Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows

A government-commissioned panel of experts has largely supported Japan's new energy policy for the next few years, which calls for bolstering Renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing the use of nuclear power.

The panel of 16 mostly pro-nuclear members from business, academia, and civil groups presented the draft plan for final review.

It calls for maximizing the use of nuclear energy, reversing a phaseout policy adopted after the Meltdown crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011 that led to extensive displacement of residents and lingering anti-nuclear sentiment.

The plan is due to receive cabinet approval by March after a period of consultation and will then replace the current energy policy, which dates from 2021.

Reference Sources

1. usnews - Japan to Maximize Nuclear Power in Clean-Energy Push as Electricity Demand Grows
2. apnews - Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows

Data center investment bonanza set to persist in Thailand

More global technology firms are expected to set up data centers in Thailand next year as the government encourages the public and private sectors to embrace digital transformation through its cloud first policy.

The government's investment promotion and cloud first policy have led foreign tech giants such as Google and Microsoft to invest more than 100 billion baht in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers in Thailand this year.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently announced the government's goal of making Thailand a regional AI hub as part of its "2025 empowering Thais: a real possibility" campaign.

The board of investment said in November it approved two data center investments worth more than 60 billion baht.

Reference Sources

1. bangkokpost - Data centre investment bonanza set to persist

Chinese workers found in 'slavery-like' conditions at BYD car factory construction site in Brazil

More than 160 Chinese nationals were found working in "slavery-like conditions" at a construction site for a factory owned by Chinese electric vehicle producer BYD in Brazil's Bahia state.

The workers were hired in China by another firm and brought to Brazil illegaly.

They were found to be laboring for long hours, in excess of those allowed by Brazilian law, sometimes for seven days a week, while being kept in what authorities described as degrading conditions, among other labor violations, the authorities added.

The workers were unable to leave without permission, and more than 100 had their passports withheld. Officials said Jinjiang construction Brazil had confiscated the workers' Passports and held 60% of their wages. Those who quit would be forced to pay the company for their airfare from China and their return ticket, the statement said. BYD said it had cut ties with the firm that hired the workers, and added it is collaborating with authorities and providing assistance to the workers.

The factory they were helping to build was set to be BYD's biggest electric car plant outside Asia, with a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year.

Reference Sources

1. malaymail - BYD ends contract after Brazil rescues 163 Chinese workers from slave-like conditions at factory construction site
2. thestarmy - Chinese workers saved from 'slave-like conditions' in Brazil
3. nikkei - Chinese workers in 'slavery-like conditions' at BYD site in Brazil
4. theguardian - BYD construction site in Brazil shut over slavery-like conditions
5. euronews - Chinese workers found in 'slavery-like' conditions at BYD car factory construction site in Brazil

The CommonWealth English daily news digest is a service curated by CommonWealth English team with the help of AI tools.

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