitalization of local attractions. This year, the hotel is implementing green initiatives to minimize carbon emissions for its rendition of its year-end

banquet. Embracing a minimalist and paperless sustainability approach, the hotel places a strong emphasis on connecting consumers with locally sourced produce, collaborating closely with local farmers to supply fresh ingredients directly farm to table. The banquet menu features locally sourced delicacies including tender goose meat from the Xiaying District combined with sweet salad bamboo shoots from the Longxi District as an appetizer, and a flavorful stewed chicken soup crafted with sweet Guanmiao pineapple and water chestnuts known as "Guantian Black Gold," among others. Additionally, there is a sweet soup featuring a blend of sweet potatoes, red dates, and longan as a refreshing post-dinner sweet ending. The banquet is available for groups of ten or more, starting at NT$13,000 per table. Furthermore, the hotel in line with the spirit of "food-saving," collaborates with local food banks by extending its gourmet dishes to disadvantaged communities, not only reducing waste but also contributing to sustainable food practices and social welfare.

Silks Place Taroko, providing a one-stop solution for employee travel and year-end gatherings, is launching the "Sustainable Year-End Banquet and Spring Party Package" from now until March 31st, 2024. Groups reserving 8 rooms or more are eligible for discounted rates starting from NT$10,600 per room for Garden View Rooms with banquet packages starting from NT$12,800 per table. Guests opting for this package can enjoy a variety of specialty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including "Makauy Crispy Duck," "Scallion and Lemon Fish," "Warrior Soup," and more. To reduce food mileage, the hotel also incorporates plants from its Herb Garden into its desserts, such as incorporating self-cultivated crushed marigold into macaron shells, infusing hibiscus into cheese cake for a sweet and sour flavor, adding honey from Yunlin in nut tarts, or creating unique cakes made from Jinxuan tea from Wuhe, Hualien. Each creation promises a unique aroma and a memorable dining experience.

Wellsprings by Silks Jiaoxi introduces the "Travel Year-End Banquet" package tailored for corporate outings, featuring a variety of delectable delights based on the "zero food mileage" concept. The package features the all-you-can-eat "Hot Spring Tomato Sukiyaki" banquet which was honored with the 2023 Yilan Jinghao TOP10 Food Award. The banquet can be reserved for groups of 15 or more from January 1st to March 15th, 2024, and is priced at NT$980 per person. The sukiyaki broth, made with seasonal Jiaoxi hot spring tomatoes and black persimmon tomatoes, is uniquely flavored with Yilan’s distinctive red rice wine, creating a delightful sweet and sour taste. In order to support the local small farmers, the hot pot also features Yilan’s local Kbalan pork and pork belly, along with Jiaoxi’s unique hot spring vegetables, Sanxing scallion, Datong highland napa cabbage, Nan’ao shiitake mushrooms, and other seasonal vegetables. By incorporating these sustainable practices into banquets, we hope to offer consumers with more delicious yet sustainable and environmentally conscious dining options.

Regent Taipei: No. 3, Lane 39, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City / Tel: (02)2523-8000

Silks Place Tainan: No. 1, Heyi Rd, West Central District, Tainan City / Tel: (06) 390-3000

Silks Place Taroko: No. 18, Tianxiang Rd, Xiulin Township, Hualien County / Tel: (03) 869-1155

Wellspring by Silks Jiaoxi: No. 67, Wenquan Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County / Tel: (03) 910 0008

Silks Hotel Group

Founded in 1990, Silks Hotel Group (formerly FIH Regent Group), is one of the top Asia-based hotel management groups as well as the largest and most profitable hotel group listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

The group currently owns and operates the renowned international luxury hotel Regent Taipei, shopping mall Regent Galleria, the licensing and management of Regent brand hotels and luxury residences in Taiwan, and three diverse hotel brands: cultural luxury lifestyle hotel brand Silks Place, hot spring resort Wellspring by Silks, and stylish boutique hotel chain Just Sleep. In addition to hotels, Silks Hotel Group has also expanded its footprint in the Food and Beverage industry, operating Silks Palace in the Taiwan National Palace Museum, a culinary and cultural location. The brand’s DNA focuses on fusing Eastern and Western cultures as well as providing extraordinary accommodation, dining, and service.

Currently, the hotels under management and operation of the group include locations in Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Tainan, Kaoshiung, Osaka, and more. Their service reputation sets exemplary benchmarks within the local market. For more information, please visit www.silkshotelgroup.com.

Source : Cherishing the Earth through What You Eat: Silks Hotel Group Introduces Locally Sourced, Seasonal, and Sustainable Dining with a Range of Year-End Banquet Packages

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the state-run energy company of Korea, hosted an event titled, ‘The Role of Nuclear Energy in Accelerating a Carbon-Free Future,’ today at the KHNP Pavilion during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). This event showcased Korea’s innovative net-zero nuclear solutions and explored the crucial role of nuclear energy in expediting the energy transition to reach a carbon-free future with renowned specialists from the sector.

Jooho Whang, CEO of KHNP delivering a keynote presentation

The session commenced with opening remarks by Hoesung Lee, President of the Carbon Free Alliance (CFA) and former Chair of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Emphasizing the urgency for developing a diverse range of environmentally friendly clean energy sources for achieving carbon neutrality, Lee stated that "in order expand carbon-free energy globally, participation from various stakeholders and implementation of innovative technologies will be crucial."

Taking the stage next, KHNP CEO Jooho Whang introduced Korea’s innovative small modular reactors (i-SMR) technology and SMR Smart Net-Zero City (SSNC) model. "i-SMR technology is a sustainable clean energy solution. It represents all the advantages of large nuclear reactors, with utmost safety, cost-efficiency and flexibility," CEO Whang disclosed. He continued, "[Powered by i-SMR,] SSNC is a carbon-free energy city platform, providing optimal green energy portfolio to each city," before adding, "By using stable, cost-effective i-SMR technology, SSNC can reduce energy costs by up to 30%."

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion titled, "The Role of Nuclear Energy in Accelerating a Carbon-Free Future," where nuclear energy experts and industry leaders acknowledged nuclear power as a clean and critical solution for decarbonization. They also highlighted the significant potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) in driving the global energy transition.

Joining CEO Whang on the panel were Diane Cameron, Head of Division of Nuclear Technology Development and Economics, NEA, Bumjin Chung, Professor of Nuclear Engineering Department at Kyung Hee University / President of Korean Nuclear Society, and Frank Jannuzi, CEO of The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, with Hyungook Kang, Professor of Dept. of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as the moderator.

During the session, Ms. Cameron stressed the critical and timely moment for nuclear energy, stating, "Advanced nuclear energy technologies, including the new SMRs coming to market, now offer nations everywhere an opportunity to leapfrog the energy systems of yesterday to bring the benefits of clean power to the 770 million people in the world who currently live without electricity today."

Dr. Chung continued the discussion by highlighting the history, achievements, and future of Korea’s nuclear technology. "40 years of steady nuclear power plant construction resulted in the balanced human resources and supply chains… We are now technologically ready for NZE (Net Zero Emission)."

CEO Whang added, "With superior safety, economic viability and modularity in the SMR market, i-SMR represents a contemporary solution for a carbon-neutral future. Especially for countries with aging coal power plants, i-SMRs could be an essential solution, offering carbon-free energy at a more affordable cost while facilitating a safe and economically beneficial transition to clean energy."

CEO Jannuzi emphasized the need to build support for nuclear power and collaborate on a global scale, stating, "It’s not just that nuclear power provides carbon-free power, it is also that nuclear power offsets pollution which would otherwise be generated by fossil fuels – saving lives… There is a compelling logic for the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan to work together to deliver safe, efficient nuclear energy to meet growing global energy demands."

Dr. Kang closed the panel discussion by stating that "Nuclear power has emerged as a pivotal solution for driving the transition to net zero and a more sustainable future. Though challenges still lie ahead, it is promising to see companies like KHNP leading the energy transition with developments in their affordable, secure and effective i-SMR technology and smart net zero city model."

Prior to this KHNP-hosted event, Korea’s Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Kyungsung Kang attended the Net Zero Nuclear (NZN) Initiative event at COP28 and announced that in alignment with the Korean government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Korea will place increased emphasis on nuclear energy. KHNP’s development of i-SMR and SSNC in collaboration with the Korean government and corporations is aligned with these national objectives.

In addition, on Dec 1, KHNP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s Perusahaan Listrik Negara Nusantara Power at COP28. The MOU aims to foster collaboration in the development and research of i-SMR technology, with a shared objective of contributing to the global net zero goal.

Source : COP28 Event Hosted by KHNP Highlights Nuclear Energy's Crucial Role in a Carbon-Free Future

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BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — EVE Energy Co., Ltd., ("EVE Energy") a leading global lithium-ion battery manufacturer, presents its cutting-edge consumer, power, and energy storage battery products in the inaugural China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 2023 in Beijing, to demonstrate its commitment to low-carbon emissions and sustainable industry practices.

Immersion Cooling Battery Pack

EVE Energy has been focusing efforts on advancing green energy applications in smart homes, urban transportation, and the energy internet sectors. This approach has been part of EVE Energy’s broader strategy to facilitate the low-carbon transformation of various industries and contribute to building a greener industrial ecosystem. At CISCE 2023, EVE Energy is taking a significant step in sharing a new approach to industry-wide carbon reduction, focusing on comprehensive solutions for consumer, power, and energy storage field.

Centered around the theme "EVE Energy is always by your side", the company’s booth, located at Booth H21 in Hall W4 (Intelligent Automotive Chain) at China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue) in Beijing, immerses visitors in scenarios of intelligent transportation and smart living. The display includes a diverse array of products, such as, medical batteries, consumer batteries, power batteries, energy storage batteries, battery systems, and three-dimensional models of energy storage containers. Additionally, EVE Energy shares insights into its dual carbon practice and industrial chain layout.

EVE’s consumer batteries are known for their long life, high reliability, enhanced safety, and low discharge rates. Recognized by various industry customers for their high quality and comprehensive solutions, EVE has supplied over 1.7 billion smart meter batteries worldwide, leading in sales and exports for six consecutive years in China. EVE’s consumer lithium-ion products are trusted by top-tier global brands, and its cylindrical batteries power prominent power tool and electric two-wheeler brands.

Also highlighted at the exhibition are its innovative Mr. Big energy storage product, previously showcased at RE+ 2023 in the US, as well as its signature Immerision Cooling Battery Pack, previously showcased at IAA 2023 in Germany. The Immersion Cooling Battery Pack is applied to sedans and PHEVs with high safety, high power and ultra-fast-charging characteristics. The battery pack can be charged from 10%-80% SOC in just 9 minutes which has improved 55%. 

With 22 years of dedication to the lithium battery field, EVE Energy has mastered core technologies in consumer, power, and energy storage batteries, offering comprehensive solutions widely applied in the Internet of Things and Energy Internet domains. The company has established a full industry chain layout, spanning from nickel-cobalt-lithium mining to battery materials, production, recycling, and remanufacturing, positioning itself as a globally influential lithium battery platform company.

In its quest to build a low-carbon industrial infrastructure, EVE Energy has adopted a "next-door supply" strategy, recycling materials from spent batteries to reduce resource waste. The company’s technological innovations have increased the recovery rate of valuable metals and expanded industrial chain cooperation in resource recycling. In November 2022, EVE Power, a subsidiary of EVE Energy, received carbon-neutral certification for its eleventh factory in Hubei. Leveraging its expertise in building zero-carbon factories, EVE Energy aims to complete three such facilities by 2025. Additionally, the construction of EVE Energy’s environmentally friendly battery factory in Hungary, slated for completion in 2026, will incorporate solar and energy storage systems, promoting efficient use of clean energy and advocating for green electricity production to continually manage carbon emissions.

For more information about EVE Energy, please visit https://www.evebattery.com/en.

About EVE Energy

Founded in 2001 and listed in Shenzhen in 2009, EVE Energy has developed into a global player in the market, providing core technologies and comprehensive solutions for both consumer and power batteries, especially in the Internet of Things and the Energy Internet. Currently, EVE Energy has set up a research institute with 60 doctors and over 5,300 interdisciplinary R&D engineers in materials, electrochemistry, structure design, and electronic circuit design, obtained over 6,700 patents in China. The company launched a carbon reduction roadmap with a series of low-carbon reduction efforts in energy use, the manufacturing process, the supply chain, and resource management, and was named a "National Green Factory."

Source : EVE Energy Brings Battery Products Showcase for China International Supply Chain Expo

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Commitment will complement crucial decarbonization efforts to help reduce near-term warming

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today at COP28, leading climate philanthropies announced an investment of $450 million in 2023 and over the next three years to help catalyze a faster phase-down of non-CO2 super climate pollutants. The new commitment designates the majority of the funding to methane abatement and the remaining funds will support the phase-out of fluorinated gases, nitrous oxide, black carbon and ground-level ozone. Super climate pollutants contribute to over half of global climate change1, and cutting these, when paired with necessary, ambitious decarbonization efforts, can help reduce near-term warming four times faster than focusing on decarbonization alone.

"With 2023 on track to become the warmest year to date, we are dangerously close to exceeding the 1.5°C goal set out during the Paris Agreement. We must deepen investments and rapidly increase focus on measures that can prevent warming in the short term," said Patricia Espinosa, CEO and Founding Partner of onepoint5. "This means ambitious transition plans towards fossil fuel phase-out. Every tenth of a degree of warming matters, and it matters most to vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change." 

While all super pollutants have a significant impact on warming, cutting methane emissions presents a critical opportunity to slow warming today — methane is responsible for more than 25% of global climate warming, second only to CO22. Methane must move beyond voluntary targets to mandatory measures at local, sub-national, national, and international levels, including through mandatory agreements that start with measures to reduce methane and other super pollutants in three critical sectors: oil and gas, agriculture and waste. These reductions will be critical to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.

"Urgent action is needed from major polluters and wealthy nations to enforce the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. The majority of Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20) nations are already experiencing average temperatures well above those conducive to economic growth, resulting in financial setbacks with 20% wealth destruction," said Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance Ghana and V20 Chair. "A rapid increase in investments and financial support for climate-vulnerable economies pursuing a Climate Prosperity plan is crucial for development-positive climate action and shared prosperity."

Many countries and companies have signed voluntary pledges of non-CO2 gases in recent years — which shows what is possible — but these commitments are generally not part of the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) process. To fully materialize these commitments, local, national, or international regulations or incentives must be in place.

The funding announced today will support diverse initiatives to accelerate the reduction of super pollutants, including by governments that have already announced plans to phase-down super pollutants, by helping with implementation. It will assist countries in expediting national actions and help catalyze ambitious economy-wide NDCs that incorporate all climate pollutants. It will also help leverage additional resources to triple climate finance on non-CO2 pollutants by the end of the decade.

"As we look forward to the COP in Brazil and the obligation of all countries to submit their updated NDCs, we must take all possible measures to accelerate our ambition to avoid catastrophic climate change," said Izabella Teixeira, co-chair of the UNEP International Resource Panel and former Environment Minister of Brazil. "Combining the resources of philanthropy, government and the private sector will continue to be critical — and this initiative, focused on the fast-acting super pollutants, can make a real contribution to our global effort."

Today’s announcement is inspired by the historic successes of the 2016 Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which is working effectively to phase-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a super pollutant and key contributor to rising temperatures, along with nearly 100 other chemicals that were depleting the ozone layer and warming the planet. The Kigali Amendment was and remains a resounding success, including the role philanthropy played in supporting implementation of the agreement, and today’s commitment seeks to have a similar impact on the remaining super pollutants.

"With time short, we must be smart and decisive about how we stay below a 1.5-degree warmer world. One smart way will be for all to commit to ending methane leakages now and to regulate, urgently, all other super pollutants," said Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Super pollutants typically remain in the atmosphere for a few days to several years, as opposed to the 300-1,000 years or more for CO2. Reducing super pollutant emissions is not only essential to keeping us on track to reach the targets set out in the Paris Agreement, but also to improving air quality around the world. Cutting super climate pollutants will also contribute to preventing 2.5 million deaths per year due to air pollution (60% of all air pollution annual mortality), bringing direct local benefits to communities3.

This philanthropic support is additional to crucial contributions needed to rapidly scale ambition and implementation on decarbonization. This involves scaling efforts to deliver a comprehensive energy package at COP28 that includes goals of doubling energy efficiency, tripling renewables, and a just and equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels.

"Delivering unprecedented levels of new finance is essential for scaling rapid progress on super pollutants, while realizing the needed energy transition," said Jess Ayers, CEO of Quadrature Climate Foundation. "It is critical that this financing supports those already grappling most with the devastating impacts of climate change and it must enable critical progress on adaptation and loss and damage."

"While philanthropy can play a catalytic role, there is an unprecedented amount of financing needed to support the energy transition," said Antha Williams, who leads Bloomberg Philanthropies’ environment program. "This is the pivotal moment for governments, philanthropy, and the private sector to work together and deliver the data, action and investment to reach our goals."

COP28 will mark the conclusion of the Global Stocktake to assess progress under the Paris Agreement. The UNEP Gap Report calculates that the planet is on course to warm 2.5 to 2.9°C even assuming all NDCs are fully implemented. Now is the time for countries to act by setting clear, high-ambition pathways for how gaps exposed by the Stocktake will be closed ahead of the next round of NDC submissions by 2025.

"Governments have an opportunity here to strengthen their targets and goals to ensure they address the mitigation and funding levels climate science demands," said Christie Ulman, President of Sequoia Climate Foundation. "Including all greenhouse gases as part of the Paris NDCs would be a step in the right direction. Stronger targets combined with a renewed focus on implementation are critical — it’s the only way we will see our climate goals realized."

"Besides being a pollutant that supercharges climate change, methane further exacerbates inequality caused by the climate crisis and disproportionately harms the most vulnerable among us," said John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. "Direct reductions in methane emissions are especially crucial for frontline communities that suffer the worst impacts of methane pollution and climate change."

"The climate emergency requires fast action at scale to decarbonise the energy system," said Kate Hampton, CEO of the Children’s Climate Fund Foundation. "It also requires cutting super climate pollutants like methane as quickly as possible, something that will only happen through a combination of significant investment, technical assistance and robust regulation."

The following philanthropic organizations are part of today’s announcement:

Ballmer Group

Bezos Earth Fund

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

High Tide Foundation

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Larsen Lam Climate Change Foundation

Pisces Foundation

Quadrature Climate Foundation

Sequoia Climate Foundation

William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

About Sequoia Climate Foundation
The Sequoia Climate Foundation is a philanthropic organization on a mission to avert the worst impacts of climate change. A 501(c)(3) based in California, we support ambitious, evidence-based strategies aimed at accelerating the clean energy transition.

About The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) is an independent philanthropic organisation, with offices in Addis Ababa, Beijing, London, Nairobi and New Delhi. Established in 2002, CIFF works with a wide range of partners seeking to transform the lives of children in developing countries. Areas of work include sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal and child health, opportunities for girls and young women, tackling child slavery and exploitation, and supporting smart ways to slow down and stop climate change.

About The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation 
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation invests in creative thinkers and problem-solvers working to ensure people, communities, and the planet can flourish. Together with its partners, Hewlett harnesses society’s collective capacity to solve our toughest problems — from the existential threat of climate change, to persistent and pervasive inequities, to attacks on democracy itself.

About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., and reducing corruption in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago.

1 https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM_final.pdf, p. 7.
2 https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/figures/technical-summary/figure-ts-15, https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/energy/facts-about-methane
3 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61043-1/fulltext 

Media Contacts
Sequoia Climate Foundation
[email protected]
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Source : Climate Philanthropies Announce $450 Million to Deepen Investment in Super Climate Pollutants

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This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network