Thursday, July 9 2026 Climate Solutions Update

Quaise Energy has secured $134 million in Series B financing for Project Obsidian, which aims to deliver electricity to the grid by 2030 by harnessing superhot geothermal energy in Oregon, targeting subterranean temperatures between 300°C and 500°C. The innovative millimetre wave drilling technology underpinning the project has the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions, although additional funding is necessary for full commercial deployment.

At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, governments and institutions pledged billions to advance the blue economy through initiatives such as cleaner shipping and marine protection, recognizing the critical role of community involvement and rigorous environmental impact assessments. These discussions highlighted the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge systems to ensure sustainable development pathways.

In the realm of corporate accountability, courts worldwide are navigating the complexities of holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their Scope 3 emissions, which represent a significant portion of their climate impact. While there is growing recognition of corporate responsibility, challenges persist in establishing clear sectoral standards and reduction targets.

Additionally, a study from UC San Diego suggests that geoengineering techniques, specifically marine cloud brightening, may mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, including “super” El Niño phenomena, underscoring the potential for innovative solutions in addressing climate-related challenges.

In Oregon, Quaise Energy is advancing sustainable energy as Project Obsidian secures $134 million for geothermal power, aiming to deliver gigawatt-scale electricity by 2030.
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Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that using phage viruses can enhance bacteria’s pollution removal capabilities, paving the way for innovative solutions in environmental biotechnology.
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At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, leaders committed billions to enhance marine protection and create jobs through blue economy initiatives that prioritize community involvement, ensuring sustainable development for coastal communities.
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In New York State, over 50 high-tech sailing vessels will generate green hydrogen at sea as they harness wind energy with underwater generators, providing sustainable fuel alternatives for coastal communities.
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In Ireland, homeowners are maximizing savings by utilizing a new solar and battery calculator, enabling informed decisions on energy efficiency and system configurations.
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At the PlemCat test site in the Spanish Mediterranean, a groundbreaking floating wind technology will be tested after halving hull weight for increased efficiency, revolutionizing offshore wind energy.
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In a significant legal development, courts are increasingly recognizing corporate accountability as companies face pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions, driving the push for climate action worldwide.
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Researchers at UC San Diego are exploring geoengineering techniques, suggesting that marine cloud brightening could mitigate extreme weather, potentially reducing the impacts of future super El Niños.
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Places mentioned in this update: Ireland, Mombasa, New York State, Oregon, PlemCat, Spanish Mediterranean