The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a significant investment of over $2.4 billion in 122 rail improvement projects across 41 states and Washington, D.C. This substantial funding, allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to revitalize the nation’s rail network, enhance safety, and stimulate economic growth. The CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) Program will fund a diverse range of projects, including track upgrades, bridge rehabilitations, and improvements to port rail connections. By prioritizing investments in critical infrastructure, the FRA seeks to enhance the efficiency and reliability of rail transportation, reduce congestion on highways, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key focus of the program is to support smaller, short-line railroads, which play a vital role in regional economies and supply chains. By investing in these essential rail lines, the FRA aims to strengthen local communities and promote economic development. This significant investment in rail infrastructure is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader vision for a modern, sustainable transportation system. By modernizing the nation’s rail network, the administration aims to create jobs, boost economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for Americans.
The HyEkoTank project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at decarbonizing the maritime industry. By retrofitting existing vessels with zero-emission fuel cell and hydrogen technology, the project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. The project, led by a consortium of industry leaders including TECO 2030 and Umoe Advanced Composites, focuses on the Kvitnos vessel, a ship operated by Samskip. By retrofitting the Kvitnos with fuel cells and hydrogen storage, the project aims to make it compliant with stringent emissions regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS. The HyEkoTank project is supported by funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Innovation Actions program. It is expected to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of zero-emission technologies in the maritime sector, paving the way for a greener future. The project’s key benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced energy efficiency, improved air quality, and the pioneering of fuel cell technology in the maritime industry.
The Biden administration has finalized regulations restricting U.S. investments in sensitive high-tech sectors in China, citing national security concerns. The Treasury Department announced Monday that these new rules, set to take effect on January 2, 2024, will prevent U.S.-based firms, citizens, and permanent residents from investing in advanced technology areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing within China. The regulations, derived from an executive order issued by President Biden in August, aim to prevent American capital and expertise from advancing technologies that could potentially be used against U.S. security interests. Under the rules, investors will also be required to notify the Treasury of investments in certain lower-level technologies, which may still pose potential risks to national security, such as legacy semiconductor technologies. “Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technologies are essential for developing next-generation military, intelligence, surveillance, and cybersecurity applications,” stated Paul Rosen, Treasury Assistant Secretary for Investment Security. “This final rule is a targeted approach to ensure U.S. investments are not leveraged to advance key technologies that could be used to threaten our national security.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded critically to the finalized rules, condemning the regulations as a move toward “anti-globalization” and “de-sinicization.” Beijing…
Air Liquide and Cementir Holding Group, through its fully owned subsidiary Aalborg Portland, have announced the launch of ACCSION, a groundbreaking carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. Located in Aalborg, Denmark, ACCSION aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from the Aalborg Portland cement plant. The project will utilize Air Liquide’s proprietary CryocapTM technology to capture, purify, and liquefy approximately 95% of the CO₂ emitted by the cement kilns. The captured CO₂ will then be integrated into a new pipeline infrastructure and transported to onshore CO₂ storage facilities. By the end of 2029, ACCSION is expected to avoid 1.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year of operation. This will make it one of the first full onshore CCS value chains in Europe, demonstrating a significant step towards decarbonizing the cement industry. The European Commission has recognized the importance of this project by awarding it 220 million euros in project support under the EU Innovation Fund. This funding will be instrumental in making a final investment decision and initiating the project’s execution. This collaboration between Air Liquide and Cementir Holding Group highlights their commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the industrial sector. By reducing CO₂ emissions from cement production, ACCSION…
Greensteel Australia, a leading green steel producer, and Danieli, a global leader in steelmaking technology, have announced a groundbreaking partnership to build a 600,000-tonne-per-year rolling mill powered entirely by green hydrogen. This state-of-the-art facility, to be located in New South Wales, Australia, will set a new global standard for zero-emission steel production. Danieli will provide its advanced technology and expertise to ensure the mill’s efficient and sustainable operation. “It’s inspiring to partner with Greensteel Australia on this world-first hydrogen-powered rolling mill. Greensteel Australia’s commitment to clean, sustainable steelmaking is leading the industry toward a greener future. We’re thrilled to support their vision with our technology and work together to set a new standard in zero-emission steel production”, said Danieli Group’s CEO, Mr Giacomo Mareschi. “At Greensteel Australia, we’re proud to partner with Danieli on this groundbreaking project. By using 100% green hydrogen, we’re not just building a new rolling mill, we’re setting a new example for clean steel production. This project shows our commitment to making steel in a way that’s better for the environment and for future generations”, said Green Steel Australia’s President, Mr Mena Ibrahim. The new mill will feature a reheating furnace powered by green hydrogen, eliminating…
The European Commission has approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, following positive opinions from EU Member States. These ambitious reform plans outline the socio-economic and fundamental reforms that the five Western Balkan governments will undertake to spur growth and align with the EU. This crucial step enables the disbursement of funds from the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, which will be made upon completion of agreed reform steps. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I’m impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it’s a big leap forward towards the European Union”. The Reform Agendas focus on key areas such as rule of law, governance, digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment. Each beneficiary country has also proposed a list of indicative investments to be funded under the Facility, which are aimed at unlocking socio-economic growth. The Commission…
The UK Department for Transport has announced the winners of a £1.4 million competition aimed at transforming the transport sector, promoting innovation, and fostering a greener future. The Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) program has awarded funding to organizations and academics with innovative ideas for sustainable and efficient transport solutions. This year’s competition focused on local transport decarbonization, maritime decarbonization, and emerging technologies such as AI and drones. Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult, said “Innovation in transport can unlock many benefits for society, the economy and the environment. The Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme has been supporting high-potential innovators for a decade, through funding and dedicated business support, helping them realise their commercial potential. This year’s TRIG competition drew a fantastic response from innovators, with the ‘critical and emerging technologies’ challenge proving to be especially popular.” One of the standout winners is Vox Aeris, a company developing technology to reduce harmful pollution across transport networks using sound waves and music vibrations. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly improve air quality and reduce emissions. Selene Sari, founder and CEO of Vox Aeris, said”We are beyond excited to be a TRIG 2024 winner. This…
Seddon, a leading UK construction company, has officially commenced construction on a £8.6m expansion project for The Orchards Nursery, Cherry Tree Primary School, and Green Fold Special School in Farnworth. The project aims to increase the schools’ combined capacity from 140 to 185 pupils, addressing the growing demand for special school places in Bolton. Two new extensions will be built, along with internal remodeling to create eight additional classrooms and upgrade existing facilities. The improvements will also include enhanced outdoor spaces, a new multi-use games area, and upgraded hygiene suites to meet the specific needs of students with autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD), and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). Katie Hague, executive head of The Orchards Federation, said: “This is an exciting project which will further enhance our oversubscribed outstanding provision. Green Fold continues to be the special school of choice for many families and we are delighted that we will be able to welcome more pupils to flourish with us. Seddon is committed to supporting the local economy and has pledged to spend £2.25 million with local suppliers throughout the project. The construction is expected to be completed by April 2026, with careful planning to minimize disruption to…
The European Commission has selected 85 innovative net-zero projects to receive €4.8 billion in grants from the Innovation Fund. This significant investment aims to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge clean technologies across Europe. For the first time, projects of various scales, from large-scale infrastructure to smaller-scale pilots, and with a focus on cleantech manufacturing, have been awarded funding under the 2023 call for proposals. This marks the largest funding round to date for the Innovation Fund, bringing the total amount of support to €12 billion. The selected projects span 18 countries and cover a wide range of sectors, including energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, industrial carbon management, net-zero mobility, and buildings. These projects are expected to enter into operation before 2030 and reduce emissions by approximately 476 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over their first ten years of operation. The EU’s Innovation Fund is a key tool in supporting the bloc’s ambitious climate goals. By investing in groundbreaking technologies, the EU aims to strengthen its industrial base, create jobs, and foster economic growth. The selected projects are expected to contribute to the following EU policy objectives: The selected projects were evaluated based on their potential to reduce greenhouse gas…
Thames Water, one of the UK’s largest water companies, has published its five-year Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), outlining strategies to safeguard water supplies for millions of households in the South East region. The plan, approved by the Government, was developed in collaboration with Water Resources South East (WRSE) to address the challenges of a growing population and climate change. Thames Water is committed to delivering a safe and secure supply of drinking water for decades to come, while reducing its impact on the environment. Key aspects of the plan include: Nevil Muncaster, Thames Water’s Asset and Engineering Director, said: “The vital importance of water for all of society, and for the environment, means that we are committed to delivering this plan. Our region faces substantial pressure on its water resources and it’s our responsibility to provide a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water for generations to come. The Government’s approval of our plan also demonstrates confidence in our ability to build nationally significant infrastructure projects, enabling us to meet the future water demand challenges ahead.” The WRMP is essential for addressing the water resource challenges faced by the South East region, which is designated as seriously water stressed by…
