Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Industry, Materials & Waste

Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources

  • Environmental News Network – A New Approach to Carbon Capture Could Slash Costs

    Chemical engineers at MIT have developed a more energy-efficient method for capturing carbon emissions from industrial plants by incorporating a common chemical compound into capture solutions. By using tris to stabilize the pH of the solution, the system can absorb more CO2 at lower temperatures, potentially allowing the technology to operate on waste heat or sunlight. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce costs and make carbon capture more efficient and affordable, ultimately aiding in the global effort to combat climate change.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77563-a-new-approach-to-carbon-capture-could-slash-costs

  • Five climate trailblazers: UNEP’S 2025 Champions of the Earth

    The UN Environment Programme has named five new climate visionaries as its 2025 Champions of the Earth, recognizing their work on climate justice, sustainable cooling, forest protection, and methane emissions reductions. The laureates, including Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Supriya Sahu from Tamil Nadu, Mariam Issoufou Architects, and Imazon from Brazil, are driving real change for people and the planet with their innovative leadership in areas such as climate law, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings, and deforestation prediction models. Imazon's non-profit research institute, using science and AI-driven geospatial tools, is curbing deforestation in the Amazon and supporting legal cases. Cynthia Houniuhi is honored for pioneering forest monitoring systems, while Manfredi Caltagirone, posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, dedicated his career to addressing climate challenges, particularly methane emissions, and shaping global energy policy through his work at UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166558

  • Calefa Oy releases waste heat-powered steam heat pump

    Finnish company Calefa Oy has introduced the AmbiSteam, a waste heat-powered steam heat pump that can produce process steam above 5 bar. CEO Petri Vuori claims that the efficiency of this system surpasses combustion-based technologies and electric steam generators. The AmbiSteam solution, based on the company's SteamLevel heat pump technology, is suitable for industries with steam demand between 300 kW to 5 MW and can be easily integrated into existing facilities without extensive construction. This innovation offers a promising climate solution for reducing carbon emissions in various industrial sectors.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/10/calefa-oy-releases-waste-heat-powered-steam-heat-pump/

  • European Commission launches $6.06bn clean transition funding opportunities

    The European Commission has launched three new funding opportunities under the Innovation Fund, backed by €5.2bn sourced from EU Emissions Trading System revenues, focusing on net-zero technologies, low-carbon hydrogen, and decarbonising industrial process heat. The aim is to advance EU's 2030 climate and energy targets and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while boosting industrial competitiveness and resilience. The funding supports projects that use innovative technologies with significant greenhouse gas reduction potential, including clean hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels in heavy industry and transport. Initiatives include the allocation of funds for renewable fuels production, decarbonisation of industrial process heat, and support for electrified and direct-renewable heat production in various industrial sectors. Hover Energy has won three 2025 Power Technology Excellence Awards for their innovative microgrid technology, including their AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and networked microgrids, contributing to a more flexible and resilient energy grid for the future.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/european-commission-clean-transition-funding/

  • Vertical PV system at Japanese parking lot operating under PPA

    As climate solutions experts, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest developments in addressing climate change. This includes advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, as well as initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from industries and transportation. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals is key to implementing effective climate solutions and achieving global climate goals. It is important to prioritize sustainable practices and policies that will lead to a more resilient and environmentally-friendly future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/04/vertical-pv-system-at-japanese-parking-lot-operating-under-ppa/

  • Environmental News Network – Climate-Friendly Metals From Deep-Sea Ores

    Manganese nodules found in the deep sea could provide critical metals needed for the energy transition with low CO2 emissions, as the demand for metals increases with the electrification of industrial processes, transport, and heat generation. Deep-sea mining of manganese nodules offers a more sustainable solution compared to land-based mining, which has negative environmental impacts. A new process developed by the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials utilizes hydrogen for reduction, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. This innovative approach to sourcing critical metals could play a key role in advancing climate solutions and promoting a more sustainable energy transition.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77529-climate-friendly-metals-from-deep-sea-ores

  • Johannesburg Accelerates Net-Zero Vision through C40 Cities’ CAI Africa Programme

    The City of Johannesburg is making significant progress in implementing its Climate Action Plan towards achieving net-zero emissions and climate resilience by 2050. Key achievements include advancements in the Energy and Waste sectors, financial integration of the CAP, and institutional alignment for integrated climate considerations. The city aims to divert 100% garden waste from landfill sites by 2040, reduce CO2eq emissions, create jobs, and drive community engagement through micro-grids in informal settlements. The UCAP CAI programme in Joburg is serving as a model for replicable, scalable solutions with real impact, inspiring progress in cities across Africa and beyond. Strong engagement with young people, funding strategies for scaling successful pilots, and the urgent need for accelerated and collaborative climate action are also highlighted as COP30 approaches.

    https://www.c40.org/news/johannesburg-accelerates-net-zero-vision-through-c40-cities-cai-africa-programme/

  • Environmental News Network – A Cleaner, Less Toxic Way of Making a Staple Chemical

    Cornell scientists have developed a new method to produce hydrogen peroxide using sunlight, water, and air, which eliminates the need for fossil fuels and reduces environmental concerns associated with the current production process. This discovery could revolutionize the industry as hydrogen peroxide is widely used in various applications, including bleaching paper and disinfecting surfaces. The research, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in chemical manufacturing, paving the way for a more climate-friendly future.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77521-a-cleaner-less-toxic-way-of-making-a-staple-chemical

  • New ventures set out to tackle the plastic choking Bangladesh’s ECAs

    Bangladesh is struggling with a significant amount of single-use plastic waste being discarded annually, leading to environmental degradation and harm to ecosystems. To address this issue, the NGO BRAC has launched a project to recycle single-use plastic waste into raw materials for plastic products in Ecologically Critical Areas, aiming to create a market for the recycled materials and promote entrepreneurship in managing plastic waste. The success of this project has prompted plans to replicate it nationwide, while the government has also implemented measures to limit single-use plastic use and promote biodegradable alternatives to protect the environment, especially in popular tourist destinations like the Sundarbans and Cox's Bazar.

    https://news.mongabay.com/2025/12/new-ventures-set-out-to-tackle-the-plastic-choking-bangladeshs-ecas/

  • Energy Storage Exists, & It’s Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

    Energy storage, particularly in the form of concentrating solar power systems, is gaining traction in commercial and industrial applications. Startups like 247Solar are innovating in the CSP field, combining it with heat-storing batteries for longer-lasting energy storage solutions. 247Solar has developed a source-agnostic battery system that can run on alternate fuels in case of solar availability issues, offering round-the-clock electricity and a combined heat and power option for industrial processes. The company is focusing on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs, with estimates of up to a 95% reduction in carbon footprint and a 25% or more cut in energy costs. They offer an Energy-as-a-Service business model that allows businesses to upgrade their energy systems without upfront costs, and plan to deploy Series B funding to establish a new 3.5-megawatt module, expanding from their current size of 400 kilowatts. Solar power is highlighted as a fast, abundant, and economical way to increase the nation's power profile.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/02/energy-storage-exists-its-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/