Today’s ESG Updates
- Germany risks missing 2030 climate targets: Independent climate advisers warned that Germany could exceed its emissions projections as current government policies may not deliver the reductions needed to meet national climate goals.
- China’s solar exports surge despite policy changes: China’s solar exports jumped 60% year-on-year in April, driven by strong overseas demand even after the removal of the country’s solar export tax refund programme.
- Southeast Asia faces rising pressure on energy demand: A new report forecasts that electricity demand from data centres, EVs, and green industrial parks across Southeast Asia will grow by more than 100TWh over the next few years.
- Compass plans return to the lithium market: Compass Minerals partnered with EnergyX to restart lithium development at Utah’s Great Salt Lake, as companies seek to expand domestic critical mineral production in the United States.
Germany’s climate plans criticised over projected emissions overshoot
Germany could fail to meet its 2030 climate targets, according to a new assessment by the country’s independent Council of Experts on Climate Change. The advisory body warned that current government measures may not deliver the emissions reductions officials project, with Germany potentially exceeding its carbon budget by up to 100 million metric tons of CO2. Experts also pointed to outdated assumptions in the energy and building sectors, while emissions from transport and construction continued to rise in 2025.
The findings come despite an €8 billion climate package introduced earlier this year to support renewable energy expansion and electric vehicle adoption as Germany works toward climate neutrality by 2045.
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Further reading: Germany set to miss 2030 climate goals, independent body warns
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China records sharp rise in solar exports
China’s solar exports rose 60% year-on-year in April, according to new customs data, showing continued global demand for renewable energy technology despite recent policy changes. Shipments of solar cells reached $3.12 billion, with export growth expected to be even higher in energy terms due to ongoing advances in photovoltaic efficiency.
Although export volumes fell slightly compared to March’s record levels, demand remained particularly strong across Southeast Asia and Africa. Analysts said part of the earlier surge in shipments was driven by buyers accelerating imports ahead of China’s decision to remove its solar export tax refund programme on April 1. The figures also come amid expectations that geopolitical instability could further increase investment in renewable energy markets.
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Further reading: China’s solar exports jump 60% on the year in April
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Southeast Asia faces rising energy demand
Electricity demand from data centres, electric vehicles, and green industrial parks in Southeast Asia is expected to grow by more than 100 terawatt-hours over the next few years, according to a new report by Bain & Company and Standard Chartered. The increase is projected to require more than $200 billion in investment, with data centres expected to account for over half of total spending as operators seek faster grid connections.
The report also raised concerns about whether the region’s infrastructure can keep pace with rising demand. Although Southeast Asia’s green economy is expected to reach $430 billion by 2030, renewable energy projects across the region still face delays and cancellations linked to weak grid infrastructure, permitting challenges, and unclear regulations. Analysts warned that electricity demand growth is likely to outpace grid upgrades without significantly higher investment.
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Further reading: SE Asia’s power demand from data centres, EVs to grow by more than 100TWh in next 5 years, report says
Compass Minerals re-enters lithium market
Compass Minerals plans to re-enter the lithium market through a new partnership with EnergyX to develop a lithium extraction project at Utah’s Great Salt Lake. Under the agreement, EnergyX will invest more than $400 million and apply direct lithium extraction technology to recover lithium from the lake’s brine resources, which are estimated to contain over 2.4 million metric tons of the mineral.
The deal comes amid rising lithium prices and growing efforts to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains in the United States. Compass suspended its lithium operations in 2023 after Utah introduced stricter water regulations, but rising lithium demand and new extraction technologies have pushed companies back toward the sector. EnergyX said it aims to bring the project online by 2030 while taking responsibility for its operational and regulatory risks.
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Further reading: Exclusive: Compass plans lithium market return with EnergyX in Utah’s Great Salt Lake
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Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: German Flag Cover Photo Credit: Maheshkumar Painam
