Global Scans · Responsible Consumption and Production · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• [New] Based on projects with a final investment decision (FID), renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production can reach over 4 Mt by 2030, but they represent only 9% of all announced projects (up from 6% last year). IEA
• [New] Low-emissions hydrogen production is still set to see robust growth to 2030, rising from less than 1% of the total today to around 4% by 2030. IEA
• [New] Global electrolyzer capacity for green hydrogen production is set to increase 55-fold by 2030, reaching over 200 GW. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] From 2025 to 2030, global catalyst consumption is expected to grow moderately, with China and North America leading in volume, while Southern Asia and Africa emerge as high-growth regions. MarketResearch.com, LLC
• [New] Global demand for critical minerals will increase fourfold by 2040, with certain materials experiencing growth multiples of thirty times current consumption levels. Discovery Alert
• [New] Accelerated transition scenarios consistent with 1.5 °C climate targets require 6-8 times current lithium production by 2040, exceeding currently identified economically viable reserves. Discovery Alert
• [New] Tesla's planned battery production capacity of 3 terawatt-hours annually by 2030 alone requires approximately 180,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide equivalent per year. Discovery Alert
• [New] Tyson expects to lose more than $600 million on beef production in 2025 after already reporting $720 million of red ink in beef over the past two years. Insurance Journal
• [New] Corne van Leeuwen is the first farmer in the world to receive agricultural funding for cultivated meat production, and will be supported through EIP-Agri, which connects farmers, researchers, and businesses to accelerate innovation in agriculture across Europe. CNS Media
• [New] Against chicken production in China, FCPD required 70% less land and lowered the potential for freshwater pollution by 78%. ScienceDaily
• [New] In recent months, the UN has agreed to develop a global treaty on plastics which could include cuts in virgin plastic production, as well as increasing collection and recycling infrastructure. UK - EN - Intermediary
• [New] By localising production, bound4blue will reduce lead times for its Model 2 and Model 3 eSAILs, while improving logistics efficiency for projects throughout Asia. MarineLink
• [New] Production in China will be handled through a network of outsourced industrial partners with strong naval and offshore manufacturing capabilities. MarineLink
• [New] Widespread commercial deployment is projected for 2028-2030 as hydrogen costs decline and production capacity expands. Discovery Alert
• [New] The Freeport will boost UK production of clean energy and sustainable fuels, including offshore wind energy. GOV.UK
• [New] The U.S. lacks the infrastructure needed for large-scale domestic CRM production and development could take 5 to 10 years. Passle
• [New] Korean major corporations have promised $150 billion in US investment, including Hyundai Motor Group's decision to invest $26 billion by 2028 for steel mill construction in the US and expanded automobile production. The Asan Forum
• [New] Samsung is launching an AI-driven megafactory project that will embed AI across its chip production process in collaboration with NVIDIA. ACE Controls Inc.
• [New] Speculation among analysts: The next major Optimus version could debut in early 2026 (Tesla has teased the third-generation prototype), with production ramp-up by 2027. TESMAG
• [New] Optimising domestic production of critical minerals will help protect UK supply against global trade and supply chain disruptions. GOV.UK

Last updated: 01 December 2025