Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are progressing on hydrogen projects in India. Canada and South Korea are discussing potential collaboration in auto manufacturing for Hyundai/Kia in Canada, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The University of Cagliari and the Indian Institute of Technology are collaborating on a research project on hydrogen energy systems. Hiringa Energy has reached Financial Close on the Kapuni Project in New Zealand, integrating wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. These developments highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy support and investment in renewable energy technologies are crucial to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global electricity demand with clean energy solutions.
Category: Industry, Materials & Waste
Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources
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Bill targets oil refineries’ use of ‘exceptionally hazardous chemical’
California Rep. Maxine Waters has introduced a bill to ban oil refineries from using hydrofluoric acid in gasoline production due to its high toxicity, giving existing plants five years to find alternatives. The chemical is exceptionally hazardous and could cause mass casualties in the event of an accident, with violators facing fines of up to $37,500 per infraction. With approximately 40 refineries currently using hydrofluoric acid, over 14 million people are at risk, especially those in communities burdened by environmental issues. The legislation was prompted by a 2015 refinery explosion in Torrance, California, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives in the industry.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/bill-targets-oil-refineries-use-of-exceptionally-hazardous-chemical/
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New Solution For Critical Minerals: Recycling, Not Conflict Zones
A new US startup, Supra Elemental Recovery, has developed a sponge-like filter to extract high-purity critical minerals from industrial waste, offering a more secure and sustainable solution compared to overseas mining. The University of Texas has contributed to the funding and development of the cartridge, which is designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly. The technology has shown promising results, with investors backing the project. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the extraction and refining of critical minerals needed for EVs and solar cells. The Supra team is working on a commercial-level demonstration later this year, aiming to provide U.S.-based manufacturers with a sustainable source of critical minerals.
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Why regional manufacturing will power the next clean economy
The section discusses the importance of manufacturing in the clean energy transition, highlighting how regions like New York, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles are leading the way in integrating industry and climate goals. New York's success in creating a foundation for climate manufacturing through initiatives like Industrial Action Plans and incentives for advanced industries demonstrates the potential for aligning industrial infrastructure, policy, and programs to drive the clean energy transition and economic growth. Similarly, Los Angeles is working towards becoming a durable climate manufacturing hub through coordinated programs and the development of a "Climate Manufacturing Compact" to align stakeholders around climate action and industrial growth. The Great Lakes corridor is also transitioning to become the nation's "Battery Belt," but faces challenges that can be addressed through a cohesive regional strategy with shared metrics and investments in climate manufacturing ecosystems. By working together, government, industry, and investors can create a "Climate Manufacturing Commons" where ideas, talent, and production flow across borders, proving that rebuilding industry and addressing climate change are interconnected projects of national renewal.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/regional-manufacturing-clean-economy/808016/
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Over 85% silver extraction efficiency achieved in solar panel recycling test
Iondrive, an Australian recycling developer, has achieved over 85% silver extraction efficiency in initial bench-scale testing with their IONSolv platform, which uses deep eutectic solvents to selectively dissolve and extract targeted metals. The company plans to optimize the process further before applying it to end-of-life PV materials, aiming to prevent valuable materials like silver and silicon from ending up in landfills. This development is crucial for improving recovery of materials from solar panels and advancing sustainable solutions for recycling in the renewable energy industry.
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Environmental News Network – Your Future Home Might be Framed With Printed Plastic
MIT engineers have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based framing by using recycled plastic to 3D print construction-grade beams, trusses, and other structural elements for future houses. The team's 3D-printed floor truss system, made from recycled plastic, offers lighter and modular options for construction. Their goal is to provide more sustainable construction materials by utilizing recycled plastic in the building industry, as outlined in a paper published in the Solid FreeForm Fabrication Symposium Proceedings.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77771-your-future-home-might-be-framed-with-printed-plastic
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Environmental News Network – Shining a Light on Recyclable Polymers
Scientists at Flinders University have made a breakthrough by using UV light to synthesize sustainable and recyclable polymer materials high in sulfur content, paving the way for more eco-friendly plastic alternatives made from waste materials. These sulfur-rich polymers have diverse applications such as heavy metal remediation, optics, and antimicrobial agents. The research demonstrates that these polymers can be produced and recycled using energy-efficient sources like UV light and LEDs, offering a promising solution for reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77761-shining-a-light-on-recyclable-polymers
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German researchers develop sodium-ion battery based on lignin
German researchers have developed a sodium-ion battery technology using lignin-based hard carbon as the negative electrode, showing no significant degradation after 100 cycles. Lignin, a by-product of the wood and pulp industry, was chosen for its conductivity and electron storage capabilities. The goal is to achieve 200 cycles for the 1-Ah full cell, targeting stationary or mobile storage applications. This project supports independence from critical raw materials and aims to transition to cheaper, more sustainable batteries.
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Systems Stewardship: How investors are responding to systemic risks
The Net Zero Investment Framework emphasizes systems stewardship to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and policy fragmentation by advocating for policy changes and influencing systems, rules, norms, and policies to promote decarbonization. This approach extends beyond company-level engagement to tackle systemic risks that can impact entire markets and economies, such as the transition of hard-to-abate sectors like the steel industry towards net zero emissions. Challenges in decarbonizing steel companies can be overcome with advancements, policy support, and demand for green steel, while enablers for systems stewardship include collaboration and collective action through platforms like IIGCC. Investors are increasingly focusing on systems stewardship, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Asset Owner Statement on Climate Stewardship and Aviva Investors' holistic approach to engaging at micro and macro levels, highlighting the importance of effective policy engagement and building relationships with policymakers to drive economic growth opportunities.
https://www.iigcc.org/insights/systems-stewardship-how-investors-are-responding-to-systemic-risk
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Circle Economy and the Nature inspired reinvention of fashion waste
Circle Economy and the Biomimicry Institute are leading a pilot project in the Netherlands to transform textile waste into resources using nature-inspired decomposition systems. The project focuses on enzymatic hydrolysis to turn fibers into sugar, fermentation to grow bioplastics from old clothes, and gasification to transform synthetic materials into new resources. This innovative approach aims to address the issue of discarded clothing ending up in incinerators, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The project demonstrates how fashion waste can be repurposed and recycled, moving towards a more sustainable and circular fashion industry. This initiative aligns with the Circular Fibersheds subpillar of One Earth's Solutions Framework, focusing on designing fiber and textile systems that regenerate ecosystems and eliminate waste.