In the rapidly evolving energy sector, sustainability is no longer a distant goal—it’s a present-day necessity. Among the strategies to mitigate carbon emissions, two important concepts stand out: carbon offsetting and carbon insetting. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct approaches to reducing environmental impact, and both offer unique opportunities for energy companies to enhance their sustainability goals.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between carbon insetting and offsetting, and outline five ways energy companies can incorporate both strategies into their operations to drive meaningful change.

Carbon Offsetting: Reducing Carbon Through External Projects

Carbon offsetting involves compensating for a company’s emissions by investing in projects outside of its direct value chain. These projects typically reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere, balancing out the emissions the company is unable to eliminate within its operations. Offsetting can involve initiatives such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or carbon capture and storage (CCS).

While offsetting has gained popularity, it faces criticism for allowing companies to “buy” environmental good deeds without making substantial internal changes. It’s often seen as a short-term solution, useful but insufficient if not paired with deeper transformations within the company.

Carbon Insetting: Emission Reductions Within the Supply Chain

Carbon insetting, on the other hand, focuses on reducing emissions within a company’s value chain, integrating sustainability into its core operations. This approach involves investing in emissions reductions directly tied to a company’s supply chain, from energy production to transportation and resource management. Insetting addresses emissions at the source, fostering a long-term and sustainable shift toward greener business practices.

Unlike offsetting, carbon insetting requires companies to take accountability for their emissions, offering a more holistic approach to decarbonization. It also tends to foster innovation, as companies look for new ways to lower their carbon footprint through operational changes.

5 Ways Energy Companies Can Use Carbon Insetting and Offsetting

Energy companies, particularly those involved in oil, gas, and renewables, are uniquely positioned to incorporate both insetting and offsetting into their sustainability strategies. Below are five practical ways energy companies can engage in both carbon insetting and offsetting to meet their environmental goals.

1. Develop Low-Carbon Energy Infrastructure (Insetting)

Energy companies can reduce their carbon footprint by investing in the development of low-carbon or zero-carbon energy infrastructure. This can involve upgrading equipment, integrating energy-efficient technology, or adopting renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydrogen power for their operations. By doing this, companies can cut emissions directly at the source and set themselves on a long-term path toward decarbonization.

Example: Shell’s investment in solar farms and offshore wind installations within their operational ecosystem directly reduces their emissions while promoting renewable energy.

2. Support Global Reforestation Projects (Offsetting)

Reforestation and afforestation projects are popular carbon offsetting strategies, as they help absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Energy companies can invest in or partner with reforestation initiatives in developing countries, supporting the restoration of vital ecosystems. Such projects provide a natural carbon sink, contributing to carbon neutrality for emissions that cannot be eliminated internally.

Example: BP partners with conservation groups to fund reforestation projects in South America, offsetting emissions from their remaining fossil fuel operations.

3. Electrify Fleet and Supply Chain Transport (Insetting)

One of the highest sources of carbon emissions in the energy sector comes from transportation. By electrifying their fleets and encouraging supply chain partners to adopt electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, energy companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint within their value chain. This also contributes to a shift toward green logistics, a crucial aspect of carbon insetting.

Example: TotalEnergies’ initiative to convert a portion of its logistical fleet to electric trucks reduces the emissions of transporting crude oil and other resources to and from facilities.

4. Invest in Carbon Capture and Storage (Offsetting & Insetting)

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a pivotal technology in reducing greenhouse gases. While it is often regarded as an offsetting technique when applied externally, CCS can also be considered insetting when incorporated within a company’s operations. By capturing CO2 emissions at the source and storing them underground, energy companies can offset their emissions while also directly improving the sustainability of their production processes.

Example: ExxonMobil’s investments in developing CCS technology both for its facilities and for external projects in industrial sectors like cement and steel can count as both offsetting and insetting efforts.

5. Switch to Sustainable Energy for Operations (Insetting)

Energy companies can integrate renewable energy sources into their operational facilities, such as using solar or wind power to fuel extraction sites, refineries, and administrative offices. This reduces dependency on fossil fuels, making core operations more sustainable and aligned with global decarbonization goals.

Example: Chevron’s pivot toward renewable energy generation at its refineries and operational hubs reduces emissions and exemplifies carbon insetting by transforming internal energy use.

Combining Strategies for Maximum Impact

For energy companies, balancing both carbon insetting and offsetting can lead to a comprehensive decarbonization strategy. By focusing on insetting, they work to minimize their emissions where they matter most—within their value chain. Offsetting, meanwhile, provides a safety net, ensuring that unavoidable emissions are mitigated by supporting external sustainability efforts.

However, as scrutiny around offsetting increases, the industry must prioritize transparency and innovation. Both strategies are needed, but true leadership in the energy sector will come from those companies that drive deep operational change through insetting.

The Future of Carbon Responsibility in the Energy Sector

As climate change pressures mount, energy companies have a pivotal role to play in decarbonizing the global economy. By embracing both carbon insetting and offsetting, companies can chart a clear path toward sustainability, reducing their carbon footprint while supporting vital environmental projects worldwide. The transition is underway, and the energy sector has the power to lead the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Accelerating the Adoption of Low-Carbon Technologies

Project IGNITE, short for Innovating GHG-Reduction, Nurturing Institutions, And Training Enterprises, is meticulously crafted to tackle the primary obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices. By addressing these challenges head-on, the project aspires to catalyze transformative change in how Canada approaches GHG emissions reduction.

“The launch of Project IGNITE marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat climate change and build a sustainable future,” says Sindhu Kampli, Project Analyst at ECO Canada. “Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, we are empowering businesses and institutions to embrace low-carbon technologies and practices, driving meaningful progress towards our climate mitigation goals.”

Building Capacity and Removing Barriers

One of the critical components of Project IGNITE is workforce and institutional capacity building. The initiative aims to remove adoption barriers and accelerate climate mitigation efforts by fostering human and institutional resource development for technology deployment. This will enable the implementation of carbon reduction projects across Canada, particularly within small and medium-sized businesses and institutional partners.

“Project IGNITE represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to drive innovation in greenhouse gas reduction and foster a low-carbon economy. By empowering businesses and institutions with the tools and knowledge they need, we are making significant strides towards a sustainable and resilient future,” states Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry, VP of Professional Services and ESG at ECO Canada.

Government Support and Industry Collaboration

The Government of Canada’s investment in Project IGNITE, through the Implementation Readiness Fund stream of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, underscores the importance of removing barriers to low-carbon technology adoption and increasing the readiness to deploy GHG emissions reduction projects. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment to achieving significant environmental goals.

“Organizations like ECO Canada are taking innovative approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to building a low-carbon economy,” says The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Through this investment, we are supporting projects that enhance readiness for low-carbon technology deployment and GHG emissions reduction.”

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

ECO Canada’s Project IGNITE is not just an initiative; it’s a vision for a sustainable future where businesses and institutions are equipped with the knowledge and tools to drive significant environmental impact. By focusing on capacity building and the removal of adoption barriers, Project IGNITE is set to transform the landscape of GHG emissions reduction in Canada.

For more information about Project IGNITE and to stay updated on the latest developments, please visit the Project IGNITE.

About ECO Canada

ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental industry, dedicated to promoting and driving responsible, sustainable economic growth. For over 30 years, ECO Canada has been a leader in job creation, wage funding, training, and labor market research. Through partnerships with government, policymakers, academia, and industry, ECO Canada supports the development of a skilled and innovative environmental workforce.

Sources:
eco.ca
Government of Canada

Transforming Waste into Opportunity

Reworld™ isn’t just handling garbage; it’s revolutionizing the way we think about waste. By processing nearly 10 percent of the United States’ garbage, Reworld™ prevents over 40 million metric tons of greenhouse gases from being emitted annually. This is the equivalent of the carbon sequestration capabilities of 48 million acres of forest—an area that spans eight U.S. states. The company’s innovative approach diverts waste from methane-generating landfills, significantly reducing net carbon emissions and transforming waste into a valuable resource.

Introducing ReCredit: A Pathway to Net-Zero

ReCredit is the latest in a series of groundbreaking solutions introduced by Reworld™ as part of its recent rebranding in April. Designed to support businesses in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, ReCredit offers exclusive carbon credits to Reworld™’s preferred partners, empowering them to effectively manage their carbon footprint and accelerate their journey towards net zero.

To qualify for the ReCredit program, partners must demonstrate dedicated sustainability goals with tangible results. The inaugural member of this program is Carbonxt, a leading cleantech company.

“Reworld™ is committed to reimagining waste as a resource through reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and renewing materials. This approach keeps waste out of landfills and helps our partners reach their decarbonization goals faster,” says Gagan Sood, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at Reworld™.

Partnering for a Sustainable Future

The collaboration with Carbonxt highlights the impact and potential of the ReCredit program. Dr. Regina Rodriguez, CEO of Carbonxt, expressed the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “At Carbonxt, our focus is on achieving optimal environmental outcomes for the carbon we produce. Our collaboration with Reworld™ represents a significant stride in fulfilling this dedication to sustainability stewardship. Initiatives like ReCredit are instrumental in helping us manage our Scope 1 and 2 goals effectively to make meaningful progress towards net zero and set a precedent for others in the industry to follow.”

This partnership not only underscores the importance of collective action in the fight against climate change but also sets a benchmark for other companies to emulate.

Beyond ReCredit: Comprehensive Sustainability Solutions

ReCredit is just one of the many innovative solutions that Reworld™ offers to its customers. The company’s comprehensive suite of services includes:

• ReDirect360™: A Zero Waste-to-Landfill program that ensures waste is diverted from landfills and repurposed effectively.
• ReKiln™: An alternative fuel engineering solution that transforms waste into valuable energy sources.
• ReDrop™: Advanced wastewater treatment technologies that minimize environmental impact.
• ReMove: Efficient transportation and logistics solutions that reduce carbon emissions.

Each of these programs is designed to support businesses on their sustainability journeys, providing them with the tools and resources needed to achieve their environmental goals.

The Reworld™ Commitment

Reworld™’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond waste management. The company’s mission is to advance zero-waste initiatives and support sustainability goals through state-of-the-art technologies that reimagine, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and renew. By transforming waste into opportunity, Reworld™ is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

For more information about ReCredit and Reworld™’s comprehensive suite of solutions, visit reworldwaste.com.

About Reworld™

Reworld™ is a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing innovative and environmentally responsible services to a global community. Committed to advancing zero waste initiatives and supporting sustainability goals, Reworld™ leverages state-of-the-art technologies to reimagine waste as a resource.

About Carbonxt

Carbonxt is a cleantech company specializing in the development and marketing of activated carbon products that capture contaminants in industrial processes. The company produces and manufactures powdered activated carbon and activated carbon pellets for use in industrial air purification, water/wastewater treatment, and other liquid and gas phase markets.

Source: Reworld Holding Corporation

Specializing in cost-effective industrial carbon capture solutions, Carbon Clean serves key hard-to-abate industries such as oil & gas, cement, and steel. With operations spanning 49 sites globally and having captured over 2.1 million tons of CO2, Carbon Clean boasts one of the largest project portfolios among independent carbon capture businesses. The company has been active in Canada for the past three years, with notable investors including Calgary-based TC Energy.

Aniruddha Sharma, Chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, commented on the expansion: “Canada’s recent initiatives to incentivize investment in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) have positioned it as a prime market for industrial carbon capture projects. The heightened focus from Canadian policymakers and business leaders on decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries has driven our decision to set up in Calgary and initiated numerous high-level discussions with companies across various sectors aiming for rapid net zero transitions.

“Recent legislation to incentivize investment in CCUS will significantly advance Canada’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. I commend Canadian lawmakers for their increased focus on decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries, which are responsible for 30% of global emissions. Importantly, Canada is matching the U.S. in providing incentives to drive investment in new, low-carbon technologies. This announcement underscores Canada’s commitment to leading the way in CCUS by adopting policies that encourage upfront private investment prior to the flow of government funding.

Sharma has been at the helm of Carbon Clean since its founding in 2009, driving the commercialization of groundbreaking carbon capture and reuse technologies. Under his leadership, the company has expanded operations to the UK, US, Germany, and India, and has been recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and listed in the Cleantech100 by the Cleantech Group. Sharma has guided the company through multiple funding rounds with support from the UK’s Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) and the US Department of Energy. 

Sharma collaborates closely with the UK’s Trade & Investment (UKTI) body as part of the Global Entrepreneur Program, aiding international entrepreneurs and early-stage tech businesses in their UK development. Additionally, Sharma holds two patents as a co-inventor and is a visiting fellow at Imperial College London. Actively engaged in the climate change discourse for over seven years, 

Sharma participated in COP15 in Copenhagen and has championed carbon capture for reuse applications at forums like the World Economic Forum’s Davos 2016 meeting and the Cleantech Forum 2016 in San Francisco. He has also spoken at IIT Kharagpur TEDx. Sharma earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s (Hons.) degrees in Statistics and Informatics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.

The 2023 Fall Economic Statement by Canadian lawmakers introduced a program to finance investment tax credits for CCUS. Alongside this, the federal government is offering carbon contracts for difference through the Canada Growth Fund and maintaining a robust carbon pricing system. These measures are part of a national strategy to meet emission reduction targets and decarbonize hard-to-abate industries, which account for 30% of global emissions.

Calgary was chosen for Carbon Clean’s Canadian headquarters due to its emerging role as a hub for decarbonization efforts and its ambitious net-zero targets. The Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP), launched in November 2023, further fosters a supportive environment for industrial carbon capture demand.

Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, Carbon Clean opened its US headquarters in Houston, Texas, and subsequently doubled its global workforce to 145 employees.

The Ørsted Kalundborg CO2 Hub project is a testament to innovation and collaboration in the renewable energy sector. By capturing and storing biogenic CO2 from its wood chip-fired Asnæs Power Station and straw-fired Avedøre Power Station, Ørsted is pioneering a new approach to carbon capture. This initiative not only reduces CO2 emissions but also actively removes carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to negative emissions – a crucial strategy in the fight against climate change.

Microsoft’s involvement in this venture signifies a significant step towards achieving its ambitious sustainability goals. By leveraging Ørsted’s expertise in bioenergy carbon capture and storage, Microsoft is furthering its commitment to becoming carbon-negative by 2030. This collaboration exemplifies how strategic partnerships can accelerate the transition to a greener economy and drive meaningful change on a global scale.

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. 

According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon removal technologies like BECCS are essential for limiting global warming. Projects like the Ørsted Kalundborg CO2 Hub are critical in this regard, providing tangible solutions to combat climate change and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Ole Thomsen, Senior Vice President and Head of Ørsted’s Bioenergy business highlights the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This expanded collaboration with Microsoft is a testament to our shared vision for a sustainable future.” Thomsen emphasizes the importance of combining expertise and resources to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy & Carbon Removals at Microsoft, echoes this sentiment, noting, “Today’s announcement is yet another tangible step towards building the technologies and commercial capabilities towards becoming carbon-negative by 2030.” Marrs emphasizes the need for rapid action in addressing climate goals and praises Ørsted’s role in driving innovation and sustainability.

The Ørsted Kalundborg CO2 Hub project represents a significant milestone in the transition to a low-carbon economy. With support from the Danish Energy Agency and a commitment to sustainability from industry leaders like Ørsted and Microsoft, projects like these have the potential to reshape the energy landscape and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

As the world faces the growing threat of climate change, initiatives like the Ørsted Kalundborg CO2 Hub offer hope and inspiration. By harnessing the power of renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a healthier planet for future generations.

Source & Images – Ørsted A/S

Methane Pyrolysis: A Clean Energy Game-Changer

At the heart of this project is cutting-edge equipment designed by Modern Hydrogen, installed at NW Natural’s Central Resource Center in southeast Portland. Utilizing a process known as methane pyrolysis, this technology splits methane into hydrogen and solid carbon, offering a cleaner energy alternative.

Modern Hydrogen’s process doesn’t just produce clean hydrogen; it also captures the solid carbon byproduct. This carbon is then used in Modern Hydrogen’s proprietary asphalt products, which enhance performance in applications such as paving and road repair. In fact, a section of asphalt surrounding the equipment at NW Natural’s facility includes this innovative material, showcasing its practical utility.

Blending Clean Hydrogen with Natural Gas

The hydrogen generated on-site is seamlessly integrated into the existing natural gas infrastructure. This blending of hydrogen with natural gas represents a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions without necessitating extensive new infrastructure.

Leaders in Innovation

David Anderson, CEO of NW Natural, emphasized the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. “Over the years we have held to our core values of safety and service while embracing new technologies and better ways of doing things,” Anderson stated. “Today we’re looking to renewable natural gas, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and other ways to decarbonize our system. People are eager for solutions that can be put into action today, and we’re proud to play our part.”

Tony Pan, Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Hydrogen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative impact of this project. “We are proud to stand at the forefront of this transformative journey, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy production and environmental stewardship,” Pan said. “Together, we are not just witnessing, but actively participating in history with the launch of innovative systems that revolutionize hydrogen production, leverage existing infrastructure for a cleaner future, capture and repurpose carbon, and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of gas utilities.”

Setting New Standards in Clean Energy

This collaboration has achieved several significant firsts, including the first utility-distributed pyrolysis system, the first pipeline injection of pyrolytic hydrogen, and the first solid carbon capture project for both companies. These milestones position NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen as leaders in the transition to sustainable energy.

A Vision for the Future

The three-year pilot project is part of NW Natural’s broader efforts to explore the potential of hydrogen. Extensive testing at the Sherwood Operations and Training facility has demonstrated the safety and performance of hydrogen blends ranging from 5 to 20 percent in natural gas systems and equipment.

NW Natural’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is multifaceted, encompassing energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon offsets, and carbon capture. Central to this vision is the gradual replacement of conventional natural gas with alternatives like renewable natural gas and clean hydrogen.

About NW Natural

NW Natural, a local distribution company, serves approximately two million people in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation and extensive underground gas storage capacity, NW Natural has a long-standing commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community care. As part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, NW Natural is a leader in pursuing innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

About Modern Hydrogen

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seattle, Modern Hydrogen is at the forefront of distributed hydrogen technologies and advanced carbon management solutions. Leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure, Modern Hydrogen provides practical, clean energy solutions for traditionally difficult-to-decarbonize sectors. With backing from prominent investors and customers such as Bill Gates, NextEra Energy, and National Grid, Modern Hydrogen is dedicated to transforming energy systems to be both cleaner and more cost-effective.

Embracing the Future of Energy

This partnership between NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen is not just a technological breakthrough; it represents a visionary approach to tackling climate change. By integrating clean hydrogen production with carbon capture, and utilizing existing infrastructure, these companies are setting new standards for sustainability in the energy sector.

Source: modernhydrogen.com

The visionary study sets its sights on nothing less than a complete overhaul of the Mongstad refinery, transforming it into a bastion of low-carbon innovation. At its core lies the ambitious goal of reducing CO2 emissions while birthing a new era of sustainable energy production. Spearheading this monumental task, Aker Solutions brings to the table its unparalleled expertise, drawing upon a wealth of experience to engineer solutions that are both technically sound and economically viable.

The scope of the endeavor is as vast as it is ambitious, encompassing the creation of a greenfield facility dedicated to the production of blue hydrogen—a revolutionary leap toward clean energy. But the transformation doesn’t stop there. Aker Solutions’ vision extends to the development of a carbon capture and export solution, paving the way for the widespread adoption of carbon-neutral technologies.

Central to the initiative is the establishment of a facility dedicated to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived from municipal solid waste—a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of modern engineering. With emissions reduced by over 70%, this groundbreaking innovation promises to revolutionize the aviation industry, heralding a new era of eco-friendly air travel.

Roddy Macpherson, Senior Vice President of Consultancy at Aker Solutions, expresses his excitement for the transformative journey ahead, emphasizing the pivotal role of this endeavor in driving the global shift toward decarbonization. With a team of experts spanning multiple disciplines, Aker Solutions is poised to lead the charge in accelerating Norway’s energy transition, reshaping the nation’s energy landscape for generations to come.

Mongstad, once a modest refinery emitting 1.7 million tons of CO2 annually, stands at the precipice of change. Equinor’s bold vision to drastically reduce emissions heralds a new dawn for the industrial powerhouse, paving the way for a future defined by sustainability and innovation. As the study progresses, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the birth of a new paradigm in industrial transformation.

In the crucible of innovation, the partnership between Aker Solutions and Equinor stands as a beacon of hope—a testament to humanity’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to forging a brighter tomorrow. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with determination and ingenuity as their guiding stars, they march forward toward a future where sustainability reigns supreme.

Source: akersolutions.com

Embrace Renewable Energy Sources:
Make the switch to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Energy Efficiency Improvements:
Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices throughout operations to minimize energy wastage and lower carbon footprint.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Invest in CCS technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and store them underground, preventing their release into the atmosphere.

Electrification of Transportation:
Support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and invest in EV charging infrastructure to decrease reliance on fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

Sustainable Bioenergy:
Explore the use of sustainable biomass and biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels, ensuring responsible sourcing practices to mitigate environmental impact. Energy

Storage Solutions:
Invest in energy storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro storage to facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid.

Smart Grid Technologies:
Deploy smart grid technologies to optimize energy distribution, minimize energy losses, and support the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.

Energy Conservation Programs:
Implement energy conservation programs to incentivize consumers and businesses to reduce energy consumption through education and incentives.

Green Building Practices:
Adopt green building practices in construction and renovation projects to enhance energy efficiency and decrease emissions from buildings.

Carbon Offsetting:
Invest in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation and renewable energy initiatives, to counterbalance your company’s carbon emissions.

Circular Economy Initiatives:
Embrace circular economy principles by minimizing waste generation, promoting recycling, and designing products for longevity and recyclability.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management:
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure the sustainability of raw materials and decrease emissions across the supply chain.

Carbon Pricing:
Advocate for carbon pricing mechanisms that internalize the cost of carbon emissions and encourage emission reductions.

Research and Development:
Allocate resources to research and development efforts aimed at developing innovative decarbonization technologies and solutions.

Collaboration and Advocacy:
Collaborate with industry peers, policymakers, and stakeholders to advocate for policies and initiatives that support decarbonization efforts on a broader scale.

By implementing these strategies, energy companies can play a pivotal role in leading the charge toward a low-carbon future while simultaneously creating value for shareholders, customers, and society as a whole. It’s time to take action, drive change, and pave the way for a cleaner, greener energy landscape. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!

This is Tina Olivero signing off for Our Great Minds. Stay tuned for more insights on the latest trends and developments in the energy industry here at TheOGM.com. Let’s continue to create boundaries and shape a sustainable future for generations to come.

Oil and Gas Companies:

1. Invest in Renewable Energy: Diversify your energy portfolio by investing in renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also future-proofs your business against the transition to a low-carbon economy.
2. Optimize Operations: Implement advanced technologies and best practices to optimize oil and gas extraction processes, minimize methane leaks, and reduce energy consumption in operations.
3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Explore opportunities for CCS technologies to capture and store carbon emissions from your operations, thereby mitigating your environmental impact.
4. Transition to Cleaner Fuels: Gradually transition towards cleaner fuels such as natural gas, which emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to coal and oil.
5. Enhance Energy Efficiency: Continuously improve energy efficiency across operations, including refineries and petrochemical plants, through upgrades and process optimizations.

Major Contractors:

1. Promote Green Technologies: Advocate for the adoption of green technologies and practices in oil and gas projects, such as energy-efficient equipment and low-emission processes.
2. Supply Chain Collaboration: Collaborate with oil and gas companies to develop and implement sustainable supply chain practices, including responsible sourcing of materials and reduced emissions in transportation.
3. Innovative Solutions: Invest in research and development to develop innovative solutions that reduce emissions during project execution, such as advanced drilling techniques and emissions-reducing technologies.
4. Efficient Project Management: Implement efficient project management practices that prioritize sustainability, including minimizing waste generation and optimizing resource utilization.
5. Education and Training: Provide education and training programs for employees to increase awareness of sustainability issues and promote the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Suppliers:

1. Sustainable Sourcing: Adopt sustainable sourcing practices by prioritizing suppliers that adhere to environmental standards and certifications, and promote responsible extraction and production methods.
2. Energy-Efficient Products: Offer energy-efficient products and services to oil and gas companies, major contractors, and other clients to help them reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Implement measures to reduce your own carbon footprint, such as optimizing transportation routes and reducing energy consumption in manufacturing processes.
4. Circular Economy Initiatives: Embrace circular economy principles by promoting product reuse, recycling, and waste reduction throughout the supply chain.
5. Collaborative Innovation: Collaborate with oil and gas companies and major contractors to develop and implement innovative solutions that reduce emissions across the entire value chain.

By implementing these tailored strategies, oil and gas companies, major contractors, and suppliers can play a pivotal role in driving decarbonization efforts within the industry. Rather than wait to be mandated to do “the right thing” adopt a culture of corporate responsibility that is self-governed and proactive in the quest to reach net zero. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future while ensuring continued growth and prosperity for all stakeholders involved.

This is Tina Olivero signing off for TheOGM.com. Let’s continue to lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable energy industry!

Meeting the Demand: Carbon Clean’s Strategic Move into Canada

In response to the soaring demand for its technology, Carbon Clean has strategically opened an office in downtown Calgary. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to revolutionizing carbon capture solutions and underscores its dedication to supporting hard-to-abate industries, including oil & gas, cement, and steel.

Proven Impact: Carbon Clean’s Global Footprint

Carbon Clean boasts a substantial global presence, with its technology operational in 49 sites worldwide. The company stands out with one of the largest project portfolios among independent carbon capture businesses, having cumulatively captured over 2.1 million tons of CO2. This expansion into Canada signifies the company’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.

Canada’s Appeal: Carbon Capture Gains Momentum

Canada has emerged as a prime market for industrial carbon capture projects, fueled by recent efforts to incentivize investment in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). The 2023 Fall Economic Statement unveiled a program offering investment tax credits for CCUS, coupled with the availability of carbon contracts for difference through the Canada Growth Fund. The federal government’s well-established carbon pricing system aligns with the national goal to reduce emissions and decarbonize hard-to-abate industries, responsible for 30% of global emissions.

Calgary’s Rise: The Ideal Hub for Carbon Clean’s Canadian Venture

Carbon Clean strategically selected Calgary as its Canadian hub due to the city’s increasing prominence as a center for decarbonization initiatives. Calgary’s ambitious goals to achieve net zero, coupled with programs like the Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP), announced in November 2023, create a conducive environment for the growth of industrial carbon capture solutions.

Accelerating Momentum: Carbon Clean’s Vision for the North American Market

Aniruddha Sharma, Chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, emphasized the urgency among Canadian policymakers and business leaders to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries. As North America outpaces many global regions in environmental initiatives, Carbon Clean aims to leverage this momentum by ramping up its local supply chain and expanding its Canadian workforce. The company’s entry into Calgary has already sparked numerous high-level conversations with companies across various sectors eager to achieve rapid progress towards net-zero goals.

A Global Impact: Carbon Clean’s Journey Continues

Building on the success of opening its US headquarters in Houston, Texas, last year, Carbon Clean demonstrates a commitment to its global mission. The doubling of its global headcount to 145 people signifies the company’s determination to lead the charge in providing cost-effective industrial carbon capture solutions worldwide.

Sources:

Carbon Clean
Government of Canada
Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP)

This marks the first-ever utilization of carbonate fuel cell technology for carbon capture on an industrial scale. The potential impact is immense, as the captured CO2 will be transported and permanently stored beneath the North Sea via the Porthos project—an ambitious endeavor that adds an extra layer of significance to this groundbreaking initiative.

A Pioneering Pilot Plant

Esso’s Rotterdam Manufacturing Complex takes center stage as the world’s first testing ground for CFC technology. The pilot plant aims not only to gather crucial data on the performance and operability of this innovative technology but also to address potential technical challenges that may arise in a commercial setting. The ultimate goal is to understand the costs associated with installing and operating a CFC plant for carbon capture on a large scale.

Should this demonstration prove successful, the implications are enormous. ExxonMobil could potentially deploy this technology across its manufacturing sites worldwide, heralding a new era in carbon capture technology.

Carbonate Fuel Cells: A Green Game-Changer

What sets CFC technology apart is its unique ability to capture CO2 emissions at the source, preventing their release into the atmosphere. But that’s not all—these fuel cells also produce valuable co-products, increasing the overall efficiency of the capture process. In a move that aligns with global sustainability goals, the technology also generates low-carbon power, heat, and hydrogen as co-products.

Geoff Richardson, SVP of Commercial and Business Development for ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, expresses excitement about the venture, stating, “The unique advantage of this technology is that it not only captures CO2 but also produces low carbon power, heat, and hydrogen as co-products. We are excited for the opportunity to pilot this innovation at our own Rotterdam facility.”

Modular and Scalable: A Vision for the Future

CFC technology is not just revolutionary; it’s also modular, paving the way for carbon capture across a spectrum of deployment scales. When this technology is ready for widespread implementation, it could offer economical decarbonization solutions for various industries. This aligns seamlessly with the broader social goal of working towards a net-zero future.

Jason Few, President and Chief Executive Officer of FuelCell Energy, emphasizes the efficiency of capturing carbon at the source, stating, “FuelCell Energy and ExxonMobil believe that capturing carbon at the source is an efficient way to decarbonize heavy industry. This technology can capture carbon and produce electricity simultaneously, making it a game-changer in the industry.”

A Collaborative and Visionary Project

This pilot project isn’t just a solo venture; it’s a collaborative effort with significant backing. The European Union, under the Emissions Trading System Innovation Fund, and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, through a Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation (DEI+) grant, are co-funding this visionary project. It’s a testament to the shared commitment towards sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.

A Paradigm Shift in Carbon Capture

As ExxonMobil and FuelCell Energy join forces to pioneer carbonate fuel cell technology for industrial-scale carbon capture, the world watches with anticipation. This isn’t just a technological leap; it’s a paradigm shift towards a future where industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The potential ripple effects extend far beyond Rotterdam, reaching industries globally, as we collectively strive for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow.

Sources:
ExxonMobil
FuelCell Energy
Emissions Trading System Innovation Fund
Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Locus Bio-Energy’s AssurEOR STIM^® biosurfactant technology has been certified to reduce the carbon intensity and boost production of crude oil and natural gas operations. The EOR technology will allow oil and gas companies, as well as their clients—such as airlines, cruise lines, utilities, companies that produce or use plastic, and any entity relying on trucking and shipping to get products to market—to accelerate the achievement of their decarbonization goals and produce more with fewer resources. 

Production is the largest contributor to the carbon footprint of the oil and gas industry

Oil and gas production contributes 63% of the industry’s carbon footprint. According to the International Energy Agency, production accounts for 10%-15% of the overall footprint of a barrel of oil or gas. Swift, cost-effective solutions are needed to meet reduction goals, as many decarbonization strategies will take time to scale.

“Companies around the world that rely on oil and gas and its by-products are under tremendous pressure to meet their decarbonization goals; often with no clear path to do so in a meaningful manner,” said Andrew (Andy) Lefkowitz, CEO of Locus. “There isn’t another technology that can immediately enhance extraction without additional CAPEX, while also accelerating decarbonization progress.” 

SGS certification of Locus Bio-Energy’s enhanced oil recovery technology  

AssurEOR STIM’s certification has been issued by SGS, which provides inspection, verification, and testing certification services to thought leaders in over a dozen global industries. The ISO-14064 certification was developed to comply with both ISO 14064:2-2019 (greenhouse gas reporting) and the EU Commission’s Innovation Fund Methodology for GHG Emission Avoidance. It allows for easy incorporation into scope and carbon intensity accounting.

Locus Bio-Energy’s AssurEOR STIM enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology has already been deployed successfully on hundreds of wells across key basins to address declining oil and gas extraction. The crux of the novel well stimulation treatments is that they can be easily deployed around the world to reduce the negative environmental impact of oil and gas production while cutting costs and increasing revenue.

Locus’ biosurfactant technology cuts cost, carbon, and resources needed per barrel of oil and gas

According to the certification, oil and gas production companies utilizing just a single application of Locus’ AssurEOR STIM technology reap multiple benefits, including: 

• Carbon intensity reduction: At least a 7% reduction in carbon intensity of oil and gas production based on the most conservative historical performance readings, going up to 20%+ at scale 
• Cost: In Texas, an opportunity for a 50% reduction in the 4.6% excise taxes on all, not just incremental, oil produced with Locus’ EOR technology for 10 years  
• Revenue: A minimum 10% production increase, which can result in $300K+ in additional annual revenue from an average 100-bpd well, excluding tax credits

Each oil and gas well that does not need to be fracked or drilled saves:  

• Water: Reduction of 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water 
• Diesel: Conserves enough diesel fuel to drive around the Earth’s equator more than 450 times 
• Sand: Elimination of the mining and transportation of 8,500 tons of sand (the second most used resource on the planet)—the volume needed to build a half mile of freeway 
• Chemicals: Exclusion of 50,000 gallons or more of chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, NP9, BTEX, secondary 1,4-dioxane, scale inhibitors, biocides, and others

“AssurEOR STIM is the first ISO-14064 certified EOR technology that can make an immediate impact on carbon intensity at the start of the oil and gas supply chain,” said Lefkowitz. “Our data indicates that treatments could boost crude oil production by 10-45%+ while lowering the carbon intensity by 7-20%+.”

Oil and gas carbon intensity certification provides full asset value chain benefits 

As entire fields adopt the treatments, further reductions can be realized throughout the asset value chain. Although Locus’ EOR technology was the first to be certified, its entire range of oilfield technologies—from completion fluid additives to flow assurance and cleaning solutions—all have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon intensity of their respective operations. They have also been proven to outperform more intense chemical or thermal counterparts.

Locus Bio-Energy’s biosurfactant technologies are an attractive solution for oil and gas companies navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. They also give end-users access to oil produced with a lower carbon intensity. Learn more about how biosurfactant technology can revive production and propel the oil and gas industry toward a decarbonized future at LocusBioEnergy.com.

About Locus Bio-Energy  

Locus Bio-Energy is an innovation leader committed to offering best in class science-driven and sustainable oilfield chemistries to the oil and gas industry. Utilizing the scientific capabilities of our accelerator company, Locus Fermentation Solutions, Locus Bio-Energy turns novel biosurfactants with a low carbon footprint into green treatments tailored for upstream and midstream applications. Our environmentally friendly biosurfactants address a wide variety of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including improving well reliability and long-term production while decreasing risk, environmental impact, and costs. The biosurfactant treatments are made from 100% renewable resources and have been proven to replace or boost synthetic chemicals at a fraction of the dosage rates and cost, with a 2-3x ROI.

For further information, visit LocusBioEnergy.com. 

About SGS 

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer, and more interconnected world.

Source: locusbioenergy.com

ABB has signed a partnership with Canadian-based Computer Modelling Group (CMG) – a global simulation technology company that has been involved in carbon capture for over 20 years – to incorporate subsurface modeling into their existing digital twin technology for commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations.

Being able to simulate scenarios at every stage of the captured carbon dioxide’s journey from surface to underground – whether to subsea or land aquifers – reduces risks and saves costs by allowing operators to test options in a virtual setting.

With this collaboration, ABB will use its Ability™ OPTIMAX® energy management system to integrate above ground digital twin technology with CMG’s subsurface modeling, providing a full end-to-end solution.

“Capturing and storing carbon dioxide underground is a highly technical and challenging process. Being able to deliver proof of concept across the entire CCS process is crucial to accelerate adoption,” said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries. “Without subsurface modeling, the industry simply cannot calculate the cost or manage the risks, which is crucial if we are to scale the CCS market to the extent required to support decarbonization of industry and emissions reductions in line with the Paris Accord.”

Subsurface modeling enables businesses to assess risks against various operating scenarios. These risks include losses or leakage often caused by unexpected physical and chemical reactions underground between the carbon dioxide, water, rocks, and cement, or technical faults such as wellbore failure caused by salt precipitation.

“This partnership brings together two powerful technologies to develop a product to support the intelligent, real-time operational decision-making required to make carbon storage a success at scale,” said Pramod Jain, CEO of CMG. “Advanced subsurface modeling is necessary to assess and monitor risks of CO2 injection against various operating scenarios and is critical to the safety, feasibility, and scaling of carbon capture and storage projects. We are pleased to partner with ABB, a global leader in innovation, to provide our industry-leading, subsurface simulation capabilities to their enhanced digital twin technology.”

In its updated Net Zero Roadmap, the International Energy Agency highlights CCS as a key contributor to reaching net zero emissions targets but stresses that rapid progress is needed. Although the project pipeline offers a positive outlook, with CCS projects tripling in 2021 and nearly doubling again since CCS still represents a small percentage of all decarbonization technologies deployed. For countries to achieve their net-zero commitments, uptake by industry needs to grow 120-fold by 2050 but if successful, CCS alone could be responsible for reducing global industrial carbon emissions by 45 percent, according to McKinsey & Company.

ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies, and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water, and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, and leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid, and maritime industries improve the performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. go.abb/processautomation

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated. Building on more than 140 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com

CMG is a global software and consulting company that combines science and technology with deep industry expertise to solve complex subsurface and surface challenges for the new energy industry around the world. CMG is headquartered in Calgary, with offices in Houston, Oxford, Dubai, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Bengaluru, and Kuala Lumpur. www.cmgl.ca

A dedicated carbon capture pilot plant will continue to train the net-zero workforce, and engineers and scientists of the future, after ABB and Imperial College London signed a 10-year contract to extend their successful partnership. The plant is the only one of its kind in an academic institution in the world.

More than 4,500 students have had hands-on experience with ABB’s technology solutions at the plant since it opened in 2012 at Imperial College, which is one of the world’s top ten universities with a reputation for excellence in science and engineering.

With the agreement, ABB aims to equip today’s students with the skills needed to run tomorrow’s industrial processes by demonstrating how the latest technology can help optimize plant performance and safely manage emergency situations in real-life applications. The collaboration between ABB and Imperial College gives the university access to some of the most advanced control and instrumentation technology available from any manufacturer.

“Extending the partnership with Imperial College allows us to offer students practical training to prepare them for a career in industry,” said Simon Wynne, Head of Energy Industries, ABB UK & Ireland. “A report by EngineeringUK says that for the UK to meet emissions targets by 2050, there needs to be a workforce, with the right STEM backgrounds, ready to respond to the energy transition challenge.” The plant, which is spread over four floors, uses ABB Ability™ System 800xA® for distributed process control and over 250 instruments, measuring temperature, pressure, carbon dioxide, and flow. System 800xA automatically controls and coordinates all aspects of the plant process, which is then visualized on displays in the ABB Control Room where students can monitor and intervene if necessary.

ABB’s Ability™ Verification for measurement devices and the new Ability™ SmartMaster verification and condition monitoring platform is also being used to equip students with the skills needed to optimize instrument performance through predictive maintenance.

“When we started the partnership with ABB, the aim was to encourage more people to go into and stay in chemical engineering,” said Dr Colin Hale, Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London. “One of the ways to do this was to set up this carbon capture plant so we could enthuse students to follow through on the environmental topics they have learned previously. ABB shares this collective vision.”

“During my time in the carbon capture pilot plant, I have actively participated in the operation of the process, gaining a deeper understanding of the development and application of the technology,” said Yiheng Shao, a fourth-year undergraduate student at Imperial College London. “This experience has also bolstered my confidence in the role of carbon capture in achieving net-zero goals.”

According to a report by S&P Global, carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help decarbonize industry, reduce emissions, and reach net zero, while the Global CCS Institute says in 2022 there was a 44 percent increase in the number of CCS facilities around the world compared with the previous year.

To enable the commercial CCS market to scale, ABB is deploying technology solutions to lower the capital and operational investment costs and de-risk integration into existing and new operations. In March 2023 ABB joined forces with London-based Pace CCS to make the capture, transportation, and storage of industrial carbon dioxide emissions more accessible. The key to this is using digital twin technology to provide a virtual replica of a real process to test scenarios and deliver proof of concept.

Earlier this year, the UK Government outlined its Powering Up Britain policy. This series of net-zero pledges, including £20 billion of funding to unlock private investment and jobs in CCS, aims to deliver an energy system with cleaner, more affordable energy sources.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated. Building on more than 140 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

www.abb.com

Carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCUS) will play a key role in Canada’s plan to reach a net-zero electricity system by 2035. However, deploying large-scale CCS in provinces that will continue to rely on fossil fuels for power generation presents significant challenges if it is to be achieved on the tight timeline required by proposed federal regulations.

The International CCS Knowledge Centre has published a review of the Government of Canada’s proposed Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), which would limit annual carbon emission intensities to 30 tonnes of CO₂ per gigawatt-hour (t/GWh) of electricity produced, applying to all power plants that use fossil fuels to generate power, are a net exporter of electricity to the North American grid, and have capacity to produce at least 25 megawatts.

The performance standard would take effect on Jan. 1, 2035, or 20 years after the commissioning of a power plant (whichever is later, with some exceptions). It is expected to apply to approximately 15 percent of Canada’s power supply that is derived from fossil fuels – primarily natural gas and coal-fired power facilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia.

The 30 t/GWh standard aligns with the emissions intensity of natural gas electricity generation with carbon capture achieving nearly a 95 percent CO₂ capture rate.​ This level of performance is considered possible with existing CCS technology deployed on natural gas-fired power plants, but not for coal-fired power plants, which typically have emissions intensity around 1,000 t/GWh.

“Many amine-based CCS technology vendors guarantee a 95 percent capture rate, so it is theoretically possible for natural gas power plants to achieve the CER’s requirements, however, there are many risks that must be considered, as there are no power plants with CCS that have achieved this level of performance anywhere in the world to date,” said Beth (Hardy) Valiaho, the Knowledge Centre’s vice-president of policy, regulatory and stakeholder relations. “Having emissions intensity regulations that are too stringent may also disincentivize investment in novel CCS technologies and applications developed right here in Canada in the sector.”

It is clear that CCS will be key to reducing emissions from power plants that provide reliable base-load power in several provinces, but it will be difficult to meet the CER’s timelines given the long lead time for bringing large-scale CCS projects to life and the possibility of labor and supply chain challenges that are anticipated with the global boom in CCS construction over the next decade.

“Applying the lessons learned from the world’s first CCS facility on a commercial power plant at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam power station will be instrumental in helping to overcome the challenges and enhance the success of the next generation of CCS projects that must get started immediately if we are to meet the ambitious timelines for Canada’s emissions reduction targets,” Valiaho said.

The Knowledge Centre recommends the government add provisions to allow lower CCS performance to reflect emergency situations and other fluctuations in plant operations. Aligning the CER’s emission intensity requirements and timelines with similar regulations proposed in the United States may also be prudent in order to ensure a level playing field for power companies across both countries and to incent businesses to invest in innovative and novel CCS projects within Canada.

The Government of Canada is soliciting input on the proposed regulations by Nov. 2, 2023. The final regulations are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette Part II in 2024.

About the International CCS Knowledge Centre

The International CCS Knowledge Centre is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by BHP and SaskPower to advance large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as a critical means of managing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the world’s ambitious climate goals.

The Knowledge Centre provides independent, expert advisory services for CCS projects across heavy-emitting industries based on our team’s unique experience developing the world’s first fully integrated post-combustion CCS facility on a coal-fired power plant. We have a proven track record of helping our clients lower costs, reduce risk, and improve the performance of CCS projects across industries and technology platforms using the latest knowledge and lessons learned from major projects across the globe. 

We also provide input to policy development and promote broad collaboration between stakeholders to enhance understanding of the critical role CCS plays in global decarbonization efforts and accelerate the deployment of new CCS projects around the world.

For more information, visit: www.ccsknowledge.com

In an effort to maximize and accelerate the decarbonization of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore through the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced a new CCUS Innovation Challenge.

“The CCUS Innovation Challenge will help ensure Newfoundland and Labrador’s educational institutions, businesses, and workers are at the forefront of this emerging technology, with the goal of creating new, highly-skilled jobs here at home, and solutions that can help Canada and the world to achieve vital decarbonization goals,” said Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through the CCUS Innovation Challenge, the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology is inviting expressions of interest for financial support to qualifying businesses, organizations and researchers engaged in research and development focused on the development of CCUS in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore. Up to $6 million in Provincial Government funding has been allocated for two streams of work:

• Up to $3 million to support research and development to advance the development of CCUS to decarbonize ongoing oil production in the province’s offshore; and

• Up to $3 million to support studies of the potential and feasibility of the province’s offshore to serve as a regional CCUS hub for the storage of locally and externally produced carbon dioxide. 

“As net zero will not be achieved without large-scale carbon capture technology and storage, offshore carbon storage represents an excellent economic opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador given its vast offshore storage potential and existing offshore workforce and infrastructure,” said Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

The funding can support up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. Proposals must be submitted jointly by industry and academic partners to promote cooperation between these sectors. Lead applicants must be from post-secondary institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador with CCUS research experience and registered incorporated businesses with at least two years of offshore operations in the province.

“Carbon capture and storage has an important role to play in mitigating climate change and attaining our net zero goals. We are pleased to support the CCUS Innovation Challenge as an impactful initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean innovation and growth, and support the green economy,” said Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Premier Furey was joined in making the announcement by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as Dr. Lesley James, a professor with the Memorial University Department of Process Engineering, Kieran Hanley, Chief Executive Officer of econext and Charlene Johnson, Chief Executive Officer with Energy NL.

“It is exciting to be part of energy-related research and development efforts. Carbon storage is taking our oil and gas subsurface knowledge and turning it upside down. Engineering wise, it’s exciting to re-think and re-work a complex problem with new objectives and constraints. To educate and train students and ourselves to solve a global greenhouse gas problem and find local innovations and solutions is inspiring.” said Dr. Lesley James, Professor at Memorial University.

Offshore CCUS can play a key role in helping Newfoundland and Labrador achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets. The province’s offshore storage potential could also help other jurisdictions to meet their own emissions reduction targets.

“Our analysis tells us that net zero by 2050 is not achievable in Newfoundland and Labrador without initiatives that result in negative GHG emissions. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a promising technology that can help us – and the world – get there. Therefore, econext is excited about the creation of the CCUS Innovation Challenge. Targeted investments in innovation like the one being made today will help put our province on the leading edge of cleantech development on an international basis.” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext.

“Carbon capture and storage has the potential to further decarbonize our already lower carbon offshore, while also extending the life cycle of current projects. The CCUS Innovation Challenge is an important way to bring together offshore companies and academic institutions and help move our sector forward. I highly anticipate the role Energy NL members will play in making this exciting initiative a success.” stated Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy NL.

For more information, contact CCUS@gov.nl.ca.

A Vision of Carbon Storage Excellence

The ATLAS Carbon Storage Hub represents a collaborative effort between energy giants Shell, Suncor, and ATCO, aiming to revolutionize carbon emissions management. This visionary project, if approved, will be instrumental in mitigating CO2 emissions generated within the Alberta Industrial Heartland. It would serve as a central hub for the storage of CO2 emissions captured by several key projects.

One of these projects is Shell’s Polaris Carbon Capture project, which holds the promise of capturing substantial carbon emissions. Additionally, the ATLAS hub would also accommodate potential emissions from Suncor and ATCO’s Heartland Hydrogen Hub. Beyond these in-house projects, ATLAS is committed to operating as an open-access facility, welcoming CO2 emissions from third-party industrial sources, further contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the region.

Building on Success: The Quest CCS Connection

The ATLAS project draws inspiration from the success of the Quest Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, currently operational at the Shell Scotford facility. Quest CCS has already demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of carbon capture and storage technology, making it a pivotal reference point for ATLAS. The project envisions permanently storing CO2 emissions deep within a porous rock formation known as the Basal Cambrian Sands, located approximately 2 kilometers underground.

The ATLAS project will be executed in multiple phases, contingent upon securing carbon sequestration leases from the Alberta government. The first phase alone aims to permanently store 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, primarily captured by the Polaris carbon capture project from the Shell Scotford Refinery and Chemicals plant near Fort Saskatchewan.

A Collaborative Partnership

The inception of the ATLAS Carbon Storage Hub is marked by a groundbreaking partnership between industry leaders. Shell, Suncor, and ATCO formally joined forces in 2022 to drive forward this ambitious endeavor. This partnership underscores the commitment of these companies to address the pressing issue of carbon emissions and their dedication to developing sustainable solutions.

Government Support and Evaluation

In a significant milestone for the project, the Government of Alberta selected ATLAS as one of the hubs designated to facilitate the sequestration of carbon emissions from Alberta’s industrial heartland region in the spring of 2022. ATLAS then entered into an evaluation agreement with the province to assess the suitability of the project area for safely storing CO2 emissions.

Pioneering Exploration Techniques

Ensuring the safety and efficacy of carbon storage is paramount to the ATLAS project. In pursuit of this goal, Shell is planning to conduct seismic operations in Beaver County and Camrose County starting in late 2023. This process, known as a 3D seismic survey, involves mapping the geological layers beneath the surface to support safe CO2 storage.

The 3D seismic survey utilizes specialized equipment, known as vibroseis buggies, to emit sound wave energy into the subsurface. These waves are then recorded using geophones placed on the surface. Importantly, this technique minimizes soil disturbance during the survey process, highlighting the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Engaging with Local Communities

Recognizing the importance of collaboration and transparency, representatives from Shell will commence outreach efforts to local landowners in the vicinity of the planned seismic survey. This outreach, starting in July 2023, will involve acquiring permits to access the land for the survey while also providing information about the program seeking feedback, and addressing concerns from the community.

Furthermore, a water well testing program will be offered to landowners living near the seismic survey location, both before and after the survey. This proactive approach underscores the project’s commitment to the well-being of local residents and the environment.

The ATLAS Carbon Storage Hub project represents a significant stride toward a sustainable future, exemplifying industry collaboration and environmental stewardship. If successfully implemented, it has the potential to become a model for carbon capture and storage initiatives worldwide, offering a tangible solution to the pressing challenge of climate change. With government support and a commitment to engaging local communities, the ATLAS project is poised to make a substantial impact in the ongoing battle against carbon emissions, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

SOURCE & IMAGES: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/public/download/files/231170

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has announced the release of its new service specification, DNV-SE-0654, which delineates DNV’s procedures for verifying claims made by companies about the production and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia.

This new service will enable hydrogen producers to document and demonstrate compliance with applicable standards, ensuring the credibility and transparency of their claims, and allow for the validation of their systems or products based on specific characteristics – like the requirement to keep greenhouse gas emissions below a predetermined limit.

“By leveraging DNV’s expertise and extensive knowledge in the field, companies can confidently navigate the complex landscape of renewable and low carbon hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives”, explained Hans Kristian Danielsen, Vice President for Business Development and Sales Enablement, Energy Systems at DNV. “Thanks to our trusted position, validation statements will serve as a valuable tool for hydrogen producers, enabling them to showcase their commitment to sustainability and meet the stringent requirements set by regulatory bodies.”

The specification encompasses advisory, verification, and validation services, covering diverse pathways of hydrogen production (including conventional, electrolysis-based, and innovative methods), along with associated ammonia production linked to these hydrogen pathways.

“We are thrilled to introduce this service specification, as building confidence in the industry will be essential to enabling the accelerated of hydrogen and ammonia in the energy transition,” said Jørg Aarnes, Global Lead for Hydrogen and CCS, Energy Systems at DNV. “With the increasing demand for clean energy solutions, we need to establish a robust framework that provides the necessary assurance to stakeholders, facilitating the growth of the hydrogen economy.”

DNV remains committed to driving the energy transition and supporting decarbonization efforts across industries. DNV-SE-0654 will contribute to DNV’s ambition to foster confidence in the market and facilitate the widespread adoption of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen and ammonia.

About DNV

DNV is an independent expert in risk management and assurance, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, and inspires and invents solutions.

Whether assessing a new ship design, optimizing the performance of a wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline , or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence. 

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies. 

In the energy industry

DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services. As the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.  

Learn more at www.dnv.com

Hatch and Tractebel have signed a cooperation agreement to deliver professional services to advance the use of nuclear in the transition to a net zero economy. The collaboration of these two complementary companies aims to support the industrial and energy sectors with the deployment of small and large nuclear technologies in North America and Europe.

Tractebel has over 60 years of nuclear engineering experience in Europe and now globally throughout the entire life cycle of nuclear installations, from design to decommissioning, as well as in industrial applications. The company also acts as the Responsible Designer for the Belgian nuclear fleet. 

“Hatch and Tractebel’s cooperation will be crucial to the construction of new nuclear assets. We are honored to cooperate with Hatch, a company that has strong roots in the North American industrial market and experience in the nuclear sector. Tractebel will bring its international nuclear new build and design authority experience to the alliance. We believe that by summoning up our strengths, we can build bridges between the North American and European energy ecosystems,” says Denis Dumont, chief global nuclear officer at Tractebel.

Hatch, with 100 years of experience in renewable power and 65 offices on six continents, is a global engineering, project management, and professional services firm focused primarily on the energy, mining and metals, and infrastructure sectors. We are deeply engaged in the energy transformation from the production of green fuels to the generation of solar, wind, and hydropower coupled with energy storage systems, and transportation via pipelines or HVDC transmission lines, as well as supporting transformation solutions with deep carbon capture capabilities. We offer engineering, consulting, and technology and equipment design, including first-of-a-kind development in the nuclear sector and cover the entire life cycle of nuclear installations from mining, fuel development, new build, operation, decommissioning, and waste management.

“We are proud to collaborate with Tractebel, which has cutting-edge expertise in nuclear engineering and a thorough knowledge of the European nuclear and industrial market. We will bring our strong nuclear systems, equipment design and waste management experience as well as our deep knowledge of the industries that are likely to implement SMR to the collaboration. We believe that nuclear will be instrumental in the energy transformation and in achieving our global net zero goals, including the decarbonization of heavy industries,” says Amar Jolly, global director of Nuclear, Hatch.

Tractebel has been for several years a frontrunner in the deployment of small modular reactors (SMR). Hatch has been at the forefront of SMR development for both utilities and industrial clients for the past decade. By pooling their talents, the two companies provide invaluable expertise in the field of nuclear engineering and consultancy for nuclear projects. This will ensure continuity in the expert teams that will work on nuclear new build projects in North America and Europe, which was identified as a key success factor by nuclear technology developers.

About Hatch

Hatch is a global engineering, project management, and professional services firm. Whatever their clients envision, their professionals can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the energy, infrastructure, and mining sectors, they know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. They respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and more innovative. They rely upon their 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for their clients, their employees, and the communities they serve.

Find out more on www.hatch.com

About Tractebel

Tractebel is a global engineering company delivering game-changing solutions for a carbon-neutral future. Insights gathered during our more than 150 years of experience in energy, water, infrastructures, and nuclear projects combined with local expertise allow us to tackle complex future-oriented projects. By connecting strategy, design, engineering and project management, our community of 4,800 imaginative experts helps companies and public authorities create a positive impact toward a sustainable world, where people, the planet and profit collectively thrive. With offices in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North and Latin America, the company registered a turnover of 518 million Euros in 2022. Tractebel is part of the ENGIE Group, a global reference in low-carbon energy and services.

 www.tractebel-engie.com

Over the past three centuries, especially since the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and 19th centuries, human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas levels in the Earth’s atmosphere. The main culprits are fossil fuel consumption, industrial processes, deforestation, and waste management.

In response, the United States aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52% from 2005 levels by 2030. This initiative aligns with a global effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With electric power and industry sectors contributing to about half of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, finding solutions in these areas is imperative.

“Electrochemical conversion of CO2 can serve future energy needs by storing renewable energy and closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle,” says coauthor Andrew Rappe of the School of Arts & Sciences at Penn. “This research paves the way to new solutions that will tackle energy storage challenges and meaningfully reduce CO2 levels.”

Now, in a paper published in Nature Energy, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois at Chicago have developed a system that can convert CO2 emissions into propane (C3H8), a cleaner, more energy-dense fuel source.

“Making renewable chemical manufacturing is really important,” says coauthor Mohammad Asadi of the Illinois Institute of Technology. “It’s the best way to close the carbon cycle without losing the chemicals we currently use daily.”

Copper has traditionally been the go-to element for researchers investigating efficient ways to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels, both to curb its environmental impact and provide new energy storage solutions. However, the fuels produced have been low-energy density single-carbon compounds like methane.

“Getting energy-dense multi-carbon products like C3H8 has remained a challenge due to the many intermediates that form throughout the chemical conversion process,” explains Zhen Jiang, co-first author of the paper and a former postdoctoral researcher in The Rappe Group. “Additionally, most strategies to increase a material’s selectivity for multi-carbon molecules tend to be energetically costly.”

Jiang says that the team sought ways to move beyond existing catalysts like copper—and their modest selectivity for multi-carbon products or their sluggish kinetics—and investigated ways to add ionic liquid (IL) into the catalytic system. This prompted the team to look at tri-molybdenum phosphide (Mo3P) as the catalytic material.

“Based on our theoretical simulations, we found that the IL layer can enhance the adherence of CO2 and subsequent groups during reaction on the Mo3P catalyst surface, thus stabilizing the intermediates at different sites along the surface to produce C3H8 with an unparalleled efficiency of 91%,” says Jiang.

The team also notes that this key finding led to a new paradigm for exploring the relationship between materials in electrocatalytic systems.

“Conventionally, the solid-state catalyst and the aqueous solution that bridges ion transfer throughout the reaction acted with less mutual promotion at the interface,” says Jiang. “But now, we can apply a hybrid approach via techniques like IL coating on solid-state catalysts and re-examine previously tried systems with our novel understanding of the catalyst’s microenvironment.”

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to build on this research in two ways: one, to develop a catalog of ionic liquids and their effectiveness in fuel-generating catalysts and other electrochemical systems; and two, to investigate new catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into more energy-dense fuel sources from fuel gas to light oil with more carbon atoms.

Rappe says, “Extending this research to higher-weight hydrocarbons could close the carbon cycle by creating natural gas, propane, gasoline, and even jet fuel directly from the CO2 made by previous fuel combustion. In this way, the same carbon atoms store energy over and over, and we don’t release them into the atmosphere.”

In a landmark move to help individuals and households combat climate change, Bluesphere Ventures Inc. announced the launch of Climate.bot, an innovative platform designed to track and offset users’ environmental footprint.

Climate.bot is currently focused on managing and offsetting carbon footprints, but the company plans to extend its capabilities to include plastic and biodiversity measures in the near future. 

“In an era where climate change is the most pressing issue facing humanity, we believe that every individual action matters,” said Eddie Solyemani, CEO of Bluesphere Ventures Inc. “Climate.bot empowers people to take personal responsibility for their carbon emissions and offers a concrete way to offset their environmental impact.”

A unique feature of Climate.bot is its commitment to not only offset users’ carbon emissions but to take a tangible step towards repairing our planet. Every time a user offsets their carbon footprint through the platform, Bluesphere plants and maintains trees in damaged areas around the world, including regions that have been victims of illegal logging. This process rejuvenates these regions and helps restore biodiversity.

For each tree planted, the user is assigned one year’s worth of carbon offsets, directly linking their actions to the environmental benefits produced. “Our mission goes beyond simply offsetting carbon emissions,” said Shidan Gouran, Chairman of Bluesphere. “We are committed to revitalizing the ecosystems that have suffered. Each tree we plant not only offsets carbon emissions but breathes new life into damaged habitats.”

Bluesphere is a venture firm focused on investments and projects that target a sustainable and equitable world. The introduction of Climate.bot further cements its reputation as an innovative leader in the climate tech sector.

About Bluesphere Ventures Inc.:

Bluesphere Ventures Inc. is a New York-based venture studio that focuses on incubating and developing projects that target a sustainable and equitable world. They harness the power of technology to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental issues and believe in empowering individuals to take action against climate change.

For more information about Climate.bot and Bluesphere Ventures, visit https://bluesphere.earth

Change the action of energy = Trans Active Energy

TRANSACTIVE ENERGY

Transactive Energy IS THE FUTURE of Energy. It will change everything we know about current energy systems and transform them into new energy solutions.

The world is changing, and so is the way we manage our energy. Transactive energy is a new approach to energy management that is gaining popularity due to its many benefits. 

Transactive energy is a system that allows energy producers and energy consumers to partner together and balance energy supply and demand. In a transactive energy system, energy providers and users agree on the value of electricity which in turn, allows the producer and consumer to decide if they want to proceed with the energy transaction at that given price.

Features and Benefits of Transactive Energy

Transactive energy has many features and benefits that make it an attractive option for energy management.

Lower Costs

One of the most significant benefits of transactive energy is lower costs, both for the consumer and for the producer. Energy demand and response save consumers money during off-peak hours, and distributed energy resources (DERs) save utility companies money on shorter transmission distances. 

There is also a greater use of renewable energy sources in a transactive system, which reduces the amount of money spent by both consumers and producers on oil and gas.

Increased Reliability

Transactive energy can increase grid reliability by reducing transmission losses and improving local energy sharing. Microgrids within a transactive electricity market can also improve grid reliability by reducing the need for power infrastructure.

Environmental Benefits

Transactive energy encourages the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which benefits the environment and reduces carbon emissions.

Applications of Transactive Energy

Transactive energy has many applications, from individual homeowners to entire power systems.

Individual Homeowners

In a transactive energy system, every homeowner would have the opportunity to become self-sufficient, with their own sources of electricity. Smart devices like washing machines and electric cars would know to use electricity at night when energy is most affordable and least in demand.

Power Systems

Transactive energy can be applied to entire power systems, allowing for a more efficient and reliable grid. The transactive energy approach offers a way for producers and consumers to more closely match and balance energy supply and energy demand.

TRANSACTIVE ENERGY VS TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Transactive energy systems differ from traditional energy markets in several ways. Here are some of the key differences:

1. Decentralization: In a traditional energy market, energy is generated by a few large power plants and distributed to consumers through a centralized grid. In a transactive energy system, energy is generated by a large number of small-scale distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels and wind turbines. This decentralized approach allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in energy management.
   
2. Market-Based Approach: In a traditional energy market, energy prices are set by the utility company based on supply and demand. In a transactive energy system, energy prices are set by the market based on the value of electricity at a certain point in time and place. This market-based approach allows for greater transparency and efficiency in energy pricing.
   
3. Two-Way Energy Flow: In a traditional energy market, energy flows in one direction, from the power plant to the consumer. In a transactive energy system, energy flows in two directions, from the producer to the consumer and vice versa. This two-way energy flow allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in energy management.
   
4. Use of Smart Devices: In a transactive energy system, smart devices like washing machines and electric cars can be programmed to use electricity during off-peak hours when energy is most affordable and least in demand. This saves consumers money on their energy bills and reduces the strain on the grid during peak hours.
   
5. Increased Reliability: Transactive energy systems can increase grid reliability by reducing transmission losses and improving local energy sharing. Microgrids within a transactive electricity market can also improve grid reliability by reducing the need for power infrastructure.

Transactive energy systems differ from traditional energy markets in several ways, including decentralization, a market-based approach, two-way energy flow, the use of smart devices, and increased reliability. These differences allow for greater flexibility, efficiency, and transparency in energy management.

TEMIX

Temix is a company that uses transactive energy to provide energy management solutions.

Transactive Energy Market Information Exchange (TeMIX) is a methodology to support automated energy transactions and decentralized management of energy use.

Temix supports the automation in energy transactions and decentralized control for the smart grid. The company offers a range of services, including energy management software, energy audits, and energy consulting.

By using transactive energy, Temix is able to help its clients reduce their energy costs, increase grid reliability, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Transactive energy essentially is an intelligent, multi-level communications method that coordinates energy generation, consumption, and delivery. Under the transactive energy scenario, electricity suppliers, energy markets, the power grid, homes, commercial buildings, and distributed energy resources (DERs), such as electric vehicles and batteries, would “talk” directly or indirectly with each other to negotiate energy needs and costs.

The transactive energy approach provides a coordination and control methodology that more effectively balances energy supply and demand across the grid, enabling increased integration of clean energy sources.

TRANSACTIVE ENERGY IS THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

Transactive energy is a new market-based approach to energy management that offers many benefits, including lower costs, increased reliability, and environmental benefits. It has many applications, from individual homeowners to entire power systems. By taking advantage of off-peak hours, transactive energy can save consumers time and money. The future of energy management is here, and it’s transactive energy.

Sources & Images & to learn more go to:
Www.Temix.com

ECO Canada is a non-profit organization that provides workforce solutions for environmental employers. They offer various funding programs to help employers attract new talent, save initial wage and training costs, and stimulate environmental career pathways, skill development, business growth, and workforce advancement. 

For over 30 years, ECO Canada has been connecting environmental employers and skilled junior talent through wage and training funding programs to drive valuable on-the-job work experience and essential skills development.

Thanks to the support of funders:
Natural Resources Canada,
Climate Change Canada,
Social Development Canada, and
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada

ECO Canada offers wage dollars to increase funding capacity and support your business participation in the green economy. In helping your team with wage and training costs, Eco Canada makes hiring new talent more attractive.

Benefits for Employers:

• Increase work capacity
• Access talented youth with new ideas & skills
• Increase employee retention
• Reduce staff training costs
• Strengthen overall business operations
• Support the growth of new qualified environmental workers

The funding programs offered by ECO Canada are varied and provide many options for companies and new employees in the climate-conscious realm. Some of the programs include:

Environmental Jobs Growth Program:

This program is designed to help employers create new environmental jobs. Eligible employers can receive 75% of the candidate’s wages covered up to a maximum of $18,750 for placements of up to 12 months.

Environmental Foreign Talent Development Program:

This program is designed to help employers hire foreign talent for environmental jobs. Eligible employers can receive 75% wage coverage up to $15,000 of a participant’s salary for full-time placements of 3 to 6 months.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions Program:

• This program is designed to help employers create jobs related to nature-based climate solutions. Eligible employers can receive a $4,500 wage subsidy for a 3-month full-time or part-time placement. To qualify for these funding programs, employers must meet the following criteria:
• Be a Canadian employer
• Offer a full-time or part-time environmental job
• Provide a safe and healthy work environment
• Provide a fair and equitable work environment
• Provide a job that is not part of a labor dispute
• Provide a job that is not a self-employment opportunity

Discover a selection of wage funding programs offered by ECO Canada at ECO.ca. Explore the programs that can help your company attract new talent, and reduce initial wage and training expenses, while promoting the growth of environmental career paths, skill development, business growth, and workforce advancement.

RESPONDING TO THE ENERGY INDUSTRY – In an Eco-Friendly Way

ECO Canada has partnerships, programs, and research to support employers, professionals, educators, and students in the environmental sector. Visit eco.ca to learn about the various resources and programs that fit your organization.

These funding programs help employers create new environmental jobs, hire foreign talent, and create jobs related to nature-based climate solutions. To apply for these funding programs, employers must meet eligibility criteria and fill out an application form on ECO.ca.

For those looking to work in the new sustainable energy world, don’t miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your environmental career journey and gain meaningful work experience. 

Find out more at: www.ECO.ca

TC Energy Corporation hosted a Sustainable Energy Forum to highlight the Company’s role in enabling the energy transition while delivering long-term shareholder value.

The event includes presentations from TC Energy President and CEO François Poirier, Bruce Power President and CEO Mike Rencheck, and senior leaders at the forefront of the Company’s sustainable energy strategy.

TC Energy’s highly integrated North American asset base is enabling the energy transition and supporting the path to net zero by 2050. More than 60 percent of its $34 billion total secured capital program is directly funding solutions to support global climate goals while unlocking access to secure, reliable and affordable energy across North America and the world. In line with its disciplined approach to capital allocation and risk and return preferences, the Company expects its investments in these capital projects will:

• Enable the displacement of higher emitting fuels by safely transporting and extending the reach of North American natural gas.
• Decarbonize its asset base through electrification and renewable power.
• Capitalize on low-carbon opportunities, primarily focused on Bruce Power and firming capacity.

“Our 2023 priorities of safely executing major projects, accelerating our deleveraging targets by advancing our $5 billion-plus asset divestiture program and maximizing the value of our assets remain clear and are in direct service of the energy transition,” said Poirier. “Our uniting opportunity is finding an economic and orderly path to the energy transition while meeting growing energy demand. Analyzing a wide range of energy scenarios, we continue to see natural gas and liquids playing a critical role, and our assets are strategically positioned to connect low-cost supply to critical markets. Our diverse portfolio and competencies in nuclear, pumped hydro, hydrogen, and renewables also strongly position us to successfully compete in our evolving energy future.”

TC Energy has a continued focus on carbon competitiveness while meeting the demand for energy in the current geopolitical climate. As energy problem solvers, the Company’s workforce is exploring technologies and implementing strategies to support its climate goals. Through its methane reduction strategy, since 2019, it has reduced its absolute methane emissions by 14 percent, while increasing throughput by 11 percent, and growing comparable earnings before interest taxes debt and amortization (EBITDA) in its natural gas business by 20 percent.

“Holding ourselves accountable to deliver on our commitments and drive organizational alignment, we have introduced new performance measures and embedded our key priorities in our executive compensation,” said Poirier. “As we further strengthen our resilience, driving our long-term value proposition, we are committed to remaining aligned with our investors and society’s expectations. Demonstrating this, we have obtained limited assurance on our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions inventory, while proactively increasing our voluntary emissions disclosures and conducting further assessments of our Scope 3 emissions.”

By taking a long-term view grounded in fundamentals and balancing sustainable dividend growth with reinvestment in the business, TC Energy remains committed to enhancing resiliency and maintaining its value proposition as a North American energy transition enabler. With a track record of capturing significant growth through a variety of energy landscapes, the Company is well-positioned to achieve its strategic priorities and drive decarbonization efforts while maintaining conservative risk preferences and delivering shareholder value.

About TC Energy

They are a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, they are taking action to make that energy more sustainable and more secure. They are innovating and modernizing to reduce emissions from our business. And, they are delivering new energy solutions – from natural gas and renewables to carbon capture and hydrogen – to help other businesses and industries decarbonize too. Along the way, they invest in communities and partner with their neighbors, customers and governments to build the energy system of the future.

TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

In response to climate change, many countries are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. Let’s explore the world’s greenest countries and their efforts to combat climate change. Hopefully, every other country will learn, adapt, implement, and follow suit.

Top 10 Greenest Countries

According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), 2022 – the top 10 greenest countries in the world were:

1. Denmark
2. United Kingdom
3. Finland
4. Malta
5. Sweden
6. Luxembourg
7. Slovenia
8. Austria
9. Switzerland
10. Iceland

These countries have implemented policies and initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. They have invested in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. They have also implemented green tax reforms, carbon taxes, and other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

COUNTRIES LEADING THE WAY

Sweden

Sweden has implemented several climate policies and initiatives, including:

• A goal to become carbon neutral by 2045
• A carbon tax, which is one of the highest in the world
• Investment in renewable energy, particularly wind power
• A focus on sustainable transportation, including a goal to have fossil fuel-free transportation by 2030

Denmark

Denmark has implemented several climate policies and initiatives, including:

• The Climate Act, sets a target to reduce Denmark’s emissions by 70 percent in 2030 compared to 1990 and climate neutrality by 2050.
• Green tax reform, which includes a carbon tax and taxes on energy, water, and waste.
• Energy efficiency measures, such as the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme, which requires energy companies to promote energy efficiency measures to their customers.
• Renewable energy, particularly wind power. Denmark has set a goal to phase out fossil fuel use by 2050.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has implemented several climate policies and initiatives, including:

• A goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Policies include the Climate Change Act, which sets legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the Renewable Heat Incentive, which provides financial incentives for using renewable heat technologies.
• Investment in offshore wind power and plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

GO GREEN OR GO HOME

Green countries have implemented policies and initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. They have invested in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. They have also implemented green tax reforms, carbon taxes, and other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These policies and initiatives have been driven by a combination of factors, including public pressure, government leadership, and economic incentives.

GREEN BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Being green, clean, and environmentally friendly presents significant business opportunities.

Companies that invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation can reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. They can also attract environmentally conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products and services.

Governments and organizations that invest in green policies and initiatives can create jobs, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for their citizens

The world’s greenest countries showcase how it’s done. The rest of the world can learn, adapt and implement a sustainable new energy future. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to combatting climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. A powerful undertaking worth living for….. It’s our kids after all.

ABOUT EPI
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) provides a data-driven summary of the state of sustainability around the world.

Using 40 outcome-oriented indicators across 11 issue categories, the EPI ranks 180 countries on climate change performance, environmental health, and ecosystem vitality. These indicators provide a gauge at a national scale of how close countries are to established environmental policy targets.

The resulting scorecard highlights leaders and laggards in environmental sustainability and provides practical guidance for countries that aspire to accelerate their policy agendas. The EPI is produced by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network at Columbia University with support from their international data partners.
WWW.global-reports.23degrees.eu

FuelPositive Corporation, a leading Green Ammonia company, is pleased to announce it has been running the final commissioning, along with process optimization, of its first farm-ready FP300 system. In addition to this, FuelPositive’s engineering team has kicked off the production of its first commercial systems which take advantage of these optimization advancements.

“Over the past two months, we have finally received several key components and modules for completing our first system commissioning at our facility in Waterloo, Canada. It’s been a challenging year for manufacturing supply chains, but by strategically choosing multiple suppliers for key components and modules, we have overcome these uncertainties. And now we are steadily approaching the finish line!” stated Nelson Leite, COO and Director of the Company.

Launch of FP1500

FuelPositive is officially launching its latest model: the FP1500. This new upsized design is a turnkey system that consists of a stack of FP300s in one solution, providing 1500 kg per day of Green Ammonia. 

The decision to offer this system was driven by customer demand from the Company’s pre-sales campaign, with multiple end users indicating an immediate need for FuelPositive systems of this scale and configuration. 

“Multiple end-users in various sectors, including farms of 10,000+ acres, have indicated the immediate need for FuelPositive systems of this scale and configuration. The FP1500 will answer this larger scale, on-site need,” stated Ian Clifford, CEO and Board Chair of FuelPositive.

FP300 Design Refinements

The Company has successfully met its planned pre-sales capacity of 30 units and plans to deliver the first batch of commercial systems beginning in 2024. 

Nelson Leite, COO and Director of FuelPositive, highlighted the company’s dedication to refining the FP300 design further as he and his team learn from their operational tests of the on-farm pilot system over the coming months. 

“FuelPositive has already begun working with suppliers to ensure they are ready to scale up for the first production batch. This is expected to be the beginning of many announcements leading to revenue and profit generation within the first year of commercial production,” concluded Leite.

About FuelPositive

FuelPositive is a Canadian technology company committed to providing commercially viable and sustainable, “cradle to cradle” clean technology solutions, including an on-farm/onsite, containerized Green Ammonia (NH3) production system that eliminates carbon emissions from the production of Green Ammonia.

By focusing on technologies that are clean, sustainable, economically advantageous and realizable, the Company aims to help mitigate climate change, addressing unsustainable agricultural practices through innovative technology and practical solutions that can be implemented now.

The FuelPositive on-farm/onsite, containerized Green Ammonia production system is designed to produce pure, anhydrous ammonia for multiple applications, including fertilizer for farming, fuel for grain drying and internal combustion engines, a practical alternative for fuel cells and a solution for grid storage. Green Ammonia is also considered a key enabler of the hydrogen economy.

FuelPositive systems are designed to provide for Green Ammonia production on-farm/onsite, where and when needed. This eliminates wildly fluctuating supply chains and offers end-users clean fertilizer, energy and Green Ammonia supply security while eliminating carbon emissions from the production process. The first customers will be farmers. Farmers use 80% of the traditional grey ammonia produced today as fertilizer.

Source: fuelpositive.com

Nexans is launching a new range of low-carbon distribution grid cables, the first on the French market. By adopting a holistic approach all along the value chain and throughout the cable life cycle, the Group has succeeded in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of its low- and medium-voltage cables from 35% to 50%, depending on the products.

“This unprecedented offer represents a new stage, fully illustrating the Group’s commitment to decarbonized electrification. We are proud to introduce it in France: this illustrates the commitment of our teams to sustainable development, from our global Ampacity R&D center in Lyon to our factories, via the marketing and purchasing teams”, says Yvan Duperray, Executive Vice-President of Nexans’ Power Distribution Cables & Accessories business.

The Group’s ambition: to reduce the cable industry’s carbon footprint over the entire life cycle of a cable

The manufacturing of one kilometer of energy network cable currently generates a volume of CO₂ representing two to three times the average annual emissions per inhabitant in France. These emissions come mainly from the aluminum conductor, which alone accounts for between 70% and 90% of the total footprint, followed by plastics, transport and the manufacturing process.

In order to reduce the carbon footprint of its products by more than one-third, Nexans acts on:

• The guaranteed use of 100% low-carbon aluminum, in line with the objectives of the Aluminium Forward 2030 coalition of which the Group is part, and which is aimed at speeding up the sector’s decarbonization;
• The use of up to 50% recycled plastic in the insulation and/or sheathing;
• Targeted actions on the manufacturing process and transport;
• Increased selectivity in the choice of suppliers based on their environmental performance;
• 100% French production at its plants in Jeumont and Bourg-en-Bresse.

A further advantage lies in the fact that Nexans provides all the environmental data for its products (PEP Ecopassport®) to enable power distribution operators, installers and distributors to manage their carbon emissions. On request, the Group also performs a carbon assessment per project or per customer.

The environmental footprint of a cable is also measured beyond its manufacturing. Approximately 90% of the total emissions from grid cables are generated after they are put into service, due to the energy loss, known as the “Joule effect”, which accumulates over decades of use.

In line with its E³ ambition (Economy, Environment, Engagement), Nexans offers a range of solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of the cable over its entire life cycle:

• Engineering studies to determine the optimal cable type and cross-sections over the entire life cycle depending on the application;
• Innovative cable solutions, such as the EDRMAX^® medium voltage cable, which can be buried as is, with no need for a sand bed, thanks to its reinforced sheath – thus reducing the CO₂ emissions stemming from its installation by 10%;
• Digital solutions to increase our customers’ productivity: the ULTRACKER^® range;
• Innovative technology via RecyCâbles (a joint venture between Nexans and SUEZ) for the recycling of copper and aluminum cables, promoting the circular economy.

Nexans’ new low-carbon power network cable offering illustrates Nexans’ capacity for innovation and its strong commitment to sustainable development, as the Group is recognized as a global leader in climate action by several extra-financial assessment bodies. This first offer is part of an ambitious Nexans carbon trajectory, validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), aimed at reducing emissions by 4.2% per year between 2019 and 2030.

About Nexans  

For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the electrification of the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With 28,000 people in 42 countries, the Group is paving the way to a new world of safe, sustainable and decarbonized electricity that is accessible to everyone. In 2022, Nexans generated 6.7 billion euros in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage, and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first company in its industry to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives, bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group pledged to contribute to carbon neutrality by 2030. 

Nexans. Electrify the future. 
Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A. 

For more information, please visit www.nexans.fr 

Three Alberta-led carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects are receiving funding as part of Emissions Reduction Alberta’s international partnership with Accelerating CCS Technologies. ERA is committing $3 million to 3 projects worth over $11 million. Funding is sourced from Alberta’s industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction fund. Additional investment from Norway and the United States was also committed.

“As outlined in Alberta’s new Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, the province continues to advance CCUS as a critical part of achieving Alberta’s aspiration of net zero emissions by 2050. This latest investment of TIER funds through ERA for three Alberta-led CCUS projects is another step forward on this important path,” said Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

These innovative Alberta-based projects were selected through the ACT consortium’s ACT4 Call. Successful projects required a consortium consisting of at least two eligible applicants from at least two countries/regions participating in ACT4 Call. All three projects involve the development, scale-up, field testing, piloting, demonstration, or deployment of technology within Alberta or Alberta-based companies working on technology in a partner’s region.

The three Alberta-led projects selected include:

Carbon Management Canada
Develop a low-cost, high-resolution monitoring technology for CO₂ storage facilities
ERA funding: $1,100,000 | Project value: $6,100,000
Location: Calgary, Alberta | ACT partners: Norway, United States

“This project represents a paradigm shift in how we can monitor the geological storage of CO2 at a very large scale that is cost-effective yet provides assurance of containment and conformance of the CO2 plume. The funding from ERA will enable us to develop this technology as a proof of concept at CMC’s Newell County Facility in Southern Alberta,” said Don Lawton, Director of Science at CMC.

Carbon Upcycling Technologies
Bind CO₂ into a variety of feedstocks to create cementitious materials for use in concrete
ERA funding: $600,000 | Project value: $1,900,000
Location: Calgary, Alberta; Golden, Colorado | ACT partners: United States

“The transition to net zero will take the collective efforts of our communities, industries, and governments. ACT4 is an excellent initiative promoting vital international collaboration. The alternative feedstock assessment is foundational work necessary to accelerate the decarbonization of the North American cement and concrete industry.” said Tiffany Duffy, Director of Business Development at Carbon Upcycling.

Repsol Canada
Investigate the feasibility for permanent storage of CO₂ in depleted gas reservoirs
ERA funding: $1,300,000 | Project value: $3,300,000
Location: Edson, Alberta | ACT partners: United States

“We are grateful for the funding provided by the Government of Alberta through ERA. This project will help to mature and advance CCS technology not only in Alberta and the United States, but it will also provide significant contributions internationally as well. Repsol is eager to lead the project and continue to build our E&P low carbon portfolio.” said David Ramos, Director of Geological Low Carbon Solutions, Repsol.

In total, six projects will be supported under ACT4 Call, including the three ERA-funded initiatives. The total budget of the 6 projects is $23 million (including in-kind and industry funds), of which $16 million is from ACT partners. Projects were selected through a rigorous one-stage evaluation process led by each national funding agency. Additional ACT4 Call projects can be found here.

“This global funding partnership to support these Alberta-based organizations to demonstrate, scale-up and deploy their breakthrough CCUS technologies benefits us all—Alberta is helping to develop the solutions the world needs and the world is recognizing our expertise in CCUS technology,” said Justin Riemer, CEO of ERA.

ACT has established itself as a strong multinational funding approach for research and innovation dedicated to CCUS, an area of intense global interest as a key emissions reduction opportunity for the large industrial sector: power generation, cement production, oil and gas, manufacturing, and more.

“The climate issue is something we need a global approach to. CCUS is an important component of a portfolio of technologies needed to achieve our environmental and economic goals. The knowledge that Alberta has in this space is highly acknowledged and serves our ambition to make CCUS a commercially viable climate mitigation technology.” said Ragnhild Rønneberg, Coordinator, ACT, Research Council of Norway.

In addition to leveraging international funding for CCUS initiatives, the partnership with innovation organizations around the world represents a significant opportunity for future collaboration and knowledge sharing. All projects will present their goals and plans at the Annual ACT Knowledge Sharing Workshop and all recipients are required to produce a final outcomes report that will be shared publicly.

ABOUT EMISSIONS REDUCTION ALBERTA (ERA):

For more than 13 years, ERA has been investing revenues from the carbon price paid by large emitters to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions. Since they were established in 2009, they have committed $855 million toward 245 projects worth $7 billion that are helping to reduce GHGs, create competitive industries and are leading to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative GHG reductions of 41 million tonnes by 2030 and 105 million tonnes by 2050.

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiary Chevron Shipping Company LLC, and the Angelicoussis Group, through its Energy Transition division, Green Ships, announced a Joint Study Agreement to explore how tankers can be used to transport ammonia, a potential lower carbon marine fuel. The initial study will evaluate the ammonia transportation market, existing infrastructure, the safety aspects of ammonia, potential next-generation vessel requirements and a preliminary system to transport ammonia between the U.S. Gulf Coast and Europe. Future opportunities will focus on additional global markets.

Ammonia is a carrier of hydrogen and is believed to have the potential to lower the carbon intensity of the marine industry. Through the JSA, the Angelicoussis Group and Chevron aim to advance ammonia’s technical and commercial feasibility at scale, particularly as an export for petrochemicals, power, and mobility markets.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Angelicoussis Group on this study, help advance lower carbon energy at scale and progress marine transportation of ammonia,” said Mark Ross, President of Chevron Shipping Company. “I’m proud of the collaboration between Chevron Shipping, Chevron New Energies and the Angelicoussis Group and look forward to driving progress toward our energy transition goals.”

“Global value chain solutions are critical for growing the hydrogen market, and we believe shipping will play a crucial role. Chevron is leveraging its international functional marine expertise and collaborating with the Angelicoussis Group to pursue the delivery of lower carbon proof points to the market,” said Austin Knight, Vice President, Hydrogen, Chevron New Energies.

“Through collaborating with Chevron Shipping Company on this study, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to prepare our industries for the transition towards lower carbon operations,” said Maria Angelicoussis, CEO of the Angelicoussis Group. “Combining our many years of experience in seaborne transport of liquid and gaseous energy sources with Chevron’s vast experience in the energy business provides a solid basis for this endeavor.”

“Ammonia has potential as a hydrogen vector and is considered one of the alternative fuel options to decarbonize shipping. We believe this study will contribute towards identifying the technical, operational and commercial challenges of carrying ammonia at scale and using it as a fuel in a safe and sustainable way,” said Stelios Troulis, Green Ships and Energy Transition Director for the Angelicoussis Group.

Chevron and the Angelicoussis Group have a longstanding relationship dating back to 2000. Since then, the partnership has grown from conventional vessels to include multiple LNG carriers, as well as joint work on energy transition initiatives. The teaming of Chevron Shipping, Chevron New Energies and the Angelicoussis Group on this study supports and accelerates both organizations’ ambitions to become leading, global clean energy providers by focusing on all aspects of the hydrogen supply chain.

About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to enabling human progress. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We aim to grow our traditional oil and gas business, lower the carbon intensity of our operations and grow new lower-carbon businesses in renewable fuels, hydrogen, carbon capture, offsets and other emerging technologies.

About the Angelicoussis Group

The Angelicoussis Group was founded in 1947 and provides world-class shipping services across the LNG, tanker and dry bulk markets. The Group is a privately held family business and is headed by Maria I. Angelicoussis who became CEO in 2021. Angelicoussis Group is headquartered in Athens, Greece and has over 8,000 professionals across the globe (onboard and onshore). Angelicoussis Group established Green Ships in 2022 to lead all energy transition engagements with its partners, customers, and other stakeholders across a broad range of value chains pertaining to its shipping activities.

More information about the Angelicoussis Group is available at www.angelicoussisgroup.com.

Cemvita, the standard for biosolutions in the energy industry, announced the opening of a pilot plant in Houston, TX. The plant marks a landmark step in the development of technology for using CO₂ emissions as feedstock to produce valuable bio commodities including fertilizer, plastic, methane, and fuels. The opening of the pilot plant also marks the launch of Cemvita’s eCO₂ business as a wholly owned company under Cemvita.

Boasting a substantial volume of 55,000 liters, the plant is currently producing eCO₂^TM Oil, a cutting-edge microbially-produced alternative to soybean oil. The company is already shipping samples of eCO₂ products to customers including leading renewable fuels companies and plastics manufacturers. The eCO2 company is already in pre-FEED engineering on full commercial-scale designs.

The biofuel industry is currently facing feedstock shortages and price fluctuations due to growing season risks. In contrast, eCO2 plants can provide reliable feedstock production with minimal land and electricity needs, without relying on hydrogen or sunlight like algae. Furthermore, the output of eCO2 plants will be carbon-negative and are aiming to be cost-competitive with existing crop-based HEFA feedstocks and fuels, which is a crucial factor for the successful adoption of any new biomanufacturing process.

Cemvita’s eCO₂ biomanufacturing platform uses engineered microbes that absorb and convert carbon dioxide into essential feedstocks and finished products needed to build a renewable future. The plant operates at ambient temperature and pressure and requires very little electricity. The eCO₂ platform is flexible and designed to produce reliable results in harsh operating environments. From discrete manufacturing to petrochemical facilities, the process can be scaled and customized for any company looking to make their current processes energy transition-ready.

“The energy transition requires completely new, cost-effective approaches for heavy industry,” said Charlie Nelson, COO of Cemvita. “We built this next-generation pilot plant in response to strong demand from offtake partners who are actively seeking sustainable solutions to the HEFA feedstock shortage.”

Traditional biofuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, have relied on oils derived from crops, such as soybean and corn, as well as recycled vegetable oils. As demand grows for petroleum-free alternatives, the feedstock is in short supply and must compete with food markets. Crops of soybeans, sugar, and corn use huge swaths of land, and the raw materials require extensive refining — two factors that impede the processes from being sustainable.

Cemvita’s eCO₂ platform bypasses the food versus fuel debate with a low-cost, renewable feedstock with no carbon footprint attached. One eCO2 plant at a full commercial scale can annually replace the oils produced from 200,000 acres of soybean farmland.

“Our pilot plant represents the most cost-effective way of producing chemical feedstocks with all of the economic benefits of agriculturally-derived equivalent and none of the harmful environmental impacts,” said Moji Karimi, CEO and co-founder of Cemvita. “It’s an ambitious first step in providing heavy industry customers with climate-positive alternatives. We’re making it possible for our partners to take part in the energy transition and reach decarbonization goals – without cutting into the margin.”

About Cemvita

Cemvita is the standard for biosolutions in the energy industry.

Nature-inspired technologies are humanity’s most powerful allies in the fight against climate change. The microbes we engineer at Cemvita can fully decarbonize the most intensive industrial processes and massively shrink their overall environmental footprint.

Our field-tested biotechnologies can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows and infrastructure. Cemvita’s solutions address sustainable natural resource extraction, carbon-negative chemical production, and the closed-loop renewal of waste as feedstock.

With Cemvita, the sustainable choice is also the economical choice. All of Cemvita’s solutions are cost-competitive or cheaper than traditional alternatives. Whether it’s metal and mineral extraction or the production of hydrogen and biofuels, Cemvita partners with the world’s largest companies to accelerate the energy transition.

Cemvita was founded in 2017 and is proudly based in the energy capital of the world—Houston, TX.

For more information, please visit www.cemvita.com.

About eCO₂^TM

eCO₂^TM biomanufacturing transforms global industrial emissions into valuable commodities for the Energy Transition.

Our carbon-utilization platform converts carbon dioxide into renewable feedstocks, fertilizers, and fuels. By engineering microbes that feed on carbon dioxide at the point source of emission, we’re producing a solution to climate change that’s economical, accessible, and enables the circular industrial economy.

The eCO₂ platform is flexible and designed to produce reliable results in harsh operating environments. From discrete manufacturing to petrochemical facilities, our platform enables our partners to capture and use their emissions to support their circular economy and energy transition goals.

For more information about how our team of expert scientists and engineers can turn pressing environmental and economical challenges into promising opportunities, please visit www.cemvita.com/eco2.

Proteum’s Vision:  Over the next decade to see widespread adoption of low-cost, low-CI regional hydrogen for heavy-duty truck and rail transportation, hydrogen blending for low carbon gas to power, and regional modular production of low-CI ammonia.

Proteum’s Team Values:

SAFETY – Everyone is responsible for safety.  Anyone can stop an unsafe job.

INTEGRITY – Know and do what is right. Learn more.

RESPECT – Treat others the way you want to be treated.

RESPONSIBILITY – Embrace opportunities to contribute. Learn more.

SPORTSMANSHIP – Bring your best every day. Learn more.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP – Serve our customers, our team and the common good.

Larry Tree, Co-Founder / CEO defines his idea of success in leadership as, “actively listening and serving, and treating others like I’d like to be treated. It’s something I personally strive to achieve every day through my words and actions. I recall a quote from Colleen Barrett, President Emerita of Southwest Airlines about creating culture; ‘words create thoughts, thoughts create emotions, emotions create beliefs, beliefs create culture, and culture drives performance.’ I believe the logic behind this statement to be impeccable for any leader in any situation.”

HYDROGEN AND CLEAN ENERGY

Proteum Energy focuses on providing sustainable energy solutions with the goal of leveraging the valuable infrastructure we already have in place.   Larry explains, “The world is in an energy transition. Why not leverage the infrastructure and resources already available to accelerate the transition?  Let’s call it an energy addition!”

Proteum Energy serves clients with low-cost, low to negative carbon intensity hydrogen in three distinct and creative ways:

• Low-cost hydrogen – Proteum leverages regional hydrogen production using a modular approach.  This allows for the optimization of both available and often low-cost price distressed feedstock. Regional production reduces the overall cost of hydrogen transportation, and lower feedstock cost improves the cost per kilogram of hydrogen whether it’s for FCEV, power, or ammonia production. Many future Proteum Energy hydrogen production sites are in economic opportunity zones, providing further support and opportunity for local and regional communities.

• Low to negative produced hydrogen carbon intensity – the Proteum Energy technology leverages the value of the feedstock with LCFS, 45Q, or 45V credits and produces negative CI hydrogen with its ethanol partners that incorporate CCS.  This means taking advantage of the full $3.00/kg PTC in the US, lowering overall hydrogen prices for consumer partners, and supporting regional agricultural communities and producers by leveraging significant purity biogenic CO2 (for CCUS). There is additional optionality for the production of low to negative CI anhydrous ammonia for regional growers.

• Low water and power consumption – Proteum Energy’s proprietary SnMR™ technology consumes up to 40% less water than traditional SMR/ATR and multiple times less water than electrolysis. The system recycles required water and has low power consumption/kg produced, this makes it an environmentally preferred solution in regions where water and power resources have become increasingly scarce.

Sustainability + Profitability = The Way Forward

Larry shares his views on renewable energy economics, “Long-term economics ultimately ‘drive the bus’ for renewable energy development. Short-term, government incentives will certainly help, just like they did for wind and solar.  Profitability without incentives is important for sustainability.  Carbon capture and utilization is the way forward toward sustainability.  The ethanol industry understands this and is already leading the way forward.  Traditional oil and gas producers have seen CCS as an important way to leverage oil production for decades.  That was profitable, but it wasn’t sustainable.  Now, it’s so encouraging to see these producers take on CCS with urgency and vigor.  Proteum partners with ethanol and oil and gas producers and midstream operators for regional production of low and negative CI hydrogen.  We see this as a logical and sustainable way forward and it fits with Proteum’s vision to accelerate the energy transition over the next decade.

The Proteum Movement

Larry’s vision for Proteum Energy is to accelerate the way forward by leveraging what we already have.  He simplifies it stating, ‘Let’s grow where we are planted’ and utilize the resources and assets we already have in place, like low CI agriculture, extraordinary renewable ethanol production and its related ecosystem, and the largest and most efficient energy transfer mechanism in commerce; midstream oil and gas processing and pipelines.”

A CALL FOR ENERGY LEADERS

Larry believes the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” rings true. We need to gather as partners to accelerate the energy transition.  Proteum Energy wants to partner with leaders of all types to accelerate an energy addition.  Specifically, these are leaders in renewable power, renewable ethanol (both producers and growers), renewable and non-renewable ammonia production, committed GHG emissions oil and gas producers and midstream operators, carbon capture and utilization partners, and food grade CO2 off-takers.   And, of course, regionally focused hydrogen offtake partners in liquefaction and heavy-duty transportation, hydrogen gas to power blending, e-methanol producers and low to negative CI ammonia producers and users.

Innovative decarbonization solutions will soon take center stage as Mitsubishi Power and Warwick Carbon Solutions have entered into a Joint Development Agreement that leverages the expertise of both companies to advance decarbonization projects in the energy and industrial sectors.

The two companies will work together as strategic partners to identify and develop long-term viable projects that will help the North American region achieve net zero no later than 2050. Each company brings its own world-class products, services and design expertise to the JDA which will focus on the decarbonization of companies operating in the Oil & Gas, industrial process, and power generation sectors.

Mitsubishi Power will provide:

• Engineering, design, project development support services, equipment supply, and long-term operational services for electric power generation and storage systems
• Equipment supply to include cutting-edge hydrogen-capable gas turbines, production and storage systems, and decarbonization solutions.

Warwick Carbon Solutions Development Company, a targeted developer of energy transition projects, will provide:

• Energy infrastructure and power development expertise, including government regulatory and industry knowledge for developing carbon capture and storage (CCUS) projects
• Support services to evaluate a wide variety of commercial, financial, and technological approaches to advance decarbonization across North America

“As evidenced by the US Inflation Reduction Act and other important initiatives directed at advancing clean energy, the time is now to collaboratively pursue new decarbonization technologies and solutions,” said Bill Newsom, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas. “With our comprehensive combination of world-class technology and proven green energy investment expertise, this partnership will open doors that can lead to more projects along the path to net zero. Together with our customers and partners, we are creating Change in Power.”

“We are pleased to have Mitsubishi Power as our partner. There is a tremendous need and opportunity to advance high-impact clean energy projects. Mitsubishi Power’s best-in-class power and decarbonization technology solutions make them the perfect partner to grow a meaningful portfolio of green energy investments. We are excited about the future of this partnership and the difference our collective capabilities will make as we strive for net zero,” said Jonathan Wiens, CEO of Warwick Carbon Solutions Development Company.

About Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc.

Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. (Mitsubishi Power) headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, employs more than 2,500 power generation, energy storage, and digital solutions experts and professionals. Our employees are focused on empowering customers to affordably and reliably combat climate change while also advancing human prosperity throughout North, Central, and South America. Mitsubishi Power’s power generation solutions include gas, steam, and aero-derivative turbines; power trains and power islands; geothermal systems; PV solar project development; environmental controls; and services. Energy storage solutions include green hydrogen, battery energy storage systems, and services. Mitsubishi Power also offers intelligent solutions that use artificial intelligence to enable the autonomous operation of power plants. Mitsubishi Power is a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, MHI is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers with engineering and manufacturing businesses spanning energy, infrastructure, transport, aerospace, and defense.

For more information, visit the Mitsubishi Power Americas website and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Warwick Carbon Solutions Development Company LP

Warwick Carbon Solutions (WCS) headquartered in Houston, Texas is focused on the development of power and industrial energy transition projects. WCS has expertise in finding and developing high-impact decarbonization projects in a complex industrial environment. WCS has an experienced development and construction team who can manage large projects from project scoping to operations. WCS’ partnership with Warwick Capital Partners provides a unique acumen and capability for project financing and structuring which is critical for development and execution. In the race to Net Zero, WCS is committed to building the next generation of sustainable infrastructure.

For more information, visit Warwick Carbon Solutions website.

Yara Clean Ammonia, a Yara International ASA company, and Enbridge Inc. are pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent to jointly develop and construct a world scale low-carbon blue ammonia production facility as equal partners. The proposed facility, which includes autothermal reforming with carbon capture, will be located at the Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Once operational, the production facility will be capable of supplying low-carbon ammonia to meet growing global demand, with an expected capacity of 1.2–1.4 million tons per annum. Approximately 95 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated from the production process is anticipated to be captured and transported to nearby permanent geologic storage. If confirmed through the Front-end Engineering Design (FEED) phase and approved, total project investment is expected in the range of US$2.6–US$2.9 billion, with production start-up in 2027/2028.

Enbridge and Yara will utilize their complementary strengths to develop and execute the project. Yara’s industry-leading experience in ammonia development, production, operations and distribution, combined with Enbridge’s large-scale infrastructure development expertise and world-class EIEC deep water docks and export platform, will be critical to advancing the project from development through to commercial operation. In addition, Yara, the world’s largest ammonia distributor, is expected to contract full offtake from the facility, which further enhances the strategic value and commercial viability of the project.

Enbridge’s Texas Eastern Transmission Pipeline is expected to provide the transportation service for feed gas that will be used for the production process, and Enbridge, along with Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, is advancing a nearby CO₂ sequestration hub which is a potential destination for the project’s captured CO₂.

The construction of any facilities will be subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

“We are excited to partner with Yara and collaborate on this clean energy project, especially given their expertise in global ammonia projects, operations and distribution,” said Colin Gruending, Enbridge Executive Vice President and President of Liquids Pipelines. “EIEC is well positioned to become the most sustainable export terminal in North America through low-carbon fuel production, carbon capture and solar self-power.”

“Yara is pleased to be joining Enbridge in developing this significant clean ammonia project. As presented at our Capital Markets Day, we are working systematically to develop project opportunities in the U.S. and this project will significantly contribute to our strategy of decarbonizing agriculture as well as serving new clean ammonia segments such as shipping fuel, power production and ammonia as a hydrogen carrier,” said Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, President of Yara Clean Ammonia.

About Yara Clean Ammonia

Yara Clean Ammonia is uniquely positioned to enable the hydrogen economy in a market expected to grow substantially over the next decades. We aim to significantly strengthening our leading global position as the world’s largest ammonia distributor, unlocking the green and blue value chains, and driving the development of clean ammonia globally.

Building on Yara’s leading experience within global ammonia production, logistics and trade, Yara Clean Ammonia works towards capturing growth opportunities in low-emission fuel for shipping and power, carbon-free food production and ammonia for industrial applications.

Yara Clean Ammonia operates the largest global ammonia network with 15 ships and access to 18 ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites across the world, through Yara International. Yara Clean Ammonia’s revenues and EBITDA for 2022 were USD 4,428 million and USD 249 million respectively. Yara Clean Ammonia is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

www.yaracleanammonia.com

About Yara

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature-positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders, and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.

To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through our focus on clean ammonia production, we aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production and other energy-intensive industries.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry’s only global crop nutrition company. We operate an integrated business model with around 17,500 employees and operations in over 60 countries, with a proven track record of strong returns. In 2022, Yara reported revenues of USD 24.1 billion.

www.yara.com

About Enbridge Inc.

At Enbridge, we safely connect millions of people to the energy they rely on every day, fueling quality of life through our North American natural gas, oil or renewable power networks and our growing European offshore wind portfolio. We’re investing in modern energy delivery infrastructure to sustain access to secure, affordable energy and building on two decades of experience in renewable energy to advance new technologies including wind and solar power, hydrogen, renewable natural gas and carbon capture and storage. We’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the energy we deliver, and to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Enbridge’s common shares trade under the symbol ENB on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges.

To learn more, visit us at enbridge.com.

SENDLE CARBON-NEUTRAL SHIPPING MODEL

Sendle is a parcel delivery service that uses a unique carbon-neutral shipping model. The company taps into big business delivery networks and makes them available to everyone. Rather than putting more trucks on the road, Sendle makes use of wasted space in existing delivery trucks, maximizing the efficiency of all of those shipping routes. This eco-friendly approach to shipping has made Sendle a popular choice for small businesses particularly those in eCommerce that want to reduce their carbon footprint. The remaining emissions are calculated and accounted for through high-quality offsetting projects.

Veena Harbaugh is the director of sustainability at Sendle and plays a key role in driving the company’s mission toward sustainability. She has a passion for environmental issues and has dedicated her career to finding sustainable solutions for businesses. She believes that businesses have a critical role to play in reducing their environmental impact and that the circular economy is a powerful tool to achieve this.

The circular economy is an economic system that is designed to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources. It is a closed-loop system where products are designed to be reused, repurposed or recycled, thereby reducing waste and preserving resources. In this system, businesses can create value while reducing their environmental impact. With its focus on sustainability, Sendle is doing its part to drive the circular economy by helping to shift the behavior of eCommerce shoppers who tend to overbuy, use, and then throw out products that often end up in landfills. Sendle’s intent is to encourage online shoppers to buy thoughtfully from small businesses and even persuade them to become producers of sustainable products and services as small businesses.

Sendle is also helping businesses to operate more sustainably. Additionally, Sendle offers packaging made from compostable materials, making it easy for businesses to reduce their waste.

“As eCommerce accelerates, small businesses need access to shipping networks that are cost and carbon-efficient so they can effectively compete with big online retailers. Sustainable shipping that minimizes and accounts for the environmental impact is critical to helping people support good businesses, buy better products, and keep valuable resources in use, rather than heading to the landfill,” says Veena.   

5 STRATEGIES FOR BECOMING CARBON NEUTRAL

1.   Carbon-neutral shipping:
Sendle has established a unique carbon-neutral shipping model, which ensures that every package that is delivered through its network has a minimal environmental impact. They offset the carbon emissions produced by each package’s delivery and invest in carbon offsets and renewable energy projects to support the transition to a low-carbon future.

2.   Sustainable packaging:
Sendle offers sustainable packaging made from compostable materials to help businesses reduce their environmental impact. The company will also soon be launching new mailers in Australia that are made from ocean-bound plastic pollution. 

3.   Delivery fleet:
Sendle reduces the environmental impact of shipping by tapping existing shipping providers and filling their vehicles to ensure every trip is as efficient as possible. With this model, Sendle helps its shipping partners make their routes more efficient and profitable.

4.   Streamlined shipping process:
Sendle has optimized its shipping process to minimize waste and reduce carbon emissions. By using data and analytics, Sendle carriers have streamlined the delivery process, reducing the need for unnecessary stops and optimizing delivery routes to minimize emissions.

5.   Education and advocacy:
Sendle is dedicated to educating businesses and consumers about the importance of sustainability in the shipping industry. They provide resources and guidance on sustainable practices, and they are advocates for policies that support the transition to a low-carbon future. Through their education and advocacy efforts, Sendle is helping to reshape the shipping industry by encouraging more sustainable practices and promoting environmental responsibility.

Harbaugh and the Sendle team are passionate about educating their customers about the importance of sustainability and the role that shipping can play in the circular economy. They believe that businesses have a responsibility to consider their environmental impact and take action to reduce it. Through its carbon-neutral shipping model and commitment to sustainability, Sendle is leading the way in creating a more sustainable shipping industry.

Sendle’s approach to sustainability and its commitment to reducing its environmental impact are inspiring. A circular economy is a powerful tool for businesses to create value while minimizing waste and preserving resources. Veena Harbaugh and the Sendle team are showing that it is possible to operate a successful business while also being environmentally responsible. By making sustainability a priority, businesses can make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future.

GE Gas Power, part of GE Vernova and Svante announced a joint development agreement to develop and evaluate solid sorbent-based carbon capture technology for natural gas power generation applications. In addition, GE has made an equity investment in Svante as a part of Svante’s US $318-million Series E fundraising round in December 2022.

In 2022, GE announced that GE Vernova would spin off from GE in 2024 as a business purpose-built to lead the energy transition. This builds on GE’s sustainability commitments and position in the energy industry, where GE technology provides approximately 30% of the world’s electricity. GE is developing and commercializing a number of breakthrough technologies to drive the energy transition including carbon capture through industrial and technology research collaborations, including the agreement with and investment in Svante.

“The climate crisis and our world require immediate and sustained action and investment into crucial technologies like carbon capture which can deliver meaningful reductions in emissions and play a key role in the energy transition,” said Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova. “We are excited to work with a technology innovator like Svante to drive collective progress on developing carbon capture solutions for the energy industry aiming to deliver more sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity for more people.”

“We are pleased to welcome GE both as a strategic commercial collaborator and an investor in Svante, alongside our other strategic value chain partners and investors,” said Claude Letourneau, Svante’s President and CEO. “GE’s 130+ years of experience in energy applications will be invaluable to us as we rapidly scale our operations and manufacturing capacity to be able to capture millions of tonnes of CO2 from diverse industrial sites around the world.”

Svante’s novel carbon capture filters are made by coating solid adsorbents, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), onto thin sheets of laminate that are stacked to become the company’s nano-engineered filters. These filters can be used in multiple applications for capturing CO2 at refineries, cement, steel, aluminum, lime, boilers, pulp & paper, and more. The technology can be used for point-source post-combustion carbon capture in which the filters take CO₂ out of industrial flue gas (the source of the emission) and prevent it from reaching the atmosphere. Because of the wide array of industries the company serves, Letourneau says Svante’s technology can be applied to 85% of the total carbon capture and removal segment.

The JDA between GE Gas Power and Svante will focus on further development and commercialization of novel solid sorbent technologies “aimed at decarbonizing natural gas-fired turbines in a cost-effective, environmentally responsible manner,” said Letourneau. “We are excited about the potential we have to open up an entirely new array of opportunities, aiming to provide carbon-free electricity in the future through the deployment of projects across gas-fired power generation facilities.”

About GE Gas Power

GE Gas Power is an integral part of GE Vernova, a world leader in natural gas power technology, services, and solutions. Through relentless innovation and continuous collaboration with our customers, we are providing more advanced, cleaner, and efficient power that people depend on today and building the energy technologies of the future. With the world’s largest installed base of gas turbines and more than 670 million operating hours across GE’s installed fleet, we offer advanced technology and a level of experience that’s unmatched in the industry to build, operate, and maintain leading gas power plants.

For more information, please visit www.ge.com/power/gas

GE Vernova, a dynamic accelerator comprised of our Power, Renewable Energy, Digital and Energy Financial Services businesses, focused on supporting customers’ transformations during the global energy transition.

About Svante

Svante offers companies in emission-intensive industries a commercially viable way to capture large-scale CO₂ emissions from existing infrastructure, either for safe storage or to be used for further industrial use in a closed loop. With the ability to capture CO₂ from industrial sources and directly from the atmosphere in an environmentally sustainable way, Svante makes industrial-scale carbon capture and removal a reality. The company is on the 2023 Global Cleantech 100 and was ranked second among private companies in the Corporate Knights Future 50 Fastest-Growing Sustainable Companies in Canada. Svante’s Board of Directors includes Nobel Laureate and former Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu.

To learn more about Svante, click here or visit Svante’s website at www.svanteinc.com

Finnair has purchased 750 tons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ from Neste to reduce the carbon emissions from flights departing from Helsinki Airport in Finland. Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most important tools for reducing the emissions of air travel in the coming years and is available for all airlines at Helsinki Airport.

Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel is an important tool in this regard. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. The fuel volume now purchased is Finnair’s single largest batch of sustainable aviation fuel purchased to date. The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023. The 750 tons of SAF corresponds to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100% SAF. Currently, SAF can be used blended up to 50% with conventional fossil jet fuel.

“Finnair celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and reducing emissions from flying is an essential part of a sustainable future. Sustainable aviation fuel will be one of the most important tools for reducing emissions in the coming years. We also involve our customers in this, and a small part of every flight ticket sold goes to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel,” says Eveliina Huurre, Finnair’s SVP, Sustainability. “Reducing emissions from flying requires an extensive toolkit and everyone’s effort. While we are increasing the use of SAF, we will also continue to take all other steps, from reducing the weight of aircraft to optimizing flight routes and increasing fuel efficiency.”

“Finnair was one of the first airlines using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We have been working together for a long time and look forward to supporting Finnair to meet its sustainability targets,” says Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Commercial and Technical Management, Renewable Aviation at Neste. “It is great to see Finnair taking the initiative to voluntarily purchase our SAF as part of their sustainability commitments, and creating awareness among their customers on how to play a role in creating a more sustainable future.”

Sustainable aviation fuel

SAF is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure. 

Neste in brief

Neste creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. We refine waste, residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials. We are the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel and developing chemical recycling to combat the plastic waste challenge. We aim at helping customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions with our renewable and circular solutions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030. Our ambition is to make the Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe by 2030. We are introducing renewable and recycled raw materials such as liquefied waste plastic as refinery raw materials. We have committed to reaching carbon-neutral production by 2035, and we will reduce the carbon emission intensity of sold products by 50% by 2040. We also have set high standards for biodiversity, human rights and supply chain. We have consistently been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies. In 2022, Neste’s revenue stood at EUR 25.7 billion.

Read more: neste.com 

Finnair in brief

Finnair is a network airline, specializing in connecting passenger and cargo traffic between Asia, North America and Europe. Finnair is one of the oldest operating airlines in the world, celebrating its centenary in 2023. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do – Finnair intends to reach carbon neutrality latest by the end of 2045. Customers have chosen Finnair as the Best Airline in Northern Europe in the Skytrax Awards for 12 times in a row. Finnair is a member of the oneworld alliance. Finnair Plc’s shares are quoted on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.

The global hydrogen combustion engine market is projected to have a high-paced CAGR of 9.78% during the forecast period. The current valuation of the hydrogen combustion engine market is US$ 18.22 Bn in 2023. The value of the hydrogen combustion engine market is anticipated to reach a high of US$ 46.31 Bn by the year 2033.

The key aspects pushing the adoption of the hydrogen combustion engine is owing to government attempts to promote the use of fuel cell cars, a growth in the demand for fuel cells in automotive and transportation, and an increase in the demand for passenger transportation. Internal combustion engines have long been popular.

Despite this, OEMs are turning their attention to natural gas and hydrogen-based engines because of the rising cost of crude oil, strict emission regulations, fuel supply security, and noise pollution. This is evidently likely to promote the global hydrogen combustion engine.

In addition, an increase in government and other organizational support for the development and commercialization of refueling infrastructure throughout the world is projected to result in the rapid advancement of the global market for hydrogen combustion engines over the next few years.

In addition, the approaching decline in fuel cell costs, brought on by the rising use of creative strategies by fuel producers to lower fuel prices, is anticipated to improve the market’s development prospects in the years to come. Hydrogen combustion engines are gradually evolving as a result of different technical breakthroughs and inventions, allowing them to provide high power outputs while also improving fuel efficiency.

Despite a rise in demand for electric engines and a corresponding decrease in demand for internal combustion engines powered by traditional sources, hydrogen combustion engines are estimated to continue to play an important role in the evolution of the automobile industry. Furthermore, they have the ability to improve in a variety of areas, including thermal efficiency, emissions, and electrification.

The need for research is always being filled by researchers. Because more hydrogen-powered vehicles could be produced and put on the market thanks to the development of low-cost hydrogen energy production technology, hydrogen vehicles became a reality.

Growing scientific study has pushed vehicle manufacturers to build eco-friendly automobiles on the market in order to minimize carbon emissions in the environment. These factors are anticipated to expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size in the forecast period.

However, hydrogen (in gaseous form) is often produced from water using electrolysis, which involves sending a strong electric current through water to separate oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The electrolysis technique is highly expensive due to the high energy needs. Moreover, the stringent norms and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions are expected to impede the market growth.

Key Takeaways:

During the forecast period, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global hydrogen combustion engine market. The market in this region is expected to rise due to increasing R&D investment in order to provide cutting-edge solutions and meet end-user demands. Furthermore, the US government’s renewable energy programs are spurring market growth throughout the country.

The hydrogen combustion engine market in Europe is predicted to develop rapidly, particularly in Germany, during the projected period. This is owing to the key players in the nation are actively developing a hydrogen internal combustion engine, pushing the pan-European goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, based on their significant knowledge and years of research experience in this field.

Owing to its ability to transfer protons over the membrane from the anode to the cathode and its importance to the electrochemical process’s effectiveness, the “proton membrane exchange” technology type is expected to hold the greatest revenue, through the forecast period.

As it fits the market niche by serving the country’s middle class with low prices, high-quality amenities, small sizes, and simple financing options, the “commercial vehicles” application type, accounts for a significant share, and is the most preferred type.

Competitive Landscape:

Owing to the existence of both international and local players, the global hydrogen combustion engine market is fragmented. A vast number of manufacturers have a significant market share in their respective regions. Organic developments, such as product releases and approvals, are often highly adopted by key companies. For instance, in April 2021, Toyota announced that it is developing a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine that will be used in sports vehicles and seeks to create a thriving and sustainable mobility society. These factors are estimated to expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size.

Kongsberg Digital has entered into a strategic agreement with the integrated energy company Chevron Technical Center, a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. to digitize its global assets using Kongsberg Digital’s digital twin technology. The agreement includes a multi-year commitment.

The contract, which was signed in January 2023, represents expansions of work performed on contracts signed in 2021, with a committed multiple-asset deployment plan and further applications to enrich Chevron’s user experiences. The digital twin solution will aid Chevron in work planning and project execution. The digital twin solution will also enable faster troubleshooting, reduced cost, decision-making, and lower personal and process safety risk.

Shane McArdle, CEO at Kongsberg Digital said: “We are extremely pleased with this agreement, and we are proud to support Chevron in adopting digital twins for its global operations. This agreement represents both at-scale deliveries of digital twin technology to Chevron’s global business units, and beyond that a multi-year journey of innovation. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey with Chevron.” 

KONGSBERG DIGITAL

Kongsberg Digital is an industrial software company shaping the future of work by changing how businesses design, operate and maintain their assets. Businesses trust us for our innovative carbon capture and storage technology, new energy ventures towards net zero, voyage optimization, emissions reduction, and technology to help balance grids and complex power systems. We are transforming carbon-intensive industries by providing industry-leading solutions that extract value from industrial data. We enable businesses to connect physical assets to an industrial work surface, serving as one common infrastructure for decision-making across the value chain.

Follow us on: www.kongsberg.com/digital and LinkedIn

KONGSBERG

Kongsberg (OSE-ticker: KOG) is an international, knowledge-based group that supplies high-tech systems and solutions to customers in the energy, merchant, navy, defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg has more than 11,000 employees in 40 countries and a total revenue of NOK 27.5bn in 2021. 

Follow us on: kongsberg.com, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Kongsberg Digital has launched its Industrial Work Surface which aims to fundamentally change how carbon-intensive industries operate by enabling the company’s software users to work within a single digital environment. By providing end-to-end user workflows, Kongsberg Digital’s customers will benefit from cleaner, more efficient and lower-cost operations, reinforcing the company’s proven technology already deployed across the energy and maritime sectors.

Boston Consulting Group research states that as much as 70% of the value of digitalization comes from adopting new ways of working. The Industrial Work Surface will enable users across the energy and maritime industries to capitalize on this value by reducing siloed access to data and achieving better ways of working to facilitate smarter, safer and greener operations.

Using Kongsberg Digital’s proven technology, such as digital twins, data management infrastructure, simulation, visualization and machine learning, the Industrial Work Surface will combine Kongsberg Digital’s domain and technology expertise to create a single end-to-end user surface.

Kongsberg Digital customers can use the Industrial Work Surface throughout the lifespan of projects and assets, seamlessly leveraging data and insights across the company’s suite of technology applications to reduce costs and downtime, while providing faster access to vital information on the status of assets.

Carbon-intensive companies can access and scale everything from carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) facility modeling, predictive maintenance alerts and energy optimization recommendations to ESG reporting, carbon emissions information and performance analytics on critical equipment.

This holistic and intuitive operational view requires no retraining from existing users and places customer experience central to the technology. It streamlines the number of software applications or vendors required to run operations via a single secure login.

Shane McArdle, CEO of Kongsberg Digital, said: “By providing industrial operators and workers with the tools needed to take critical decisions based on all data available, Kongsberg Digital’s Industrial Work Surface aims to redefine how businesses design, operate and maintain their assets. We empower businesses with digital workflows to drive performance as they respond to the energy transition toward net zero, enabling them to work smarter, safer and greener.

“Our vision is to transform global industries by changing and shaping how people work. As an industrial software company, we understand the value of digitalizing carbon-intensive industries by deploying new ways of working. The Industrial Work Surface will transform how these industries operate and help businesses unlock the full potential of digitalization.” 

James Maguire, Business Transformation Manager at Kongsberg Digital customer LNG Canada comments on how the Industrial Work Surface will help streamline the company’s operations: “The Industrial Work Surface will provide our people with the information and data they need at their fingertips to make decisions or troubleshoot problems through a single surface where they can execute project work. 

“This new way of working will enable our teams to learn from past events, predict future events, and prescribe a path forward to optimize production and equipment performance automatically, maintaining safe and energy-efficient operating parameters without manual intervention. The Industrial Work Surface is the cornerstone to our future ambitions.”

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, addresses some of the challenges the maritime sector is facing and how adopting new ways of work can help ship owners and operators to meet these demands: “The digital overlay needs to address lots of new demands and opportunities, meaning everything from following the cargo from end-to-end to managing and routing the vessels – but the most important thing is carbon accounting. With our new vessels, we have the opportunity to integrate connectivity by design, making the implementation of technology such as using digital twins possible. We are building dual-fuel vessels and we need to ensure that we can report and allocate the carbon reductions.”

KONGSBERG DIGITAL

Kongsberg Digital is an industrial software company shaping the future of work by changing how businesses design, operate and maintain their assets. Businesses trust us for our innovative carbon capture and storage technology, new energy ventures towards net zero, voyage optimization, emissions reduction, and technology to help balance grids and complex power systems. We are transforming carbon-intensive industries by providing industry-leading solutions that extract value from industrial data. We enable businesses to connect physical assets to an Industrial Work Surface, serving as one common software for decision-making across the value chain.

Follow on: www.kongsberg.com/digital and LinkedIn

Honeywell announced that it has been selected by Ecopetrol S.A., an integrated oil and gas company in Bogotá, Colombia, to develop a prefeed engineering study for a Honeywell^TM Advanced Solvent Carbon Capture modular demonstration unit, which will be used to evaluate carbon dioxide capture from Ecopetrol Fluid Catalytic Cracking units.

FCC units are key conversion process units within refineries that enable the production of gasoline and propylene. FCC units are also significant sources of CO₂ emissions, accounting for 15-20% of overall emissions in a typical FCC-based refinery, including Ecopetrol ́s refineries. Overall, the global refining industry produces ~3% of all CO₂ emissions.

Honeywell UOP’s ASCC technology has been designed to capture CO₂ from post-combustion flue gases, which are more challenging to treat due to the low CO₂ concentration and low pressure inherent in these sources. In the ASCC process, CO₂ is absorbed into an amine solvent and then sent to a stripper where CO₂ is separated from the solvent and then transported to be utilized or stored geologically. Honeywell’s Advanced Solvent Carbon Capture technology is specifically designed for post-combustion flue gas applications, enabling greater than 95 percent CO₂ capture. This technology can be retrofitted within existing plants or included as part of a new installation.

The design target of the demonstration unit is to capture 30 tons of CO₂ per day from Ecopetrol FCC flue gas. If implemented, the demonstration unit will provide valuable information into the performance of this technology in reducing FCC emissions, with learnings that can be used to inform the deployment of commercial-scale units in FCC service.

Ecopetrol is the first company in the O&G industry in Latin America to set the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for scopes 1 and 2. As a midterm target, by 2030 Ecopetrol seeks to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% as compared to 2019.

Honeywell’s Advanced Solvent Carbon Capture technology can help meet these goals.

“The use of Honeywell’s Advanced Solvent Carbon Capture technology can effectively reduce Ecopetrol’s environmental impact by helping to prevent CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere,” said Barry Glickman, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions. “Honeywell’s ready-now ASCC technology produces high-purity, storable carbon dioxide and can help companies worldwide meet their carbon reduction goals.”

Today, 15 million tons per year of CO₂ is being captured and used in storage/utilization applications through Honeywell’s CO₂ Solutions process expertise. Current Honeywell customers have the capacity to capture 40 million tons of CO₂ per year through installed projects worldwide that utilize Honeywell CO₂ technology.

Honeywell is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. This commitment builds on the company’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities, as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. About 60% of Honeywell’s new product introduction research and development investment is directed toward products that improve environmental and social outcomes for customers.

For more information on Honeywell’s carbon capture solutions, visit pmt.honeywell.com/us/en/solutions/sustainability/carbon-capture.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

About Ecopetrol

Ecopetrol is one of the leading integrated oil and gas conglomerates in Latin America, responsible for around 70% of Colombian hydrocarbon production. Ecopetrol participates in the upstream, midstream, downstream and commercialization, has an electric self-generation capacity of over 1.300 MW and became the largest self-generator with renewable energy in the country (www.ecopetrol.com.co).

As concerns about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow, many experts are turning their attention to the potential of carbon removal technologies as a solution. The carbon removal industry, which involves technologies and processes aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, has been estimated to be worth trillions of dollars in the coming years. However, despite the promise of this emerging industry, there are still significant hurdles to overcome in order to fully realize its potential.

One of the biggest challenges facing the carbon removal industry is the lack of clear policies and regulations surrounding it. Unlike other areas of the clean energy sector, such as solar or wind power, there is no comprehensive framework in place to guide the development and deployment of carbon removal technologies. This has made it difficult for businesses and investors to make long-term plans and commitments, as there is no guarantee that the regulatory environment will remain stable.

Another major challenge facing the carbon removal industry is the cost of these technologies. While the potential value of the industry is immense, many of the current carbon removal methods are still prohibitively expensive. This is particularly true for technologies such as direct air capture, which involves using large-scale machinery to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Until the cost of these technologies can be brought down to more affordable levels, it will be difficult for the industry to reach its full potential.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress in the carbon removal industry. Many companies and investors are beginning to take an interest in the potential of these technologies, and there has been a significant increase in funding and research in recent years. There are also promising developments in areas such as carbon capture and storage, where captured carbon is stored underground or in other locations to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

To fully realize the potential of the carbon removal industry, however, more action is needed. Governments and policymakers need to establish clear regulatory frameworks that provide certainty and stability for businesses and investors in the industry. They also need to invest in research and development to bring down the cost of carbon removal technologies and improve their effectiveness.

In addition, businesses and investors need to take a long-term view and commit to the development and deployment of carbon removal technologies. This will require a shift in mindset from short-term profits to long-term sustainability and resilience. It will also require collaboration and partnership between different sectors and stakeholders, including governments, businesses, investors, and civil society.

The potential of the trillion-dollar carbon removal industry is immense, but it will only be realized if we take action now. By investing in research and development, establishing clear policies and regulations, and committing to the long-term development and deployment of carbon removal technologies, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for ourselves and for future generations.

Here’s a list of the top business opportunities in carbon removal, ranked in order of opportunity:

DIRECT AIR CAPTURE – DAC

DAC involves the use of large-scale machinery to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. It is a relatively new and expensive technology, but it has the potential to capture large amounts of carbon and could become a major business opportunity as the cost of the technology decreases.

CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE (CCS)

CCS involves capturing carbon emissions from power plants and other industrial sources and storing them underground or in other locations to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. This technology has been around for several decades and is already being used in some countries. However, there is still a lot of room for growth and innovation in this area.

Soil Carbon Sequestration

Soil carbon sequestration involves using farming and land management practices to increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. This can be a cost-effective and sustainable way to remove carbon from the atmosphere, and there is growing interest in this area among farmers and agricultural businesses.

Afforestation and Reforestation

Planting trees and other vegetation can also help remove carbon from the atmosphere, and there is growing interest in afforestation and reforestation projects around the world. This can be a particularly lucrative opportunity for companies involved in forestry and land management.

Carbon Mineralization

Carbon mineralization involves using naturally occurring minerals to convert carbon dioxide into stable, long-lasting compounds. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to be a significant business opportunity in the future.

Ocean-based Carbon Removal

There are several technologies being developed that aim to remove carbon from the oceans, including ocean fertilization and seaweed cultivation. These technologies are still in the early stages of development, but there is potential for them to become significant business opportunities in the future.

It’s worth noting that many of these technologies are still in the early stages of development, and there is a lot of uncertainty around which ones will ultimately prove to be the most effective and cost-effective. However, for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to get involved in the carbon removal industry, these are some of the most promising areas to explore.

Honeywell announced that ExxonMobil will deploy one of Honeywell’s carbon capture technologies – Honeywell’s CO₂Fractionation and Hydrogen Purification System – at its integrated complex in Baytown, Texas. This technology is expected to enable ExxonMobil to capture about 7 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of the emission of 1.5 million automobiles for one year. 

Honeywell UOP’s carbon capture technology will be integrated into the design of ExxonMobil’s low-carbon hydrogen production facility and enable it to capture more than 98² percent of associated CO₂ emissions. The captured CO₂ is expected to be sequestered and permanently stored by ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil’s Baytown low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture facility is expected to produce around one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen per day, making this the largest low-carbon hydrogen project in the world at planned startup in 2027-2028. ExxonMobil’s Baytown integrated complex is home to the largest olefins plant in the United States. The site is located on approximately 3,400 acres along the Houston Ship Channel. 

“ExxonMobil’s investment in carbon capture technology shows our commitment to supporting customers in their decarbonization efforts and to reducing emissions at our own operations,” said Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. “The scale of this project is expected to enable up to 30% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions from our Baytown facility by switching from natural gas as a fuel source to low-carbon hydrogen.”

“The use of Honeywell’s technology enables ExxonMobil to reduce CO₂ emissions at a large scale,” said Barry Glickman, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions. “Our ready-now carbon capture technology works to decarbonize production processes and is effective because it can allow for significant emissions reduction that can play a major role in the energy transition.”

With more than 50 years of experience in gas processing, Honeywell has extensive experience with proven carbon capture and hydrogen technologies. Honeywell’s new advanced solvent CO₂ capture and hydrogen solutions allow for CO₂ to be captured, transported, and stored at a lower cost through greater efficiency while allowing for smaller equipment and lower capital operational expenses needed to run the plant compared to existing technologies.

Today, 15 million tons per year of CO₂ is being captured and used in storage/utilization applications through Honeywell’s CO₂ Solutions process expertise. Current Honeywell customers have the capacity to capture 40 million tons of CO₂ per year through installed projects worldwide that utilize Honeywell CO₂ technology³.

Honeywell is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. This commitment builds on the company’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities, as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. About 60% of Honeywell’s new product introduction research and development investment is directed toward products that improve environmental and social outcomes for customers.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs.

The corporation’s primary businesses – Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions – provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower-emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants and chemical companies in the world. 

In 2021, ExxonMobil announced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans for 2030 for operated assets, compared to 2016 levels. The plans are to achieve a 20-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity; a 40-50% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of upstream operations; a 70-80% reduction in corporate-wide methane intensity; and a 60-70% reduction in corporate-wide flaring intensity. 

With advancements in technology and the support of clear and consistent government policies, ExxonMobil aims to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 2050.

To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com,  the Energy Factor, and ExxonMobil’s Advancing Climate Solutions. 

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ProSep, the leading global provider of environmentally friendly proprietary products has announced they have signed a test and cooperative agreement with a trusted partner in water deaeration, Moreld Minox Technology for a major new carbon capture system.

ProSep’s proprietary offerings in the Carbon Capture value chain include three post-combustion solutions covering quenching, CO2 capture/dehydration, and CO2 processing. One of these offerings, a proprietary mixing technology, will be implemented alongside Moreld Minox, Repsol Norge, and the University of South-Eastern Norway, on the proof of concept of the Minox Compact CO2-capture system, which has been labeled a step towards a net-zero future.

The project, which was recently awarded funding by CLIMIT, a national research program for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, will take place throughout 2023 with ProSep’s mixing technology making a vital contribution to enhance solvent-CO2 kinetics as well as reducing the size and cost of CO2 capture facilities. With the potential of innovating carbon-capturing systems across the industry, the cooperative project will capture CO2 in locations where conventional solutions become too large and heavy.

The system will be optimized towards capturing 200,000 tons of CO2 per year from offshore gas turbines and can be scaled to suit a wide range of CO2 emissions. This compact system will be applicable to several types of CO2 process streams, strengthening its potential to transform the offshore industry’s net zero ambitions.

Discussing ProSep’s role within the system, Chief Technology Officer John Sabey said: “We at ProSep are very excited for our next chapter of deploying proven technologies from one market segment into the emerging decarbonization markets. This is a testament to the efficiency and flexibility of our technology, and we are looking forward to applying our proprietary mixing technology to the success of the system’s development. Decarbonizing the industrial markets is a key goal for several global clients and ProSep is looking forward to playing a role going forward. We look forward to seeing the progress of this project throughout the year.”

LedaFlow Technologies has formed a research consortium with energy companies ConocoPhillips, TotalEnergies, Equinor, and ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering, as well as sub-suppliers Kongsberg Digital, SINTEF Industry, and SINTEF Energy Research, to enhance its multiphase transport simulator technology for transport and injection of CO₂.

The consortium, called the CO2Flow project, aims to analyze opportunities for safe transport and injection of CO₂ both with and without impurities to accelerate carbon capture and storage technology development. The consortium also aims to contribute to accelerating the global deployment of CCS, as the partners can put project results into industrial use and benefit from the improved functionalities through more optimal design and reliable operation. 

Accurate simulations will enable reduced design margins and decreased investment costs of CO₂ transport and injection systems while maintaining operational safety. Precise predictions are also essential for energy and cost-efficient operations and will help minimize risk through simulations of various functional scenarios. 

Building on Kongsberg Digital’s commercialization model success which has been in place for LedaFlow since 2010, Kongsberg Digital will deliver world-class industrial software in a secure, user-friendly, and reliable way which can also be deployed on digital twins to operate assets. 

The consortium’s research partners SINTEF Industry and SINTEF Energy Research will provide access to world-class resources and information regarding multiphase flow modeling and experimental facilities with CO2 flow competence. Equinor, TotalEnergies and SINTEF Energy Research have been collecting experimental good data for CO₂ injection in the DeFacto flow loop since 2016. The experimental data has been shared with the consortium for model improvement. 

By harnessing the resources and data available through the four participating energy companies, LedaFlow Technologies gains access to a vast range of organizations with net zero ambitions.  

“Together, our aim is to qualify LedaFlow technology for industrial use by securing simulation accuracy and robustness. The goal is to drive down the design and associated costs for CCS operations and accelerate its broader implementation within the energy mix. This contributes to making cleaner energy more affordable,” says Jan Gerhard Norstrøm, Managing Director at LedaFlow Technologies DA.

LedaFlow Technologies’ mission is to utilize the expertise of its partners to ensure the continuous development of LedaFlow products and bring to the industry the best available tool for multiphase flow simulation. 

LedaFlow development was initiated in the early 2000s by ConocoPhillips, TotalEnergies, and SINTEF with the ambition to develop a simulator closer to actual physics for oil and gas applications. Since 2017, under the leadership of TotalEnergies, thanks to the CO2FACT JIP (a CLIMIT Demo project), the CO₂ transport module has been developed bringing LedaFlow to the forefront of CO₂ research. It is now providing the industry with the simulator software needed to make CCS a reality. 

The project is supported by the CLIMIT Programme – Norway’s national program for research, development, and demonstration of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

LedaFlow

Why is LedaFlow a good match for the simulation of CO2? LedaFlow is built using a multifield approach. It solves the mass equations for all fields, while the energy and momentum conservation equations are solved for each zone, summed over all fields in the zone (continuous phase with the dispersed phases it contains). This enables phase change from all fields with the possibility of having both condensation and evaporation simultaneously, enabling the accurate simulation of critical transient events like the rapid phase changes observed in CO₂ flow. 

Visit ledaflow.com for more information.

KONGSBERG DIGITAL

Kongsberg Digital is a provider of next-generation software and digital solutions to customers within maritime, oil and gas, and renewables and utilities. The company consists of more than 1000 software experts with leading competence within the internet of things, smart data, artificial intelligence, maritime simulation, automation and autonomous operations.

Follow us on: www.kongsberg.com/digital and on LinkedIn

KONGSBERG

KONGSBERG is a leading global technology corporation delivering mission-critical systems and solutions with extreme performance for customers that operate under extremely challenging conditions. We work with nations, businesses and research environments to push the boundaries of technology development in industries such as space, offshore and energy, merchant marine, defense and aerospace, and more. KONGSBERG has over 11,000 employees located in more than 40 countries, creating a total revenue of NOK 27.5bn in 2021. 

Follow us on: kongsberg.com, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Climate change – Canada has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Paris Agreement, and new energy innovations can help to achieve this goal by providing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. 

Energy security – New energy innovations can diversify Canada’s energy mix and reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, which can be subject to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

Economic opportunities – The development and deployment of new energy technologies can create jobs and economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing and services sectors.

Energy affordability – New energy innovations can help to make energy more affordable for Canadians, particularly for those living in remote or rural areas.

Energy self-sufficiency – New energy innovations can help Canada to become more energy self-sufficient and reduce its dependence on imported energy sources.

Energy export – Canada has significant potential for energy export, particularly for hydroelectricity and clean energy technologies, and new energy innovations can help to expand these opportunities.

Overall, new energy innovations can help Canada to meet its climate and energy goals while also driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for the country. The top 10 most powerful renewable energy innovations emerging include:

1. Solar power: Canada has a large potential for solar energy due to its high solar insolation, and various projects have been developed in different provinces.
2. Wind power: Canada has abundant wind resources, particularly in the Prairie provinces and on the east and west coasts, and has significant installed capacity for wind power generation.
3. Biomass: Canada has a large number of sustainable biomass resources, such as wood waste, agricultural waste, and sewage, which can be used for heat, electricity, and transportation fuel production.
4. Hydropower: Canada has significant potential for hydropower development, particularly in Quebec and British Columbia, which already have large hydroelectric power generation capacities.
5. Geothermal: Canada has a potential for geothermal energy production, particularly in western Canada and in the Canadian Shield.
6. Tidal Power: Tidal power is a type of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity. Canada has large tidal power potential, particularly in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
7. Wave Power: Wave power is another form of hydropower that converts the energy of ocean surface waves into electricity. Canada has a large potential for wave power development, particularly on the west coast.
8. Nuclear energy: Canada has a long history of nuclear power generation and has developed advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors, which are considered to be more sustainable than traditional nuclear power plants.
9. Carbon capture and storage: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and store them underground, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Canada has several CCS demonstration projects underway.
10. Energy storage: Energy storage technologies such as batteries and pumped hydro storage can help to balance supply and demand, making renewable energy more reliable and cost-effective. Canada has several energy storage projects being developed, particularly in Ontario and Quebec.

1. China – 29.3%
2. United States – 15%
3. India – 7.5%
4. Russia – 4.9%
5. Japan – 3.3%

These countries are major emitters because they are large, industrialized nations with high levels of energy consumption. Many of them also rely heavily on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, to meet their energy needs. These fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they are burned, and this contributes to the overall level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is a key driver of climate change.

WORLD’S TOP CARBON EMITTERS

1. China:
   China is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with emissions of over 10 billion metric tons per year. In recent years, China has made significant efforts to reduce its reliance on coal and increase its use of renewable energy sources. The country has invested heavily in hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, and it is now the world leader in renewable energy capacity. In addition, China has implemented a number of policies and regulations to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices, and it is working to improve the efficiency of its transportation sector.
   
2. United States:
   The United States is the second-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with emissions of over 5 billion metric tons per year. The United States is working to reduce its carbon emissions through a variety of approaches, including increasing the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner technologies. The government has implemented a number of policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of clean energy and energy-efficient technologies, and many states and cities have also set their own targets for reducing emissions.
   
3. India:
   India is the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with emissions of over 2.5 billion metric tons per year. India is working to reduce its carbon emissions by increasing its use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. The country has set ambitious targets for increasing its renewable energy capacity, and it has implemented a number of policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies. In addition, India is working to improve the efficiency of its transportation sector and to promote the use of electric vehicles.
   
4. Russian Federation: Russia is the fourth-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with emissions of over 1.5 billion metric tons per year. Russia is working to reduce its carbon emissions through a variety of approaches, including increasing the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner technologies. The country has set targets for increasing its renewable energy capacity, and it has implemented a number of policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies. In addition, Russia is working to improve the efficiency of its transportation sector and to promote the use of electric vehicles.
   
5. Japan: Japan is the fifth-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with emissions of over 1 billion metric tons per year. Japan is working to reduce its carbon emissions by increasing its use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner technologies. The country has set ambitious targets for increasing its renewable energy capacity, and it has implemented a number of policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies. In addition, Japan is working to improve the efficiency of its transportation sector and to promote the use of electric vehicles.

PER CAPITA EMISSIONS

It is worth noting that the total emissions of a country do not necessarily reflect the per capita emissions of its citizens. Some countries with high levels of emissions may have relatively low per capita emissions due to their large populations, while others with lower total emissions may have relatively high per capita emissions due to their smaller populations and higher levels of industrialization.

According to the World Bank, the countries with the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions include:

1. Qatar – 45.9 metric tons per person
2. Kuwait – 30.9 metric tons per person
3. United Arab Emirates – 29.5 metric tons per person
4. Saudi Arabia – 27.3 metric tons per person
5. Australia – 17.3 metric tons per person

It is worth noting that per capita emissions do not take into account a country’s population size, so they may not provide the most accurate representation of a country’s overall impact on the environment. Some smaller countries with high per capita emissions may not have as significant of an overall impact on global emissions as larger countries with lower per capita emissions.

Chevron New Energies, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., and Svante announced that Chevron is the lead investor in Svante’s Series E fundraising round, which raised $318 million that will be used to accelerate the manufacturing of Svante’s carbon capture technology.

“We are advancing a full value chain carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) business and believe Svante is poised to be a leader in enabling carbon capture solutions,” said Chris Powers, vice president of CCUS with CNE. “Innovation is key to enabling these types of breakthrough technologies and lower carbon solutions, and we look forward to applying our experience and expertise to help drive this effort forward.”

Since its founding in 2007, Svante has developed carbon capture and removal technology using structured adsorbent beds, known as filters. This funding will support Svante’s commercial-scale filter manufacturing facility in Vancouver, which is anticipated to produce enough filter modules to capture millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year across hundreds of large-scale carbon capture and storage facilities.

“We are proud that Chevron and a group of existing and new strategic and financial investors have demonstrated their confidence in Svante to be a key player in building a commercially viable carbon management industry,” said Claude Letourneau, President, and CEO of Svante. “We are working to remove the biggest barriers to rapid deployment of industrial carbon capture by building this manufacturing facility, which we expect will enable us to expand our order book rapidly.”

The size and cost of installing carbon capture technology have been a barrier to industry adoption. Svante’s modular solid sorbent technology is designed to capture CO₂ from industrial flue gas. It then concentrates it into a high-purity, 95-percent pipeline-grade CO₂ to prepare for storage or further industrial use. Its approach is tailored specifically to the challenges of separating CO₂ from nitrogen in diluted flue gas, which is typically emitted at low pressures, and in dilute concentrations. Svante’s technology is targeted toward industrial decarbonization activities in fields including hydrogen, pulp and paper, lime, cement, steel, aluminum, and chemicals. Svante’s filters are also available for direct air capture and carbon dioxide removal.

In 2021, Chevron launched CNE to accelerate lower carbon business opportunities in CCUS, hydrogen, renewable fuels and products, offsets, and emerging technologies. Chevron plans to invest $10 billion in lower carbon projects through 2028 and remains committed to collaborating in new ways to accelerate progress.

Chevron Technology Ventures made an initial investment in Svante in 2014. In 2020, Chevron launched a project to pilot Svante technology to capture CO₂ from the post-combustion of natural gas. The project has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (project #DE-FE0031944). In collaboration with Svante and the National Energy Technology Laboratory, the technology will be tested at Chevron’s Kern River facility in San Joaquin Valley, California, with startup underway this month.

Other fundraising round participants include existing shareholders Temasek, OGCI Climate Investments, Delek US, and Hesta AG, and new investors, 3M Ventures (the venture capital arm of 3M Company), Full Circle Capital, GE Vernova, Japan Energy Fund, Liberty Media, M&G Catalyst, Samsung Engineering, TechEnergy Ventures, and United Airlines Ventures. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as Svante’s lead placement agent with RBC Capital Markets as co-lead placement agent. Full Circle Capital acted as financial advisor to Svante in connection with the transaction.

About Svante

Svante offers companies in emission-intensive industries a commercially viable way to capture large-scale CO₂ emissions from existing infrastructure, either for safe storage or to be used for further industrial use in a closed loop. With the ability to capture CO₂ from industrial sources and directly from the atmosphere in an environmentally sustainable way, Svante makes industrial-scale carbon capture and carbon removal a reality. Svante’s Board of Directors includes Nobel Laureate and former Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu.

To learn more about Svante, click here or visit www.svanteinc.com.

About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and growing lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines.

For more information, please visit www.chevron.com.

The demand for hydrogen solutions is rising with public policies and funding mechanisms being put in place to encourage investment. An example is the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which commits billions in production tax incentives for clean hydrogen producers.

With the evolving legislative environment, an integrated solution was identified with low process carbon intensity as a key target. According to JM- Honeywell UOP calculations, the result is a solution that will enable direct process emissions to be less than 0.1 kgCO₂/kgH₂ by capturing carbon rates above 99%. This provides eligibility for production tax credits within the IRA, meaning projects can access the support they need to be deployed rapidly.

This relationship also builds on the collaboration recently announced at the European Refining Technology Conference in Berlin, where JM is integrating differentiated Honeywell UOP technologies into its CLEANPACE™ offering for decarbonizing existing synthesis (syngas) gas plants. Honeywell’s advanced solvent carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and hydrogen solutions allow for CO₂ to be captured, transported, and stored at a lower cost through greater efficiency while allowing for smaller equipment and lower capital operational expenses needed to run the plant compared to existing technologies.

Alberto Giovanzana, Chief Commerical Officer of Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey said: “By joining complementary technology elements, we will provide customers with a cost-effective approach that will enable meaningful reductions in emissions compared to conventional technology. As we mentioned in our Strategy Review earlier in the year, Catalyst Technologies aim to expand our offering through new strategic partnerships, integrating them with adjacent technologies. This is an exciting first step and we look forward to working with Honeywell on expanding our offering to include other sustainable technologies in the fuel and chemical spaces.”

“Industries need to quicken their pace to reduce their emissions in order to meet their carbon reduction targets,” said Barry Glickman, vice president, and general manager, of Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions. “This is accelerating the demand for clean hydrogen, which is expected to grow up to sevenfold by 2050. Collaborations like the one between Honeywell and Johnson Matthey across the clean hydrogen value chain are essential to accelerating the energy transition and helping to meet global emissions goals.”

15 million tons per year of CO₂ is being captured and used in storage/utilization applications through Honeywell’s CO₂ solutions process expertise. Honeywell currently has the capacity to capture 40 million tons per year through its installed projects worldwide.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Honeywell is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. This commitment builds on the company’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. About 60% of Honeywell’s new product introduction research and development investment is directed toward products that improve environmental and social outcomes for customers.

For more information on Honeywell’s carbon capture solutions, visit https://pmt.honeywell.com/us/en/solutions/sustainability/carbon-capture.

For more information about Honeywell’s sustainability initiatives, visit our website.

About Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, catalyzing the net zero transition. With over 200 years of sustained commitment to innovation and technological breakthroughs, we improve the performance, function, and safety of our customers’ products. Our science has a global impact in areas such as low-emission transport, energy, chemical processing, and making the most efficient use of the planet’s natural resources. About 13,000 Johnson Matthey professionals collaborate with our network of customers and partners to make a real difference to the world around us.

For more information visit www.matthey.com

Production is anticipated to begin in 2025 and is projected to be the first commercialized waste plastics recycling facility to use Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology in Korea. The planned advanced recycling plant is expected to have the capacity to transform 30,000 metric tons of mixed waste plastics into Honeywell RPF per year. 

“Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology not only allows us to reduce waste by expanding the types of plastics that can be recycled but also displaces the need for fossil fuels in the creation of virgin plastics,” said Woo-Hyun Shim, vice president, of GE Technology. “Enabling a circular economy for plastics in Korea is now possible through our licensure with Honeywell and their UpCycle Process Technology.” 

Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology is a ready-now technology that utilizes molecular conversion, pyrolysis, and contaminants management technology to convert waste plastic to Honeywell RPF, which is then used to create new plastics. The UpCycle Process Technology expands the types of plastics that can be recycled to include waste plastic that would otherwise go unrecycled, including colored, flexible, multilayered packaging, and polystyrene. When used in conjunction with other chemical and mechanical recycling processes – along with improvements to collection and sorting – Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology has the potential to help recycle nearly 90 percent of waste plastics. This would represent a considerable increase in the number of waste plastics that can be turned into polymer feedstock^1,2. 

“GE Technology is the first company in Korea to license Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology, which will build upon GE Technology’s existing capability in waste collection and mechanical recycling,” said Barry Glickman, vice president, and general manager, of Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions. “Honeywell’s technology can play a key role in driving a circular plastics economy to tackle the global challenge of plastic waste.”

The announcement expands the UpCycle Process Technology footprint, building on Honeywell’s recent announcements in the U.S., Spain, Turkey, China, and Egypt. 

Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology was created within Honeywell’s Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) business, which is part of Honeywell UOP. This latest breakthrough technology builds upon Honeywell’s focus to deliver high-impact, environmentally sustainable solutions for customers and society.

To learn more about Honeywell’s STS business, click here. 

Honeywell committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. This commitment builds on the company’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. Approximately 60 percent of Honeywell’s new product introduction research and development investment is directed toward products that improve environmental and social outcomes for customers.

About GE Technology

GE Technology (www.ge-technology.co.kr) is a leading waste management company in South Korea with a vision of Plastic Circularity, carbon reduction, and a Hydrogen Economy. With broad experience operating Material Recovery Facilities for years, GE Technology has been establishing strong value chains and offering full-service waste management and recycling optimization solutions.

For more news and information on GE Technology, please visit www.ge-technology.co.kr.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. 

For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. 

Assuming sorting and collection improve to recover most waste plastic, chemical recycling, including Honeywell UOP UpCycle Process, is widely deployed. The 90 percent of waste plastics that could be recycled may change depending on the number of consumers or communities that have access to recycle waste plastics or the availability of recycling facilities. 

Honeywell UOP analysis of US EPA Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures 2018 and IHSMarkit 2019 world polymer consumption data.

The new solution is based on technology developed by Aramco collaboratively with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). Aramco, through its subsidiary Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC) has licensed the technology to AspenTech as part of its broader capabilities to optimize carbon emissions reduction. It will aim to address the identification of the most promising carbon capture and utilization paths by simultaneously considering economics, process design, operations constraints, and CO₂ reduction. The goal of this innovation is to enable businesses to make evidence-based decisions in support of adopting carbon management strategies that optimize and accelerate sustainable operations.

Dr. Aqil Jamal, Carbon Management Chief Technologist at Aramco’s Research & Development Center, said, “The advanced and reliable optimization algorithm developed by Aramco provides a visualized superstructure interface for users to intuitively develop case options and cost curves.”

Dr. Bashir Dabbousi, Director of Technology Strategy and Planning at Aramco added, “Aramco and AspenTech will combine their strengths to bring together integrated modeling and optimization to help make informed decisions on carbon strategies and ultimately to help meet sustainability targets.”

Dr. Vikas Dhole, General Manager, Sustainability at Aspen Technology said, “Our agreement with Aramco demonstrates the importance of technology innovators working together to address the biggest challenges in ensuring a sustainable future. The AspenTech solution, based on this partnership between AspenTech and Aramco, will aim to help companies rapidly evaluate potential opportunities and new innovative solutions that mitigate carbon footprints while ensuring profitability.”

The objectives of the solution will be to allow companies to:

• Optimize CCU configurations to determine the optimum balance between emissions and profitability objectives
• Evaluate the impact of uncertainty on energy costs, carbon fees, and raw material and product costs
• Develop short, intermediate, and long-range production and strategic plans that include consideration for optimum CCU options to simultaneously address profitability and sustainability objectives

About Aramco

Aramco is a global integrated energy and chemicals company. We are driven by the core belief that energy is opportunity. From producing approximately one in every eight barrels of the world’s oil supply to developing new energy technologies, our global team is dedicated to creating impact in all that we do. We focus on making our resources more dependable, sustainable, and useful. This helps promote stability and long-term growth around the world.

Find out more at www.aramco.com

About Saudi Aramco Technologies Company

Saudi Aramco Technologies Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, a leading global integrated energy and chemicals company driven by the core belief that energy is an opportunity. Saudi Aramco Technologies serves as the research arm of Saudi Aramco, specializing in developing and providing downstream technology solutions in the refining and petrochemical area.

About Aspen Technology

Aspen Technology is a global software leader helping industries at the forefront of the world’s dual challenge meet the increasing demand for resources from a rapidly growing population in a profitable and sustainable manner. AspenTech solutions address complex environments where it is critical to optimize the asset design, operation, and maintenance lifecycle. Through our unique combination of deep domain expertise and innovation, customers in capital-intensive industries can run their assets safer, greener, longer, and faster to improve their operational excellence.

To learn more, visit AspenTech.com.

The joint effort combines ExxonMobil’s and MHI’s years of expertise in the industry and strengthens the companies’ ability to provide customers with solutions that will help advance the energy transition. By working together, the companies will provide industrial customers with the confidence that their CCS projects will be designed, built, and executed effectively.

The companies have agreed to leverage their combined operating and engineering experience and core science capabilities with the support from The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) to advance carbon capture technologies that could reduce the cost of CO₂ capture for heavy-emitting industrial customers. The joint effort will build upon KM CDR Process® and Advanced KM CDR Process®, developed by MHI and KEPCO, the only liquid amine carbon capture technology commercially demonstrated at greater than 1 million metric tons per year.

“We’re excited to offer our large industrial customers the only complete carbon capture, transportation, and storage solution in the market,” said Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. “Adding Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ leading carbon capture technology to ExxonMobil’s transportation and storage capabilities enables this compelling offering.”

ExxonMobil has more than 30 years of experience capturing and transporting CO₂ and safely injecting it into geological formations. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the world’s largest licensor of post-combustion CO₂ capture technology and has been developing it for more than three decades. The company’s record includes 14 commercial CO₂ capture plants already delivered worldwide.

“Carbon capture and storage technology and innovation are critical to our path to net zero,” said Kenji Terasawa, president and CEO, of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, Ltd. “As an expert in advanced engineering, MHI is committed to leading the way in achieving decarbonization goals through strategic collaboration and investments in new technologies. We look forward to partnering with ExxonMobil to continue advancing carbon capture technologies to provide essential carbon neutrality solutions for various industries.”

ExxonMobil and MHI have worked together to build world-scale petrochemical plants over the past two decades in Baytown, Corpus Christi, and Singapore. This CCS partnership continues the companies’ commitment to developing solutions for the energy transition on their paths to net zero.

MHI Group declared “MISSION NET ZERO” last year and is committed to building an innovative solutions ecosystem to realize a carbon-neutral future and achieve its net zero ambitions within its own operations by 2040. This includes strengthening its decarbonization technology offerings, such as developing a CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) value chain and advancing hydrogen solutions.

ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions is working to bring lower-emission technologies to market, making them accessible to hard-to-decarbonize industries, including its recent agreement with a leading global manufacturer of nitrogen and hydrogen products in Louisiana. It is focusing its carbon capture and storage efforts on point-source emissions, the process of capturing CO₂ from industrial activity that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Once captured, the CO₂ is injected into deep, underground geologic formations for safe, secure, and permanent storage.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs.

The corporation’s primary businesses – Upstream, Product Solutions, and Low Carbon Solutions – provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower-emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world.

To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com and the Energy Factor. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About MHI Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace, and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon-neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world.

For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.

The Tuas Power facility is located in the southwest region of Singapore. Since 2001, Mitsubishi Power had supplied four gas turbines to Tuas Power, each with a rated output of 360 megawatts (MW).

The upgrade will introduce the latest gas turbine technologies, achieving a heat rate improvement by reducing the volume of cooling air, which allows for reduced carbon emissions of approximately 16.9 kilo-tonnes annually combined for the two CCPs.

Commenting on the conclusion of this contract, Mr. Cheng Tin Swan, Vice President (Generation)/Plant Manager) of Tuas Power said: “As one of Singapore’s leading power generation companies, we are dedicated to the country’s decarbonization efforts, and this gas turbine upgrade marks another step in our journey of innovation and sustainability. This upgrade will enable us to generate power while reducing emissions, yet without compromising the energy supply at our power plant. Tuas Power is happy to have a company like Mitsubishi Power that has the superior technical expertise to help us achieve high levels of energy efficiency improvements.”

Osamu Ono, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific commented: “Mitsubishi Power has not only supplied Tuas Power with power generation equipment but also provides support under a long-term service agreement (LTSA) to ensure a high operating rate of its facilities, for stable and efficient power generation. We have developed a long-standing relationship with Tuas Power, and it is an honor to receive this contract, which plays an important role in Singapore’s clean power generation while enhancing the asset value of Tuas Power’s facilities.”

Mitsubishi Power will continue to focus on similar projects covering renovation and performance improvements of existing facilities, along with its services business. Building on this contract from Tuas Power, Mitsubishi Power will remain committed to helping customers achieve stable and efficient power generation, and will continue to contribute to furthering decarbonization and the production of sustainable energy.

power.mhi.com/

“Joining Avatar and the other leading innovation firms at the Energy Transition Centre is a natural evolution of our organization as large-scale CCS continues to gain momentum as a critical pillar for all heavy emitters: cement, steel, iron, mining, and fertilizer, power, petrochemical, hydrogen and oil, and gas. The goal is to use carbon capture and storage to meet their ambitious plans in addressing climate change,” says the Knowledge Centre’s President and CEO James Millar.

“We are excited to bring the knowledge and lessons we have acquired from major projects around the world, including our staff’s first-hand expertise bringing the world’s first industrial-scale CCS facility to life in Saskatchewan, to assist in getting the next generation of projects underway as soon as possible,” adds Millar.

The Knowledge Centre will sponsor a new CCS technology stream in the Avatar Ignite program beginning in February 2023. The program allows employees from supporting Canadian energy corporations to spend a portion of their regular work time developing innovative business plans that are judged by a ‘shark tank’ panel of experts who select promising projects for further commercial development.

“The International Energy Agency estimates that half the technology required to reach net zero emissions by 2050 does not exist yet, and more than $4 trillion needs to be invested annually in new energy technologies to get us there,” says Kevin Krausert, co-founder and CEO of Avatar Innovations. “Carbon capture and storage will be responsible for 25 percent of the emission reductions required for global decarbonization. Our ground-breaking co-development model is designed to accelerate the technical, economic, and policy solutions that are needed right now.”

Canada has been a leader in the first generation of CCS. It is home to five of the world’s 30 commercial CCS facilities and accounts for approximately 15 percent of current global CCS capacity even though our country generates less than two percent of global CO₂ emissions.

Canada’s latest climate plan calls for more than tripling the country’s CCS capacity over the next decade. It is expected to play a central role in eliminating emissions not only from the oil and gas sector, which accounted for 180 million tonnes of GHGs in 2020, but also the 115 million tonnes that come from power generation, cement manufacturing, and other heavy industries. With more than 100 new projects in development worldwide, some estimate the CCS industry will grow to be a $55 billion/year industry by 2030.

The Knowledge Centre was created by BHP and SaskPower to share the pioneering experience of SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Unit 3 CCS facility, which began operation in 2014 and has safely captured and stored nearly five million tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere – the equivalent of taking one million cars off the road for a year. Knowledge Centre experts have also completed a feasibility study for the world’s first CCS facility on a cement plant in Edmonton and are supporting early-stage engineering work on 11 CCS projects across Alberta industries through Emission Reduction Alberta’s Carbon Capture Kickstart funding program.

Beyond Alberta, the Knowledge Centre is advising clients on CCS projects across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and is collaborating with companies, governments, and academia to advance support for CCS as a critical tool for countries to achieve the commitments under the Paris Agreement.

About the International CCS Knowledge Centre

The International CCS Knowledge Centre is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by BHP and SaskPower to advance large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as a critical means of managing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the world’s ambitious climate goals.

The Knowledge Centre provides independent, expert advisory services throughout the lifecycle of CCS projects based on real-world experience from major CCS projects across the globe, including our team’s involvement in the development and ongoing optimization of the world’s first fully integrated post-combustion CCS facility. We have a proven track record of helping our clients lower costs, reduce risk and improve the performance of CCS projects across industries and technology platforms. We also provide input to policy development and promote broad collaboration between stakeholders to enhance understanding of the critical role CCS plays in global decarbonization efforts.

Learn more at ccsknowledge.com

About Avatar Innovations:

Avatar Innovations Inc. is an energy-focused, corporate innovation partner providing the oil and gas industry, and academia, a safe “third” space to ideate, collaborate, fail fast, test, and scale business solutions and technologies in a unique co-development model. The Avatar model brings together three important components into an integrated program. Avatar Ignite is a cohort-based educational program for emerging leaders working in the energy industry to ideate new business solutions – pulling out new technologies and processes from across the sector. Avatar Accelerator is delivered in partnership with the University of Calgary, York University, and industry to turn early-stage solutions generated in the Avatar program into viable businesses. Avatar Ventures provides early-stage capital to the most promising companies generated from the accelerator into scalable businesses and investment opportunities.

Learn more at avatarinnovations.energy

The system collects real-time data on electricity use during production, allowing factories to make adjustments to maximize efficiency. It supports the real-time monitoring, calculation, and processing of electricity use, setting a benchmark for calculating carbon emissions. It is presented on a data platform to measure these emissions and check for abnormities.

This has led to a significant decrease in electricity use in non-production sectors in a fully-automated factory of FEELM. In the first 5 months of 2022, this decrease was 720,000 kWh or 188.4 tons of carbon emissions. Efficiency in the production sector has also improved, with the average output per kWh rising from 177RMB in 2020 to 245RMB in 2022.

FEELM has also joined the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The CDP is a repository for environmental reporting by organizations and corporations worldwide. As the first technology brand in the Chinese e-cigarette industry to do so, FEELM is moving to unify R&D, manufacture, and supply to achieve this goal.

The e-cigarette manufacturing industry continues to waste energy, due to factors such as inconsistent data collection methods, changes in production parameters, lagging data acquisition, and inconsistent equipment specifications/monitoring systems. For the e-cigarette industry, improving low resource utilization efficiency is the key to realizing its potential.

To this end, FEELM launched the first automated production line in the industry in 2019. The following year, it initiated the move towards a fully automated production line. Their energy monitoring management system allows them to form visual graphics after being uploaded to the cloud and the factory has optimized lighting, ventilation, heating, and water pump operations. Based on this, managers can optimize the process to avoid waste.

As a result, carbon emissions on the production line are significantly reduced, decreasing the product’s carbon footprint before launch. These changes have led to a saving of approximately 1,249,500 kWh of electricity in the first half of this year, a reduction of carbon emissions by 326.9 tons.

The person responsible for FEELM’s automation sector, David Lv, said: “Maximizing the output of each kWh is a long-term strategy. Data collection is merely the first step, we will upgrade energy classification and utilization strategy in the future, making the factory more efficient and more energy-conserving.”

FEELM has also introduced a professional carbon neutrality supervision team. The organization of its internal resources and carbon consumption optimization is still ongoing.

About FEELM:

As a flagship tech brand belonging to SMOORE, FEELM is the world’s leading closed vape system solution provider. Based on the world’s leading Ceramic Coil Heating Technology, FEELM combines authentic Flavor Reproduction Technology with innovative electronics technology, bringing ultimate sensation and a premium vaping experience.

About SMOORE:

SMOORE is a global leader in offering vaping technology solutions, including manufacturing vaping devices, and vaping components for HNB products on an ODM basis, with advanced R&D technology, strong manufacturing capacity, a wide-spectrum product portfolio, and a diverse customer base.

According to Frost & Sullivan, SMOORE is the world’s largest vaping device manufacturer in terms of revenue, accounting for 22.8% of the total global market share in 2021. Its global market share is bigger than the sum of those listed from No.2 to No.5.

The Solution:

Commercial windows and curtain walls are often overlooked for two reasons. Adequate technology has not been available, and high-performance window options were expensive compared with less insulating options. Wisconsin-based FreMarq Innovations has solved both problems with its ground-breaking ZeroNet technology. Both new constructions and existing retrofits can achieve previously impossible thermal performance for the same or less investment than with standard commercial windows

Todd Frederick, Owner, and President of FreMarq Innovations can speak on the following:

• How much improvement in thermal performance does a FreMarq Innovations solution provide when compared to a standard commercial window installation?
• How does this technology work?
• Why were affordable and effective window solutions thought to be impossible?

About FreMarq Innovations

FreMarq Innovations, based in Merrill, Wisconsin, is an innovative architectural framing company founded in 2016 to develop energy-efficient curtain walls and windows with performance that was previously deemed “impossible.” Not only did it engineer and patent its technology, but the company also made it available to all architects and building owners at an affordable price — in less than six years. FreMarq Innovations exists to bring about a change in the design and construction of high-performance buildings with zero negative consequences—reducing carbon emissions through the use of FreMarq’s Zero•Net™fenestration solutions.

Find out how this technology, combined with architectural engineering and ingenuity, can create buildings that can last, perform, and serve: visit https://fremarqinnovations.com/

For this reason, The Fuels Institute commissioned this new report, which presents a high-level summary of research and development projects focused on improving ICE efficiency and emissions and reducing the carbon intensity of liquid fuels. Understanding the objectives and potential benefits of such initiatives is important to better evaluate the potential emission contributions of the transportation sector.

Although some have reported that work on ICE technology has ceased and that no additional improvements can be had, this study found thousands of current citations pertaining to research that could yield significant improvements in the performance and environmental footprint of these vehicles.

This summary is just a snapshot of what might be possible – there remain significant projects that could greatly benefit the path to decarbonizing transportation. Decisionmakers should seek viable solutions and support further progress in technology and fuel formulations in their effort to achieve a lower carbon future.

www.fuelsinstitute.org

Developed by the American Forest Foundation (AFF) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to be used for the organizations’ Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), the methodology was approved by Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard, the world’s most widely used voluntary greenhouse gas program, after a rigorous, multi-year evaluation process.

“Empowering family forest owners to adopt climate-smart forestry plays a critical role in fighting climate change,” said Rita Hite, president, and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “The approval of the Family Forest Carbon Program’s pioneering methodology unlocks the potential for landowners to meet the need for more transparent, credible, and trustworthy carbon programs.”

This is the first forestry methodology verified by Verra to use an innovative concept called a dynamic baseline rather than a projected baseline. The methodology compares the carbon-sequestered lands enrolled in a carbon program to a control group, or synthetic composite, of highly similar forests that are not enrolled in the program. By measuring the difference between the forests over time, the methodology isolates the program as the key intervention that can be credited with creating the carbon benefit. This provides more discernable proof of additionality. A project has additionality only if the carbon sequestration and storage would not have occurred absent the project.

“The concept of dynamic baselines has been around for a while, but it took years of hard work and scientific consultation on the part of AFF, TNC, and TerraCarbon to turn those concepts into a rigorous methodology that works in the forestry sector,” said Spencer Plumb, Manager, Forest Carbon Innovation at Verra. “This is the kind of innovation that ensures the continued evolution of carbon markets, and it could lead to a dramatic expansion of IFM practices in countries with national forest inventories.” 

The Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) is uniquely designed to help owners of forests as small as 30 acres participate in carbon projects. Traditionally, forest carbon projects have been created on properties of 5,000 acres or more, meaning owners of small forest properties have been kept out of 99% of forest carbon projects. This is due to the high upfront costs and complexity of launching these projects. Yet 61% of the climate mitigation potential in U.S. forests lies within these smaller, family-owned pieces of land. The FFCP, thanks in part to its new methodology, removes market entry barriers for owners of small forest properties, allowing them to address climate change while earning income from their land.

“Confronting the climate emergency requires an all-in strategy,” said Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “Families and individuals own 39% of America’s forests and must be part of the climate solution. This new methodology not only makes it easier for these forest owners to join the fight against climate change, but it also ensures transparent, measurable, and meaningful carbon reductions.”

In 2021, international leaders called for greater transparency and accuracy in carbon accounting to ensure the integrity of voluntary carbon markets. AFF and TNC’s new methodology will be available for use by other carbon projects in any of the 112 countries with a national forest inventory system.

The Family Forest Carbon Program is currently enrolling landowners in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia with plans to expand to additional regions next year. The program will hold its first measurement and verification cycle using the new methodology in early 2023, leading to the first transfer of verified carbon credits to buyers thereafter.

About the American Forest Foundation

The American Forest Foundation is a national conservation organization that works with a broad coalition of partners to empower family forest owners to make a meaningful conservation impact around carbon sequestration, wildfire reduction, wildlife habitat, clean water, sustainable wood supplies, and support for rural communities.

To learn more about the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon Program, go to forestfoundation.org/carbon.

 About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.

To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The ESG report is a comprehensive overview of the metrics and policies that are material to Blancco Technology Group and demonstrates the company’s initiatives in promoting a positive social and environmental impact. In the report, Blancco outlines its ESG accreditations and how it is shaping its approach to sustainability, aligning its objectives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through the secure erasure of data-bearing assets and innovations it has made to its products and services over the past year, Blancco supports its customers in achieving their own ESG objectives by enabling them to minimize their carbon emissions, keeping functional hardware in the circular economy, and reducing the need for physical destruction. These sustainable innovations notably won Blancco two industry awards in the past year – Blancco was named “Sustainability Innovator of the Year” in the MSP Innovation Awards (May 2022) and “Most Sustainable Service” in the SEAL Business Awards (December 2021).

Blancco is also committed to reducing its own carbon footprint and has formally achieved carbon-neutral status for 2021, in line with PAS 2060, the globally accepted standard for carbon neutrality. It has offset its entire 2021 carbon footprint (3,621.30 tCO2e) through investment in two renewable wind energy projects in India.

Finally, the report also highlights the work Blancco is doing to promote inclusivity, diversity, well-being, connectedness, and its role in improving engagement with employees and the local community. This year, Blancco notably launched its new Global Diversity and Inclusion Policy and introduced a Management Development Programme.

Blancco has continued its commitment to promoting the circular economy and improving social and digital inclusion in FY 2022 through its work with The Turing Trust, a UK charity that provides IT resources and training to schools in sub-Saharan Africa. Blancco is supporting the initiative with free licenses of its drive eraser software, which enables the charity to securely refurbish donated IT equipment (desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets) that is given to schools across Africa to improve children’s access to computer technology and digital skills training.

The 2022 ESG report was developed in alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s (SASB) Software & IT Services standard, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) which Blancco became a member of this year.

The Belchatow power station today plays a vital role in the central European energy grid and is the sixth largest coal-fired power plant on Earth. BNEF finds that deploying 11 gigawatts of wind and solar in the region to replace 80% of Belchatow’s “brown” coal generation is possible from a land-use perspective. Alternatively, some 6GW of wind and solar paired with a gas, biomass, or waste-to-energy plant could achieve similar output. Its analysis examines the feasibility of deploying lower-carbon technologies and offers a possible transition roadmap. The report was released today by Bloomberg Philanthropies and BNEF in partnership with Forum Energii at an event in the Polish region of Łódź where the Belchatow plant stands.

Local lignite resources in Belchatow are likely to run out latest by 2036, forcing the plant to shut. War and an energy crisis have boosted the current demand for coal but the longer-term outlook for coal and lignite power plants in Europe remains bleak. Lignite generation drops by 75% over 2021-2030 in Poland even under sustained high gas prices, according to the BNEF study. Belchatow supplies a fifth of Poland’s power and sits at the heart of the Polish power system and energy security. The successful transition of the Belchatow coal power plant could serve as an example for coal regions around the world.

Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, said: “As the effects of climate change worsen, Europe’s energy crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine only underscore countries’ urgent need to choose clean energy and cut their reliance on fossil fuels. This new report shows a promising path to replacing Europe’s biggest coal-fired power plant with alternative and resilient clean energy sources – and it can serve as an example for coal regions in Europe and globally that are looking to reap the health and economic benefits of clean energy.”

Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, Ph.D., CEO of Forum Energii, said: “The construction of new, low-emission sources in the Bełchatów region must be started as soon as possible in order to maintain the security of energy supply at a high level and reduce electricity prices. Lignite resources in Belchatow are limited in time and will run out soon. This report proposes options for replacing generation with the clean capacity to ensure Poland’s supply security.”

Maciej Kozakiewicz, Plenipotentiary of the Board of the Łódź Province for the transformation of the Belchatow region, said: “This is an optimistic report in the context of Belchatow’s energy future. It proves that with the involvement of all stakeholders, the region’s prosperity can still be built on energy generation. And with the right scale of investment, there is a chance to maintain the symbolic status of “the capital of energy production in Poland.” The realization of such a scenario requires full mobilization around constructive scenarios, but it clearly shows how the energy of both activities and generation should be directed.”

Felicia Aminoff, an energy transition analyst at BNEF and lead author of the report, said: “There are significant opportunities for renewable investment in the Łódź region. Belchatow could co-locate wind and solar repurposing the existing grid infrastructure. BloombergNEF analyzed historic weather patterns and found that solar and wind in the region often generate at different times, complementing each other.”

BNEF also finds that very little new generation capacity is currently planned for the Łódź region. The 600MW solar and 100MW wind projects announced by Belchatow-owner PGE would replace only 4% of the plant’s 2021 lignite generation. The current lack of transition plans for replacing lignite puts Poland’s energy security at risk and could see valuable grid infrastructure around Belchatow become stranded.

Figure 1: Three potential scenarios for replacing lignite generation at Belchatow with alternative fuels/technologies

BNEF’s analysis presents several alternatives for replacing the decline in lignite generation at Belchatow alongside wind and solar, including thermal plants such as gas, biomass, or waste-to-energy. However, fuel availability and price would limit the feasible size of thermal plants. While Poland is expanding its import capacity for liquefied natural gas to make up for lost imports from Russia, securing investments for a new gas pipeline to Belchatow could be challenging in the current market environment. Nuclear is unlikely to replace lost lignite generation on time as new capacity often takes more than 10 years to plan and build.

Concrete plans to prepare for Belchatow’s retirement and accelerate the deployment of new low-carbon capacity could open the door for the plant to benefit from Just Transition funding from the EU. Poland has the potential to receive around 3.5 billion euros to support five of its region’s transition away from coal by 2030. These funds could help the Łódź region with targeted reskilling efforts and new economic development opportunities, and reduce the impact of lost jobs once lignite mining and generation drop. New clean energy projects could boost the local economy and enable the region to continue playing a key role in Polish power production and in the country’s economy.

About Bloomberg on Climate

Led by Michael R. Bloomberg, a global climate champion and Special Envoy to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Ambition and Solutions, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P. are tackling the climate crisis from every angle. Bloomberg Philanthropies is at the forefront of U.S. and global efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, bringing together mayors and other government and business leaders, grassroots partners, and environmental advocates across a key array of issues. These philanthropic efforts are accelerating the transition from coal to clean energy, improving air quality and public health, advancing city and local climate action, protecting and preserving ocean ecosystems, and helping unlock billions of dollars in sustainable finance. At the same time, Bloomberg L.P. is providing the global financial community with data-driven insights, news, and analysis to help integrate an ESG lens across the investment process. As a company, Bloomberg L.P. is also leading by example, including committing to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and taking action in the communities where its employees live and work. And through Bloomberg’s stewardship of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Bloomberg is using the power of the capital markets to address climate change and support the transition to a net-zero economy.

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings, and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance, and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Forum Energii

Forum Energii is a European, interdisciplinary think tank from Poland. The organization consists of experts in the field of energy, with experience in business, public administration, and science. Its mission is to initiate dialogue, propose knowledge-based solutions, and inspire action for a just and effective energy transition leading to climate neutrality. Forum Energii achieves this through analysis, opinions, and dialogue on the decarbonization of key areas of the economy. For more information, please visit forum-energii.eu/en or follow it on Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“With the world’s carbon budget running out, reducing emissions is a societal imperative,” said Gavin Rennick, president of Schlumberger’s New Energy business. “Carbon capture technologies are a key enabler in realizing a low carbon future—and we are excited about this exclusive agreement to work with RTI on industrializing and scaling this innovative carbon absorption technology, and bringing it to market.”

The NAS technology offers a compelling alternative to conventional aqueous solvent technologies for carbon capture, as it consumes less energy while retaining high CO₂ capacity, resulting in a material reduction in operating costs. The NAS technology is also less corrosive—eliminating the need for high-grade corrosion-resistant alloys and the associated increase in capital costs. This enhances the overall economics of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects.

“RTI has developed the innovative NAS technology over the past 12 years, progressing from lab scale to large engineering scale,” said Dr. Marty Lail, senior director of RTI’s Decarbonization Sciences program. “NAS technology uses as much as 40% less energy during the CO₂ capture process. High capture efficiency at lower energy cost is critical for widespread commercial use of carbon capture solvents.”

As part of an engineering-scale carbon capture demonstration funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, NAS technology was able to remove >99% of the CO₂ from natural gas combustion exhaust streams—the highest capture efficiency reported for any carbon capture solvent technology for this application.

RTI and Schlumberger will collaborate to develop models that enable fast design and process customization to achieve a step-change in CO₂ capture operations while leveraging Schlumberger’s global footprint to expand market opportunities for the technology.

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB) is a technology company that partners with customers to access energy. Our people, representing over 160 nationalities, are providing leading digital solutions and deploying innovative technologies to enable performance and sustainability for the global energy industry. With expertise in more than 120 countries, Schlumberger collaborates to create technology that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. In the world of new energy, Schlumberger leverages its intellectual and business capital to focus on low-carbon and carbon-neutral technologies, including ventures in the domains of hydrogen, lithium, energy storage, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration, geothermal power, and geo-energy.

For more information, visit www.newenergy.slb.com

About RTI International

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach — one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development. We believe in the promise of science, and we are inspired every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses around the world.

For more information, visit www.rti.org.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a key technology needed to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as petrochemicals and cement and to provide 24/7 clean power through gas plants fitted with capture equipment. Still, despite a significant acceleration in the sector in the past two years, the world’s capacity for carbon capture is not being deployed fast enough to meet climate goals at the end of the decade, according to BNEF research.

Today, most capture capacity is used to collect carbon dioxide (CO2) from natural gas processing plants and is used for enhanced oil recovery. By 2030, most capture capacity will be used for the power sector, for the manufacture of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia, or to abate emissions from industrial sources (Figure 1). 

The amount of CO2 being captured today is 43 million tons or 0.1% of global emissions. If all the likely projects that have been announced come online, there would be 279 million tons of CO2 captured every year by 2030, accounting for 0.6% of today’s emissions.

The destination for captured CO2 is also due to change significantly from the status quo. In 2021, some 73% of captured CO2 went to enhanced oil recovery operations. By 2030, storing CO2 deep underground will overtake oil recovery as the primary destination for CO2, with 66% of it going to dedicated storage sites (Figure 2). This change is being driven by legislation that incentivizes storage over CO2 utilization, and by projects that aim to use carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a decarbonization route and must store the CO2 to meet their goals. 

“CCS is starting to overcome its bad reputation,” said David Lluis Madrid, CCUS analyst at BNEF and lead author of the report. “It is now being deployed as a decarbonization tool, which means the CO2 needs to be stored. A lack of CO2 transport and storage sites near industrial or power generation point sources could be a major bottleneck to CCS development. But we are already seeing a big increase in these projects to serve that need.”

Despite rapid growth in capture project announcements, the industry is still far from making a dent in global emissions. In order to be on track for net zero and less than 2 degrees Celsius of warming by 2050, between one and two billion tons of CO2 would need to be captured in 2030, an order of magnitude higher than current plans. Legislators have recognized this mismatch and are ramping up their support for the industry.

The Inflation Reduction Act passed in the US increased tax credits for CCUS by 70%, making a viable business case for the technology in petrochemicals, steel, cement, and in some regions, power. Incentives like these mean that countries, such as the US, will remain global leaders for CCUS. The US tax credits are now very generous, and the law is set to supercharge project announcements in the ethanol and petrochemicals sectors, as well as in direct air capture (DAC), to provide high-quality carbon offsets for the voluntary market.

“These 279 million tons of capacity in 2030 is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Julia Attwood, head of sustainable materials at BNEF. “We haven’t seen the full impact of these credits yet, making this outlook a fairly conservative view of the future of carbon capture and storage. We expect to see another jump in announcements in 2022, especially in the US as developers there rush to make sure they meet the 2032 deadline for credits.”

Even before this legislation, direct air capture was booming. Venture capitalists have poured more than $1 billion into the technology this year – more than the total amount invested in DAC up to this point. Companies are already becoming more ambitious in their projects. Soon after the US passed its Inflation Reduction Act, a project to build five million tons of carbon removal capacity in Wyoming was announced.

“In many industries, CCS is a sunset option to get high emissions assets to the end of their life,” said Madrid. “But removals are present in every long-term net-zero model. They are here to stay.”

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings, and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance, and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.

About Bloomberg

Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration.

“The world is facing a huge challenge when it comes to energy security and transitioning to cleaner energy and we believe the Alberta Carbon Grid will play a critical role in helping achieve emissions reductions goals in Canada,” said Lindsay Mackay, Vice-President, of Non-Regulated Commercial and Business Development Canadian Gas Pipelines, TC Energy. “We’re excited to achieve this milestone with the GoA and continue our path to becoming industry leaders in the energy transition and providing solutions to our customers.”

ACG has secured the rights to evaluate over 900,000 hectares of premiere land north of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta that could potentially support a variety of customers throughout Alberta especially those in the Industrial Heartland region. The project’s AOI is considered an ideal CO2 storage location because of its proven deep porous geological formations and ability to handle decades of storage capacity. Based on ACG’s preliminary analysis, there’s confidence in the geological characteristics within the AOI as an excellent long-term and permanent CO2 storage option. The evaluation agreement will allow ACG to further examine the subsurface properties and qualities to prove this.

As an open-access system, ACG is intended to allow customers of all sizes and industries, including oil and gas producers, refineries, petrochemical plants, and agricultural manufacturers, to access the system. ACG looks forward to connecting and working with potential customers across Alberta to meet their carbon sequestration needs.

ACG will be developed in phases – the first phase is the Alberta Industrial Heartland project, which will have the potential capability of transporting and storing up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually when fully developed. Beyond that, ACG will look to grow and expand through multiple storage hubs to up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 annually throughout Alberta, which would be equivalent to removing 7.5 million cars off the road each year.

“We believe that the Alberta Carbon Grid is a transformational project for Alberta and will help Canada reach its ambitious target of net zero by 2050,” said Fabrizio Chiacchia, Vice President, New Ventures, Pembina. “We have an amazing opportunity to lead the way and are excited to work together with industry, government, and stakeholders to reduce emissions and develop new technologies along the way.”

ACG is still in the planning stages for the full evaluation work on the project and will continue to provide updates when more details are available. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the government, industry, customers, Indigenous communities, and key stakeholders to advance this important work.

About the Alberta Carbon Grid

The Alberta Carbon Grid (ACG) is a world-leading carbon transportation and sequestration solution being designed to serve multiple customers, industries, and sectors. A collaboration between Pembina and TC Energy, ACG is focused on providing CO2 transportation and sequestration solutions across Alberta by leveraging both companies’ collective skills, experience, and extensive network of pipeline infrastructure and right-of-ways.

ACG is exploring options to potentially create several ACG hubs, throughout the province, that would be designed to independently, safely, and cost-effectively collect and store CO2 from customers across multiple industries. The long-term vision is to annually transport and store up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 through several hubs across Alberta.

The Alberta Carbon Grid is part of Pembina’s and TC Energy’s commitment to energy diversification, industry collaboration, and a lower carbon future that benefits the environment and the Alberta economy.

For more information, visit AlbertaCarbonGrid.ca.

About TC Energy

We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re taking action to make that energy more sustainable and more secure. We’re innovating and modernizing to reduce emissions from our business. And, we’re delivering new energy solutions – from natural gas and renewables to carbon capture and hydrogen – to help other businesses and industries decarbonize too. Along the way, we invest in communities and partner with our neighbors, customers, and governments to build the energy system of the future.

TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP.

To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

About Pembina

Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America’s energy industry for more than 65 years. Pembina owns an integrated network of hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and a growing export terminal business. Through our integrated value chain, we seek to provide safe and reliable infrastructure solutions which connect producers and consumers of energy across the world, support a more sustainable future and benefit our customers, investors, employees, and communities.

For more information, please visit Pembina.com.

Each partner will contribute its best-in-class technologies and its know-how to explore and develop the project, including:

• an innovative new air-oxyfuel switchable kiln, to facilitate the capture and purification of CO₂ in the flue gases, as part of Holcim’s upgrade of the current cement plant; and
• the transportation and use of the captured CO₂ by TotalEnergies for an innovative e-fuel producing scheme and/or deposit in geological storage in the North Sea.

TotalEnergies will assess the development of renewable projects to power a new electrolyzer, which would generate the green hydrogen needed to produce e-fuels. This new renewable energy production capacity would also power Holcim’s new oxyfuel kiln, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the cement plant. Finally, the oxygen emitted by the electrolyzer would be used to fuel the new kiln.

“The unique, integrated, and sustainable solution that we are looking to provide to Holcim for the full decarbonization of its cement plant emissions – with its range of technologies and new decarbonized molecules – is a first, marking a milestone in the decarbonization of heavy industry and its hard-to-abate emissions. We are pleased to partner with Holcim to work on the development of sustainable and carbon-neutral industries in Europe, in partnership with our clients and in line with their decarbonization strategy,” said Christophe Sassolas, Senior Vice President, OneB2B Solutions at TotalEnergies. “TotalEnergies is looking forward to deploying other integrated solutions like this one elsewhere, as we move toward reducing our scope 3 emissions, in line with our Climate Ambition to get to Net Zero emissions by 2050, together with society.”

“Cement industry decarbonization is extremely challenging because of the process’s inevitable CO₂ emissions, which put us firmly in the hard-to-abate sector. CCUS is vital for Obourg to become the first net carbon-neutral clinker plant in northwest Europe. We are very happy to work with TotalEnergies to accelerate the development of these CCUS solutions for GO4ZERO. By joining the first movers, we want to set the standards for future clinker manufacturing plants,” said Bart Daneels, CEO, of Holcim Belgium.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable, and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

totalenergies.com

About Holcim Belgium

Holcim Belgium is a member of the Group Holcim, which builds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure, and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success. The company is driving circular construction as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is the company behind some of the world’s most trusted brands in the building sector including ACC, Aggregate Industries, Ambuja Cement, Disensa, Geocycle, Holcim, Lafarge, and Malarkey Roofing Products. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates, and Solutions & Products. Learn more about Holcim at www.holcim.com, and by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter

BNEF estimates the Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for a retrofitted coal power plant in Japan using a 50% clean ammonia co-firing ratio would be at least $136 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in 2030. By 2050, the LCOE of a retrofitted coal power plant running 100% on clean ammonia is expected to be at least $168/MWh. These values are more expensive than the LCOE of renewable alternatives such as offshore wind, onshore wind, or solar with co-located batteries.

Figure 1: Comparison of Levelized cost of electricity in Japan in 2030

Ammonia co-firing technology would require a significant rise in Japan’s carbon tax to make the technology economically viable. BNEF’s analysis shows that at least $300 per ton of CO2 would be needed to make clean ammonia co-firing at a 20% blend rate economically viable in 2030. By 2050, the carbon price needed to make 100% ammonia-fueled retrofitted coal plants economically viable could be reduced to around $159/ton of CO2. These values are far higher than Japan’s current “tax for climate change mitigation” set at below $3/ton of CO2.

“Retrofitting coal plants to burn ammonia is too expensive, especially with a high co-firing ratio. Japan would be better served to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy to decarbonize its power sector,” said Isshu Kikuma, Japan analyst at BNEF and lead author of the report. “Coal power generation is currently used to provide baseload power, but this should not be the case for ammonia co-firing technology given its poor economics.”

Reduction in CO2 emissions is the main advantage of ammonia co-firing at coal power plants. But burning ammonia can lead to emissions of other greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide. Since ammonia molecules include nitrogen, ammonia combustion generates nitrous oxide, whose global warming potential (GWP) is 273 times larger than that of CO2 for a 100-year timescale. BNEF’s analysis also found that a coal power plant retrofitted to co-fire ammonia at 50% or lower blend rates still emits more CO2 than a natural gas-fueled combined cycle gas turbine power plant.

Scaling coal retrofits with ammonia would also risk Japan’s energy security due to the high domestic cost of clean ammonia production, and the high volume of ammonia that retrofitted coal plants would require. The Japanese government’s proposed 2050 ammonia demand target is thirty times the current domestic ammonia market.

Kikuma said: “Japan is better off in prioritizing the limited supply of high-cost clean ammonia for decarbonization of applications such as fertilizer production where no other decarbonization options exist.”

About Bloomberg on Climate

Led by Michael R. Bloomberg, a global climate champion and Special Envoy to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Ambition and Solutions, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P. are tackling the climate crisis from every angle. Bloomberg Philanthropies is at the forefront of U.S. and global efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, bringing together mayors and other government and business leaders, grassroots partners, and environmental advocates across a key array of issues. These philanthropic efforts are accelerating the transition from coal to clean energy, improving air quality and public health, advancing city and local climate action, protecting and preserving ocean ecosystems, and helping unlock billions of dollars in sustainable finance. At the same time, Bloomberg L.P. is providing the global financial community with data-driven insights, news, and analysis to help integrate an ESG lens across the investment process. As a company, Bloomberg L.P. is also leading by example, including committing to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and taking action in the communities where its employees live and work. And through Bloomberg’s stewardship of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Bloomberg is using the power of the capital markets to address climate change and support the transition to a net-zero economy.

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings, and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance, and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.

About Bloomberg

Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.

ESFM recently assembled a team of in-house experts to lead a self-performed solution that solves their clients’ critical energy management needs — from comprehensive building optimization audits through strategic capital improvement initiatives, prioritized by a benefit to clients and the planet.

“We know that facility managers are facing several challenges, which may include aging buildings, increasing utility costs, and a workplace that has drastically changed during the pandemic,” said ESFM Vice President, Technical Services and Energy Solutions John Ramsden. “Our team is outfitted with experienced operators and certified professionals to save our clients money while supporting their carbon reduction commitments.”

The Technical Services and Energy Solutions team builds upon ESFM’s holistic sustainability approach and includes strategic asset optimization, critical environment compliance, reliability engineering/consulting, and technical services standardization and training.

“Building this team enables us to offer self-performed energy and technical services at a higher level while saving our clients’ money previously spent on third-party specialists,” ESFM President David Hogland said. “We are proactively establishing a solution as a trusted partner to our clients, driving strategic, sustainable practices that lead to more efficient, reliable buildings. Our business model is rooted in hospitality which means our services are curated for each client location to support their unique needs.”

ESFM’s innovative sustainability solutions have demonstrated successful outcomes, identifying millions of dollars in potential annual cost savings for individual clients at locations across the United States. At a medical technologies location in New Jersey, for example, ESFM deployed nine projects to significantly reduce energy and operations costs. One approach involved optimizing the compressed air system and analyzing energy data using an ultrasonic detector to locate and repair leaks, increasing usable air capacity by 25% while reducing overall energy usage by more than 2.5 million kWh per year.

With the Technical Services & Energy Solutions team established, ESFM is poised to deliver more value that’s also better for the environment. Working with clients, ESFM can utilize data from the energy and sustainability audits to identify efficiencies and optimization strategies, creating positive outcomes that will benefit capital improvement planning and execution. While many IFM providers offer energy services in some capacity, ESFM distinguishes itself in self-performing most of its solutions, which creates cost savings in and of itself versus having to outsource to third-party specialists.

“Creating sustainable solutions is not new for ESFM. What makes this a significant part of our company’s future is the opportunity to partner closely with our clients to create positive change for the workplace and planet, impacting generations to come,” Ramsden said.

About ESFM

ESFM is the corporate Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) division of Compass Group USA. Compass Group North America’s $2.7 billion FM portfolio operates in three verticals (corporate, education, and healthcare). 60,000 FM associates maintain over 1.7 billion square feet each day at more than 3,000 client locations. ESFM’s clients include many household names across Life Science, Technology, Oil & Gas, and Manufacturing markets. The company provides a portfolio of solutions ranging from hospital-grade cleaning, workplace services, HVAC, and energy optimization. In 2020, ESFM (formerly Eurest Services) won the George Graves Award for Facility Management Achievement from the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). To learn more, please visit us here and follow us on LinkedIn.

Mantel’s molten salts selectively absorb CO2 and regenerate a pure stream of CO2 that can be either stored or utilized. By uniquely combining liquid phase materials with high operating temperatures this approach can reduce energy losses by more than 60%, and cut costs in half. “There is a thermodynamic benefit to carrying out a separation process at high temperatures and addressing the thermodynamics is the only way to significantly decrease the cost of carbon capture,” said Cameron Halliday, co-founder, and CEO of Mantel. “By using liquid phase chemistry we can overcome the challenges holding back existing high-temperature approaches, enabling carbon capture’s critical role in the energy transition.”

Mantel is building a platform of solutions to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as industrial heat, cement, steel, and hydrogen. It is also applicable for hard-to-abate geographies where energy derived from coal, and natural gas is likely to remain prevalent for decades. Additionally, the technology can be utilized for carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere through pairing with biogenic sources of emissions, such as bioenergy, waste-to-energy, and pulp & paper. Because organic material draws carbon from the atmosphere as it grows and the captured emissions are permanently stored underground in geological formations.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), to reach net zero over 10 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide will need to be captured per year by 2070, which implies a global market measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars. “Carbon capture is required to meet the world’s climate goals and lower cost solutions are absolutely essential for countries and companies to meet net zero emissions targets,” said Michael Kearney, Partner at The Engine, and newly-appointed board member of Mantel. “In order to drive decarbonization across strategic energy-intensive industries, low-cost carbon capture is a critical need, and Mantel’s system has the potential to significantly decrease the cost of carbon capture. Net zero emissions can be a cost-efficient, achievable reality.”

Founded in 2022 by Cameron Halliday, CEO, Danielle Colson, COO, and Sean Robertson, CTO, Mantel was spun out of MIT and research completed with Professors T. Alan Hatton and Takuya Harada. After the lab-scale flow loop demonstration is achieved, the company plans to use the fresh capital to build a commercial-scale demonstration plant.

About Mantel

Mantel is developing the first molten-salt-based carbon capture technology. Our materials are designed to operate at the high temperatures found inside boilers, kilns, and furnaces – enabling highly efficient carbon capture that has not been possible until now. Carbon capture can be applied across the industry to reduce emissions – and even achieve net-negative emissions. By solving for efficiency Mantel can reduce energy losses by more than 60% and cut costs in half, unlocking carbon capture’s role in reaching global net zero. To learn more, go to: https://www.mantelcapture.com/

About The Engine

The Engine spun out of MIT, invests in early-stage companies solving the world’s biggest problems through a convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. We accelerate the path to market for Tough Tech companies through the combination of capital, infrastructure, and network. The Engine is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, visit www.engine.xyz.

A joint venture between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies, Northern Lights is the first industrial carbon capture and storage project to develop an open and flexible infrastructure to safely store CO2 from industries across Europe. The first phase of the project is due to be completed in mid-2024. It will have the capacity to permanently store up to 1.5 million tons of CO₂ per year, with the ambition to expand to over five million tons per year in a second development phase.

ABB’s automation, electrical and digital solutions will be integrated into the Northern Lights project to enable the remote operation of a new carbon capture terminal and ensure that the facility runs at optimum efficiency.

Leveraging its market-leading distributed control system ABB Ability™ System 800xA, operators will gain greater visibility into the operation of the Northern Lights terminal, with the ABB system analyzing real-time and historical data and instantly showing plant metrics and KPIs. As a result, operators can make more accurate and informed decisions and review options for optimizing the performance of assets and processes.

“ABB is both a market leader in distributed control systems and a long-standing partner with a thorough understanding of our business and expertise in both on- and offshore as well as subsea projects,” said Kristin Glenna, project manager for Northern Lights at Aker Solutions. “This was key to our decision-making process. We needed to entrust our remote operations to a partner with a successful track record in reliability and optimization to provide strong foundations for this important development.” “The ability to capture and store industrial CO₂ emissions, which cannot currently be prevented, is critical if the world is to reach net zero by 2050 with a global capacity of 1.7 billion tons of CO₂ capture re-quired by 2030[1],” said Per Erik Holsten, Head of ABB Energy Industries in Northern Europe. “Northern Lights is an important development not only for its contribution to rebalancing the carbon cycle but also for its commitment to innovation. We are very pleased to be part of this exciting project that will contribute to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future.”

Purpose-built ships will transport captured and liquefied CO₂ from emitters to the Northern Lights Øygarden Terminal in western Norway, which will be remotely operated from Equinor’s facilities at the Sture Terminal located approximately 7 km away. To enable remote operations, ABB will build a state-of-the-art Extended Operator Workstation at the Northern Lights Terminal which will work in tandem with the central control room in Sture, with the two communicating seamlessly to minimize response times and support 24/7 remote operations.

ABB technology will also power the entire project, apart from the shore-to-ship solution, implementing the main electrical system via its power process management system and incorporating high and low-voltage switchboards and transformers.

ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation, and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

Burlington, Ontario-based Universal Matter Inc. (UMI) has been identified for up to $5.8 million in support of its Conversion of Carbon Waste Streams to High-Value Graphene via the Flash Joule Heating Process project. In the project, UMI will implement its flash joule heating process to produce graphene by upcycling the solid carbon by-product stream generated from Suncor Energy’s hydrogen production process.

Earlier this year, through CRIN’s Low Emission Fuels and Products technology competition, three projects were identified with a total CRIN investment of up to $24 million. Today’s announcement of this fourth project brings the total investment of the Low Emission Fuels and Products technology competition up to $30.6 million.

Projects identified for funding: CRIN Low Emission Fuels and Products technology competition

View project profiles at www.AcceleratingCleanEnergy.com

Projects in the Low Emission Fuels and Products technology competition focus on breakthrough technology solutions aligned with one or more of the following technology focus areas:

• Innovative Products from Hydrocarbons: Technologies included in this focus area produce carbon-based non-combustion products, such as activated carbon, carbon fiber, and asphalt binders from petroleum and natural gas. Other examples of technologies included were new recovery techniques for elements like lithium, vanadium, titanium, or nickel recovered from co-produced hydrocarbons.
• Carbon Capture and Utilization: Technologies included in this focus area reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing, utilizing, and/or converting carbon dioxide.
• Hydrogen and Geothermal: Technologies included in this focus area develop clean energy opportunities from hydrocarbon-derived hydrogen and recovery of geothermal energy to optimize the utility of the oil and gas industry.
• Low-Carbon Intensity Alternatives and New Fuels: Technologies included in this focus area develop products and processes that reduce fuels’ carbon intensity. Examples include innovative fuels and the production of fuels from biogenic feedstocks potentially including waste products, partial bitumen upgrading, or other novel processes.

Funding is made possible by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund.

About CRIN

The Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) is a pan-Canadian network focused on ensuring Canada’s hydrocarbon resources are sustainably developed and integrated into the global energy systems. CRIN, as a ‘network of networks,’ connects a vast array of skills, knowledge, and experience from oil and gas and other industries to technology developers, researchers, government, investors, academia, entrepreneurs, youth, and many other sectors. By identifying industry challenges, we create a market pull to accelerate commercialization and widespread clean technology adoption with environmental, economic, and public benefits for Canada. CRIN is supported in part by a $100 million investment from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

About SIF

Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

SIF supports national innovation ecosystems and pan-Canadian network-led projects that involve a high degree of collaboration to stimulate innovation and commercialization in areas of Canadian advantage and enhance linkages between businesses and academia/research bodies. CRIN uses the SIF investment to administer initiatives in seven technology focus areas for activities related to ecosystem growth, enhancement, and long-term sustainability. These technology focus areas have the highest potential for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and environmental footprint of the oil and gas sector, helping advance net-zero emissions targets. At least half of this funding will go to small and medium-sized businesses, and all will contribute to helping the oil and gas industry continue to create public and economic benefits for Canada alongside environmental benefits.

The Parish-specific legislation, which goes into effect on August 1, 2022, extends the eminent domain acquisition of the pore rights for underground CO₂ storage with a prohibition of third-party drilling through the storage reservoir. This drilling ban substantially reduces the risk of stored CO₂ leakage. This legislation was passed unanimously by both houses of Louisiana’s State Legislature and signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards as Act 163 on May 26, 2022. It received support from both the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association.

The drilling ban in the law aligns the Caldwell Parish project with the carbon sequestration requirements of the California Air Resources Board’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and facilitates qualification for credits for fuel delivered to that state. These credits, together with the credits under the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard and the Federal sequestration tax credits are significant contributors to the project’s revenues.

“This legislation is a major win for Strategic Biofuels and is another way that we worked together with the State and our governor to achieve numerous milestones that help ensure the LGF project succeeds,” said Dr. Paul Schubert, CEO of Strategic Biofuels. “Our working relationship with the State is a solid example of industry commitment and public policy paving the way for the unprecedented innovation of the LGF project.”

The project will produce clean renewable diesel fuel using waste wood from managed, sustainable forestry as well as all its own green power. Because both the carbon converted into fuel and the carbon permanently sequestered were first directly captured from the atmosphere by trees, the project will produce the lowest carbon footprint liquid fuel in the world.

Strategic Biofuels and the State have worked to achieve numerous milestones that will ensure that the Louisiana Green Fuels project succeeds. In February, the Governor allocated $250M of private activity bonds to the LGF project in addition to the $200M allocated the previous year. In January, the Port of Columbia was awarded a $15M grant for infrastructure improvements to help support Strategic Biofuels. This working relationship reflects the State’s focus on reaching net carbon zero by 2050 and is a solid example of industry commitment and public policy paving the way for the unprecedented innovation of the Louisiana Green Fuels project.

“I’m proud to have signed this bill into law,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “It advances our State’s climate initiative while bringing new opportunities for the traditional oil and gas industry and its workers. The Caldwell Parish project will bring significant economic benefits to the entire Northeastern Louisiana region.”

The law was originally introduced as HB267 to the State House by District 20 Representative, Neil Riser, and in the State Senate by Sen. Glen Womack and was signed into law as Act 163.

For more information about Strategic Biofuels or the Louisiana Green Fuels project, visit www.strategicbiofuels.com.

About Strategic Biofuels

Strategic Biofuels LLC is a team of energy, petrochemical, and renewable technology experts focused on developing a series of deeply negative carbon footprint plants in northern Louisiana that convert waste materials from managed forests into renewable diesel fuel and renewable naphtha. The fuel qualifies for substantial Carbon Credits under the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard Program and under the California Low Carbon Fuels Standard.

About Louisiana Green Fuels

Louisiana Green Fuels is the first of a series of projects by Strategic Biofuels LLC in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. Located at the Port of Columbia, the plant will produce renewable diesel fuel from Renewable Fuel Standard compliant forestry waste and will produce all its own green power from sawmill and forestry waste materials. The plant and its accompanying Class VI Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Wells will produce renewable diesel fuel with a carbon footprint that is nearly a 400% reduction compared to fossil diesel, making it the most deeply carbon-negative liquid fuel in the world.

“At Lafarge, we value partnerships that connect all of the contributors to NetZero construction, in this case, we are collaborating with the Owner, the Architect, and the Construction Manager in a new way to achieve our shared sustainability goals,” commented Rob Cumming, Head of Sustainability, Lafarge Canada (East).

“Lafarge is excited to participate in a project like this one – it fits perfectly into our green growth roadmap. The integration of our mix design expertise through our ECOPact concrete product line coupled with smart structural engineering design will allow for much lower embodied carbon than would be possible otherwise. This models the sort of partnerships we need to foster innovation in building design and advance our sustainability targets,” commented Abdurahman Lotfy, Innovation & Development Manager, Aggregates & Construction Materials, Lafarge Canada.

“We will be working on several different approaches to making concrete lower carbon,” said Dr. Hoult. “The first is shape optimization, in other words only putting material only where we need material, which saves on not only material use but also structure weight. If the structure is lighter, then you need even less material. The second is what is known as functionally graded concrete. We put concrete with higher strength where we need the strength, then we use lower strength concrete (which also means lower cement concrete) everywhere else. We will be working on software packages that allow for these new techniques to be used in the design, optimizing structures for performance and low environmental impact.”

The bulk of the research will be done in the Queen’s Civil Engineering labs. Moving from the Lab to practical applications, the project will be taken into the real world in Kingston. “Aecon and Lafarge will help us build it, and it’s all going to happen at the Kingston Fire and Rescue Training Centre,” Hoult said. “It’s going to be both actively used by Kingston’s Fire Services as a classroom and as a living lab so that Queen’s and St. Lawrence College students can come and learn about low-carbon buildings. We’re aiming for a net-zero building philosophy.”

About Lafarge Canada Inc.

Lafarge is Canada’s largest provider of sustainable construction materials and a member of the global group, Holcim. With 6,000 employees and 350 sites across Canada, our mission is to provide construction solutions and products that build progress for people and the planet. The cities where Canadians live, work and raise their families along with communities’ infrastructure benefit from the sustainable portfolio provided by Lafarge, consisting of Aggregates, Asphalt and Paving, Cement, Precast Concrete, Ready-Mix Concrete, and Road Construction.

About Queen’s University

Queen’s University has a long history of scholarship, discovery, and innovation that has shaped our collective knowledge and helped address some of the world’s most pressing concerns. Home to more than 25,000 students, the university offers a comprehensive research-intensive environment with prominent strengths in engineering, physics, cancer research, data analytics, surveillance studies, art conservation, and mental health research. Welcoming and supporting students from all countries and backgrounds to a vibrant, safe, and supportive community is an important part of the Queen’s experience. Diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience enrich our campus and our community. A core part of our mission is to engage our students, staff, and faculty in international learning and research, both at home and abroad.

On July 13, 2022, ERA and the Government of Alberta announced the approved projects for the Carbon Capture Kickstart: Design and Engineering funding opportunity. This funding advances CCUS-related technologies in step with emerging Provincial and Federal policies. Many of these projects represent the first stage of significantly larger overall project plans. All funded projects plan to be up and running by 2030.

Funding recipients represent industrial sectors including power generation, cement, fertilizer, forest products, and oil and gas. Large emitter sites across Alberta, from Medicine Hat to the Industrial Heartland, Hinton to Exshaw, and in the Alberta Oil Sands, will participate. This investment is sourced from the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund.

“We are serious about advancing and commercializing CCUS technologies in this province. There’s a reason Alberta has been the host of several world-first commercial projects. Carbon Capture Kickstart is another important investment that will help enhance the competitiveness of our energy sector and strengthen Alberta’s position as a world leader in developing CCUS technologies.”
Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy

“Alberta’s investments in homegrown technologies are good for the environment and the economy. This commitment is proof that Alberta and our key industries are ready to build on our long-standing global leadership on emissions reduction.”
Whitney Issik, Minister of Environment and Parks

“This significant investment will create a diverse roster of investment-ready projects, support shared learnings about the economic and emissions reduction potential of this critical technology, and position Alberta and Canada to develop and deploy the CCUS technologies the world needs.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta

Carbon Capture Kickstart helps position Alberta companies to take advantage of the Federal Government’s tax credit for capital invested in CCUS projects starting in 2022, the Government of Alberta’s carbon sequestration hub approach and aligns with the $305 million over four years earmarked by the province for future carbon capture projects. 

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is also committing up to $50 million through its CCUS Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Studies funding program to 11 projects, five of which are Alberta-based projects also receiving funding from ERA. ERA and NRCan worked closely to jointly leverage funds for projects based in Alberta. Successful Carbon Capture Kickstart projects include:

Canadian Natural Resources Limited

Oil Sands CCUS Pathways to Net Zero
ERA funding: $5 million
Project Cost: $46.33 million
Fort McMurray, Alberta

Heartland Generation Ltd.

Innovative Integration of Carbon Capture for Clean Power
ERA funding: $5 million
Project Cost: $38.37 million

Lafarge Canada

Exshaw Cement Carbon Capture and Bow Valley Decarbonization
ERA Funding: $5 million
Project Cost: $27 million

Capital Power Corporation

Genesee CCS
ERA funding: $5 million
Project Cost: $12.35 million

Strathcona Resources Ltd

Post-Combustion Flue Gas Carbon Capture at Cold Lake Region SAGD Facilities
ERA funding: $5 million
Project Cost: $10 million

Entropy Inc.

Athabasca Leismer Carbon Capture
ERA funding: $3.3 million
Project Cost: $10.65 million

Agrium Canada Partnership

Nutrien Redwater Carbon Capture Study
ERA Funding: $3.28 million
Project Cost: $12.6 million

ENMAX Energy Corporation

Shepard Energy Centre Carbon Capture Unit FEED Study
ERA funding: $3.06 million
Project Cost: $6.11 million
Calgary, Alberta

City of Medicine Hat

Project Clear Horizon
ERA funding: $2.5 million
Project Cost: $5 million
Medicine Hat, Alberta

Vault 44.01

Hinton Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage Project
ERA funding: $2.49 million
Project Cost: $15.58 million

Suncor Energy Services Inc.

Svante’s CO2 capture process for Suncor’s Fluid Catalytic Cracker
ERA funding: $950,000
Project Cost: $9.9 million

“ERA funding from the Government of Alberta will enable Nutrien to invest in a carbon capture technology study at our Redwater site, as we work to build a net-zero future for ammonia. Nutrien is committed to the decarbonization of nitrogen fertilizer production to help achieve our 2030 Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goals as part of our Feeding the Future Plan.”
Raef Sully, Executive Vice President, and CEO, Nitrogen, and Phosphate at Nutrien

“Support from ERA and the Government of Alberta will be the catalyst to jump-start the assessment of technical and economic feasibility of carbon capture at our Exshaw cement plant and associated transportation and sequestration with the Bow Valley. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are among the most important technologies in our portfolio. We are committed to de-risking and expanding technology knowledge transfer to lay the foundation for decarbonization in our business.”  
Brad Kohl, President, and CEO, Lafarge Western Canada

“Collaboration and support for Pathways Alliance’s ambitious carbon capture and storage project from governments and forward-thinking agencies such as Emissions Reduction Alberta are vital for helping Canada meet its climate goals. These efforts will help ensure our country is the world’s preferred supplier of responsibly produced energy.”
Kendall Dilling, President, Pathways Alliance

“The City of Medicine Hat is excited to be working with the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta to advance Project Clear Horizon. Project Clear Horizon is one element of our dedication to business retention, expansion, and attraction in Medicine Hat, as well as our dedication toward reducing risk through the low-carbon transition for both existing and future industries resulting in a balance between a strong economy and healthy environment.”
Linnsie Clark, Mayor of the City of Medicine Hat

“ENMAX is pleased to receive funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta to support our FEED study at Canada’s benchmark facility, Shepard Energy Centre. The FEED study will help advance the technology and financial analysis for adding a carbon capture unit at Canada’s largest commercial-scale natural gas combined-cycle facility.”
Greg Retzer, Senior Vice President, ENMAX Energy

“ERA and the Government of Alberta play an integral role in supporting industry to advance leading-edge technologies that will help decarbonize our economy while enhancing competitiveness. The Genesee CCS Project is anticipated to capture up to three million tonnes of CO2 per year and would make the repowered Genesee 1 and 2 units a near-zero emitting source of a firm, dispatchable capacity supporting Alberta’s pathway to decarbonization.”
Brian Vaasjo, President and CEO, Capital Power

These 11 projects were selected through ERA’s competitive review process. A team of experts in science, engineering, business development, commercialization, financing, and greenhouse gas quantification conducted an independent, rigorous, transparent review overseen by a Fairness Monitor.

All ERA funding recipients are required to produce a final outcomes report that is shared publicly for the broader benefit of Alberta, as well as other funding proposals. Funding recipients will be required to report on project outcomes, achievements, and lessons learned including GHG reductions, job creation, and other environmental, economic, and social benefits.

ABOUT EMISSIONS REDUCTION ALBERTA (ERA):

For more than 12 years, ERA has been investing revenues from the carbon price paid by large emitters to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions. Since we were established in 2009, we have committed $830 million toward 230 projects worth $6.6 billion that are helping to reduce GHGs, create competitive industries, and lead to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative GHG reductions of 40 million tonnes by 2030.

It also reveals that the “embedded emissions” in the fossil fuel reserves of companies listed on global stock exchanges – the amount of CO2 released if extracted and burned – has grown by nearly 40% in the last decade despite a growing urgency to tackle climate change risks.

It further warns that 90% of all known fossil fuel reserves and resources held by companies must stay in the ground as unburnable carbon to limit global warming to 1.5°C. But if more than 40% of reserves are extracted and burned the world will comfortably pass 2°C, with devastating consequences.

The author of the report, Oil & Gas Analyst at Carbon Tracker, Thom Allen said:

“If governments are really serious about climate change they must ensure that the activities of stock exchanges and the financial centers around them are consistent with national climate goals and net-zero commitments or we will lose any chance of meeting the Paris target. This is especially important now as fossil fuel prices and related company stocks soar.

”Unburnable Carbon: Ten Years On follows Carbon Tracker’s seminal Unburnable Carbon report in 2011, which put finance at the heart of the climate debate. It showed for the first time that there were far more fossil fuel reserves around the world than could be burned while meeting global climate goals, with huge implications for financial markets.

The report shows how stock markets, and the associated industry of banks, insurers, lawyers, and financial services providers, are profiting from activities that are at odds with their countries’ climate commitments and that put investors at risk.

Mounting concern about the impact of climate change has seen investors with more than $130 trillion of assets under management commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The report calls on them to actively use their influence to guide companies towards a strategy that supports global climate goals and reduces their exposure to energy transition risks.” At the start of 2022, only 320 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases (320 GtCO2) can be emitted for 66% of limiting warming to 1.5°C. At current rates of emissions, this will be exhausted in just eight years, by 2030.

But the report reveals that the total embedded emissions of all known fossil fuel reserves are more than 10 times that level at around 3,700 GtCO2. A large share of this is controlled by state-owned or private companies but 1,050 GtCO2 is owned by companies that trade publicly on global stock markets and can be influenced by investors.

The London Stock Exchange for instance holds 47 GtCO2 of embedded emissions – 30 times more than those of the UK’s own fossil fuel reserves (1.5 GtCO2) and ten times more than its 15-year carbon budget from 2023-37 (4.7 GtCO2).

In February 2021 the London Stock Exchange Group became the first exchange to commit to “net zero”, but it only covers the LSE Group itself, not the exchange, which continues to list fossil fuel companies whose activities are at odds with global climate goals and the UK’s climate commitments The report warns that supporting these companies makes the UK’s financial transition to a low carbon economy harder and that even though their fossil fuels may be produced and consumed overseas, it exposes the country’s financial services sector and UK-based investors to risk in the energy transition.

Carbon Tracker’s Allen said: “The UK may claim to be on a path to net-zero, but companies headquartered and listed in the UK are investing in, and currently making huge profits from, extracting and selling fossil fuels around the world. As most of these activities occur outside the UK, the emissions are not included in the UK’s carbon budget.” 

Financial centers in China, the US, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia have the highest embedded emissions overall. In all but the US, they are dominated by the partial listings of state-owned companies, where minority shareholders have limited influence.

However, a lack of influence over state-owned companies does not absolve investors from a share of responsibility for emissions. Even a partial listing provides an important source of capital, improves credit ratings, and lowers the cost of borrowing, allowing for further development of yet more fossil fuel projects. Reserves are often so significant that even the partial listing of a state giant can add significant embedded emissions to the market. New York is the financial center with the greatest embedded emissions from freely tradable shares, with 160 GtCO2 listed between the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ, followed by Moscow, Toronto, London, and Sydney.

Mike Coffin, Head of Oil, Gas, and Mining at Carbon Tracker and co-author, said: “Fossil fuel companies are reliant on equity and debt markets for the financing of capital-intensive projects, both to raise capital to finance new investments, but also to maintain existing production facilities and drill new wells. Financial centers facilitate, and profit from, both the primary equity raising and ongoing financial requirements for these companies, as well as secondary trading activities. As such, financial institutions that continue to enable such activities beyond climate limits, cannot themselves be viewed as Paris-aligned, and are also increasingly exposed to transition risk.

The report warns that fossil fuel demand will peak, as government policies to cut emissions, asset owners’ net-zero commitments and the rapid growth of clean energy technologies drive down demand; concerns about energy security are likely to accelerate this trend in the mid-to-long-term.

Oversupply will see long-term prices fall, increasing the risk that fossil fuel projects fail to deliver expected returns and become stranded assets. The report says that stock markets are failing to respond adequately to the risks of the global transition to a carbon-neutral energy system. This is not only putting investors at risk but also threatens the wider ecosystem of banks, insurers, lawyers, and financial service providers in financial centers.

Over $1 trillion of oil and gas assets risk becoming stranded if fossil fuel companies pursue business as usual – including $600bn held by listed companies.

New York is the financial sector least aligned with Paris and at greatest risk from stranded assets. If listed oil & gas companies pursue business as usual, they would spend $700bn in the decade to 2030 – but just 20% on projects compatible with 1.5°C. On 22 February fossil fuel companies had a total market capitalization of $1.4 trillion accounting for 3% of the value of the NYSE and NASDAQ.

The London Stock Exchange had the second highest market capitalization of listed fossil fuel companies at $500 billion but they made up 15% of the value on the exchange at that date, making it far more exposed. Only around half of the future ‘business as usual’ spending by oil & gas companies listed in London was found to be compatible with 1.5°C.

Sydney is also notable both for having the second-lowest degree of alignment under a 1.5°C scenario, with just 30% of future spending compatible with 1.5°C  and a large share of potential future spending incompatible with even a 2.7°C scenario. Toronto has the fourth-largest embedded emissions by a freely-tradable share measure (behind New York, Moscow, and Shanghai), but companies with fossil fuel reserves make up only 8% of the total market capitalization. Only 40% of future ‘business as usual’ oil & gas spending is compatible with 1.5°C.

About Carbon Tracker

The Carbon Tracker Initiative is a not-for-profit financial think tank that seeks to promote a climate-secure global energy market by aligning capital markets with climate reality. Our research to date on the carbon bubble, unburnable carbon, and stranded assets has begun a new debate on how to align the financial system with the energy transition to a low carbon future. www.carbontracker.org

“We make investments in companies like Svante because our government believes in a green future. We know it’s possible to get to net zero. We know it is possible to get to net-zero while creating jobs. We know it is possible to get to net-zero while also growing our economy… Together we can show the world that Svante, British Columbia, and Canada have what it takes to be leaders in carbon capture,” said Minister Sajjan, referring to last summer’s announcement from Ottawa that the Canadian Government would provide $25 million in funding for Svante’s carbon capture technology.

Brett Henkel, Svante’s Co-founder, and VP of Strategic Accounts & Government Affairs started the company in his garage in 2007. “Here, we’ll employ over 200 British Columbians and many more around the globe. We’ll be able to scale up our commercial manufacturing facilities to deliver filter modules that can capture millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, both from the atmosphere and from industrial flue gas. I’m thrilled at the opportunity we have in front of us today… to make a real, global impact… To take action on climate change.”

Minister Kahlon commented on the importance of companies like Svante in helping the province achieve its economic and environmental goals, “This is a big day for Svante. It’s a big day for Burnaby. But it’s also a big day for British Columbia. Svante’s new Centre of Excellence for Carbon Capture and Removal is an outstanding example of innovation here in British Columbia. It’s also an outstanding example of the vision that we share: for building a clean and inclusive economy that works for all British Columbians.”

The Centre of Excellence for Carbon Capture and Removal will be Canada’s first-of-a-kind commercial-scale carbon capture and removal manufacturing facility, where Svante’s patented filter modules will be produced for the capture of carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere and from industrial flue gas.

To learn more about Svante, visit www.svanteinc.com

About Svante:

Svante is a carbon management solutions provider that offers companies in heavy-emitting industries a commercially viable way to capture and remove carbon emissions. The carbon we capture is then concentrated to >95% purity, which can be safely transported and stored underground or used for further industrial use in a closed-loop.

Jeremy Bowen, CEO at Cirium said: “The level of precision and accuracy of Cirium’s CO₂ emissions calculations far exceeds estimates generally available today.”

American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways each have independently commended Cirium for the superior approach and accuracy of Cirium’s fuel burn estimations through their own extensive analysis.

Holly Boyd-Boland, Vice President, Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic said: “Virgin Atlantic operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets across the Atlantic. Accurate measuring, monitoring, and forecasting of CO2 emissions are critical as we target and monitor progress to Net Zero 2050, allowing us to better understand our environmental impact. Importantly, it also provides a tool to empower our customers to track and choose airlines with the lowest carbon footprint. Cirium is leading the way in this field, building data and forecasting capabilities that are the most accurate we have seen to date, as verified against our own historical fuel burn and emissions data.”

Jill Blickstein, Head of ESG, at American Airlines said: “To reduce our emissions and reach Net Zero by 2050, we’re taking action to run a more fuel-efficient operation with more fuel-efficient aircraft powered increasingly by low-carbon fuel. And we’re holding ourselves accountable by becoming the first airline in the world with a 2035 target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Reducing aviation emissions will require partnership among the airlines, our suppliers, and our customers – and it’s important to build those partnerships on sound emissions data and calculations. Cirium brings deep aviation expertise to the table on this important topic, and the approach they’ve taken considers numerous variables of an aircraft and its operations.”

Cirium has fused numerous data elements including but not limited to, aircraft and engine specifications, airline schedules, and actual flight operations to create a holistic view of the actual emissions footprint. This enables Cirium clients to view the emissions by an operator, aircraft type, or geographical region on a historical, or predictive basis, solving a variety of use cases.

“Our mission is to establish the standard for accurate fuel burn and carbon emissions data to empower the aviation industry to deliver on its sustainability targets. For the industry to achieve their goals of halving CO₂ emissions by 2050 compared with 2005, a clear methodology is needed,” said Bowen. “We are thrilled to have our model corroborated by leading carriers around the globe.”

The emissions data can also be merged with passenger booking information to provide corporations with their carbon footprint. This enables corporations to gain more insight into their emissions and uncover where opportunities exist to reduce their emissions and help travelers understand their own carbon footprint associated with the flights they choose.

Cirium’s unrivaled emissions data is being used by leading corporate travel departments, including organizations such as Zurich Insurance, a global insurance firm. Zurich is using Cirium’s calculations to measure their corporate travel emissions, explore opportunities to reduce emissions, and empower their employees to make better travel decisions.

Kara Brayton, Assistant Vice President, Head of Corporate Travel Management at Zurich said: “It’s been exciting to collaborate with Cirium under a proof-of-concept, utilizing data to help provide Zurich with insight to better inform our employees around the carbon impact of their decisions when booking airfare.”

“With travel being such a large category of emissions, these types of relationships are key to leading sustainable business travel programs of the future. I am thankful for Cirium’s willingness to engage and explore a personalized solution with us.”

Cirium’s CO₂ emissions calculations are being made available through existing products in Cirium’s portfolio and in new products, to meet the evolving market needs.

About Cirium

Cirium brings together powerful data and analytics to keep the world moving. Delivering insight, built from decades of experience in the sector, enabling travel companies, aircraft manufacturers, airports, airlines, and financial institutions, among others, to make logical and informed decisions that shape the future of travel, growing revenues, and enhancing customer experiences. Cirium is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

For further information please follow Cirium updates on LinkedIn or Twitter or visit www.cirium.com

“Microalgae are one of the potential renewable and scalable future raw materials that Neste is developing, with the aim to expand our renewable raw material pool to support the future growth of renewables production. We are also looking for all possible solutions to reduce emissions in order to meet our ambitious goal of carbon-neutral production by 2035. Activities in the ROBA project will contribute to these targets by focusing on a concept for refinery CO2 capture with microalgae and by developing monitoring methods that could be utilized in large-scale algae cultivation,” explains Jason Michael Blake, Vice President of Innovation, Business Platform Aviation Feedstock, at Neste.

One bottleneck in algae cultivations to be addressed is the monitoring of contamination, which currently is a challenge in large-scale processes and can lead to the loss of entire cultures. In ROBA, a series of optical and other online methods will be explored. The measurement technologies to be developed in the project will be applicable also to other biotechnological processes.

“Industrial biotechnology is becoming more and more an important part of sustainable industrial practices. Our aim is to develop intensification methods for large-scale algal cultivation. Innovative measurement and monitoring technologies will help us to move towards efficient and economically feasible production processes,” says Mervi Toivari, Principal Scientist at VTT.

Machine learning promises to take process monitoring even one step further, by combining various information received from the process into a more complete picture. 

“This is a new opening to develop a novel on-site observer and computational methods for the needs of microalgae biotechnology. The Spectral Imaging Laboratory at the University of Jyväskylä focuses on developing a non-invasive monitoring method based on hyperspectral imager technology. Monitoring the growth and product accumulation of microalgae and detecting contamination are the key areas for the development,” says Pauliina Salmi, Postdoctoral Researcher from the University of Jyväskylä.

More about the project

ROBA’s total budget is 1.4 M€ and its main funder is Business Finland. ROBA is one of the ecosystem projects of Neste Veturi. In addition to VTT, the University of Jyväskylä, Business Finland, and Neste, the following companies are also participating in the project: Agri-Biotech, Aircohol, Owatec, Pixact, Soilfood, Specim, and Timegate. The partners are supporting the project with valuable expertise and insight into measurement technologies in bioprocesses, photobioreactor configurations, products from algae biomass, and process equipment.

VTT is a visionary research, development, and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time, and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help society and companies grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience in top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

www.vttresearch.com, Twitter @VTTFinland, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram

Available at https://www.skf.com/co2dashboard, users can access a dashboard where they can explore how CO2 emissions related to the production and use phase of bearings are distributed in different industries. The dashboard provides illustrative examples based on how emissions differ in various positions across industry applications.  

Users then have the option to get a more detailed estimation with SKF’s Bearing Select software tool by adding a few data points. The user will receive the estimated CO2 emissions for single rolling bearing*, illustrating estimated emissions related to the production phase and from frictional power losses and grease consumption when in operation. The user can download a report giving detail on these estimations, which can provide a starting point for improving the application from a sustainability performance perspective. 

The tool also offers the opportunity to engage with SKF’s expert application engineers, who can provide a detailed view of the specific carbon emissions for the bearings and how the customer’s application can be optimized to reduce energy consumption and corresponding emissions in the future.   

Johan Lannering, Head of Sustainability at SKF, said: “Ultimately, improving the sustainability performance of a customer application requires the understanding of the full life cycle based on specific application data. I believe the tool we are launching will make it easier and more tangible for our customers to understand and accelerate this journey.” 

“We are working hard to help our customers reach significant energy and corresponding carbon reductions by making our products lighter, more efficient, longer-lasting, and repairable. We work just as hard to reduce the carbon emissions related to our own operations and supply chain in line with our Net Zero targets.” 

Application areas users can select to calculate usage include Industrial, Metals, Mining, Mineral Processing, Cement, Railways, Fluid Machinery, Material Handling, and Industrial Electrical, with more industries planned for inclusion in the future.

The emissions reduction from the CCS projects will help Colorado reach its climate goal, to reduce statewide emissions by 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 from 2005 levels. The projects will enable Sterling Ethanol, LLC and Yuma Ethanol, LLC to reduce the carbon intensity of ethanol production, and increase their competitiveness in the market.

“Carbon capture and storage is a critical tool to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and we are thrilled to work with Sterling Ethanol, LLC and Yuma Ethanol, LLC to permanently sequester carbon dioxide underground,” said Carbon America CEO Brent Lewis. “Projects like these will help the ethanol industry decarbonize and contribute to global emissions reductions needed to reach net-zero by 2050.”

Carbon America plans to install carbon capture equipment at both ethanol plants that will extract CO₂ from the ethanol production process and transfer the gas via new carbon dioxide pipelines to an underground geologic sequestration site, where the CO₂ will be permanently stored. The sequestration site is rigorously designed to comply with Federal Class VI and California Air Resource Board Low Carbon Fuel Standard permanency requirements, and Carbon America is working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and multiple Colorado regulatory agencies to ensure the project meets all environmental regulations. Carbon America expects the projects to be fully operational in 2024.

“We look forward to working with Carbon America to reduce emissions at our Sterling and Yuma ethanol facilities and produce some of the lowest carbon ethanol available on the market,” said Sterling Ethanol, LLC and Yuma Ethanol, LLC President & General Manager, Dave Kramer. “Carbon capture and storage will allow us to continue supporting our rural communities and their farming and cattle operations and their economic development, while significantly reducing our environmental impact.”

About Carbon America

Carbon America is a vertically integrated super developer of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects with a mission to accelerate deployment for wide-scale climate change mitigation. For more information, visit www.carbonamerica.com/.

About Sterling Ethanol, LLC and Yuma Ethanol, LLC

Sterling Ethanol, LLC and Yuma Ethanol, LLC are owned by local investors that include farmers, ranchers, and business people that primarily reside in Northeast Colorado. We produce low carbon-intensity ethanol for mixing with gasoline from locally grown corn and supply nutritious distiller grains to local animal feed operations. For more information visit www.sterlingethanol.com.

Source and Image: www.carbonamerica.com

The Asahi Kasei Group made efforts to strengthen the business platform for sustainable growth from the viewpoint of Green, Digital, and People in its previous medium-term management plan, Cs+ for Tomorrow 2021. In its new medium-term management plan, announced on April 11, 2022, Green Transformation is positioned as one of the key areas for strengthening the management foundation, and Asahi Kasei is advancing reductions of its own GHG emissions as well as contributions to reducing the world’s GHG emissions for the realization of carbon neutrality. Therefore, from the perspective of GHG emissions reduction, Asahi Kasei has sequentially advanced the calculation of CFP for each product starting with the main products, and information provision to certain customers has begun.

As part of the effort to accelerate Green Transformation, Asahi Kasei has begun procuring butadiene derived from plastic waste and biomass as feedstock for solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR), a material for eco-friendly tires⁴.

The System clarifies the CFP for each synthetic rubber and elastomer product, which allows customers to calculate their own CFP. This furthermore facilitates initiatives to reduce CFP throughout the supply chain as well as in society as a whole. As various regulations related to CFP such as carbon taxes are introduced, CFP data will continue to rise in importance. The System also allows various parameters of the CFP data such as span (yearly or monthly) and scope (average of products or each product individually) to be tailored to meet the diverse needs of customers.

In addition to using the System to visualize CFP, Asahi Kasei will continue to proactively strive toward the carbon neutrality of its synthetic rubber and elastomer products, including the use of sustainable feedstocks and green electricity, and efforts to obtain ISCC certification.

¹ For the CFP calculation by the System, the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database of “IDEAv2.3”, Inventory Database for Environmental Analysis, provided by Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO), and the emissions intensity database provided by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment are used. Data sources are scheduled to be extended.

² CFP is quantitatively calculated by combining the total GHG emissions from the entire life cycle of products and services, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling, and then converting the figure into the equivalent amount of CO₂. Asahi Kasei’s CFP calculation is based on the “Cradle-to-Gate” assessment, which combines upstream emissions of materials and transportation, emissions from in-house manufacturing processes, and energy-related emissions such as electricity used during manufacturing.

³ Please refer to the press release dated May 12, 2022: Asahi Kasei establishes group-wide data management infrastructure
https://www.asahi-kasei.com/news/2022/e220512.html

⁴ Please refer to the press release dated November 24, 2021: Asahi Kasei to produce solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber using butadiene derived from plastic waste
https://www.asahi-kasei.com/news/2021/e211124.html

⁵ ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is an international certification system that offers solutions for the implementation and certification of waste and residue raw materials, non-bio renewables, and recycled carbon materials and fuels. ISCC PLUS is a certification system that covers mainly bio-based carbon materials which are produced outside the EU and supplied globally, and to manage and ensure sustainable raw materials in the supply chain.

About the Asahi Kasei Corporation

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to the life and living of people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 44,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Materials sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

Source and Image: www.asahi-kasei.com

Carbon Upcycling is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, and is focused on converting CO² into advanced additives, primarily for use in concrete. It also produces complementary additives that can be used in plastics manufacturing, coatings, and consumer products.

A 2022 report from Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that the cement and concrete industry is responsible for 8% of total CO² emissions worldwide.

“Carbon Upcycling has developed technology that is able to significantly reduce the negative environmental impact of concrete production by sequestering CO² into cement alternatives.     This has the added benefits of reducing the volume of cement required, while also strengthening the resulting concrete,” said Young Bann, CEO of Purpose ESG. “This is a win-win solution for the industry which can help it to meet the aggressive abatement targets that have been set for it by associations and governments.”

Carbon Upcycling offers a unique, single-step, low-energy solution that lowers carbon emissions from concrete by at least 10%, improves concrete durability by over 60%, and offers better protection for rebar.

“Scaling carbon-to-value (C2V) innovation will play a critical role in the decarbonization of our economy,” said Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling. “We are targeting emissions at the source by capturing CO² emitted directly from the cement production kilns while contributing to the development of more robust, local supply chains.”

Carbon Upcycling has a patented carbon utilization technology and has already begun achieving significant commercial success, having deployed over 1,600 tonnes of its low carbon concrete additives into the market. It has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with two of the world’s largest cement companies, including Lafarge Holcim and CEMEX, and has also been awarded over CA$11M in grants from national and provincial institutions such as National Resources Canada and Emissions Reduction Alberta.

Carbon Upcycling announced on April 21, 2022, that it secured a total of US$6.15m in financing from a national syndicate of Clean Tech investment companies including Purpose ESG.

About Carbon Upcycling Technologies

Carbon Upcycling Technologies (“Carbon Upcycling”) was formed to use the waste of today to build the materials of tomorrow by converting CO² gas into advanced material additives. Since 2014, Carbon Upcycling has scaled its ability to utilize CO² emissions from point sources, such as power plants, by over 10 million times in reactor size. Carbon Upcycling’s carbon-enhanced additives primarily service the concrete industry but have complementary additives that are used in plastics manufacturing, coatings, and consumer products. Carbon Upcycling Technologies can be found on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About Purpose ESG Holdings Inc.

Purpose ESG Holdings Inc. (“Purpose ESG”) is an investment issuer with a portfolio focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes, with a focus on electrification, food tech, hydrogen power, and carbon capture, and technologies supporting the circular economy. Purpose ESG provides its investors with the opportunity to participate in the growth of a portfolio of breakthrough technologies and value chain solutions with market leadership potential. The Company will work closely with its portfolio companies to drive their growth and success, ultimately working to build a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable future. Learn more: https://purposeesg.com/

• Fossil fuels are essential to life as we know it, now and for the foreseeable future
• Industrial processes that produce the goods we need also produce large amounts of carbon
• Hydrogen is gaining popularity for use as a fuel source because it emits no carbon dioxide when burned

Why CCUS?  As Hydrogen gains popularity as an alternative fuel, it can still be a carbon-intensive production process diluting the overall carbon reduction benefits. 

Producing hydrogen from coal or natural gas – known as “brown” and “gray” hydrogen, respectively – is a carbon-intensive process. “Green” hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy, is carbon-free, but currently very expensive. One interim alternative is “blue” hydrogen, made from natural gas, where the byproduct, carbon dioxide, is captured before it enters the atmosphere. 

CCUS reduces emissions from oil and gas and industrial processes. And, it is the key to allowing blue hydrogen to be “blue.” It is the only method to capture and permanently store the carbon emissions produced when natural gas is converted to hydrogen. To permanently store this captured carbon, wells are drilled down into porous rock formations and carbon dioxide is injected into these formations, so it remains trapped by layers of rock deep underground essentially forever. 

CCUS is a practical technology that has been proven in concept and small-scale demonstration projects. Now, the need is for projects to move from the demonstration-scale to the industrial scale. 

Much of the necessary technology and knowledge to permanently store captured CO2 is already available through the oil and gas sector’s knowledge and expertise over the past century. This includes understanding sedimentary rock geology, finding porous rock deep beneath the surface, then accessing that through drilling. The oil industry is also familiar with injecting CO2 into rock formations to extract more hydrocarbons. 

Two areas of knowledge are particularly necessary for enabling CCUS to become the world-changing solution it can be.

1.  Finding and evaluating CCUS opportunities

The first area of expertise needed is geological expertise to search for and evaluate geological formations suitable for CCUS and to define injection and monitoring plans. 

The oil and gas sector is long familiar with this kind of search. It has evolved sophisticated tools, including seismic exploration, to build a picture of the underground environment. Petroleum geoscientists use these technologies to find porous rock formations covered by impenetrable layers of rock, which in some cases, trap hydrocarbons. 

CCUS uses similar technologies to find porous rock bodies situated in such a way that the injected CO2 will remain in place rather than migrating to the surface. It’s oil patch geology, in reverse. 

One good thing about CCUS is that rock formations don’t need to contain hydrocarbons to be used for CO2 storage. Hence, CCUS has the potential to work in sedimentary geology that might not be hydrocarbon sources. This means that if there is a central source of CO2 – an industrial complex, perhaps, or a cement-manufacturing facility – there is a chance that a CCUS-friendly rock formation will be available within a reasonable distance. 

Much of the knowledge and technology needed for CCUS is readily available, from geological research performed by governments to existing oil and gas exploration technologies that can be readily repurposed to find CCUS sites. 

CCUS sites require more than good geology. One requirement is proximity to sources of CO2, possibly in a “hub” layout where pipelines carry CO2 from various producers to a central site for injection underground. Carbon dioxide is best pipelined at a “supercritical” state, at higher temperatures and pressures, where it is dense like a liquid but flows more like a gas. Because of this, it is uneconomic to transport for long distances. Other feasibility factors include the availability of electricity from renewable sources to power the pumps and other equipment to reduce the carbon footprint further.

2. Proving it with measurement, monitoring, and verification

Companies undertaking CCUS projects must ensure that their project can sequester the expected amounts of CO2 at the projected rate and cost. They also need to show stakeholders – including financial sources, shareholders, governments, and the general public – that the project will safely store the carbon dioxide underground in the long term. Without these assurances, project credibility can be lost. Thus, the rise of measurement, monitoring, and verification (MMV) as a discipline. Like site selection, MMV requires a wide range of skill sets. It also requires credibility and work by an independent, trusted third party with the necessary skilled professionals on staff. 

Professional firms such as GHD can bring in a wide range of skill-sets – sedimentary geology, well engineering, pipeline design, facilities design, and others. We can also be a significant help in site selection, MMV, and guiding CCUS projects to successful completion.

CCUS time is now

The future’s bright for CCUS.  There’s an increased sense of urgency, more funding is available, and companies are under increasing pressure to get results around Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) benchmarks. CCUS is a technology whose time is now, and the need has never been greater.

About the Author: 

Michelle Pittenger is a geologist with 30 years of experience in finding and developing hydrocarbon and CO2 sequestration resources. She has worked across the US from the deepwater offshore Gulf of Mexico to the Illinois Basin, as well as in North Africa, the Middle East, and Canada. Michelle spent 29 years at ConocoPhillips in various positions, including Deepwater and Unconventional development, Subsurface Technology, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). She was the geologic lead for both Sweeny IGCC/CCUS (Texas, USA) and Hancock County Deep Carbon Storage (Kentucky, USA) demonstration projects.

“Once we capture the carbon dioxide, we can convert it to other carbon-based products, such as ethanol, which is the main chemical behind many disinfectants,” says Asadi. “It has a billion-dollar market. It’s one of those key chemicals used in many, many processes and applications.”

The process is centered on an innovative catalyst that Asadi developed. He has also received $546,868 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to dig deeper into the science behind how the catalyst works, with the aim of optimizing its effectiveness and exploring whether utilizing the same technique may improve other common electrocatalytic processes.

Existing processes capture and convert carbon dioxide in separate steps. Asadi’s catalyst revolutionizes this idea by facilitating both the capture and conversion in one step, drastically reducing the complexity of the process.

“We can basically eliminate all the costs usually associated with the capturing process, which includes transporting and storing the carbon dioxide before it gets converted, which is a really costly process. We expect it to reduce the cost of the process from the current price of $60 to $100 per ton to $40 per ton or less,” says Asadi. 

While traditional catalysts for this process use costly metals such as gold, Asadi’s catalyst utilizes low-cost transition metals, modified with an organic compound that enhances the reaction. 

“We use a very sophisticated multi-material catalyst with both metal and non-metal elements and with an organic material called a ligand. It makes the structure of the surface of the catalyst very sophisticated, carbon dioxide absorption very spontaneous, and carbon-carbon coupling fast, low energy, and efficient,” says Asadi.

Having shown it performs exceptionally well in the lab, with high reaction rates and efficiency, Asadi is ready to take on scaling up the process.

“There are some engineering challenges involved, and we will use an interdisciplinary research team in order to make the process economically feasible,” says Asadi. “The idea is to make the process tunable with the different types of point sources coming in as the carbon dioxide source, such as sources with different percentages of carbon dioxide or if the carbon dioxide is mixed with impurities as is the case with flue gas.”

In studies so far, Asadi has found that the catalyst is highly selective for carbon dioxide and able to extract it without bringing impurities along. This is useful for creating a high-purity ethanol end product, whereas current versions of this process have to take time, money, and energy to purify ethanol in an additional step.

This process could eventually be used to stabilize the output from solar energy power plants by using it as a large battery, creating ethanol with solar energy when there is excess, and burning the ethanol to create electricity during the night when solar output is reduced. 

Asadi has also innovated lithium-air battery technology with the potential for similar applications as well as improving the performance of electric cars. 

Co-principal investigators, and Illinois Tech faculty members, on the ARPA-E project, include Professor of Chemical Engineering Javad Abbasian, who will work on the carbon capture process, and Henry R. Linden Professor of Engineering Hamid Arastoopour, who will work on computational flow dynamics associated with the process. 

Illinois Tech Duchossois Leadership Professor, Professor of Physics, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Carlo Segre, a co-principal investigator on both the ARPA-E and NSF project, will be working on the reactor design and material characterization of the flue gas. 

Segre will also conduct X-ray spectroscopy at Argonne National Laboratory as part of the effort to further understand the science behind how the catalyst works by monitoring changes in the electronic properties and near-surface structure during the reaction. 

He says, “The in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies we can perform using the Illinois Tech-managed Materials Research Collaborative Team (MRCAT) beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source makes it possible to study the electronic and local structure of transition metal catalysts as they are active in the carbon dioxide reduction reaction. This provides an understanding of the fundamental processes that can help us design even better catalysts.”

In addition to further developing the process of converting carbon dioxide to ethanol, Asadi says he expects that learning more about the fundamental mechanisms that make the catalyst work so well will lead to benefits for other electrochemical processes such as nitrogen fixation and the oxygen reduction, and oxygen evolution reactions, which could be improved by using a similar catalyst.

The southeast Australia carbon capture and storage (SEA CCS) hub would initially use existing infrastructure to store CO₂ in the depleted Bream field off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria. The company is in active discussions with local industries which may be interested in accessing the SEA CCS hub to reduce emissions from their operations.

The project is designed to capture up to 2 million metric tons of CO₂ per year. If technical and business feasibility is confirmed, the SEA CCS hub could be operational by 2025.

“Collaboration with other industries is an important step to unlock future carbon capture and storage opportunities for Australia, with the potential for large-scale reductions in the highest emitting industrial sectors,” said Joe Blommaert, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. “Sound government policies will accelerate the deployment of key technologies required to support society’s ambition for a net-zero future.”

ExxonMobil established its Low Carbon Solutions business to commercialize the company’s extensive lower-emission portfolio with the objective to create long-term shareholder value and support global emission-reduction efforts.

Low Carbon Solutions is focused on commercializing lower-emission business opportunities in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and lower-emission fuels, by leveraging the skills, knowledge, and scale of ExxonMobil. The company has more than 30 years of experience capturing CO₂ and has cumulatively captured more human-made CO₂ than any other company. It has an equity share of about one-fifth of the world’s carbon capture and storage capacity at about 9 million metric tons per year.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs.

The corporation’s primary businesses – Upstream, Product Solutions, and Low Carbon Solutions – provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower-emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world.

Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Source and Image: exxonmobil.com and Energy Factor

Grand prize winner of the Carbon XPRIZE, CarbonCure offers a suite of technologies that reduce and remove carbon dioxide across the concrete manufacturing process. With hundreds of systems operating around the world, CarbonCure injects captured CO₂ into fresh concrete, where it is immediately mineralized and permanently locked away, never to return to the atmosphere. This mineralization reduces the amount of cement needed in each mix, lowering the concrete’s carbon footprint. It is an urgent task as concrete is the most used building material on Earth, and the production of its key ingredient—cement—generates about 7 percent of global CO₂ emissions each year.

Invert, a specialized emissions reduction and offsetting company invest in carbon credit projects that produce high quality, meaningful carbon reduction and removal credits and is focused on making a wide portfolio of carbon reduction and removal projects available to individuals and businesses both big and small.

“This is an investment to catalyze positive change and remove significant amounts of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere,” said Mark Zekulin, Chairman, Invert. “We recognize that long-term removals are critical to achieving the world’s net-zero objectives, and Invert is focused on investing meaningfully to support developers and technologies in this space. Concrete offers massive global capacity and an immediate opportunity for permanent storage of captured carbon dioxide to meet the world’s climate goals. And CarbonCure is uniquely positioned to tap into that capacity with its rapid scale around the world and innovative portfolio of technologies operating now.”

“We applaud Invert’s leadership in the effort to remove carbon from the atmosphere and provide a sustainable, livable climate for future generations. CarbonCure is thrilled to partner with Invert and Ripple in this milestone agreement for our organizations and the carbon removal field,” said CarbonCure Technologies Founder and CEO Rob Niven. “This investment will accelerate CarbonCure’s active scaling and help us achieve our mission to reach 500 million metric tons of annual CO₂ reduction and removal by 2030—equivalent to removing 100 million cars from the road each year.”

Invert as a majority funder, and Ripple, a provider of enterprise crypto and blockchain solutions, as a minority funder, will provide up-front capital in exchange for hundreds of thousands of carbon credits for permanent, immediate, and verifiable carbon storage, to be delivered over a ten-year period.

CarbonCure is the only carbon removal technology company with a methodology approved by Verra, the world’s most widely used voluntary greenhouse gas crediting program. CarbonCure measures and tracks the CO₂ from the point of capture to mineralization, allowing Invert and other carbon credit buyers to trace the precise deployment date and location of the CO₂ they paid to permanently store.

About Invert

Invert operates at the core of the carbon reduction ecosystem, from financing the removal of carbon from our atmosphere via high-quality carbon offset projects to empowering businesses and individuals on their emissions reduction journeys.

Invert invests in carbon credit projects that produce high-quality, meaningful carbon reduction and removal credits that we believe will help save our world. By selling these credits to individuals or businesses, the Company generates revenue that can be reinvested towards further projects that reduce or remove CO2 from the atmosphere. We work directly with businesses to help them understand and reduce the carbon footprint of their operations and reduce the Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions that they generate.

Invert is also creating a place where individuals can go to learn about what they can do themselves to address the pressing issue of climate change. The Company helps individuals understand their own impact on the world and gives them a chance to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We want every individual to be carbon neutral, and we want them to get there in an engaging manner with rich content and community.

Invert is an ambitious group of experts, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers who have come together with a common purpose: to give individuals and businesses the tools, information, and insight they need to make a meaningful impact on climate change.

About CarbonCure Technologies

Architects, structural engineers, owners, and developers are seeking proven ways to reduce the embodied carbon of their building projects. CarbonCure Technologies, a fast-growing carbon dioxide removal tech company, has developed easy-to-adopt solutions that enable concrete producers to use captured carbon to produce reliable, low-carbon concrete mixes and achieve market differentiation. With more than 550 systems sold, over two million truckloads of CarbonCure mixes have supplied a broad spectrum of sustainable construction projects around the world. CarbonCure’s cutting-edge research and innovation have garnered global recognition and prestigious titles, most notably grand prize winner of the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, 2020 North American Cleantech Company of the Year, and Cleantech 100 Hall of Fame Company. CarbonCure’s investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon, BDC Capital, Pangaea, Microsoft, 2150, Carbon Direct, GreenSoil Investments, Taronga Group, and Mitsubishi Corporation.

About Ripple

Ripple is a crypto solutions company that transforms how the world moves, manages, and tokenizes value. Ripple’s financial solutions are faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective – solving inefficiencies that have long defined the status quo. Together with partners and the larger developer community, we identify use cases where crypto will inspire new business models and create opportunities for more people. With every solution, we’re realizing a more sustainable global economy and planet – increasing access to inclusive and scalable financial systems while leveraging carbon-neutral technology and a green digital asset, XRP. This is how we deliver on our mission to build crypto solutions for a world without economic borders.

Source and Image: join.invert.world and www.carboncure.com

About Delta CleanTech Inc.

Delta CleanTech Inc. is a 15-year ESG-driven, recognized global technology leader in CO2 Capture, Decarbonization of Energy, Solvent & Glycol Reclamation, Blue Hydrogen Production, and Carbon Credit Aggregation and Management. Delta continues to provide solutions to clients all over the world in sequestering, capturing and reducing CO2 and through its Carbon Rx wholly-owned subsidiary is originating, validating, tokenizing, and streaming Carbon Credits.

What are carbon credits and how do they work?

Climate change has become an increasingly important issue for many investors around the globe.  Many governments around the world have implemented policies to incentivize heavy emitters to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) output in an effort to slow the climate change trend.

Putting a price on carbon is widely recognized as one of the most efficient means to reduce GHG emissions while also driving innovation. A carbon credit system is a market-based mechanism that incentivizes organizations to reduce overall emissions through the buying and selling of “carbon credits.”

Carbon credits are tradable certificates that allow the holder to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (“CO₂e”) for each carbon credit utilized. For a visual comparison, one carbon credit would equal the carbon dioxide output of approximately 500 fire extinguishers combined. The cost of these emissions is equal to the cost of carbon credits in the market. As environmental regulations continue to tighten, it is expected that the value of carbon credits will increase, further raising the cost of GHG emissions.

Alberta’s Compliance Carbon Market

A carbon credit is created in one of two ways:
1. innovative companies that reduce or remove GHG from the atmosphere can generate carbon credits equal to the amount of CO₂e reduced or removed, or
2. regulated facilities that emit less GHG than they are permitted by government authorities are granted carbon credits. The amount of carbon credits they are granted is equal to the net amount of the emissions shortfall.

These carbon credits can then be sold to and utilized by emitters in the marketplace that exceed their allowable emissions threshold. The purchase of carbon credits will allow the emitter to achieve compliance with environmental regulations and avoid paying a penalty in the form of the TIER² Fund Credit price or a carbon price. Carbon credits trade over the counter and are typically priced at a discount to the prevailing government-mandated carbon price, currently set at $50/tCO₂e³.

Durum Carbon LP Strategy

The Government of Canada has proposed an increase in the carbon price of $15/tCO₂e each year until 2030. From the current level of $50/tCO₂e, this equates to an increase of 240%⁴.
In a market known for its opaqueness and complexity, Durum Carbon LP’s strategy is a novelty in that it is both transparent and simple. Durum Carbon LP will purchase and hold over-the-counter carbon credits, and then sell them at a premium as the carbon price appreciates and when return targets are met. Management will actively monitor international compliance and voluntary markets to assess arbitrage opportunities and/or rebalance the carbon credit portfolio as global carbon markets mature. Through Durum Carbon LP, investors gain unique exposure to the rapidly growing asset class of carbon credits.

The importance of strong governance in an emerging asset class

Climate change and associated carbon markets have garnered the interests of some of the most influential organizations in the world: governments, insurance agencies, pension plans, and even central banks. With that type of attention, there will inevitably be a variety of different carbon-related investment opportunities on the horizon.
Management believes that Durum Carbon LP’s strong governance, robust credit strategy, extensive network, and years of energy trading experience provide a competitive advantage in today’s thinly traded carbon market.

About Durum Carbon LP

Durum Carbon LP is an investment vehicle created to provide investors with unique exposure to the rapidly growing asset class of carbon credits. Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy and tightening environmental regulations have led to the creation of a unique market opportunity for the purchase and sale of carbon credits in Canada. Durum Carbon LP ultimately seeks to participate in this market through the strategic acquisition and management of a carbon credit portfolio. Durum Carbon LP is a listed entity on the Alberta Carbon Registry and currently purchases carbon credits under Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reductions regulatory framework.

About Durum Capital Inc.

Durum Capital Inc. is an asset manager focused on investments that require unique skills to uncover true value. Durum offers expertise in financing, governance, and operational efficiencies, ultimately creating alternatives to bring transparency to opaque situations in private markets.

A massive desertification tsunami that is causing climate change is headed straight for us.

How we deal with desertification will determine the fate of climate and mankind. Solutions are paramount and the ITOCO Cactus Farms are the world’s most important solution in addressing arid lands and climate change. ITOCO Cactus Farms can restore lands and the balance of nature.

Farming the Nopal Cactus is our hope for restoring nature to balance and creating a sustainable living solution for people the world over. Companies are searching for ways to reduce CO2 and combat climate change. Some are investing in carbon credits others are creating innovative solutions. Governments are looking for ways to refurbish lands and restore them to productive 360 circular economies. All of these objectives are met with the ITOCO Nopal Cactus Farms. (ITOCO.net)

REHABILITATING UNPRODUCTIVE ARID LAND INTO AN OASIS

Right now, all of humanity has an unprecedented challenge. That challenge is to restore the balance of nature to its original form eliminating toxic emissions from the atmosphere and diverting climate change from irreversible damage. 

A critical component to solving that challenge is large-scale land refurbishing. Imagine unproductive lands and deserts turn into green oases, thriving with plant and animal life; A world where land rehabilitation provides us with renewed hope for a solution to climate change. Imagine government and corporate citizens working toward a circular economy that promises a win-win for the environment and the people. (ITOCO.net)

That is the future.

THE NATURAL CO2 CARBON CAPTURE NET NEGATIVE SOLUTION

Advanced governments and corporations will be looking to support the reduction of CO2 emissions and want to build holistic economies of scale in a way that serves all of humanity, naturally and safely. 

As we watch the world temperatures rise and witness wild storms, fires, and floods are wreaking havoc around the globe, we all know the time for change is right now. 

The climate catastrophes around the globe are more destructive than we have experienced, and they are beyond anything we can control. 

Mother nature has spoken. We are listening.

ACHIEVE NET-ZERO AND REMOVE CARBON PERMANENTLY

Biologically, we know that trees and other plants offset carbon emissions and can be instrumental in removing carbon dioxide so that we can keep global warming below 1.5 C degrees. 

Afforestation is a solution that will be widely adapted however it has posed problems in that it requires a lot of water and surface area to develop. C02 removal is not guaranteed with all trees and plants, because when they die, they release C02 back into the atmosphere. 

With no clear answer for carbon capture and storage, Scientists and others had to think about a solution in new and creative ways. Incredibly, the answer came from land refurbishing and farming the Nopal Cactus.

Cactus grows in the desert, where there is a lot of available land. They require little water and have a unique way to capture carbon and store it permanently underground. That was a game-changing discovery.

REACHING NET-ZERO

Succulents like the Nopal Cactus are highly efficient at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is perfectly designed, by mother nature, to photosynthesize and decarbonize the atmosphere simultaneously.

The Cactus preserve their water supply by opening at night when the sun is lowest. The underside of a Cactus plant leaf has tiny holes called Stomata. With a microscope, you see these holes open to inhale carbon dioxide and transform it in the photosynthesis process.

In essence, the Nopal Cactus is a highly sophisticated CO2-sucking plant. It captures carbon from the atmosphere every night and uses it for photosynthesis during the day. And if that were not magical enough, when a cactus dies, unlike trees and other plants, it does not emit carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Nopal Cactus stores the carbon underground through its root formation.

The Nopal Cactus solution is natural, permanent, and non-evasive. This Cactus farming solution is the way forward to a carbon net-negative economy. (ITOCO.net)

ITOCO: DEVELOPERS OF THE 360 CACTUS ECONOMY

Understanding the impact of the Nopal Cactus on the environment, visionary company ITOCO set out to create a sustainable carbon sequestration farm in Mexico. 

The ITOCO Cactus Farm is lucrative. It proves that arid lands could produce carbon-reducing crops and provide a circular economy where all stakeholders win. 

ITOCO strategically established fast-growing Nopal Cactus farms and illustrated how rapid arid land rehabilitation was possible. The Nopal Cactus farm removes toxic emissions from the air and supports local communities with jobs, cactus products, fruit, and more. 

ITOCO’s sustainable cactus farming project and ability to rehabilitate large-scale landmasses into productive ecosystems are the way of the future. Imagine the possibilities. Think deserts, barren lands, and high-temperature regions that are currently underutilized. 

For arid and semi-arid lands, there is a massive opportunity here.

ITOCO: WORLD LEADER IN CARBON SEQUESTRATION

With the development and implementation of climate-smart agriculture, the Nopal rehabilitation farm provides renewed hope for arid and semi-arid regions. It supports the populations of those regions that may have otherwise been struggling with regional adaptations. 

The Nopal smart-climate agriculture project is an opportunity for healthy people, healthy communities, and healthy economic benefits, all in one. This project is the epitome of a 360-Cactus economy.

ITOCO is now one of the most innovative companies in Carbon Sequestration in the world. ITOCO, having worked with over 10,000 farmers on tens of thousands of hectares of land, their Nopal Cactus production is now serving customers with organic fertilizer and clean energy production in several Mexican states.

Through a hybridization process and a rigorous genetic selection of more than 15 species of Cactus, and six years working in the field, the ITOCO team increased crop production from 150 tons per hectare to 600-900 tons per hectare per year. This result means exponential carbon sequestration and carbon removal from the air. 

President and visionary of ITOCO, Michael Paul says, “We believe we have one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to rehabilitate arid and desert lands. Our methods do not require huge amounts of desalination (energy), power generation, infrastructure spending, or groundwater pumping. We can produce profitable crops virtually from the outset. We bring a sustainable CO2 Credit exchange opportunity to countries around the globe that have arid climate conditions. This project supports carbon exchange, social security, food security, employment, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, clean energy production, and afforestation. This project is a win-win solution for everyone involved.” (ITOCO.net)

ITOCO AT COP 26 CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE

ITOCO Director Teresa Tattersfield recently spoke about the Cactus Economy at COP 26, the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow, UK. While Europe is aggressively implementing Carbon reduction programs, ITOCO will use a natural source of carbon reduction that will also rehabilitate arid areas of the continent and provide a sustainable circular living solution.

Mexico has endorsed the Paris Agreement adopted at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and is taking action to mitigate its Green House Gas emissions under the Land Use Protocol of the United Nations by 2030.

The ITOCO Program in Mexico has demonstrated Nopal Cactus farming innovations leverage the superb adaptation to dry and arid landscapes which provide carbon credits at an accelerated pace in under twelve months. It is a winner for our environment and our people.

GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE OPPORTUNITY: REACH SUSTAINABLE GOALS

With our global population now at more than 7 billion people and projected to be at 9 billion by 2030, we are using more energy, food, and resources than the planet can provide. Our future depends on being innovative, working smarter, reusing, and recreating the world’s resources in sustainable ways.

The Nopal smart refurbishing project is an opportunity for healthy people, healthy communities, and healthy economic benefits, all in one. It is truly a circular Nopa Cactus economy. The Nopal Cactus program is a natural government and corporate initiative that will serve communities for years to come.

5 REASONS WHY THE NOPAL FARMING SOLUTION MAKES SMART BUSINESS SENSE

For climate-savvy governments, corporations, and investors, the Nopal Cactus project makes good business sense.

1. Arid regions of the world do not have to disappear. We can reahabilitate lands and restore great lands with a wealth of plants, and CO2 capturing cacus.
   
2. The Nopal Cactus can be eaten, has superior health benefits, bears fruit, and is used for livestock feed, biofuels, fertilizer, and other applications like cosmetics, alcoholic drinks, food additives, and other pharmaceutical adaptations. These days, people often prefer to buy products from sustainable companies. Consumers want to see a commitment to the community and environment than any other product; this is a sign of more conscious times.
   
3. Scientists believe that the capacity to offset carbon emissions is ten times higher in Cactus than carbon fixing by tropical rain forest. The Nopal Cactus can trap up to 30 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. This project delivers $800,000 worth of carbon per thousand hectares in 12 months. Many believe that the Nopal Cactus has the highest ability to remove carbon dioxide from the air over any other plant on earth. 
   
4. The Nopal Cactus helps contain water and mud, and therefore it can be used as a living fence to combat winds, erosion, and desertification for other crops to grow simultaneously.
   
5. The Nopal Cactus carbon sequestration and its many products and health benefits make it a world-leading solution for sustainable development, achieving a net negative result. (ITOCO.net)

THE ITOCO OPPORTUNITY THAT CAPTURES CARBON AND SUPPORTS COMMUNITIES

Micheal Paul says, “Our project provides quality employment in areas that are currently non-productive. It provides a good income and jobs to people in communities in remote areas with less opportunity. The unique carbon-reducing element of Nopal is a wonderful by-product of Nopal farming that is an incredible air cleanser. By planting Nopal in certain ways, we can encourage the growth of other plants, further greening formerly arid or desert areas. It is a dynamic project overall.”

Governments and large-scale landholders are invited to partner with the ITOCO to transform underutilized arid lands into mega-opportunity and infrastructure.

The Nopal Cactus Farms are an innovation whose time has come. 

Interested parties wanting to earn carbon credits to achieve net-zero, develop arid regions and transform desert land into agriculture opportunities, or serve the world in a better way contact: ITOCO.net

GET INVOLVED: TAKE POWERFUL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION

CHOOSE YOUR SOLUTION 

1. GAIN CARBON CREDITS
2. BE RESPONSIBLE WITH CARBON
3. BUILD A CATUS FARM & ECONOMY
4. REHABILITATE ARID LANDS
5. SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIES
6. INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
7. TAKE CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION FOR GOOD

PLEASE CONTACT: 

ITOCO.NET

KISS THE GROUND

A compelling documentary entitled “Kiss The Ground” is an important scientific explanation of arid lands and the need to refurbish our world. Watch now as scientific experts reveal the ways in which the earth’s soil could be the top priority and solution to combatting climate change and preserving the planet.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81321999?s=i&trkid=13752289%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0

Take action where it counts – ITOCO.net

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