European Parliament

EU Weakens Key Sustainable Plastics Goal for Automakers

The EU has revised its End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive, lowering recycled plastic targets from 25% to 20% due to supply chain limitations, while maintaining stricter rules on recyclability, producer responsibility, and vehicle exports. IDTechEx forecasts that automakers will still face major hurdles, including limited material availability, high costs, and fragmented supply chains, in meeting these goals by 2035.

Synhelion

Synhelion is a Swiss cleantech company developing synthetic fuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel) from concentrated solar heat, water, and carbon dioxide. In December 2023, IDTechEx Technology Analyst Eve Pope spoke to Carmen Murer, Head of Corporate Communication at Synhelion.

EU Chips Act — SemiWise

Professor Asen Asenov has been a professor at the University of Glasgow's Department of Electrical Engineering for 32 years. He has a strong background in the semiconductor industry, with 42 years of industry experience. In 2010, he founded a successful startup called 'Gold Standard Simulations' (GSS), which focused on advanced CMOS simulation tools. GSS was later acquired by Synopsys in 2016, leading to the establishment of SemiWise in 2017. SemiWise specializes in areas like low-power CMOS modeling and simulation, providing semiconductor IP, device design consulting, software solutions, and training courses. Additionally, Prof. Asenov is involved in UK chip initiatives and advises the Bulgarian government on the EU (European) Chips Act. IDTechEx interviewed Prof. Asenov, discussing the EU Chips Act and the competition in the semiconductor industry in July 2023.

LEVA-EU Calls for Amendment to E-Bike Legislation

Trade association LEVA-EU, the sole voice for the light electric vehicle sector in Europe, says companies that solely assemble e-bikes are confronted with discrimination that is threatening their existence. The discrimination makes it almost impossible to start up new companies and could severely hinder the EU's net-zero emissions target.

Non-Type-Approved E-scooters with Saddle are Illegal

In those member states that allow electric scooters on the road, they are clearly on the rise. With that, the offer of e-scooters with saddle is also growing. However, those vehicles are ticking time bombs since they are completely illegal if non type-approved. LEVA-EU, the trade association for businesses in the light, electric vehicle sector, explains why a saddle makes such a difference.

BESIX Awarded New BOT Contract in Waste-to-Resource Sector in Dubai

BESIX will build and operate for 16.5 years renewable energy production facilities at Al Qusais, Dubai. The Landfill Gas-to-Energy contract was awarded to BESIX by Dubai Municipality.