The National Laboratory of the Rockies has welcomed seven new West Gate fellows, including Boris Chubukov of Big Blue Technologies Inc., who is focused on making magnesium production affordable in the U.S. The fellows are working on innovative solutions to reduce dependence on foreign supplies, such as creating magnesium and cement domestically. Another company, GeoKiln, is developing a new approach to hydrogen production using the Earth's geology. Additionally, Last Wave Energy is revolutionizing battery technology by creating ultralight batteries with up to 95% less inactive material. Orva Energy is working on sodium-ion batteries as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with the goal of addressing energy challenges and creating jobs.
Category: Geoengineering
-
Committee OKs bill supporting new geothermal projects
The House Science, Space and Technology Committee approved the Geo POWER Act, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of new geothermal projects in the US. This legislation requires the Department of Energy to support at least three geothermal demonstration projects with innovative financing, prioritizing regions with limited or no geothermal technologies. Geothermal technology has become a bipartisan priority to meet growing energy demand, with several geothermal bills already passing in Congress. This initiative is a significant step towards expanding renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the US.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/committee-oks-bill-supporting-new-geothermal-projects/
-
Environmental News Network – Could Geoengineering Work to Tamp Down Super El Niños?
A study led by UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography suggests that geoengineering methods like marine cloud brightening could potentially mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events such as a "super" El Niño. By drawing parallels between natural events like the Australian bushfires and weather-altering techniques, researchers indicate that smoke-brightened clouds may influence global weather patterns and impact El Niño events. The findings of the study point towards geoengineering as a viable solution for addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This research highlights the potential for innovative climate solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78135-could-geoengineering-work-to-tamp-down-super-el-ninos
-
mCDR at Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW)
Ocean champions gathered in DC for Capitol Hill Ocean Week, focusing on ocean health, economy, science, and well-being of coastal communities, with a key topic being marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Discussions emphasized the need for intentional and responsible development of mCDR, learning from past mistakes and involving diverse voices in shaping the field. Policy solutions highlighted a bipartisan approach grounded in community input, with a focus on the cost of inaction in addressing climate challenges. The section also discussed the irreversible harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions and the necessity of science-driven climate solutions like mCDR, recognizing the potential of mCDR as a climate solution and the importance of community engagement in shaping its development. Additionally, the potential for carbon removal solutions to address past issues of racism and discrimination in conservation work was highlighted, with an emphasis on inclusive and diverse voices in decision-making processes and collaboration with project developers and policy makers for a more hopeful future.
https://carbon180.org/blog/mcdr-at-capitol-hill-ocean-week-chow/
-
Solar geoengineering startup sets its own rules
Stardust Solutions, a solar geoengineering startup, has released guidelines for projects aimed at limiting global warming by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Emphasizing the use of safe materials, scalable systems, and precise monitoring tools, the company has outlined guiding principles as a voluntary code of conduct for their policies and activities. Stardust is currently developing a proprietary sunlight-reflecting particle and systems to spray and monitor these particles above the Earth's surface. They have stated that the technology will only be allowed for use if deemed safe and necessary by a national government to prevent extreme warming.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/solar-geoengineering-startup-sets-its-own-rules/
-
Testing the Waters Together: Launching The mCDR Forum
The mCDR Forum has been launched to facilitate cross-sector discussions on marine carbon dioxide removal, addressing concerns about governance, environmental integrity, and equity. Led by Carbon180, Ocean Conservancy, and the Carbon Business Council, the forum aims to create a neutral space for diverse actors to share information, surface concerns, and explore responsible pathways forward in the mCDR field. By supporting dialogue and learning, collective insights can inform research priorities, governance frameworks, and funding decisions to advance responsible progress in addressing climate solutions. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to join the conversation by registering for the forum.
https://carbon180.org/blog/testing-the-waters-together-launching-the-mcdr-forum/
-
Betting on climate failure, these investors could earn billions
Solar geoengineering startups are receiving interest and support from deep-pocketed firms and corporations, which is crucial for the development of their planet-cooling systems. The urgency of the climate crisis is prompting more questions and discussions within the climate tech and venture community about solar geoengineering. This increased attention is shedding light on the potential of these startups to address the pressing need for climate solutions. Several space startups are exploring solar geoengineering solutions, such as building large sunlight deflectors and satellite mirrors to reflect sunlight away from the Earth. Companies like EarthGuard, Gama, Ethos Space, and Reflect Orbital are part of this effort, with some receiving funding from investors like Draper Associates and Possible Ventures. These initiatives aim to address the climate challenge by manipulating the amount of sunlight reaching the planet. The focus is on finding the most effective and sustainable solutions to combat rising global temperatures.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/betting-on-climate-failure-these-investors-could-earn-billions/