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Toshiba and Naturenix Launch Demonstration Test of Battery Subscription Service for Electric Motorcycle Taxis in Bangkok

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– Developing markets in emerging economies by utilizing SCiB™*1 with long life performance in hot environments –

TOKYO, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Toshiba Corporation  and Naturenix Inc., a battery tech startup from Shimane University, have started a demonstration test of a battery subscription service for drivers of electric motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, Thailand on September 30, 2024.

In Bangkok, electric motorcycle taxis help people avoid traffic congestion, but face the problem of high temperatures that degrade battery performance and life. The demonstration test will use Toshiba rechargeable lithium-ion batteries “SCiB™”, known for reliable, long-life performance in high temperatures, to ensure extended stable operation of electric motorcycle taxis, eliminate the large initial investment in a battery, and to reduce running costs. Improved battery life will also reduce materials consumption and contribute to lower environmental impact.

Lithium-ion battery performance degrades in high temperatures. The problem is particularly pronounced in two- and three-wheeled vehicles, where it is difficult to add cooling mechanisms, especially in hot countries like Thailand. Expensive lithium-ion batteries often need to be replaced after only one or two years of use, making their use economically impractical and limited. There have also been accidents where batteries have caught fire, highlighting the need for batteries with high-level safety features.

While demand for lithium-ion batteries in emerging economies is expected to exceed 600GWh by 2035, only 2.8% of that is expected to be from lithium-ion batteries for motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, both widely used in daily transportation. The reasons for this low demand in a sector where batteries could play a major role degradation and safety issues. Solutions in these areas will help to unlock a significant market for batteries for motorcycles and three-wheelers.

Working with Windee International, a joint venture with a local parking management servicer, Naturenix will provide a battery replacement service for electric motorcycles. The demonstration test will use Toshiba’s battery SCiB™. It will be mounted with sensors that monitor its characteristics and the collected data will be transmitted to Naturenix for analysis with AI. User of the service will be asked to complete a questionnaire on the service. The company will also monitor carbon dioxide emissions and examine the effectiveness of the service in reducing environmental impacts. The data collected will determine the effectiveness of the service and support preparations for a wider roll out in FY2025.

The Toshiba’s battery SCiB™ used in the demonstration test is characterized by its long life and high level safety, with minimal performance deterioration even after over 20,000*2 charge-discharge cycles. This longevity is particularly important in hot environments like Thailand. It also has excellent safety features, making it less likely to experience abnormal heating or ignition, even in the event of an internal short circuit.

Naturenix’s packing and charging technologies minimize heat generation by reducing internal resistance to the extent possible. By utilizing these technologies, the company aims to achieve longer battery life and higher output, as well as faster recharging, in as short a time as six minutes. It also expects to reduce the number of batteries on standby for recharging, and by doing so cut the service operating costs.

This battery pack’s data analysis functions constantly monitor the state of the battery. This is communicated to AI that can provide highly accurate estimates of battery degradation. Depending on the degree of degradation, after use on e-motorcycles it can be reused in a number of applications, such as being converted to a stationary storage battery.

Through Fleet operators, Naturenix will lease batteries to its customers, electric motorcycle drivers, on a subscription model. It allows Fleet operators to provide electric motorcycles to their customers without the cost of the batteries, reducing initial costs that are high barrier to entry for electrification. As the battery manufacturer, Toshiba expects to generate sustained revenue from battery rentals, as well as from manufacturing and sales.

For this demonstration, Toshiba will supply SCiB™ and Naturenix will be responsible for development and manufacturing the battery packs. Both will work for asset management, system development, installation, and providing the subscription services to customers. Naturenix will also establish a subsidiary in Thailand in FY2025 to mass produce battery packs with SCiB™, with the aim of supplying batteries not only for electric motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, but also for forklifts and golf carts.

About Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation leads a global group of companies that combines knowledge and capabilities from almost 150 years of experience in a wide range of businesses—from energy and social infrastructure to electronic devices—with world-class capabilities in information processing, digital and AI technologies. These distinctive strengths support Toshiba in building infrastructure that everyone can enjoy, and a connected data society, and in achieving the Company’s ultimate goal, a future that realizes carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Guided by the Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future,” Toshiba contributes to society’s positive development with services and solutions that lead to a better world.

For more information, visit https://www.global.toshiba/ww/top.html or follow Toshiba Corporation on  LinkedIn.

About Naturenix

Naturenix is a start-up company that aims to create a world where nature and electronics coexist through the provision of battery longevity technologies and next-generation energy platforms. By collecting dynamic data on batteries in actual use and analyzing it with AI technology, the company promotes open innovation in batteries and ensures long-term use across multiple applications by guaranteeing asset value based on an understanding of battery use and degradation. For more information, please visit www.naturenix.co.jp

Note 1: SCiB™ is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.

Note 2: Characteristics may vary with conditions of use.

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SOURCE Toshiba Corporation

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2025 Chinese economy: robust capacity in coping with pressure and risks

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BEIJING, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference:

 

From China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference held last week, one can see clear targets and detect the continuity in the rationale behind the country’s economic roadmap for 2025. The tasks listed at the conference are in line with China’s development needs in the current phase, and can to a degree respond to the external risks.

Firstly, the meeting urged efforts to vigorously boost consumption, a top-of-agenda task. Expanding domestic demand is not only a long-term priority for China, but also a coping strategy for the tougher challenges faced in exports. China’s efforts to stimulate consumption mainly fall into two categories. For one, enabling its citizens to have more to spend, by means of increasing income and alleviating burdens of low- and middle-income groups, and enabling more to enter the middle-income bracket; meanwhile, China will continue to diversify consumption scenarios, such as the debut economy, ice and snow economy and silver economy, for consumers to spend their disposable income.

Secondly, China is determined to let scientific and technological innovation drive the building of a modern industrial system, serving as a compass for China’s industrial economy development. In 2025, China is going to invest more in technological innovation, and strengthen studies in basic sciences and key core technologies, to drive industrial innovation, and furthermore achieve high standards in sci-tech self-reliance and strength.

Thirdly, China will maintain its high-level opening-up, and keep foreign trade and foreign investment stable. The size, quality and good reputation of China’s business with the world have been ever-growing, and that’s because the goal of China is to “make the cake bigger,” not “steal others’ shares of cake,” let alone “seize the whole cake.” To that end, China has improved the quality of its exports, explored new investment models, and made more countries stakeholders along the global value chain; meanwhile, it has also been ameliorating its market-access policies, and bettering the treatment of foreign-invested companies, so that more countries can benefit from the Chinese market. By November, China has removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, and service sectors including telecommunication and medical care are also opening their doors wider at a stable pace.

China shows great willingness to open up to the world, and boasts a good many partners; at the same time, the country’s economy has a solid foundation with many advantages, strong resilience and great potential, which means it possesses robust capacity in coping with pressure and risks.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-chinese-economy-robust-capacity-in-coping-with-pressure-and-risks-302338092.html

SOURCE China.org.cn

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India-born Avaada Group Commits $12bn to Transform Rajasthan into a Global Renewable Energy Hub

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MUMBAI, India, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Avaada Group, a leading name in the renewable energy sector, has announced an unprecedented investment of $12bn in Rajasthan, India, for accelerating green energy transition, thereby establishing the region as a global renewable energy powerhouse. This landmark announcement was made during the prestigious Rising Rajasthan 2024 Summit, attended by India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s strategic importance, Avaada Group’s Chairman Vineet Mittal, Guest of Honour at the event, stated, “Rajasthan’s vast solar and wind resources, coupled with the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chief Minister, present an unparalleled opportunity to redefine the global renewable energy landscape. Avaada’s commitment of $12bn while driving green industrial manufacturing will also create millions of jobs, shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Rajasthan stands out as a global hub for renewable energy, with over 142 GW of unmatched solar potential, supported by 325+ sunny days annually. The state’s pro-business policies, including the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024 and the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, have attracted investments worth $78bn.

Avaada Group’s journey in Rajasthan began with a modest 150 MW solar project and has since evolved into multiple ventures, including one of the world’s largest single location renewable energy projects by an IPP. Key investments announced at the summit include:

1,200 MW Pumped Storage Project (PSP): A $700mn initiative to enhance energy storage and grid stability.Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Projects: Investments aimed at driving global decarbonization goals.Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Projects: Across Jhalawar, Kota, Barmer, and Bikaner, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy targets.

With its strategic alignment to international sustainability frameworks like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Rajasthan offers a unique advantage for zero-carbon manufacturing and green industrial growth, positioning itself as a magnet for industries seeking sustainable operations while creating over 1mn green jobs.

“As a global renewable energy leader, Avaada is proud to participate in Rajasthan’s vision of becoming a green hub of industrial growth,” Mr. Mittal remarked. “Our investments aim to double the region’s economy by 2030, aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.”

With its strategic initiatives, Avaada Group is poised to attract international collaborations, setting a benchmark for renewable energy innovation and sustainable industrial development.

About Avaada Group

Avaada Group is a leader in the global energy transition, specializing in solar module manufacturing, renewable power generation, and the development of green hydrogen, green methanol, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel projects. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Vineet Mittal, Avaada has become a significant global player in clean energy. Avaada Energy, the group’s renewable power generation arm, aims to achieve a capacity of 11 GWp by 2026. The group’s strong execution capabilities have attracted substantial international investment, including a $1.3bn commitment in early 2023, with $1bn from Brookfield’s Energy Transition Fund and $300mn from GPSC, a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Group.

Contact

Kiren Srivastav
kiren.srivastav@avaada.com

Charu Sehgal
charu.sehgal@avaada.com 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/india-born-avaada-group-commits-12bn-to-transform-rajasthan-into-a-global-renewable-energy-hub-302337340.html

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The Shining Achievements of Busan MICE in 2024

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BUSAN, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Amid intensifying competition among MICE host cities to attract large events, 2024 saw Busan take bold steps that led to impressive results, proving its potential as a prime MICE destination. The efforts made by Busan in 2024 in attracting major international conferences, promoting ESG management, enhancing networking, and strengthening city identity are outlined below.

International Conferences Held in the Global MICE City of Busan

Busan hosted several significant international conferences in 2024. In July, it welcomed the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024), drawing around 2,700 space scientists from 60 countries to Korea. This was the first time the event was held in the country. In August, after eight years of preparation, the city hosted the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC 2024), a prestigious event with a 146-year history, at BEXCO. In November, Busan hosted the 5th Session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5). With participation from 193 institutions and countries, INC-5 was the final dialogue in a series of international discussions on controlling plastic pollution, making it a crucial conference on the future health of Earth’s marine environment and placing Busan at the forefront of global attention.

Wide-ranging ESG Activities for the Sustainability of MICE

Busan’s selection to host INC-5 was made possible by its strong track record of ESG initiatives within the MICE industry. The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) CVB’s exhibition hall was decorated using recyclable wood, and with the assistance of eco-friendly suppliers, recycling stations were set up to facilitate the collection of waste generated during the event. Aiming for a paperless conference, digital materials and multifunctional electronic platforms were also used. Continuous efforts in various ESG initiatives were made through collaborations with Busan MICE Alliance (BMA) members. Environmental reports were made, containing carbon reduction amounts for all products used at event venues and greenhouse gas reduction indicators for transportation during each event, to create more eco-friendly events.

Improvement of Busan’s MICE Network Through Communication

The Busan MICE Alliance and the Busan MICE industry, in general, grew in solidarity through strong networking this year. The BTO CVB worked to fundamentally enhance Busan’s MICE industry by increasing local demand for MICE events and maintaining an efficient collaboration network. Regular meetings of the BMA focused on the concerns of its members to improve communication. Additionally, Busan MICE Alliance Day was held to strengthen ties among members of Busan’s MICE industry, fostering discussions on industry developments both locally and internationally, and exploring joint marketing opportunities. New members were recruited into the BMA in both the first and second halves of the year, enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors for the success of Busan’s MICE industry. The Busan MICE Business Innovation Platform, which provides users with access to news and information about Busan’s MICE industry, was launched and well-received.

Unique Venues That Capture Busan’s Local Identity

Participants in MICE events now expect more than just the exchange of knowledge. They seek a special experience, and MICE destinations should leverage their local identity to provide experiences that can only be found in their cities or regions. Recognizing this industry trend, Busan has identified a variety of unique venues that highlight the history, culture, and distinctiveness of the city. Venues such as Domoheon, the former residence of Busan’s mayor; Space OneZ, a renovated old warehouse; and Holi Lounge, offering a surfing workation, exemplify this approach. The MICE events held at these unique venues are also organized in a way that showcases the best of Busan’s local identity.

As another busy year draws to a close, Busan, as a MICE city, is looking forward to making even greater strides next year. The 18th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM) in 2028, along with many other international MICE events, are set to take place in Busan, and the BTO CVB is actively working toward this goal.

With aspirations of reaching the pinnacle of the MICE industry, Busan will continue its efforts to be a sustainable, cooperative, and unique MICE city that is globally recognized.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-shining-achievements-of-busan-mice-in-2024-302338095.html

SOURCE Busan Tourism Organization

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