The section highlights the challenges in accessing green steel, cement, and chemicals, proposing commodity certificates as a solution to support lower-carbon production without physically receiving the product. These certificates create a revenue stream for producers of near-zero emissions solutions, overcoming the current "green premium" cost of production. Building trust and integrity in commodity certificates is crucial, requiring common accounting frameworks, digital registries, and collaboration between stakeholders. Sector-wide platforms with shared rules can accelerate decarbonization efforts, emphasizing the need for integrity in designing certificates to shape the future market effectively.
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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Building Foresight for Earth Science, featuring Lindsey Jacobson
Lindsey Jacobson and the NESSIE team at NASA Langley work to anticipate disruptions in Earth-observing satellite missions to ensure data continuity for end user communities, developing analysis tools and strategies to navigate uncertainties in mission lifetimes and schedules. Their goal is to provide alternative pathways for meeting end-user needs and managing a complex, interdependent portfolio of missions, akin to preparing for hurricane season by having strategies in place before disruptions occur. The importance of evolving complex systems like the electric grid deliberately is emphasized, with a focus on adaptability in the changing landscape of Earth science and the use of AI tools and innovative technologies to stay at the forefront of space exploration. Commercial companies and new space agencies are contributing data, highlighting the need for continued collaboration and advancement in climate solutions.
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California virtual power plant bills clear key legislative hurdle
Climate solutions experts need to be aware of the latest developments in renewable energy technology, such as advancements in solar and wind power. These innovations are crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, experts should stay informed on policies and initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy and sustainability. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities will be essential in implementing effective climate solutions and combating climate change.
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Power-to-X at Commercial Scale: From Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Everyday Products
AirPlant One in Moses Lake, Washington is leading the way in producing E-Jet SAF and E-Naphtha using Power-to-Liquid technology, reducing lifecycle emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel. This innovative approach is compatible with existing aviation infrastructure and has the potential to advance a new era of American manufacturing and sustainable aviation. By securing commercial agreements early and replicating their design in larger facilities, AirPlant is paving the way for a shift towards using abundant, durable inputs like CO2, water, and renewable electricity to create essential molecules. This transformation not only supports distributed production and resilient domestic supply chains but also has the potential to drive a larger industrial shift towards a more sustainable future.
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Quinbrook advances plans for polysilicon factory in Australia
Quinbrook-owned Solquartz has partnered with Townsville City Council to construct Australia's inaugural quartz-to-silicon manufacturing complex at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct. The project encompasses a polysilicon manufacturing plant fueled by solar and battery energy storage, with the Northern Quartz Campus set to generate silicon products for solar panels and other technologies. With an estimated cost of AUD 8 billion, the initiative is slated to begin operations by 2030, with the goal of positioning Townsville as a center for advanced manufacturing powered by renewable energy.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/24/quinbrook-advances-plans-for-polysilicon-production-plant/
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Korean scientists unveil 10 kW chemical adsorption heat pump prototype
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a chemical adsorption heat pump for cooling applications in commercial buildings, factories, and data centers. This system uses waste heat to release refrigerant, which is then condensed and evaporated to provide cooling or heating. The system is primarily driven by waste heat, requiring minimal electricity for auxiliary equipment. It achieved a specific cooling power of 346.5 W/kg and uses ammonia as a natural refrigerant, making it environmentally friendly.
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Heart Aerospace Just Flew The Aviation Transition Investors Should Be Putting Billions Into
Heart Aerospace's X1 battery-electric aircraft recently completed a 27-minute flight, marking a significant milestone in the development of electric aviation for regional markets. While challenges remain in terms of certification and manufacturing, this achievement demonstrates progress towards sustainable aviation solutions. The focus on regional electric and hybrid aircraft is considered a more feasible option compared to urban air taxis or hydrogen-powered planes. To support the transition to cleaner aviation, aviation capital should prioritize resolving uncertainties around battery mass, range, durability, charging, and economics. The shift towards batteries and hybrid-electric aircraft for smaller planes and shorter routes highlights the importance of sustainable biofuels for longer routes, emphasizing the need for a lower-carbon aviation system. Engineering efforts like Heart's X1 are contributing to a more sustainable aviation market, with the next investment cycle needing to address uncertainties to facilitate the transition.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/22/heart-aerospace-x1-electric-aviation-transition/
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Green steel in the Great White North: after a century, Canada’s Algoma Steel bets on EAF
Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, has embarked on a green steel transition plan to reduce emissions by up to 70%. The transition involves moving from coal-fired blast furnace production to electric arc furnace steelmaking, which can cut emissions by 50% or more. The first phase of the transition has already shown significant reductions in emissions intensity and absolute emissions, even as steel production increased. Algoma's Scope 1 emissions intensity fell to nearly zero in January 2026 as it shut down its fossil-fueled furnaces, leading to a decrease in emissions and production. The company plans to transition to clean electricity to power its EAF steelmaking, with a goal to source all electricity from zero-emissions sources by 2029. Algoma's green steel pathway is reshaping its emissions profile, with Climate TRACE estimates showing a decline in emissions. Despite challenges like a recent outage at Lake Superior Power and the possibility of reactivating an old blast furnace, Algoma is committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 through the EAF transition.
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Princeton Critical Minerals Raises $16M to Scale Lithium Production Technologies
Princeton Critical Minerals (PCM) has raised $16 million to expand sales and commercial deployments of its brine-based lithium production platform in the U.S. and South America. The company's technology improves efficiency and scalability of lithium production from brine sources, addressing increasing demand for critical minerals used in energy storage, electrification, and AI infrastructure. PCM's systems aim to increase throughput while reducing energy use, chemical consumption, and operational complexity in lithium production. The company has successfully deployed its technology in Chile and is preparing for commercial deployments in the U.S. to meet the growing global demand for lithium. PCM is field-testing new technologies in Chile to enhance evaporation and optimize processes using AI, in order to increase lithium production efficiency and meet growing demand. The company plans to scale manufacturing, expand commercial deployments, and build U.S.-based production capabilities with new funding. PCM aims to support the global critical mineral supply chains for energy storage, electrification, and digital systems. The successful deployment of Lilypad has led to plans for additional pilot projects in Chile, with growing demand from major lithium producers.
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Environmental News Network – Buildings That Cool Like African Elephants
Architect Dorit Aviv and materials scientist Shu Yang have developed a cement-based tile that mimics the cooling mechanism of African elephants, capturing and slowly evaporating water to reduce surface temperatures without the use of air conditioning. This innovative solution has the potential to help cities combat rising temperatures, decrease energy consumption, and lower emissions from traditional cooling systems. By implementing these tiles, urban areas could see significant reductions in their environmental impact while also creating more sustainable and efficient cooling solutions.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78264-buildings-that-cool-like-african-elephants