Hi, I am Caroline Doyle, an associate editor at Horizon Engage. This week, we’re covering countries that are fighting some political and literal fires:
- A fire at a refinery in Greece has highlighted some problematic practices in the sector.
- Brazilian President Lula da Silva advocated strongly for more climate action at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
- The Australian government released its National Hydrogen Strategy, although it may have difficulty passing the necessary legislation.
This week’s quote of the week is the official theme for the ongoing UNGA, which sets high expectations.
Fire at Greek Refinery Highlights Problems in Sector
Last week, a major fire forced Motor Oil’s Aghioi refinery — which accounts for 40% of Greece’s national and crude processing capacity — to partially close. The cause has not yet been determined.
The refinery sector was the subject of the Hellenic Competition Commission’s aggressive investigations into anti-competition practices, which the current administration has done little to refute. Furthermore, the Vardinoyiannis family, which owns Motor Oil, also controls a significant portion of Greece’s media, meaning the public is largely unaware of the Commission’s investigation. Though the political fallout of the fire has not played out yet, it has highlighted problematic practices in the refining sector.
Lula Pushes Climate Action at UNGA
In his UNGA speech, Brazilian President Lula da Silva called for more action on climate change. His speech comes amid Brazil’s struggle to put out wildfires blanketing parts of the country in smoke. Though Lula acknowledged the efforts — and errors — of his own administration on climate change, he also challenged world leaders, especially those from developed countries, to do their part.
Earlier this month, the Senate and Chamber of Deputies passed PL 528, which seeks to support the energy transition by increasing the production of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. The law provides ample inspiration for Lula and his team at the ongoing UNGA and the upcoming COP29 in November.
Australian Government Reveals National Hydrogen Strategy
The Albanese administration released its revitalized National Hydrogen Strategy (NHS), another part of the clean-hydrogen-focused Future Made in Australia (FMIA) plan. The NHS includes a target production of 15mn tons of renewable hydrogen per year, potentially reaching 30mn by 2050, as well as milestones to monitor progress. It also anticipates hydrogen costs falling from $5-7 per kg to less than $2 per kg, which would make hydrogen an affordable clean alternative to gas.
The NHS, however, depends entirely on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ability to pass the FMIA amid a cost-of-living crisis that is dragging down government approval ratings. Elections in May 2025 further compound the process.
Quote of the Week
This week’s quote of the week is the UNGA theme:
“Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.”
Lofty goals — UNGA ends on Monday, 30 September.
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