OMNI Features｜Urgent Need for Grid Expansion in the U.K. to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Goals / Bloomberg Warning - Czech Automobile Industry May Follow in Detroit's Footsteps / Taipei and Kaohsiung Issue Government Sustainable Bonds for MRT Construction

Urgent Need for Grid Expansion in the U.K. to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Goals
The U.K.'s electricity grid has long been one of the world's most stable and clean grids, with 2022 CO2 emissions one-third less than Germany's grid. According to Guy Newey of Energy Systems Catapult, this results from liberalization and privatization. However, despite its efficient performance, the grid has recently come under the political agenda due to decarbonization requirements and climate change mitigation.

Bloomberg Warning - Czech Automobile Industry May Follow in Detroit's Footsteps
Czech media reported on January 9 that according to Bloomberg, the Czech Republic, known for its high per capita automobile production, may face the closure of many auto parts suppliers and factories as it shifts towards electric vehicles. Some have even compared the situation in the Czech Republic to the decline of the once-thriving U.S. automobile hub, Detroit.

Taipei and Kaohsiung Issue Government Sustainable Bonds for MRT Construction
The Financial Supervisory Commission has urged the GreTai Securities Market to promote the issuance of sustainable development government bonds, and both Taipei and Kaohsiung have responded. The Mayor of Taipei announced the issuance of NT$2.5 billion green bonds with a weighted average interest rate of 1.237%, dedicated to MRT construction, aiming for a win-win situation for citizens, the government, and businesses. The Director of the Kaohsiung City Finance Bureau stated that green bonds have low and fixed interest rates, replacing bank loans for constructing MRT Red and Orange lines, realizing low-carbon construction and reducing interest burdens.

Reference: International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (TITA)｜United Daily News