Blog Category: General

In recent years, the tech industry's insatiable demand for energy has led to a surprising resurgence in nuclear power, particularly through the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are at the forefront of this movement, investing heavily in these advanced nuclear technologies to power their vast data centers and support their AI ambitions.

In recent years, the tech industry's insatiable demand for energy has led to a surprising resurgence in nuclear power, particularly through the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are at the forefront of this movement, investing heavily in these advanced nuclear technologies to power their vast data centers and support their AI ambitions.

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its energy sector. With a population of over 28 million, the island nation is heavily reliant on traditional biomass and imported fossil fuels, which pose significant environmental and economic challenges. However, the government and various stakeholders are now focusing on harnessing the island's abundant renewable energy resources to create a sustainable and resilient energy future.

As the UK prepares to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by the end of 2024, Made in Britain is hosting an insightful online session on November 12th. This event aims to equip UK manufacturers with the knowledge and connections needed to successfully export to the Asia Pacific region. Event Highlights The session will feature presentations from two UK manufacturing companies, including Roman Ltd, which has a strong track record of exporting to over 70 countries. Attendees will also hear from the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Asia Pacific team, who will provide valuable advice on leveraging the benefits of the CPTPP.

Equinix, a leading global data center operator, has announced a significant joint venture with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments). This partnership aims to raise over $15 billion to expand Equinix’s U.S. data center footprint. The joint venture, established on October 1, 2024, is set to accelerate the growth of Equinix’s xScale data center portfolio. This expansion is driven by the increasing demand for data storage and processing power, fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The new facilities will cater to hyperscale customers, including major technology companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

In a significant shift from its previous methodology, the World Bank has launched the "Business Ready 2024" report, a revamped version of the former "Doing Business" rankings. This new report evaluates the business climates of 50 economies across three critical pillars: regulatory framework, public services, and operational efficiency. The top performers in these categories are Hungary, Estonia, and Singapore, respectively.

On September 9, 2024, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering supply chain resilience. This agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing strategic cooperation and addressing risks to critical supply chains among these three nations.

On September 9, 2024, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering supply chain resilience. This agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing strategic cooperation and addressing risks to critical supply chains among these three nations.

In a significant shift, Western automakers have suspended or cancelled battery joint venture projects worth at least $13 billion. This move comes as the industry grapples with weaker electric vehicle (EV) sales, increased competition from Chinese manufacturers, and the high costs associated with building gigafactories. The Changing Landscape of EV Investments The slowdown in EV demand has prompted automakers to reassess their ambitious plans. Companies like Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz, through their joint venture Automotive Cells Company, have halted projects in Italy and Germany, each valued at €2 billion. Similarly, Ford has scrapped two joint ventures in Turkey with Korean battery makers SK On and LG Energy Solution, which had a combined capital expenditure of approximately $6 billion.

In a significant development, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the US manufacturing sector has plummeted to its lowest level in a decade. This decline raises concerns about the effectiveness of recent US industrial policies aimed at boosting foreign investment. Key Statistics According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), new FDI in US manufacturing fell to $42.9 billion in 2023, marking a one-third drop from the previous year. This is the lowest level recorded over the past ten years. Additionally, manufacturing's share of new FDI expenditure also hit a decade-low of 28.8%.