The Ipieca sustainability article round-up showcases recent sustainability-related achievements, projects and news from Ipieca members, demonstrating their support for the Ipieca Principles around advancing environmental and social performance across the energy transition. We also highlight initiatives from our partner organizations and share insights from key United Nations meetings.
The March round-up underscores the broad collaboration members are engaging in to advance the energy transition, including projects and funds supporting decarbonisation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity.
We also share partner updates on biofuels for decarbonising shipping, a mercury trade control initiative in Latin America, and insights from Ipieca's engagement with the IMO, UN CBD, and UNEP. We also highlight human rights' role in sustainable development in conflict zones and the how universal infrastructure access contributes to equitable societies.
Member sustainability articles
Aramco
Aramco launches Saudi Arabia’s first CO2 direct air capture (DAC) test unit
The Kingdom’s first DAC test unit, developed by Aramco and Siemens Energy, is capable of removing 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere. The pilot plant aims to expand DAC capabilities and achieve cost reductions to accelerate the deployment of DAC technologies in the region.
Collaboration on small-scale decarbonisation solution utilising Net Power platform
Baker Hughes and Woodside Energy have announced an initiative which aims to create lower carbon power generation technology specifically designed for oil and gas, heavy industries and other smaller scale applications. The patented Net Power platform works by utilising natural gas to generate affordable power while inherently capturing nearly all carbon dioxide emissions.
Qatar Environment Ministry and ExxonMobil Research Qatar collaborate on mangrove rehabilitation
The cooperation programme aims to study mangroves as a nature-based environmental solution and prepare a comprehensive map for their rehabilitation in Qatar, by studying the environmental conditions suitable for these trees and analysing the biodiversity surrounding them.
Petrobras launches R 100 million fund for bioeconomy projects
Petrobras has announced the creation of an Impact Fund for Socio-Environmental Projects of Bioeconomy and Nature-Based Solutions, created in partnership with Régia Capital, a sustainable investment manager. The fund will prioritise initiatives in areas that are critical for climate action and biodiversity preservation, with a special focus on regions that suffer the effects of deforestation, as well as projects with the potential to generate jobs and income and quality carbon credits.
TotalEnergies supports energy transition of the agricultural world
TotalEnergies and Jeunes Agriculteurs have signed a cooperation protocol to support young farmers in the energy transition, contributing to the sustainability of their farming activities and attracting younger generations to agriculture. The partnership focuses on developing sustainable energy solutions adapted to farms and agricultural sectors (biogas, agrivoltaics), supporting energy-efficient practices, and implementing pilot agri-energy projects.
Buying local generates big benefits for Trinidad and Tobago
Woodside's Local Buying Programme in Trinidad and Tobago has significantly benefited small local businesses by placing TTD 40 million in purchase orders and supporting their growth and long-term capacity. The programme aims to streamline the procure-to-pay process and provide up-skilling opportunities for small suppliers.
International Institute of Sustainable Development
Leveraging cooperation for human rights and SDGs in conflict zones
This article highlights the importance of human rights in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in conflict zones. Using Libya as a case study, it emphasises the role of international cooperation in integrating respect for human rights with environmental, social and economic sustainability.
OGCI study highlights potential of biofuels to decarbonise shipping
An OGCI study, produced with Argus Media, assesses the global availability of biomass for marine fuel through to 2050. The study finds that sustainable biomass availability is projected to grow from 1.8 billion tonnes in 2025 to 3.3 billion tonnes by 2050, with a substantial amount available to support the marine sector's decarbonisation efforts.
Understanding and controlling mercury trade in Latin America for a cleaner, healthier planet
A new initiative aims to enhance understanding of mercury trade dynamics in Latin America and foster regional cooperation to control major mercury flows. The project, backed by USD 3 million from the Global Environment Facility, seeks to prevent approximately 176 metric tonnes of mercury from entering the international market, reducing negative impacts on human health and environmental integrity.
Resumed UNCBD COP16 lands finance agreement to advance the Global Biodiversity Framework
COP16 reconvened in Rome, where a roadmap for the mobilisation of resources to advance the Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed, including at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030. The Cali Fund was also launched, enabling companies benefiting from digital sequence information on genetic resources to share some of the proceeds with the biodiverse countries of origin, with half of the fund allocated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
The power of opportunity: why universal infrastructure access matters
The World Bank explores the importance of closing the infrastructure gender gap in transport, digital connectivity, and energy to empower women, boost economies, and create equitable societies. Providing universal access to clean and affordable energy through gender-responsive policies and practices can empower women, improve health outcomes, and foster inclusive economic growth.
Ipieca insights from the IMO’s 18th meeting on reducing shipping GHG emissions
Ipieca delegates contributed technical inputs to discussions, co-sponsored a proposal for an IMO sustainable fuels certification framework and held a side event on ‘Considerations related to the production, distribution and bunkering of future marine fuels required to enable delivery of the IMO Revised GHG strategy'.
Ipieca takes part in Benelux Union-UNEP roundtable on cleaner fuels exports
The roundtable was focused on the global harmonisation of fuel standards and how to stop the exportation of polluting fuels to countries outside the European Union and European Economic Area. It convened representatives from the Benelux countries, European institutions, the United Nations, and African and European stakeholders.
The February round-up demonstrates Ipieca member leadership in sustainability through formal recognitions, pioneering projects, and environmental and social investment programmes aimed at improving water quality, enhancing community resilience and supporting technical education for a just transition.
Sustainability article round-up: December 2024/January 2025
30 January 2025
We kick off 2025 with a round-up of articles from December and January. Covering emissions reductions efforts and low-carbon technologies, including a cross-border CCS study, blue hydrogen, and a new decarbonization institute. Members also share plans to restore coral reefs and boreal seismic lines.
Sustainability article round-up: November 2024
28 November 2024
As COP29 took place in Baku during November, Ipieca members and partners have been busy announcing new climate actions, collaborations, innovations and progress.
Sustainability article round-up: October 2024
1 November 2024
Emissions management, carbon capture and storage, and low-carbon technologies take the centre stage in the October edition, alongside companies fostering research and development, and enhancing education and in-country value. We also share insights on how Ipieca and its members are supporting UN conventions, including the Global Biodiversity Framework.
