PowerBank Corporation and Orbit AI are preparing to launch a new project that aims to bring AI computing, communication systems, and blockchain verification into space. The companies plan to build the “Orbital Cloud“, a network of satellites. They can send data, run AI programs, and verify digital transactions while circling the Earth. Their first satellite, DeStarlink Genesis-1, is expected to launch in December 2025.

The project combines renewable energy, satellite networks, and advanced computing. It also reflects PowerBank’s move from traditional solar projects into digital infrastructure.

Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of PowerBank, said:

“The next frontier of human innovation isn’t just in space exploration — it’s in building the infrastructure of tomorrow above the Earth. The combined markets for orbital satellites, in-orbit data centers, blockchain verification, and solar-powered digital infrastructure are projected to exceed $700 billion over the next decade. By integrating solar energy with orbital computing, PowerBank is helping create a globally sovereign, AI-enabled digital layer in space — a system that can help power finance, communications, and critical infrastructure.”

Orbit AI will supply satellite technology and computing systems. PowerBank will provide solar energy and thermal control solutions that will allow the satellites to operate in space.

A New Type of Digital Infrastructure in Space

The Orbital Cloud brings together two main systems developed by Orbit AI. The first is DeStarlink, a decentralized network of satellites. Like current global internet constellations, it avoids relying on one operator or nation. The second is DeStarAI, a group of orbital AI data centers that use high-performance hardware to process data in low Earth orbit.

Orbit AI plans to combine these systems into one connected layer. This layer will allow satellites to store data, run AI models, and send information globally. It also verifies blockchain transactions.

The satellites work in space, so they don’t face typical limits found on Earth. They avoid issues like cooling needs, power shortages, and local regulations.

PowerBank plans to support this system by supplying solar arrays and cooling control technologies. These systems aim to power the satellites and help them manage the extreme temperatures in space. The company sees this as part of its move into digital assets and data centers, where solar energy helps meet the growing demand for AI and cloud computing.

How the Orbital Cloud Works

The Orbital Cloud works by placing computing hardware, communication tools, and blockchain systems together on satellites. These satellites move in low Earth orbit, which allows them to send data with low delay and maintain constant coverage.

The system uses solar panels to power the AI computers on board. Space offers steady sunlight, which allows continuous energy generation. Because there is no atmosphere in orbit, the satellites can also release heat more easily, which helps the computers stay cool. This reduces the need for complex cooling buildings or large data center facilities on Earth.

Genesis-1, the first test satellite, will include an Ethereum wallet and a blockchain node. This means it can verify transactions from orbit. It will also carry an initial AI payload that can run basic inference tasks. As more satellites launch, they will connect and form a larger network.

As the system expands, Orbit AI will let users send data, run AI programs, or request blockchain verification via the Orbital Cloud. PowerBank and Orbit AI expect this system to support industries such as finance, communication, defense, and digital identity systems.

Why Orbital Computing Is Becoming a Multi-Billion-Dollar Market

Several fast-growing sectors support the idea behind the Orbital Cloud. The companies point to forecasts showing strong growth in satellite technology, space-based data services, AI computing, and renewable energy infrastructure. Together, these sectors may form a market worth more than US$700 billion over the next decade.

Industry research highlights several key trends:

• Orbital infrastructure is expected to grow from US$13.5 billion in 2024 to US$21.3 billion by 2029.

• The global satellite market may reach US$615 billion by 2032.

• In-orbit data centers may expand from US$1.77 billion in 2029 to US$39.1 billion by 2035.

• Satellite data services may grow from about US$12 billion in 2024 to more than US$55 billion by 2034.

These markets grow due to rising demand for AI processing. Digital sovereignty also needs to drive them. Plus, the use of blockchain systems is on the rise. More countries and companies want secure, independent digital networks, but terrestrial infrastructure can’t keep up. So, space-based systems could become more important.

Moreover, orbital data centers avoid land, water, and grid constraints while accessing uninterrupted solar energy and natural radiative cooling. Companies like Axiom Space, Starcloud, Google, and ADA Space are also into this. These trends reinforce the commercial potential behind PowerBank and Orbit AI’s orbital ambitions.

PowerBank’s leadership sees this shift as an opportunity to combine solar infrastructure with the next wave of digital systems. Orbit AI’s leadership describes the Orbital Cloud as a way to build an autonomous digital layer that does not depend on Earth-based networks. Both companies view the partnership as a step toward long-term commercial growth in space technology.

• SEE MORE: PowerBank Embraces Bitcoin and Tokenized Energy in Bold Treasury Shift to Digital Finance

The Hardware Stack Powering the Orbital Cloud

The project plans to use hardware and technologies from several global leaders. Orbit AI and PowerBank intend to work with companies that provide GPUs, satellite materials, launch systems, and blockchain tools. These parts work together to create the computing, communication, and verification functions of the Orbital Cloud.

The planned major contributors are:

• NVIDIA for AI hardware.

• Ethereum Foundation for blockchain frameworks.

• Galaxy Space for satellite components.

• Galactic Energy for launch technologies.

• SparkX Satellite for building the Genesis-1 satellite.

• AscendX Aerospace for materials for future satellite structures.

NVIDIA was chosen for its expertise in AI hardware, as shown by its record-breaking  earnings on November 19, 2025: $57 billion in quarterly revenue, driven by demand for its accelerators and new Blackwell GPUs. This technology surge confirms NVIDIA’s central role in powering next-generation AI networks both on Earth and in space – supporting projects like the Orbital Cloud as industries rapidly pivot to scalable, climate-resilient infrastructure.

These partners support different stages of the project. Some focus on computing power while others provide communications gear. Some contribute launch vehicles or satellite parts. This approach allows PowerBank and Orbit AI to blend proven technologies in their orbital system. They don’t have to build every part from scratch.

Because of this, the project uses high-performance hardware and well-tested satellite structures. This reduces risk during early launches and also allows companies to focus on scaling the system after the first satellites work well.

Funding Roadmap and Key Launch Targets

PowerBank plans to begin its involvement with an initial US$50,000 investment in Orbit AI. The company also aims to invest up to US$10 million. In return, it can get an equity stake of 2% to 20%, depending on the final terms and how well the Genesis-1 launch performs.

Both companies have outlined a development timeline that runs from 2025 to 2030. The key steps are:

• Launch Genesis-1 in late 2025.

• Deploy more satellites in 2026.

• Build a complete constellation by 2027 and 2028.

From 2028 to 2030, the companies plan to introduce autonomous network operations, where satellites can coordinate, compute, and verify on their own without heavy ground control.

If these milestones succeed, the Orbital Cloud could be one of the first large-scale orbital computing systems. It could also influence how countries, companies, and developers design digital services in the future.

• READ MORE: Google’s Bold Climate Actions: AI in the Amazon and Solar Power in Space!

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The United States’ decision to support South Korea’s uranium enrichment goals marks a major shift in the two countries’ long-standing nuclear partnership. This move not only strengthens their alliance but also boosts South Korea’s ambitions in clean energy, nuclear fuel cycle development, and naval defense.

With a strong nuclear power fleet already supplying one-third of its electricity, South Korea is now preparing for a new chapter in nuclear technology, strategy, and security.

A Turning Point in US–ROK Nuclear Cooperation

The latest agreement signals Washington’s clearest endorsement yet of Seoul’s desire to take greater control of its nuclear fuel supply. South Korea operates 26 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of about 26 gigawatts electric (GWe). These reactors are the backbone of the energy system, providing stable, low-carbon electricity year-round.

Now, with US backing, South Korea is set to advance in two sensitive areas it has long sought approval for:

• Uranium enrichment for peaceful use
• Reprocessing spent nuclear fuel

Alongside these steps, the US has also supported South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered attack submarines, expanding cooperation into the defense sector.

This shift reflects a deeper level of trust in the alliance and positions South Korea for greater energy security and strategic capability.

Inside the Agreement: A Break from Past Restrictions

On November 13, 2025, the White House and South Korea’s Presidential Office released a joint fact sheet following a state visit by US President Donald Trump. The document reaffirmed the strengthened US–ROK alliance and outlined a series of shared economic and security commitments, including a $350 million strategic trade and investment deal.

However, the most significant announcement centered on nuclear cooperation. For decades, South Korea operated under tight restrictions through the 123 Agreement, a treaty that governs nuclear trade and technology sharing between the two nations. Originally signed in 1974, the agreement limited South Korea’s ability to enrich uranium or reprocess used fuel.

A revised deal signed in 2015 loosened some restrictions but still required US approval for progress on fuel cycle technologies. The new statement goes further than ever before. The US has officially endorsed the processes leading to South Korea’s enrichment and reprocessing capabilities, as long as they comply with US legal requirements.

This marks one of the biggest relaxations of US nuclear controls in decades.

South Korea’s Powerful Nuclear Fleet

South Korea has built one of the world’s most reliable, efficient, and advanced nuclear power systems. The country’s 26 operating reactors supply 32–34% of national electricity, making nuclear energy a major pillar in Korea’s clean energy transition.

The fleet includes:

• APR-1400 reactors – Korea’s flagship advanced design
• OPR-1000 reactors – earlier standardized units
• Westinghouse PWRs – older imported models
• CANDU reactors – heavy-water units that use natural uranium

Key nuclear power plants include Hanbit, Hanul, Kori, and Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant. These reactors operate with high load factors, often above 80%, showing strong performance and reliable output.

New Reactors and Next-Gen Technology on the Way

South Korea is expanding its nuclear fleet to meet rising energy demand and support its climate goals. The country currently has four reactors under construction, expected to add around 4 GWe when complete. These include:

• Saeul units (APR-1400 design)
• Shin Hanul units

Looking ahead, South Korea plans to add additional large reactors and deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2038. SMRs offer lower cost, improved safety, and flexible use for industry and clean hydrogen production. These new technologies could bring Korea closer to energy independence and strengthen its export competitiveness in the global nuclear market.

SEE MORE:

• Amazon, X-energy, KHNP, and Doosan Partner on $50B Nuclear Push for AI Data Centers 
• Oklo and KHNP Team Up to Accelerate Global Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Power 

Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Transforming Defense Capabilities

Another major part of the agreement is the US decision to support South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. Seoul has wanted this technology for many years because it offers clear military advantages. Nuclear submarines can stay underwater much longer, move faster, operate more quietly, and travel farther without stopping to refuel. As a result, they would greatly improve South Korea’s ability to protect its coastline and respond quickly to threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The joint US–ROK fact sheet also stated that both countries will work together on the technical needs of these submarines. This includes fuel sourcing, design features, and reactor requirements. This cooperation supports South Korea’s broader defense modernization goals and helps the country move closer to taking full wartime operational control, or OPCON, from the United States. With this capability, South Korea strengthens not only its naval defense but also its overall strategic independence.

Regional Security Concerns: The North Korea Factor

These developments come at a time when North Korea is rapidly expanding its nuclear program. Experts estimate that Pyongyang now holds around 50 nuclear warheads and has enough fissile material to build many more. The country continues to operate active uranium enrichment sites and is speeding up its weapons production. Because of this, tensions in Northeast Asia have increased sharply.

South Korea’s nuclear advancements, however, remain focused on peaceful and defensive goals, and they operate under strict US oversight and global safeguards. Even so, these new capabilities send a strong deterrence message. They show that South Korea is ready to strengthen its technology, defense posture, and national security. In a region marked by rising uncertainty and military competition, Seoul’s progress reflects confidence, preparedness, and responsible leadership.

A Milestone for Northeast Asia’s Energy and Security Landscape

The US decision to support South Korea’s enrichment and reprocessing goals marks a major turning point in the alliance. South Korea already runs a powerful 26-GWe nuclear fleet that supplies a large share of its electricity. By gaining more control over the nuclear fuel cycle, the country can improve its energy security and boost its role as a global nuclear technology leader.

At the same time, the approval of nuclear-powered submarines strengthens South Korea’s defense capabilities at a moment when regional threats continue to rise. These combined steps create a stronger foundation for clean energy development, national security, and long-term cooperation between the United States and South Korea.

Together, they represent a major shift in Northeast Asia’s strategic landscape. They also show how civilian nuclear programs and national security interests are becoming increasingly connected in today’s geopolitical environment.

• FURTHER READING: South Korea Eyes Solar Power Supremacy by 2035: Can This Shift Outshine Nuclear in Just a Decade? 

The post U.S. Backs South Korea’s Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear-Powered Submarine Ambitions appeared first on Carbon Credits.

COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, has shifted into higher gear. Ministers are now at the negotiation table. The talks are shifting from technical discussions to tough political bargaining.

The COP30 presidency has released a new summary document outlining 21 different options for resolving some of the most contentious issues. This is signaling a push for real progress.

A Menu of Options from the Presidency

At the heart of the summit is a 5-page note from COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago. This document does more than guide discussions: it frames possible outcomes by laying out 21 options across four major areas.

These major issue-areas include:

• Strengthening national climate plans: whether countries should be urged to do more on their new emissions-reduction pledges.
• Climate finance: especially the allocation of a $300 billion aid target from richer to poorer countries. Current climate finance flows are far too low. About $500 billion is available each year, but the world needs $1.3 trillion by 2030–2035. Rich countries made a promise: to give $100 billion a year by 2020. But they didn’t meet this goal.
• Trade and climate: how to deal with trade barriers and climate-related trade disputes. Climate-related tariffs and disputes are rising. This shows that COP30 needs to tackle trade measures in a more organized way.
• Transparency and reporting: improving how countries report their emissions and climate progress.

The presidency says these options are not fixed decisions. Instead, they reflect different pathways that countries can endorse or reject. This structure is meant to give negotiators flexibility while still working toward a coherent package.

Some options call for a new three-year climate finance program. Others suggest simpler steps, like reaffirming current commitments.

One idea for trade is to host roundtables about how climate policies impact cross-border trade. Another is to create a formal platform to discuss climate-related trade measures under the UNFCCC.

• The presidency also emphasizes core themes: multilateralism, putting people at the center, and moving from negotiation to implementation.

COP30 metrics show the size of these talks. Nearly 200 countries and many observer groups are represented.

Analysts say the document suggests a bolder COP30 outcome that could lead to roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. Also, it may establish a clearer link between climate finance and accountability.

Host Brazil Urges Action, Not Just Words

Brazil, as host, is pressing hard for concrete results. It has sent a strong message through a letter and its draft text, urging parties to negotiate in good faith and aim for real deliverables. And so negotiations extended into the nights to finalize the talks. 

President Lula da Silva and COP President do Lago both emphasize that talks must lead to a practical roadmap, not vague promises. They argue that to meet the challenges ahead, especially on fossil fuels and finance, countries must chart out “who does what, when, and how.”

In particular, Brazil is pushing for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. It sees this as both an ethical and strategic move: phasing out fossil fuels in a just way, while respecting development needs.

• Global fossil fuel subsidies are about $500 billion each year.

Reform efforts are now closely tied to COP talks. This adds urgency to Brazil’s proposals.

Money Talks: Climate Finance Stalls Negotiations

Even though the presidency’s proposal is broad, finance continues to act as a major roadblock. Developing countries say rich nations still haven’t met their climate aid promises. This includes a goal of $300 billion each year by 2035. The shortfall compared to the estimated needs of $1.3 trillion annually illustrates the scale of the finance gap.

These financial disputes have even prompted critics to warn that the absence of real funding could undermine the entire summit. Some say that until money flows, other issues — like emissions or transparency — may remain stalled.

• SEE MORE: From Baku to Belém: Can COP30 Deliver the $1.3 Trillion Climate Finance Pledge?

South Korea’s Big Coal Shift

Meanwhile, a significant moment came when South Korea announced it would phase out many of its coal-fired power plants by 2040. The country joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance.

Under the plan, 40 out of its 61 coal plants are set to retire by 2040. The remaining 21 will be evaluated for closure later, based on economic and environmental factors.

South Korea aims to have 45% of its electricity supplied by renewables by 2040, supplemented by nuclear and gas. This commitment signals a major step toward a cleaner energy mix and the creation of green jobs.

But the pledge also raises geopolitical stakes. South Korea has long been a major coal importer. Its decision could ripple through global coal markets, especially affecting exporting countries.

The country accounts for about 1.5% of global emissions. This shows that its policies, though smaller than those of China or the U.S., still hold significant regional influence.

China Steps Up as the United States Steps Back

Complicating dynamics at COP30 is the notable absence of the United States. As such, China has stepped up its diplomatic efforts. With no top U.S. officials around, it is pushing for stronger cooperation among many countries.

Beijing’s delegation sees itself as a stabilizing force. They push for climate finance, technology cooperation, and working together on the Paris Agreement. China accounts for around 31% of global emissions, making its position critical for the overall climate outcome.

Before the summit, China updated its climate goals. It plans to cut emissions by 7–10% from peak levels and increase non-fossil energy use to 30% of total energy consumption by 2035.

Analysts note that, even with these plans, long-term goals and accountability are still necessary to keep warming within 1.5°C.

What’s at Stake: A Turning Point for COP30

As COP30 presses on, what happens in the next few days could define its legacy. Here are the key things to watch out for as the summit takes its second week run:

• The presidency’s “menu” of options gives countries flexibility, but risks producing watered-down outcomes.
• Finance remains the most difficult divide. Without real funding, many fear COP30 could fall short.
• Brazil is pushing for a fossil-fuel roadmap anchored in fairness — but that depends on buy-in from major emitters.
• South Korea’s coal commitment could reshape export markets and send a signal to other coal-dependent nations.
• China’s rising role highlights how power dynamics are shifting, especially in the U.S.’s absence.
• Trade and climate measures, including tariffs and disputes, remain an area where COP30 could produce tangible frameworks to avoid future conflicts.

In short, COP30 may not just be another negotiation; it could be a turning point. Whether countries seize the moment to deliver real change will determine if this climate conference becomes a source of momentum or just another talking summit.

• READ MORE: COP30 Begins with a Call for Delivery, with Carbon Credit Rules Taking Shape

The post COP30 Moves Into a More Ambitious Phase: Key Updates to Know appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The energy world is changing fast, yet not fast enough to protect the planet from dangerous warming. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2025, released at the start of COP30 in Brazil, lays out three futures for global emissions. These scenarios show how close — or far — the world is from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. The findings are sobering, but they also give countries clear signals on where action must accelerate.

The IEA makes one point very clear: 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded, and for the first time, global temperatures stayed above 1.5°C across the entire year. The last decade was also the hottest in history. This puts huge pressure on countries as they update their national climate plans at COP30.

Yet the IEA also stresses something important — none of its scenarios are forecasts. They are pathways, and the direction we take still depends on policy choices made today.

A World on a Hotter Track: What the IEA’s Scenarios Show

The IEA’s three major scenarios outline different ways the global energy system could evolve. Two reflect today’s conditions. The third shows what it would take actually to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Current Policies Scenario (CPS): The Dangerous Path

This scenario assumes governments stop at policies already written into law. No new climate pledges. No new incentives. No strengthened targets.

Under this path:

• Coal use falls only slightly.
• Oil and gas demand have been rising for decades.
• Global energy-related emissions stay close to 2024 levels all the way to 2050.

The result is alarming. Global warming will hit 2°C by around 2050 and reach 2.9°C by 2100, and temperatures will still be rising. The IEA even warns there is a 5% chance of hitting 4°C, a level associated with extreme climate disruptions and irreversible tipping points.

The CPS was removed after 2020 because it seemed unrealistic in a world trying to cut emissions. But political pressure, especially from the Trump administration, pushed the IEA to bring it back. Its return shows how vulnerable global climate ambition can be when big economies shift direction.

Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS): Better, but Still Off-Track

This scenario reflects what governments say they plan to do — but not what they have legally locked in.

Here:

• Emissions peak within a few years.
• They fall slightly to 35.2 gigatonnes (Gt) in 2035.
• Advanced economies and China reduce emissions.
• But developing economies emit more as energy demand rises.

Even with these changes, the STEPS pathway still results in 2.5°C of warming by 2100. This is far above the Paris goal of “well below 2°C” and nowhere near keeping warming under 1.5°C. The IEA notes that this year’s STEPS outcome is worse than last year’s due to slower clean energy progress and higher expected coal use.

Net Zero by 2050 Scenario (NZE): The Only Path that Stabilizes the Climate

Net Zero by 2050 Scenario, often called the NZE, shows what a 1.5°C-aligned future would require. It is the only pathway that eventually brings warming back below 1.5°C by the end of the century.

But the challenge has grown sharply. Because real-world emissions remain high, the NZE scenario now includes:

• a higher and longer overshoot of the 1.5°C limit
• warming peaks around 65°C mid-century and slowly declines

Large-Scale Carbon Removal Technologies: The Saviour

The only way to return below that threshold later this century is to combine deep emissions cuts with large-scale carbon removal technologies. These technologies remain expensive and unproven at the scale required.

So the IEA emphasizes that countries must do everything possible to limit the overshoot by cutting emissions faster now. Notably, in the NZE pathway, global emissions fall by more than half by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050.

By the end of the century, carbon removal technologies would need to eliminate nearly four gigatonnes of CO₂ each year to bring temperatures back down.

A Fossil Peak Nears as Clean Energy Surges — but the World Still Falls Short

The IEA shows the energy system shifting, with coal already at or near its peak and oil expected to peak around 2030, though its decline will be slower than once expected. Gas demand levels off around 2035, but at a higher baseline than earlier forecasts, revealing how deeply rooted fossil fuels remain in the global mix.

At the same time, clean energy is rising fast. Solar capacity could more than triple by 2035, wind is set to nearly triple, and nuclear expands by close to 40 percent. Renewables will even overtake oil as the largest energy source by the early 2040s. Yet the world is still not moving fast enough. Under stated policies, renewable capacity reaches about 13,700 gigawatts by 2035, far short of the roughly 19,600 gigawatts required under the net-zero pathway.

• ALSO READ: How EV Adoption is Reshaping Global Oil Demand: IEA’s 2025 Outlook and 2030 Forecast 

Global Carbon Emissions: Peaks and Plateaus

Both IEA scenarios point to sustained high emissions, though at different levels. In the CPS, global energy emissions stay near 2024 levels through 2050, as small coal reductions are offset by rising oil and gas use. In the STEPS, emissions peak soon, drop to 35.2 gigatonnes by 2035, and decline slowly to 2050.

Reductions in advanced economies and China are balanced by rising emissions in developing regions. The gap between CPS and STEPS comes mainly from higher coal emissions, slower industrial efficiency, and delayed adoption of electric and efficient vehicles.

All in all, this gap underscores the need to accelerate clean energy deployment to align with global climate goals.

Why COP30 Matters More Than Ever

With the world heating faster than expected and the 1.5°C threshold already breached annually, COP30 becomes a turning point. The IEA’s outlook directly shapes negotiations because it:

• Shows the world is far off-track.
• Highlights the widening gap between political promises and real action.
• Makes clear that overshoot is now unavoidable.
• Warns that delay will force much heavier reliance on expensive CO₂ removals later.

At COP30, countries need to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The IEA warns that current NDCs do not reflect the full potential of national policies or domestic clean energy momentum. In other words, many countries are doing more at home than they are willing to commit to on paper.

COP30 is a chance to fix this gap.

What Can Be Done to Get on Track? The IEA’s Priority Actions

The message is clear: the world is not on track, and the window to avoid the worst climate impacts is shrinking. Still, the IEA shows that meaningful progress is underway.

It highlights several actions that could quickly bring global emissions closer to the NZE path. The world needs faster renewable energy deployment, stronger energy efficiency improvements, and large reductions in methane emissions from the energy sector.

Electrification of vehicles, buildings, and industry has to accelerate, and sustainable fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen must expand significantly. These steps are well understood, often cost-effective, and achievable with current technology. What remains missing is the political will to scale them up at the speed required.

With COP30, countries certainly have an opportunity to match ambition with action and take decisive steps toward a safer climate future.

• ALSO READ: From Baku to Belém: Can COP30 Deliver the $1.3 Trillion Climate Finance Pledge?

The post What the IEA’s New Scenarios Mean for the Global Climate — and for COP30 appeared first on Carbon Credits.