#zero carbon energy solutions

[suchi05]

Carbon Asset Management Services - Zenith Energy

Zenith Energy carbon asset management involves activities from origination of projects for carbon market till sale of emission units called carbon credits. CAD(Carbon Assets development) is one of the core areas of consulting provided by ZE for over two decades. CAD(Carbon Assets Development) started in the year 2002. At ZE, CAD(Carbon Assets development) involves activities from origination of projects eligible for carbon market till sale of emission reduction units also called carbon credits

Read more: https://zenithenergy.com/carbon-assets-development/

[electronalytics]

Alternative Energy Market Overview and Regional Outlook Study 2017 – 2032

Market Overview:

The alternative energy market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing concerns about climate change, environmental sustainability, and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Key players in the alternative energy sector include companies involved in renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energy.

Several key factors have contributed to the growth and development of the alternative energy market. While the specific importance of each factor may vary over time and across regions, here are some key factors that have influenced the alternative energy market:

Environmental Concerns: Growing awareness about the environmental impacts of traditional energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, has driven the demand for alternative energy. Concerns over climate change, air pollution, and depletion of natural resources have led to increased support and investment in cleaner and sustainable energy solutions.

Government Policies and Incentives: Government support plays a crucial role in the alternative energy market. Many countries have implemented policies and incentives to promote renewable energy adoption, such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, renewable portfolio standards, and grants. These measures encourage investment in alternative energy projects and help create a favorable market environment.

Technological Advancements: Advances in technology have made alternative energy sources more efficient, affordable, and accessible. Innovations in solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and grid integration have improved the overall performance and reliability of renewable energy systems. These advancements have contributed to the increased competitiveness of alternative energy in the market.

Cost Competitiveness: The declining costs of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar and wind, have significantly enhanced their competitiveness with conventional energy sources. Economies of scale, technological advancements, and improved manufacturing processes have led to cost reductions in the production and installation of alternative energy systems, making them more economically viable.

Energy Security and Independence: Alternative energy sources offer greater energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Many countries view renewable energy as a way to diversify their energy mix, enhance energy independence, and reduce vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil and gas markets.

Corporate Sustainability Goals: Many corporations and businesses have set sustainability goals and commitments to reduce their carbon footprint. As a result, there is growing demand from corporate entities for renewable energy procurement and investment in on-site renewable energy systems.

Public Awareness and Consumer Demand: Increasing public awareness about climate change and the benefits of renewable energy has driven consumer demand for cleaner energy options. Consumers are actively seeking out alternative energy sources and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability.

International Agreements and Commitments: Global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have created a favorable policy framework for renewable energy adoption. These agreements encourage countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the transition to sustainable energy systems.

We recommend referring our Stringent datalytics firm, industry publications, and websites that specialize in providing market reports. These sources often offer comprehensive analysis, market trends, growth forecasts, competitive landscape, and other valuable insights into this market.

By visiting our website or contacting us directly, you can explore the availability of specific reports related to this market. These reports often require a purchase or subscription, but we provide comprehensive and in-depth information that can be valuable for businesses, investors, and individuals interested in this market.

“Remember to look for recent reports to ensure you have the most current and relevant information.”

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Market Segmentations:

Global Alternative Energy Market: By Company • Abengoa • Acciona • Orano • BrightSource Energy • Directed Vapor • GE Energy • Hitachi • SCHOTT • SEIA • Siemens • SolarReserve Global Alternative Energy Market: By Type • Solar • Wind • Hydroelectricity • Geothermal • Biomass • Other Global Alternative Energy Market: By Application • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Transportation • Other Global Alternative Energy Market: Regional Analysis Asia-Pacific The Asia-Pacific region has been the largest market for alternative energy, driven by China and India's significant investments in renewable energy. The region has been quick to adopt new technologies and has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The market in Asia-Pacific is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by supportive government policies and increasing demand for sustainable energy.

Europe Europe has been a leader in the global alternative energy market, with countries such as Germany, Denmark, and Spain leading the way. The region has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, with supportive policies and incentives to encourage investments in the sector. The market in Europe is expected to continue growing, driven by technological advancements and the need to transition to a more sustainable energy future.

North America The United States has been the largest market for alternative energy in North America, with significant investments in renewable energy in recent years. The country has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, with supportive policies at the state and federal levels. The market for alternative energy in Canada is also growing, driven by the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Latin America Latin America has significant potential for alternative energy, with supportive policies and favorable natural conditions for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Mexico have been investing heavily in the sector, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and increase access to electricity in remote areas. The market for alternative energy in Latin America is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Middle East and Africa The Middle East and Africa region has been relatively slow in adopting alternative energy, due to the abundance of fossil fuel resources. However, the region has significant potential for renewable energy, and countries such as Morocco and Egypt have been investing heavily in the sector. The market for alternative energy in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by decreasing costs and the need to diversify energy sources.

Visit Report Page for More Details: https://stringentdatalytics.com/reports/alternative-energy-market/3427/

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• To comprehend consumer behaviour: these research studies can offer insightful information about customer behaviour, including preferences, spending patterns, and demographics.

• To assess market opportunities: These research studies can aid companies in assessing market chances, such as prospective new goods or services, fresh markets, and new trends.

• To make well-informed business decisions: These research reports give companies data-driven insights that they may use to plan their strategy, develop new products, and devise marketing and advertising plans.

In general, market research studies offer companies and organisations useful data that can aid in making decisions and maintaining competitiveness in their industry. They can offer a strong basis for decision-making, strategy formulation, and company planning.

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[rideboomindia]

Based on the search results, here are some innovative technologies that RideBoom could implement to enhance the user experience and stay ahead of ONDC:

Enhanced Safety Measures: RideBoom has already implemented additional safety measures, including enhanced driver background checks, real-time trip monitoring, and improved emergency response protocols. [1] To stay ahead, they could further enhance safety by integrating advanced telematics and AI-powered driver monitoring systems to ensure safe driving behavior.

Personalized and Customizable Services: RideBoom could introduce a more personalized user experience by leveraging data analytics and machine learning to understand individual preferences and offer tailored services. This could include features like customizable ride preferences, personalized recommendations, and the ability to save preferred routes or driver profiles. [1]

Seamless Multimodal Integration: To provide a more comprehensive transportation solution, RideBoom could integrate with other modes of transportation, such as public transit, bike-sharing, or micro-mobility options. This would allow users to plan and book their entire journey seamlessly through the RideBoom app, enhancing the overall user experience. [1]

Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives: RideBoom has already started introducing electric and hybrid vehicles to its fleet, but they could further expand their green initiatives. This could include offering incentives for eco-friendly ride choices, partnering with renewable energy providers, and implementing carbon offset programs to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. [1]

Innovative Payment and Loyalty Solutions: To stay competitive with ONDC's zero-commission model, RideBoom could explore innovative payment options, such as integrated digital wallets, subscription-based services, or loyalty programs that offer rewards and discounts to frequent users. This could help attract and retain customers by providing more value-added services. [2]

Robust Data Analytics and Predictive Capabilities: RideBoom could leverage advanced data analytics and predictive modeling to optimize their operations, anticipate demand patterns, and proactively address user needs. This could include features like dynamic pricing, intelligent routing, and personalized recommendations to enhance the overall user experience. [1]

By implementing these innovative technologies, RideBoom can differentiate itself from ONDC, provide a more seamless and personalized user experience, and stay ahead of the competition in the on-demand transportation market.

[justalittlesolarpunk]

I've been feeling climate anxiety lately. I think it's really necessary to change everything and progress towards a postcapitalist future that doesn't endanger our planet, our Pachamama. But I don't see how that will be possible. What do you think about this?

Hiya, thanks for getting in touch and sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. I get a lot of asks like this so I think I might make this another masterpost. Here’s climate anxiety solutions according to me:

1) Accept your feelings. Recognise that fear, grief, rage and despair are all normal, healthy, human reactions to paying actual attention to what is being done to our planet right now. You aren’t wrong or sick or overreacting by feeling them. Sit with the emotions, allow them to wash over you, cry, smash plates, punch a pillow, journal, write poetry, yell at the news, scream in the woods! Trying to repress these feelings will just make them harder to deal with.

2) Recognise that the paralysis of climate anxiety is not a good place from which to make a difference. Try to let horror, guilt and self-blame go, and lean into the love for people and planet that motivates all eco-anxiety. Start consuming good news stories and keying into activist spaces so that you can learn how others are claiming agency to fight this problem, and how you can emulate that. Remember that despair absolves you of responsibility and that true solidarity with the most affected means letting your emotions drive you towards action.

4) Educate yourself through reading, listening to podcasts, attending talks, seeking advice from elders, and more - whatever works for your particular life and circumstances. The more informed you are about these issues the more you’ll feel able to address them.

3) Make as many changes as you can in your personal life. Are you eating a high-carbon diet? Try to reduce that. Are you consuming a lot of water or energy resources? Look for green and low-intensity alternatives. Examine your transport habits and prioritise walking, cycling, trains, low or zero emission buses, sailing, and replacing longer-haul journeys with remote options. If you live in a throwaway culture, try to prioritise reuse and repair over consumption. Consider how your livelihood impacts the planet, and if it’s negatively and making change is possible for you, start the process of moving towards an occupation that lets you make a more positive difference.

4) Fight! Join a campaign group, write to your elected officials, attend a protest, donate money to causes if you can, commit civil disobedience if you feel willing and able. Put pressure on governments, businesses and the public to change their ways.

5) Prioritise joy and connection. Spend time in nature, watching animals or foraging for plants or swimming or walking or just letting it all wash over you. Link up with other people to talk through your worries, go hiking, lobby for climate justice, safeguard ecosystems and pass down your local heritage. Sometimes, take a day or two to check out of all these issues and problems and just spend time drawing, cooking, playing games with loved ones, or whatever it is that relaxes you. There are enough of us that you can take the time to avoid burnout.

I hope some of this was helpful, and do please get back in touch if you have any other questions or queries. You’re part of a huge global community of people who love and revere the earth and want to build a better future for all life upon her. Hold onto that.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

A sustainable source for clean energy may lie in old soda cans and seawater. MIT engineers have found that when the aluminum in soda cans is exposed in its pure form and mixed with seawater, the solution bubbles up and naturally produces hydrogen -- a gas that can be subsequently used to power an engine or fuel cell without generating carbon emissions. What's more, this simple reaction can be sped up by adding a common stimulant: caffeine. In a study appearing today in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, the researchers show they can produce hydrogen gas by dropping pretreated, pebble-sized aluminum pellets into a beaker of filtered seawater. The aluminum is pretreated with a rare-metal alloy that effectively scrubs aluminum into a pure form that can react with seawater to generate hydrogen. The salt ions in the seawater can in turn attract and recover the alloy, which can be reused to generate more hydrogen, in a sustainable cycle.

Read more.

[bizlybebo]

Trope reversal: zombie renaissance

A lot of classic or popular zombies are essentially perpetual motion machines, constantly moving despite being literally dead, so a wealthy businessman capitalizes and creates a clean energy source from zombies enstated globally, reducing emissions near zero and greatly reducing carbon impact. Then the story would be like discovering how the buisnessman was the cause of the disease and how he’s been hiding and stalling research that could cure the zombies. Like most zombie movies though, it become a nuanced ethical debate, this time on whether to cure the zombies and find new solutions to energy sources, or continue to let the disease infect and ravage what once were people to give the world power.

WIAT HOLY SHIR TJATS FUCKIFGM SICK OHMYGOD.

[charyou-tree]

This is a BIG DEAL.

Cement production is one of the biggest sources of CO2 emissions that doesn't directly involve burning fossil fuels. Sure, making cement uses a lot of energy, but theoretically that energy could come from renewable sources that don't emit CO2. Even if it did though, the process of making cement basically involves baking limestone until CO2 and water are driven out of it, creating a substance called "clinker" that is ground down into cement powder. So, making new cement from limestone always emits a lot of CO2, no matter what energy source you use.

This research basically showed that you can use old crushed up concrete waste in place of the flux that is usually used in smelting/recycling steel. Flux creates a glassy slag on top of the molten steel that captures impurities and protects the metal from oxygen while its molten hot. Using concrete as flux basically re-bakes the concrete back into clinker, which can then be used to create more cement and new concrete, while not producing any new CO2 emissions because you're basically baking the CO2 that reacted with the cement to make concrete back out of it. Its like how burning wood doesn't increase the total amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, because the carbon in the tree originally came from the air. Its only digging fossilized carbon out of the ground and adding it into the air that's the problem.

This is a huge step towards decarbonizing our building materials, and it doesn't involve any fancy new technologies, or speculative processes. This could be done today in steel mills that currently exist, they'd just have to switch flux sources and start saving the slag.

What a brilliant piece of industrial research!

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Canary Media:

Airlines are banking on sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the industry’s planet-warming pollution. But the amount of lower-carbon alternatives available to them right now represents just a few drops in an ocean of petroleum.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a nearly $3 billion effort that it said could significantly boost America’s output of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, over the next few years, Canary Media has exclusively learned.

The agency’s Loan Programs Office has made conditional commitments to two companies in the Great Plains region that are working to turn crops and waste feedstocks into jet fuel.

Montana Renewables, a subsidiary of the industrial manufacturer Calumet, could receive a loan guarantee of up to $1.44 billion to expand its existing renewable fuels facility in Great Falls, Montana. The company makes biofuels for planes and trucks using vegetable oils and leftover animal fats and greases. The expansion would allow Montana Renewables to produce about 315 million gallons per year of biofuels, most of which will be SAF — equal to nearly eight times the country’s total SAF production capacity in 2023.

Colorado-based Gevo is vying for a loan guarantee of $1.46 billion to build a new jet-fuel refinery in Lake Preston, South Dakota. The facility, named Net-Zero 1, would turn corn into ethanol to produce up to 60 million gallons of SAF per year. Because the ethanol-making process creates carbon dioxide emissions, Gevo is planning to capture CO2 at the refinery and send it via the proposed — and highly contentious — Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline to a storage site in North Dakota.

Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo, said the announcement ​“marks a watershed moment for the Net-Zero 1 project and a critical step forward” in the company’s mission to produce low-carbon jet fuel. 

The projects are the first SAF-related ventures to win the backing of the Loan Programs Office, which has issued $42.4 billion in loans and loan guarantees and made $21.6 billion in conditional commitments as of June 2024. The office is supporting other clean energy initiatives such as battery manufacturing, virtual power plants, fuel cell production, and the repowering of old nuclear plants.

The two fuel producers will have to meet certain milestones before they can close on the federal loan guarantees and start putting the financing to work.

[dailyanarchistposts]

The Many Faces of Authority

The complicity of nation-states, NGOs and corporations in creating ecological degradation showed itself again recently, when Denmark announced its plans (praised by Greenpeace as a historic event) to phase out oil drilling in the North Sea by 2050.[20] Parallel to their ambitious goals, Denmark builds hundreds of kilometers of new infrastructure for fossil fuels with the European Baltic Pipe project.[21] This project will also connect to Danish sugar factories on Lolland,[22] an industry releasing the second highest Co2 emissions in Denmark,[23] making it clear that Denmark’s ‘green’ ambitions are heavily misrepresented.

Green NGOs like Greenpeace continue to keep inventory on the destruction of nature and bargain the details of destruction with corporations. In 2010 Greenpeace entered an agreement supporting logging companies in the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement[24] and, recently, praised Mærsk – the planet’s largest shipping company and, until 2017,[25] a big player in the oil industry – merely for refusing to ship a specific Antarctic toothfish.[26] NGOs collaborate with state and capital constantly; they are businesses in and of themselves and constantly sell out movements defending forests, rivers and marine ecosystems [R.F. – see Green Capital & Environmental “Leaders” Won’t Save Us].

Promoting a notion of “net zero” emissions and subsequent carbon trading schemes is leading to a major land grab in the Global South. Industrial scale green energies, which increase the total energy market rather than decreasing fossil fuels, also lead to new profits for energy companies and devastate vast sacrifice zones in poor areas. It is no coincidence that all these technocratic solutions proposed by green NGOs are also supported by energy corporations.

The guises of authoritarianism are plenty and its attempts to resolve environmental issues have failed and led to increased degradation. Representative democracy, and other systems based on bureaucratic authority, have taught us change comes through politicians, corporations, NGOs and, of course, personal consumer choice [R.F. – see Return Fire vol.5 pg65]. The underlaying implication of this narrative is that chaotic organizing, viral direct action (and unrestrained) and immediate change in conduct is not the answer.

We need to recognize that authoritarianism and human-centric claims to supremacy over the earth have been and continue to be the root of socio-ecological crisis. This happens via the church, the State, urbanization and modern mechanical science,[27] all of which seek domination and control over the systems of our planet. This is not to say modern science is not useful, but to remember that it comes at a material and energetic cost [R.F. – see Return Fire vol.5 pg33].

[suchi05]

Energy Efficient Living Can Protect the Environment and Budget

Adopting sustainable and ecologically friendly practices is crucial in a world that is changing quickly. Industries, which are important engines of economic growth and development, are under increasing pressure to adopt greener practices that not only lessen their impact on the environment but also improve their financial performance.

In helping businesses achieve both environmental sustainability and financial savings, energy efficiency plays a pivotal role. The industrial sector has a huge potential for major energy and carbon footprint reduction through the adoption of energy-efficient techniques and technology. The industrial sector is a large contributor to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this article, we'll examine how energy efficiency increases industrial profitability while preserving the environment. The Power of Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency has become a key strategy in our quest for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Improved energy production, delivery, and consumption will enable us to significantly reduce our environmental impact while receiving a number of benefits. Numerous advantages of energy efficiency include financial savings on energy, increased comfort, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The future becomes a little bit brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable with each modest step taken in the direction of energy efficiency, whether it be through the use of energy-efficient appliances, the implementation of bright architectural designs, or the development of mindful energy consumption habits.

Exploiting Energy Efficiency's Potential in the Industrial Landscape Energy use is a crucial component that influences operational costs and environmental effect in the fast-paced industrial world. Fortunately, there are abundant energy-saving opportunities for industrial enterprises to explore. Industries may significantly increase their ability to save energy by introducing cutting-edge technology and procedures as well as conducting thorough energy audits to find inefficiencies.

A few of the techniques include retrofitting equipment with energy-efficient replacements, streamlining production schedules, and putting in place sophisticated energy management systems. Industries may improve their bottom line by taking advantage of these energy-saving options while A manufacturing environment that prioritizes energy efficiency gains lower costs, improved competitiveness, and increased sustainability.

The time has come for industries to utilize energy-saving measures and pave the way for a more successful and sustainable future. Optimizing Energy Consumption Patterns in Industries: For industries striving towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness, understanding and optimizing energy consumption patterns is crucial. Analysing and monitoring their energy usage allows industrial companies to identify inefficiencies and implement targeted improvement initiatives. Keeping an eye on peak energy demand, identifying energy-intensive processes, and exploring prospects for load-shifting or demand-response programs are essential steps in effectively managing energy consumption. Combining smart meters, sensors, and energy management systems can also provide up-to-the-minute insights into energy usage trends, assisting proactive resource allocation and decision-making.

With a strong focus on energy consumption patterns, industrial sectors may unlock hidden energy efficiency possibilities, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line.

By actively regulating their energy consumption, industries can make substantial progress toward attaining their sustainability goals while reducing waste and lowering operating costs. Powering Profits through Energy Efficiency: Enhancing financial performance and sustainability is a top priority for industrial enterprises seeking energy cost reduction. Finding strategies to reduce energy costs can result in large savings because they account for a sizable number of operational expenditures.

By utilizing energy-saving technology such as high-efficiency motors, variable frequency drives, and LED lights, productivity can be maintained or increased while drastically lowering energy usage.

Furthermore, doing energy audits to locate energy wasters and implementing energy management systems can offer insightful information and enable proactive actions to improve energy usage.  By proactively controlling energy costs, businesses may improve their bottom line, reduce their carbon footprint, and make a positive impact on the future.

Cutting energy expenses in an industrial context is not only a prudent financial move but also a crucial step toward sustainable business practices.

Conclusion:

Industries can reduce their environmental impact and boost their financial performance by adopting energy-saving options and optimizing energy consumption habits The road to a greener planet and a healthier bottom line is paved with each step made toward energy efficiency in the industrial setting, from utilizing cutting-edge technologies to adopting sensible practices. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining natural resources, and combating climate change, industries are crucial to preserving the planet for coming generations.

Also Read This: Energy Efficiency: Conservation, Sustainability.

Energy-efficient methods also increase competitiveness in a market that is growing more environmentally conscious, attract green investments, and open up opportunities for sustainable growth. Let's move forward and utilize the available energy-saving measures to fully realize the potential of energy efficiency. By doing this, we contribute to the development of a more robust, competitive, and profitable industrial landscape as well as the preservation of the environment for future generations.

Read more: https://zenithenergy.com/how-energy-efficient-living-can-protect-the-environment-and-your-budget/

[afhenvs3000f24]

Unit 9

I remember how, when I was still in high school, I just wanted to come home and unwind, seeing whatever was on the TV after a really exhausting day. My ritual of half-watching the news as I scrolled through my phone was suddenly disrupted by a segment that had all the hallmarks of joining the long list of forgotten stories in marine science. Then, I heard, "The green sludge that could power our future," and I paused. I looked up, curious. What followed altered the world for me and put me on my path to where I am today, studying Environmental Management.

These words by the news anchor were animated with that very rare tone of genuine excitement. The camera cut to a sprawling, bright-green pond, bubbling under the sun. What I think most amazed me then was the realization that what I was looking at wasn't just any body of water, but an algae farm. It wasn't just about the algae clinging to rocks and ruining beach days; it was about a world of potential I'd never considered. The segment dove into the basics: how algae grow at incredible speeds, don't require fresh water or fertile soil, and can store up to 50% of their body weight in oil that can be turned into biofuel. My jaw dropped.

A lightbulb just went off in my head. Here was this slimy, green organism-so unassuming, so oft-rejected by the public which was quietly capable of making fossil fuels obsolete. The notion seemed the stuff of a science fiction movie, but there it was, on a 6 pm news slot.

The more I listened, the more it resonated with me. What if the algae could capture not only carbon dioxide from the air but also grow in aggressive media, such as seawater or even wastewater? I remembered the scientist being interviewed and saying, "Algae don't compete with traditional crops for arable land. They're nature's ultimate recyclers, turning sunlight and CO2 into liquid energy." I sat up a little straighter; my heart was pounding. That line stuck with me, humming in the back of my mind long after the segment had moved on. This was bigger than a fun fact to whip out during science class.

At the time, I was struggling with what to do after high school. I'd always cared about the environment, but I'd never quite known how to turn that concern into action. That segment was like a jigsaw piece clicking into place: I could work in a field where nature wasn't just something to be protected; it was a partner in creating solutions for some of the world's biggest challenges. That algae, oftentimes an overlooked part of our ecosystem, actually could serve in a way as groundbreaking as sustainable energy was what truly inspired me. It sealed my decision to study Environmental Management, hoping someday I would be part of the team to make innovations like algae-based biofuel mainstream.

Let me take you back to what made algae so cool. During that segment, the narrator just listed out a string of facts that got me wide-eyed. Did you know that algae can double their biomass in as little as 24 hours? Or that they can thrive in briny seawater where other crops wither and die? This is not all about speed and adaptability, though. The most astonishing fact was that algae could produce oils rich enough to be directly converted into biodiesel. Unlike corn or soybeans used for traditional biofuels, algae don't hog valuable agricultural land or guzzle fresh water. It is a zero-compromise way of producing energy, the sort of thing which I'd always assumed would exist only in the distant future.

I was practically giddy over how the algae could power vehicles, homes, and whole communities while sopping up CO2. The algae weren't cool; they're game-changers. More than an ivory tower curiosity, the possibility of clean renewable energy that wouldn't compete with the world for food or water is something the world most desperately needs.

Fast forward to today, I am a third-year Environmental Management student, and the spark that ignited after that news segment burns bright. Every time I read about advances in algae biofuel research, I know exactly why I chose this path. I want to be a part of a world where innovations like these aren't just talked about on evening news shows but are implemented into how we live and interact with our environment.

The algae taught me that even the most minute and insignificant parts of our world can make all the difference. They are the underdog of nature, and they just go to prove that true power isn't flashy or grand; it's usually hidden in spaces so small, just waiting to be noticed.

But if you take away anything from my story, let it be this: pay attention to the "green sludge" moments. Maybe they just might be the start of something that would change your life and maybe even change the world

[beardedmrbean]

The recently held Vilnius GreenTech Forum, one of the largest events in the Baltics in the energy, transport, and green economy sectors, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and industry professionals. Among the participants was Marius Narmontas, Chief Operating Officer and Vice-Chairperson of the Management Board at RB Rail AS. Representing Rail Baltica, Narmontas highlighted the project's commitment to sustainability and its transformative potential in reshaping the region’s transport and energy systems.

A Catalyst for Green Innovation

Rail Baltica’s vision aligns with the objectives of the GreenTech Forum: fostering sustainable, secure, and efficient transport systems while driving the energy transition. Rail Baltica is positioned to lead the shift toward greener transport solutions across the Baltic region.

The project exemplifies this shift by promoting a sustainable mode of transport that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In line with the EU's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and cutting transport emissions by 80% by 2040, Rail Baltica offers a renewable-powered alternative for passenger and freight transport. By transitioning from road-based systems to electrified rail, the project will contribute significantly to achieving these ambitious targets.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Narmontas emphasized Rail Baltica's multi-faceted approach to sustainability. This includes engaging stakeholders to ensure the project not only meets environmental targets but also enhances regional mobility, supports business growth, and facilitates cultural exchange. Rail Baltica is also dedicated to reducing the region's reliance on fossil fuels, thus increasing energy independence – a mission critical for the Baltics in today’s geopolitical climate.

To solidify its commitment, Rail Baltica has adopted a Declaration of Sustainability Principles. These principles guide policies and practices throughout the project's lifecycle, ensuring that sustainability remains a core focus from planning to operation.

Smart Planning for a Greener Future

Rail Baltica's approach to planning and construction is grounded in smart, environmentally conscious practices. This includes prioritizing the use of local materials transported via rail, reusing excavated soil, and minimizing ecological impact by restricting temporary structures in forested areas. Station designs incorporate energy-efficient heating systems, reinforcing the project's dedication to low-carbon infrastructure.

Procurement processes further underscore sustainability by emphasizing reduced emissions, recycled materials, and durable components. Rail Baltica also mandates the use of machinery with improved engine categories and recycled construction materials, including asphalt and reinforcements.

A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Tomorrow

As a platform for meaningful dialogue among political, business, and public leaders, the GreenTech Forum underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability. Rail Baltica’s participation exemplified how innovative infrastructure projects can drive both environmental and economic progress.

By laying the groundwork for smart rail technologies and integrating green practices, Rail Baltica not only leads the way in sustainable transportation but also provides a model for the future of infrastructure development in Europe. 

About Rail Baltica 

Rail Baltica is one of Europe's largest high-speed infrastructure projects, aiming to establish a modern and sustainable rail link that connects the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the European rail network. It is also a part of the trans-European transport corridor.

Rail Baltica will be a fully electrified, double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) and designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will significantly reduce travel times between the Baltic States and major European cities. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight, and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Additionally, the project will enhance the Baltic region's position as a vital transit hub, fostering stronger trade connections and promoting regional cooperation.

About RB Rail AS 

RB Rail AS is a multinational joint venture of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania established to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Rail Baltica Global Project, the first infrastructure development project of this scale in the Baltic region. More about Rail Baltica global project: www.railbaltica.org

Nice

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Marcia McNutt

Published: Nov 14, 2024

Long before the 5 November US presidential election, I had become ever more concerned that science has fallen victim to the same political divisiveness tearing at the seams of American society. This is a tragedy because science is the best—arguably the only—approach humankind has developed to peer into the future, to project the outcomes of various possible decisions using the known laws of the natural world. Since the founding of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) during the Civil War, the most divisive period in US history, science and the NAS (of which I am the current president) have consistently served the nation, regardless of the political party in power. As the scientific community continues to do so now, it must take a critical look at what responsibility it bears in science becoming politically contentious, and how scientists can rebuild public trust.

For starters, scientists need to better explain the norms and values of science to reinforce the notion—with the public and their elected representatives—that science, at its most basic, is apolitical. Careers of scientists advance when they improve upon, or show the errors in, the work of others, not by simply agreeing with prior work. Whether conservative or liberal, citizens ignore the nature of reality at their peril. A recent example is the increased death rate from COVID-19 (as much as 26% higher) in US regions where political leaders dismissed the science on the effectiveness of vaccines. Scientists should better explain the scientific process and what makes it so trustworthy, while more candidly acknowledging that science can only provide the best available evidence and cannot dictate what people should value. Science cannot say whether society should prioritize allocating river water for sustaining fish or for irrigating farms, but it can predict immediate and long-term outcomes of any allocation scheme. Science can also find solutions that avoid the zero-sum dilemma by finding conservation approaches to water management that benefit both fish and farms.

In addition, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine need to examine how scientists may have contributed to the polarization of the use of science. Although scientists must never shirk their duty to provide the foundation of evidence that can guide policy decisions and to defend science and scientists from political interference, they must avoid the tendency to imply that science dictates policy. It is up to elected officials to determine policy based on the outcomes desired by their constituents. It is the role of science to inform these decision-makers as to whether those desired outcomes are likely to result from the policies being enacted.

The scientific community must also better recognize that it may not be helpful to emphasize consensus in policy reports’ recommendations when the underlying values are not universally shared. For example, although science can affirm that climate change is happening and is primarily caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, science can only predict the outcome of the various policies that might be enacted to address the problem. It is up to society and its elected leadership to decide how to balance these options, including the use of renewable energy, climate adaptation, carbon capture, or even various interventions that reflect sunlight back into space.

Last month the NAS Council issued a statement reaffirming its core principles of objectivity, independence, and excellence. This commitment requires including viewpoints far beyond just those of academia in National Academies’ advisory committees. Building trust will require more active listening to affected communities—for example, farmers, fishermen, and conservationists in the water example above. At the same time, the scientific community must fight scientific mis- and disinformation as though lives depended on truth and trust, because they do.

The public and policy-makers can discuss and debate how to respond to the myriad challenges that confront society, but these deliberations need to be informed by the objective, dispassionate evidence that only science can provide. To that end, the NAS stands ready, as it always has, to advise the incoming administration.

==

Note: Marcia McNutt is president of the National Academy of Sciences.

[phprentacar]

This is the new Dacia Spring 2025

Over the years, Dacia Spring has become a well-known name in the world of affordable electric cars and the PHP Rent a Car Cluj Napoca Airport office reminds you that this model launched for the first time in 2021 managed to attract the attention of consumers through its innovative concept: simple electric mobility and effective at an affordable price. With over 140,000 units sold globally to date, Dacia Spring has established itself as a popular choice for those looking for zero-emission mobility solutions. Initially, its launch in 2021 was rewarded with success, ranking third in the top electric car sales for retail customers in 2022 and 2023. With its energy efficiency and low carbon footprint, Dacia Spring achieved in 2022 the assessment maximum 5 stars from the independent European organization Green NCAP:

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Atomically controlled MXenes enable cost-effective green hydrogen production

A total of 137 countries around the world have signed a "net-zero" climate change agreement to end fossil fuel use and achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hydrogen is being touted as the next green energy source because it emits only water and oxygen when utilized as an energy source. Hydrogen production methods are divided into gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen depending on the energy source and carbon emissions. Among them, green hydrogen production method is the most eco-friendly method that produces hydrogen without carbon emissions by electrolyzing water using green energy. A research team led by Dr. Albert Sung Soo Lee of the Convergence Research Center for Solutions to Electromagnetic Interference in Future-Mobility and Materials Architecturing Research Center at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in collaboration with Professor Chong Min Koo's group at Sungkyunkwan University, has developed an oxidatively stable molybdenum-based MXene as electrocatalyst support in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers.

Read more.

[jcmarchi]

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/study-finds-health-risks-in-switching-ships-from-diesel-to-ammonia-fuel/

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

As container ships the size of city blocks cross the oceans to deliver cargo, their huge diesel engines emit large quantities of air pollutants that drive climate change and have human health impacts. It has been estimated that maritime shipping accounts for almost 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and the industry’s negative impacts on air quality cause about 100,000 premature deaths each year.

Decarbonizing shipping to reduce these detrimental effects is a goal of the International Maritime Organization, a U.N. agency that regulates maritime transport. One potential solution is switching the global fleet from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels such as ammonia, which could be nearly carbon-free when considering its production and use.

But in a new study, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MIT and elsewhere caution that burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality further and lead to devastating public health impacts, unless it is adopted alongside strengthened emissions regulations.

Ammonia combustion generates nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas that is about 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It also emits nitrogen in the form of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, referred to as NOx), and unburnt ammonia may slip out, which eventually forms fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. These tiny particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and asthma.

The new study indicates that, under current legislation, switching the global fleet to ammonia fuel could cause up to about 600,000 additional premature deaths each year. However, with stronger regulations and cleaner engine technology, the switch could lead to about 66,000 fewer premature deaths than currently caused by maritime shipping emissions, with far less impact on global warming.

“Not all climate solutions are created equal. There is almost always some price to pay. We have to take a more holistic approach and consider all the costs and benefits of different climate solutions, rather than just their potential to decarbonize,” says Anthony Wong, a postdoc in the MIT Center for Global Change Science and lead author of the study.

His co-authors include Noelle Selin, an MIT professor in the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society and the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS); Sebastian Eastham, a former principal research scientist who is now a senior lecturer at Imperial College London; Christine Mounaïm-Rouselle, a professor at the University of Orléans in France; Yiqi Zhang, a researcher at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Florian Allroggen, a research scientist in the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The research appears this week in Environmental Research Letters.

Greener, cleaner ammonia

Traditionally, ammonia is made by stripping hydrogen from natural gas and then combining it with nitrogen at extremely high temperatures. This process is often associated with a large carbon footprint. The maritime shipping industry is betting on the development of “green ammonia,” which is produced by using renewable energy to make hydrogen via electrolysis and to generate heat.

“In theory, if you are burning green ammonia in a ship engine, the carbon emissions are almost zero,” Wong says.

But even the greenest ammonia generates nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen oxides (NOx) when combusted, and some of the ammonia may slip out, unburnt. This nitrous oxide would escape into the atmosphere, where the greenhouse gas would remain for more than 100 years. At the same time, the nitrogen emitted as NOx and ammonia would fall to Earth, damaging fragile ecosystems. As these emissions are digested by bacteria, additional N2O  is produced.

NOx and ammonia also mix with gases in the air to form fine particulate matter. A primary contributor to air pollution, fine particulate matter kills an estimated 4 million people each year.

“Saying that ammonia is a ‘clean’ fuel is a bit of an overstretch. Just because it is carbon-free doesn’t necessarily mean it is clean and good for public health,” Wong says.

A multifaceted model

The researchers wanted to paint the whole picture, capturing the environmental and public health impacts of switching the global fleet to ammonia fuel. To do so, they designed scenarios to measure how pollutant impacts change under certain technology and policy assumptions.

From a technological point of view, they considered two ship engines. The first burns pure ammonia, which generates higher levels of unburnt ammonia but emits fewer nitrogen oxides. The second engine technology involves mixing ammonia with hydrogen to improve combustion and optimize the performance of a catalytic converter, which controls both nitrogen oxides and unburnt ammonia pollution.

They also considered three policy scenarios: current regulations, which only limit NOx emissions in some parts of the world; a scenario that adds ammonia emission limits over North America and Western Europe; and a scenario that adds global limits on ammonia and NOx emissions.

The researchers used a ship track model to calculate how pollutant emissions change under each scenario and then fed the results into an air quality model. The air quality model calculates the impact of ship emissions on particulate matter and ozone pollution. Finally, they estimated the effects on global public health.

One of the biggest challenges came from a lack of real-world data, since no ammonia-powered ships are yet sailing the seas. Instead, the researchers relied on experimental ammonia combustion data from collaborators to build their model.

“We had to come up with some clever ways to make that data useful and informative to both the technology and regulatory situations,” he says.

A range of outcomes

In the end, they found that with no new regulations and ship engines that burn pure ammonia, switching the entire fleet would cause 681,000 additional premature deaths each year.

“While a scenario with no new regulations is not very realistic, it serves as a good warning of how dangerous ammonia emissions could be. And unlike NOx, ammonia emissions from shipping are currently unregulated,” Wong says.

However, even without new regulations, using cleaner engine technology would cut the number of premature deaths down to about 80,000, which is about 20,000 fewer than are currently attributed to maritime shipping emissions. With stronger global regulations and cleaner engine technology, the number of people killed by air pollution from shipping could be reduced by about 66,000.

“The results of this study show the importance of developing policies alongside new technologies,” Selin says. “There is a potential for ammonia in shipping to be beneficial for both climate and air quality, but that requires that regulations be designed to address the entire range of potential impacts, including both climate and air quality.”

Ammonia’s air quality impacts would not be felt uniformly across the globe, and addressing them fully would require coordinated strategies across very different contexts. Most premature deaths would occur in East Asia, since air quality regulations are less stringent in this region. Higher levels of existing air pollution cause the formation of more particulate matter from ammonia emissions. In addition, shipping volume over East Asia is far greater than elsewhere on Earth, compounding these negative effects.

In the future, the researchers want to continue refining their analysis. They hope to use these findings as a starting point to urge the marine industry to share engine data they can use to better evaluate air quality and climate impacts. They also hope to inform policymakers about the importance and urgency of updating shipping emission regulations.

This research was funded by the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium.