LG Group (LG) has set a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, making it the only South Korean conglomerate to publicly announce specific carbon neutrality goals and timelines. The company plans to invest KRW1.8 trillion (approx. US$1.3 billion) over the next five years.

Taiwan Cement hosted the Low-Carbon Construction Pioneer Alliance conference on November 18, with Chairman An-ping Chang highlighting the company's global leadership in low-carbon cement production. Chang emphasized that despite technological capability, regulatory barriers prevent Taiwan's limestone cement concrete (IL15) from reaching the lowest carbon standards.

CATL's chairman and CEO Robin Zeng has expressed willingness to build a factory in the US if President-Elect Donald Trump is willing to open the door for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) investments. This strategic shift comes as Chinese manufacturers face mounting pressure from Trump's tariffs on EV and lithium battery imports.

TSMC inaugurated its zero-waste manufacturing center in Taichung on November 13, while signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) to develop advanced carbon capture technology.

Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS) Group is expanding its renewable energy presence through a recent stock subscription agreement with Anneal Energy, securing a 45% stake and becoming the largest institutional shareholder. This move aligns with adjustments to Taiwan's Electricity Act, which now allows Type III solar power plants—those with less than 2,000 kilowatts in capacity—to sell green energy to renewable trading companies for corporate use.

TSMC's earnings call for the third quarter of 2023 underscored a core message: "AI is Real." As AI demand surges, the expansion of data centers has become crucial. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that data centers will evolve into next-generation computing units, forming a virtualized network for AI computation.

HD Renewable Energy (HDRE) announced an investment of NT$932 million (US$29.66 million) for a 9.7% stake in Australian electricity retailer ZEN Energy, marking its entry into the Australian power market. Approved at its October 7 board meeting, the investment sets the stage for joint ventures in energy storage, solar-storage projects, and infrastructure, combining HDRE's system integration capabilities with ZEN's expertise in Australian power trading for future international expansion.

Norman Tsai, Chairman of INA Energy and President of the Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry System Association (TPiSA), emphasized that Taiwan's advanced semiconductor manufacturing sector will face a sharp increase in renewable energy demand. He stressed that regulatory flexibility in Taiwan would be essential for renewables to effectively support the semiconductor sector.

Panasonic's battery manufacturing division has found a silver lining in the growing demand for data center energy systems, offsetting the impact of slowing electric vehicle (EV) sales. The division reported strong financial results despite challenges in the EV market.

Following the US Department of Treasury's expansion of the CHIPS and Science Act subsidies to include solar-grade silicon ingots and wafers, South Korean solar giants Hanwha Qcells and OCI Holdings are expected to gain billions of Korean won in added US support.

As Donald Trump secures a second term as US president, market observers are closely monitoring the potential impact of his economic policies on the technology sector. With Republican control of both chambers of Congress strengthening his mandate, Trump's ability to implement his agenda faces few legislative hurdles.