For decades, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, aka NASCAR, stood for roaring engines, speed, and fierce competition. The sport, headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, built its reputation on powerful combustion engines and high-energy racing events across the United States.

However, the organization has recently shifted gears. Today, NASCAR is embracing sustainability and cleaner technology while still protecting the thrill of racing. The sport is working toward a bold target: net-zero operating emissions by 2035.

This goal forms the backbone of the NASCAR IMPACT strategy. The plan looks at emissions across the sport’s core activities—from race cars and racetrack facilities to large racing events. Instead of relying on a single solution, NASCAR is using multiple approaches, such as renewable energy, cleaner fuels, and improved waste management.

In short, the future of stock-car racing is becoming cleaner without losing its competitive edge.

NASCAR’s Net-Zero Mission

Back in 2023, NASCAR announced its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2035. In simple terms, the goal focuses on the fuel and electricity used at NASCAR-owned racetracks and offices.

To make this happen, the organization plans to reduce overall energy consumption while increasing the share of renewable power used across its operations.

The strategy focuses on three main areas:

• Race cars
• Racing events
• Facilities and offices

Each of these areas produces emissions in different ways. For example, race cars consume fuel, while events require power generators and logistics fleets. Meanwhile, offices and racetracks use electricity, heating, and cooling systems. Therefore, NASCAR’s climate strategy combines efficiency improvements with cleaner energy solutions.

Here’s a snapshot of the motosport company’s 2024 electricity consumption and emisions profile: 

Electric Innovation Hits the Track

One of the biggest steps toward cleaner racing arrived in July 2024. Through the ABB NASCAR Electrification Partnership, the sport introduced its first electric race car prototype.

The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype represents a new chapter in motorsports technology. Engineers from NASCAR built the vehicle with support from three major automakers, i.e., Chevrolet, Ford Motor Company, and Toyota.

The project shows how the racing world can experiment with emerging technologies. NASCAR does not plan to replace traditional engines overnight. Instead, the electric prototype works as a testing ground for future performance innovations.

Motorsports has always pushed automotive technology forward. Now, sustainability is becoming part of that engineering race.

A Major Biofuel Partnership with POET Changes the Game

Another major development came through NASCAR’s partnership with POET LLC, the world’s largest biofuel producer. The agreement named POET as the Official Bioethanol Partner of NASCAR. More importantly, the collaboration introduces zero-carbon bioethanol into the sport’s fuel mix.

NASCAR will blend this bioethanol with fuel supplied by its long-time partner Sunoco. As a result, the racing series will become the first major motorsport to use zero-carbon bioethanol fuel.

• This change highlights a key idea behind NASCAR’s sustainability strategy: improving performance while cutting emissions.

Bioethanol already offers several advantages. It burns cleaner than conventional gasoline and produces lower carbon intensity. At the same time, it maintains the high-octane performance required for competitive racing.

For drivers and teams, fuel keeps engines running at full power. For the environment, it reduces pollution.

The partnership also brings strong visibility for the biofuel industry. Beginning this season, POET sponsors the “POET Restart Zone” at NASCAR-owned tracks—one of the most intense moments during races when cars restart after caution periods.

In addition, POET branding now appears on all NASCAR fuel cans alongside Sunoco. This move reinforces the growing role of renewable fuels in motorsports.

Cleaner Fuels for the Next Generation of Race Cars

NASCAR’s national racing series already uses Sunoco Green E15, a high-performance unleaded fuel blend. The fuel contains 15% bioethanol and 85% gasoline.

During the 2024 racing season, NASCAR consumed over 261,000 gallons of Sunoco Green E15 across its three national racing series.

While combustion engines will remain part of NASCAR’s identity, the organization plans to keep improving fuel technology over the next decade. And cleaner fuels are a practical step. They allow the sport to reduce emissions without requiring major changes to vehicle design.

Renewable Diesel in NASCAR’s Hauler Fleet

Behind every NASCAR race lies a massive logistics operation. The sport’s equipment travels thousands of miles each season in heavy transport trucks.

In 2024, NASCAR’s fleet of 17 Mack diesel haulers traveled more than 805,000 miles—roughly the distance of going to the moon and back.

Significantly, the company started testing renewable diesel fuel from wood residues, agricultural waste, and used cooking oil to reduce emissions from transportation

The fuel works in existing engines without modifications. That makes it a convenient way to cut emissions immediately while longer-term solutions develop. It also burns cleaner than traditional diesel, which helps lower the environmental footprint of NASCAR’s logistics operations.

• ALSO CHECK: Ferrari’s Road to Glory: Massive €1.74 Billion Revenue Boom and Net Zero Goals Aligned

Powering Racetracks with Renewable Energy Credits

Beyond vehicles and events, NASCAR is also transforming the energy used at its facilities.

• In 2023, the organization committed to powering all of its facilities with 100% renewable electricity for the next five years. To achieve this, NASCAR partnered with NextEra Energy.
• The company purchased Green-e Certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from wind farms across the United States. These credits ensure that an equivalent amount of renewable electricity enters the national power grid. By buying these credits, NASCAR offsets the electricity used at its racetracks and offices.

However, the organization does not plan to rely on credits forever. In the long run, NASCAR hopes to install solar panels directly at its facilities, producing clean electricity on site and strengthening local renewable energy supply.

Reducing Energy Demand at Facilities

Using renewable power is important. But reducing overall energy demand matters just as much.

NASCAR has begun implementing energy-efficiency programs across its buildings and racetracks. These measures focus on cutting electricity consumption while lowering operating costs.

Another key area involves fugitive emissions. These are small gas leaks from equipment such as air conditioners and refrigeration systems. Although they may seem minor, some of these gases can be powerful greenhouse pollutants.

Therefore, NASCAR closely monitors these systems and works to prevent leaks whenever possible.

Cutting Emissions at Racing Events

Large racing events require significant energy. Power generators, logistics fleets, and track equipment all contribute to emissions.

Therefore, NASCAR has started analyzing energy use across its race operations. Data collection helps the organization understand where emissions are highest and where improvements can deliver the biggest impact.

One example involves track dryers. After heavy rain, NASCAR uses specialized machines to dry racetracks quickly so races can continue. Previously, these machines used jet fuel. However, NASCAR recently introduced the first propane-powered track dryer with help from partner Suburban Propane.

• The change is expected to reduce emissions from these dryers by about 58%. It may seem like a small improvement, but these incremental changes add up over time.

Another example comes from the Chicago Street Race. By redesigning the layout of temporary power units, the event operations team managed to run multiple areas using a single hybrid generator.

• As a result, the race reduced fuel consumption by more than 27% compared with the previous year.

Recycling and Waste Reduction Across the Sport

Sustainability efforts at NASCAR extend beyond energy and fuel. Waste management has become another major focus.

The organization now operates expanded recycling programs across its tracks and offices. These programs target a wide range of materials, including aluminum cans, plastic bottles, used racing tires, and motor oil.

NASCAR also partners with waste-management companies to divert materials from landfills and promote circular economy practices.

Even fans play a role. During race weekends, it encourages spectators to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly. These engagement campaigns help reduce the environmental footprint of large racing events.

The Future of Sustainable Motorsports

NASCAR remains one of the most recognizable motorsports organizations in the world. Traditionally, the sport has focused on stock-car racing events across the Southeast and Midwest United States.

Yet today, NASCAR is also becoming a testing ground for sustainability innovation. From electric prototypes and renewable fuels to cleaner logistics and renewable energy systems, the organization is experimenting with multiple solutions at once.

Importantly, these efforts prove that high performance and environmental responsibility can coexist. Motorsports has always pushed the limits of engineering. Now, the industry is beginning to push the limits of sustainability as well.

• READ MORE: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Expands Carbon Removal Portfolio to Accelerate Net Zero Push 

The post NASCAR’s Biofuel Revolution: How America’s Biggest Motorsport Is Hitting Full Throttle on Net Zero appeared first on Carbon Credits.

South Korea plans to require large companies to publish mandatory sustainability reports starting in 2028. The rule will apply first to major firms listed on the country’s main stock exchange.

Starting in 2028, KOSPI (the largest South Korean stocks) companies with at least 30 trillion won (around $22 billion) in assets will need to reveal their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

South Korea’s Sustainability Reporting Era Begins

The reporting requirement will expand in 2029 to companies with 10 trillion won or more in assets. The first phase will focus on about 58 of South Korea‘s largest listed companies. This is based on estimates from the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Companies must publish clear details on climate risks, emissions, governance, and sustainability strategies. These disclosures will cover greenhouse gas emissions, climate financial risks, and plans to achieve climate goals.

The government says the policy will improve transparency for investors and strengthen confidence in Korea’s financial markets. It will also help the country align with global ESG reporting standards that investors increasingly expect.

South Korea has big industrial companies operating in electronics, cars, steel, and shipbuilding. These industries play a major role in global supply chains. Clear sustainability reporting could help these companies maintain access to international capital and markets.

A Gradual Rollout to Ease Corporate Burden

In 2026, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission released a roadmap for ESG disclosure. The policy forms part of the government’s broader strategy to support the country’s green transition.

Officials decided on a phased rollout to give companies enough time to prepare. Key elements of the plan include:

• Mandatory ESG reporting for large KOSPI companies starting in 2028.
• Expansion to additional companies in 2029.
• Full adoption of supply-chain emissions reporting by 2031.

Companies will receive a three-year grace period before they must disclose Scope 3 emissions. These emissions include indirect emissions across a company’s value chain. These can come from suppliers, transportation, product use, and waste.

For many firms, Scope 3 emissions represent the largest share of total emissions. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) states that Scope 3 emissions can be over 11 times greater than direct operational emissions for many companies.

Regulators gave companies more time to create systems for measuring these emissions due to the complexity involved.

Initially, the rules will operate through stock exchange disclosure requirements. Over time, the government plans to convert them into formal legal reporting obligations.

How Climate Finance Powers Korea’s Green Shift

The new reporting framework supports South Korea’s broader climate policy and energy transition. The government aims to raise about 790 trillion won (around $590 billion) by 2032.

The funding will support climate-related investments and help industries modernize and reduce emissions. Priority sectors include renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, green infrastructure, low-carbon manufacturing, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Heavy industries are a key focus of these efforts. South Korea is a top producer of steel, petrochemicals, and semiconductors, which need a lot of energy. The country generates 33% of its electricity from coal, per International Energy Agency data. 

The IEA says South Korea was one of the top ten energy consumers in 2024. Industry made up a large part of the electricity demand. The government will introduce transition finance frameworks. These will help high-emission industries get funding for cleaner technologies.

South Korea has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The country also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2018 levels by 2030 under its updated climate plan. Stronger ESG reporting will help investors measure corporate progress toward these goals.

Why Mandatory ESG Reporting Is Going Global

South Korea’s policy reflects a global shift toward mandatory sustainability reporting. Governments and regulators increasingly require companies to disclose climate risks and emissions data. These rules show how climate change and energy policies can impact businesses.

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a major reporting framework. The rule will eventually apply to around 50,000 companies operating in Europe, according to the European Commission.

Global standards are also emerging. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) released two key disclosure standards in 2023:

• IFRS S1, covering general sustainability disclosures
• IFRS S2, covering climate-related disclosures

More than 20 jurisdictions representing over half of global GDP have announced plans to adopt or align with ISSB standards. South Korea’s reporting framework follows these international guidelines.

The country set up the Korea Sustainability Standards Board (KSSB). Its job is to create national reporting standards that match the ISSB framework.

Companies will be required to disclose:

• climate risks and opportunities,
• governance structures for sustainability oversight,
• emissions data and reduction targets, and
• strategy and risk management practices.

This alignment helps investors compare companies across different markets using similar data.

Korean Corporations Step Up Sustainability Disclosures

Corporate sustainability reporting has already expanded in South Korea. By 2024, about 203 Korean companies will publish voluntary sustainability reports. This comes from ESG research groups that track disclosure trends.

Large Korean firms have increasingly adopted global reporting frameworks such as:

• Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

However, many companies asked regulators to delay mandatory reporting requirements. Businesses said they need more time to create reliable emissions measurement systems and reporting processes.

The government responded by pushing the start date to 2028. The extra time helps companies create internal ESG management systems and enhance data collection. Financial institutions strongly support stronger sustainability disclosure.

Investors increasingly use ESG data when evaluating risk and long-term performance. According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, sustainable investment assets reached over $30 trillion globally in recent years. Analysts forecast it to reach $40 trillion by 2030.

Transparent ESG reporting helps companies attract capital from these investors. It also helps banks and asset managers assess climate risks across their portfolios.

The Future of ESG Disclosure in Asia

South Korea’s new rules could influence ESG reporting across Asia. Several financial centers in the region are strengthening climate reporting policies.

For instance, Japan plans to expand sustainability disclosure rules for major companies beginning around 2027. The country now requires climate risk disclosures for companies on its Prime Market. These disclosures must follow the TCFD framework.

Singapore and Hong Kong are both starting mandatory climate reporting that will follow ISSB standards. China is also expanding its climate disclosure rules to other major sectors. 

• SEE MORE: China Expands Carbon Reporting to Airlines and Heavy Industry in Major Climate Disclosure Shift

These developments reflect growing pressure from global investors. Many asset managers now need detailed climate data from companies. They use this information before deciding on investments.

Consistent reporting frameworks also help multinational companies operate across multiple markets. Large corporations often face different disclosure rules in different countries. Aligning with global standards can reduce compliance costs and improve transparency.

As more countries adopt ESG reporting rules, sustainability reporting may become as common as financial reporting.

Transparency as the New Standard in Global Markets

South Korea’s plan to introduce mandatory sustainability reporting in 2028 marks a major step in the country’s climate and financial policy. The phased rollout will start with the largest listed companies and later expand to more firms. Companies will need to disclose detailed data on emissions, climate risks, and sustainability strategies.

The policy aims to improve transparency for investors and align South Korea with global ESG reporting standards. As sustainability disclosure becomes more common worldwide, companies with strong climate strategies and clear reporting systems may gain an advantage in global capital markets.

• READ MORE: U.S. Backs South Korea’s Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear-Powered Submarine Ambitions

The post South Korea Mandates ISSB-Aligned Climate Reporting by 2028 for Corporate Giants appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) released its 2025 Annual Report on March 10, 2026. The report highlights strong financial growth, rapid global expansion, and continued innovation in battery technology. The company reinforced its position as the world’s largest battery manufacturer while advancing its vision of becoming a leading zero-carbon technology company.

The report explains how CATL is expanding beyond traditional battery markets. The company is applying its technology across electric vehicles, energy storage, aviation, shipping, and AI infrastructure. CATL refers to this strategy as “all-domain growth,” meaning the electrification of multiple industries through advanced battery systems.

CATL’s Strong Financial Performance Reflects Rising Battery Demand

In 2025, the company reported strong revenue growth, record battery shipments, and higher profits. At the same time, it expanded its manufacturing capacity, increased research spending, and advanced sustainability efforts to build a circular energy ecosystem.

• Revenue reached RMB 423.7 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year.
• Net profit rose to RMB 72.2 billion, growing 42% year on year

The company also generated strong operating cash flow. Net cash flow from operating activities reached RMB 133.2 billion, showing steady demand for its products and solid business performance.

Much of this growth came from the rapid expansion of electric vehicles and energy storage systems worldwide. Governments and companies continue to invest heavily in clean energy, which has increased demand for reliable battery technology.

Battery shipments played a key role in this growth. CATL sold 661 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries during the year, a 39% increase from 2024. This shows the company’s ability to scale production as global demand for batteries continues to rise.

Maintains Its Global Battery Leadership

According to data from SNE Research, the company held a 39.2% share of the global power battery market in the last year. Thereby, solidifying its leadership in the global battery market.

The company also expanded its international presence. Overseas market share reached 30%, and CATL batteries have now been installed in more than 24 million vehicles globally.

Energy storage has also become a major growth area for the company. Some notable milestones include:

• Accounted for 30.4% of global energy storage battery shipments in 2025. This allowed the company to maintain the top global position in energy storage batteries for the fifth consecutive year.
• Supported around 2,300 energy storage projects worldwide. At the same time, shipments from its energy storage system integration business grew by more than 160% compared with the previous year.

This growth reflects the increasing role of battery systems in balancing renewable energy grids and improving electricity reliability.

• Furthermore, to meet growing global demand, the company expanded its manufacturing capacity to 772 GWh by the end of 2025, with 321 GWh under construction.

It operates advanced Lighthouse factories that use digital technology and automation to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

New Battery Technologies Expand Product Portfolio

The company introduced several new battery technologies during 2025, reflecting its focus on innovation and product diversification. These include the second-generation batteries, such as:

• Shenxing superfast charging
• Shenxing Pro
• Freevoy dual-power
• Naxtra
• Super Hybrid

These technologies aim to improve charging speed, increase reliability in extreme environments, and reduce dependence on critical raw materials.

Advancement of Sodium-ion Batteries

One important development is the advancement of sodium-ion batteries. These batteries offer an alternative to lithium-based technologies and can reduce reliance on limited mineral resources.

CATL expects sodium-ion batteries to see broader adoption beginning in 2026 across applications such as battery swapping systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage.

Batteries Supporting AI Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure

Another emerging opportunity for CATL is energy infrastructure for artificial intelligence. Modern AI data centers require large and stable electricity supplies. Energy storage systems can help manage power consumption while improving efficiency.

CATL already provides storage solutions for SenseTime’s AI data center in Shanghai. The system helps optimize electricity usage and reduce operational costs.

• According to the company, the storage system saves more than 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. It also lowers electricity costs by around 7% and prevents roughly 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

This example shows how battery technology can play an important role in supporting the growing digital economy while also reducing emissions.

Expanding Electrification Into Aviation and Shipping

The company is expanding into aviation, maritime transport, and logistics as part of its broader electrification strategy.

In aviation, subsidiary AutoFlight completed the first public flight of the world’s largest five-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This shows the potential of electric aircraft for city transport and logistics.

In shipping, its battery systems have been approved by major international maritime authorities, making them safe for use in commercial ships.

CATL batteries are already powering nearly 1,000 electric vessels worldwide. The company also launched a “Ship–Shore–Cloud” system that connects electric ships, port charging, and digital energy management to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Research and Innovation Strengthen Technology Leadership

Research and development are a key part of CATL’s strategy. In 2025, the company spent RMB 22.1 billion on R&D, and over the past ten years, total investment exceeded RMB 90 billion.

CATL has six research centers and about 23,000 engineers and scientists, helping it create new battery technologies and improve existing ones. By the end of 2025, it held over 54,000 patents and ranked second among Chinese companies in international patent applications.

Moreover, the company uses artificial intelligence in research and manufacturing. For example, its next-generation lithium-ion battery project won the World Economic Forum’s MINDS award, showing how AI speeds up innovation.

• ALSO SEE: CATL Stock Surges on JPMorgan Upgrade and China’s Energy Storage Boom 

Building a Zero-Carbon Energy Ecosystem

CATL’s strategy goes beyond producing batteries. The company is working to create a complete zero-carbon energy ecosystem that integrates clean electricity, storage, and transportation.

• Battery swapping is an important part of this strategy. CATL has built more than 1,000 Choco-Swap stations for passenger vehicles across 45 cities in China. These stations allow drivers to replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones in minutes.

The company also operates battery swapping infrastructure for heavy-duty trucks through its QIJI Energy network. This network includes more than 300 stations across 26 provinces and supports tens of thousands of kilometers of green logistics routes. In 2025, the combined network provided more than 1.15 million battery-swapping services.

• CATL is also developing zero-carbon industrial parks and integrated renewable energy systems that combine power generation, storage, and electricity management.

One major project is located in Shandong province, where the company is building what it describes as the world’s first off-grid zero-carbon industrial park powered entirely by renewable electricity. The facility will supply green power to a lithium-ion battery plant with an annual capacity of 40 gigawatt-hours.

Advancing Circular Energy and Sustainability

Alongside business expansion, CATL continues to strengthen its sustainability commitments. In 2025, the company achieved an MSCI ESG rating of AA and was included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook as well as the FTSE Emerging Index.

The company reported that its core operations reached carbon neutrality in 2025. At the same time, it is working to reduce emissions across its supply chain.

Battery recycling plays a key role in this effort. CATL recovered and processed 210,000 tonnes of used batteries during the year. From this recycling process, the company regenerated 24,000 tonnes of lithium salts, helping reduce the need for newly mined materials.

To support the development of a global circular battery economy, CATL also launched the Global Energy Circularity Commitment initiative.

Looking ahead, CATL plans to continue expanding its technology leadership and global partnerships. Growth is expected across electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, electrified transport, and digital infrastructure.

Through continued innovation, manufacturing expansion, and sustainability initiatives, CATL aims to strengthen its role in the global transition toward a zero-carbon energy system. The 2025 annual report shows that the company is not only leading the battery market but also shaping the future of clean energy worldwide.

• READ MORE: CATL & CHANGAN Make History with World’s First Mass-Production Sodium-Ion Passenger EV 

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