In light of recent developments in the Egyptian market, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound against the US Dollar and a growing interest by prospective investors, the Egyptian government is discussing an amendment to the established FiT rate for waste to energy projects in Egypt to attract more investments for these projects.
On 5 March 2025, the European Commission presented an industrial action plan to drive innovation, sustainability and competitiveness in the automotive sector. The plan seeks to offer a comprehensive strategy aimed at maintaining the global competitiveness of the European automotive industry while navigating the transition to clean mobility and digital integration. Simultaneously, it seeks to address challenges such as access to raw materials, uncompetitive trade practices and rising production costs.
The Department of Industrial Works recently introduced the Draft Industrial Waste Management Act (DIWMA), which remained open for public hearing until 1 April 2025. Similar to some other draft waste laws, namely the Draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act and the Draft Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Act, the DIWMA adopts the Extended Producer Responsibility principle, obligating operators of industrial establishments to be responsible for the industrial waste they generate until it is fully treated or disposed of.
The Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Bill 2025 has been passed by the Dewan Negara and is, at the time of issuance of this client alert, pending Royal Assent. Once the Royal Assent has been provided, the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Act 2025 will be enacted (CCUSA). The CCUSA establishes a robust legal and regulatory framework for CCUS cycle from carbon dioxide capture, transportation, utilization, and storage.
With the Climate Protection Contracts (Klimaschutzverträge) program (also known as Carbon Contracts for Difference program), Germany has been relying on an innovative instrument to ensure (climate-neutral) competitiveness since 2023. Following the largely positive reception of the first bidding round and the European Commission’s approval under state aid law on 24 March 2025, the course is now set for the implementation of the second bidding round. According to the latest reports, the new federal government also seems to want to give the final green light for the continuation of the program.
On 26 February 2025, the European Commission adopted the Omnibus Simplification Package, aimed at reducing regulatory burdens related to sustainability reporting for European companies. This initiative amends several key directives, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
These proposals aim to streamline reporting obligations, enhance competitiveness and adjust the scope and timelines of existing regulations.
On 26 February 2025, the European Commission published multiple policy documents and legislative proposals, following through on its commitment to improve the EU’s competitiveness under the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass published on 29 January 2025.
On 20 February 2025, the Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Gina Cass-Gottlieb, announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2025/26 at the annual address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia. Ms Cass-Gottlieb identified a range of industry sectors, as well as specific competition and consumer law issues that will be the focus of the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement activities for 2025/26. Many of these areas continue from last year.
The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) launched the second draft of the Climate Change Bill (“Bill”) in November 2024 for a public hearing. Some of the key revisions include provisions similar to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, adjustments made on the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and carbon tax provisions under the Bill. The Bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament for approval in 2025.
The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) initiative, led by Japan, offers a significant opportunity for Thailand to advance its decarbonization efforts through financial support for cutting-edge technologies. By participating in JCM projects, Thai companies can obtain financial support from the Japanese government, enhancing efforts towards implementing effective greenhouse gas mitigation and removal measures, which in turn aids in achieving Thailand’s declared GHG reduction targets.