Calix Limited, a leading developer of low-emission industrial technologies, has successfully raised $25 million to accelerate the commercialization of its groundbreaking technologies. The funds will be used to expedite the development and deployment of innovative solutions for the cement, lime, iron, and steel industries. The company’s Leilac technology, which involves electrically heating kilns from the outside, offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional coal-fired methods. This technology has garnered significant interest, with the EU funding the construction of a second-generation Leilac-2 plant in Germany. Calix’s ZESTY technology, recognized at COP29 for its minimal hydrogen usage, has also shown significant promise in reducing emissions from iron and steel production. The company’s partnership with Pilbara Minerals aims to develop low-emission lithium processing technologies. While recent market conditions have presented challenges, the additional funding will enable Calix to navigate these hurdles and continue its focus on commercialization. The company’s capital-light licensing model and strategic partnerships with industry leaders position it well to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable industrial solutions. Beyond its core technologies, Calix is also exploring opportunities in direct air capture (DAC) technology. Its strategic partner, Heirloom, recently secured a $150 million funding round to advance its…
Amkor Technology, a leading global semiconductor packaging and test services company, has revealed that its $1.6 billion project in Vietnam is expected to employ approximately 2,800 workers during stable operations. The project, located in the northern province of Bac Ninh, is currently in its initial phase of operation, with the first phase already reaching 70% capacity. The second phase is underway, with machine installation progressing towards full operations by September 2025. The factory is designed to produce 600 million units annually in its initial phase and 1.2 billion units annually upon full completion. This translates to a production capacity of 210 tons and 420 tons, respectively. To support its operations, Amkor estimates a monthly electricity demand of 4.51 million kWh, which may increase to 15 million kWh during peak production. The company is actively seeking approval to upgrade its capacity to 900 million units per year, equivalent to 315 tons of output. This significant investment by Amkor Technology underscores the growing importance of Vietnam as a manufacturing hub for the semiconductor industry. The project will contribute to the country’s economic growth and technological advancement.
Enel Colombia, a subsidiary of Enel Green Power, has announced the successful start of commercial operations at its 370MW Guayepo I and II solar PV project. Located in the northern department of Atlantic, this project solidifies Enel Colombia’s position as a leading renewable energy player in the country. With the addition of Guayepo I and II, Enel Colombia now boasts a total operational solar PV capacity of 700MW. This significant milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its contribution to Colombia’s clean energy transition. The project, which comprises more than 820,000 solar panels, received a substantial boost from a US$300 million loan provided by the European Investment Bank. This funding supported both the development of the solar project and the expansion of Enel Colombia’s distribution network. Enel’s recent success in Colombia’s renewable energy auction, where it secured 1.2GW of solar PV capacity, further strengthens its position in the country’s burgeoning solar market. This achievement highlights the growing attractiveness of solar energy in Latin America, driven by declining costs and favorable regulatory frameworks.
A groundbreaking project called MoWiLife (Condition Monitoring and Wide Bandgap Power Electronics – Leading Innovations for the European Energy Sector) is set to revolutionize the field of power electronics, particularly in wind and solar energy applications. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, MoWiLife aims to develop cutting-edge technologies to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of renewable energy systems. A key focus of the project is the development of a 2.3 kV SiC MOSFET with advanced temperature sensing and self-protection features. This innovative device, developed by Infineon, will enable significant improvements in power density and energy efficiency. In addition to the 2.3 kV SiC MOSFET, the project will explore the potential of ultra-high voltage and ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, including diamond-based devices. These emerging technologies offer the promise of even higher efficiency and power density, further enhancing the performance of renewable energy systems. The project will also involve the development of two wind energy converter pilots and two university-developed pilots. Vestas, a leading wind energy company, will develop a high-power density SiC converter with advanced condition monitoring capabilities. Meanwhile, the University of Aberdeen will focus on developing a high-voltage DC circuit breaker, a critical component for future power grids….
The European Commission has unveiled the first list of projects awarded the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal. This prestigious recognition highlights innovative projects in clean and resource-efficient technologies, as well as deep and digital technologies. The 130 projects selected for the STEP Seal represent the cutting edge of European innovation. They include initiatives focused on offshore wind energy, hydrogen technologies, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. By awarding the STEP Seal, the European Commission aims to increase the visibility of these projects and facilitate their access to public and private funding. This recognition will help these projects attract investment and accelerate their development. Welcoming the announcement, EU commissioner for budget, anti-fraud and public administration Piotr Serafin said that the 130 projects showcase “Europe’s ingenuity and commitment to reducing our strategic dependencies while boosting our competitiveness”. “The STEP Seal is more than just a badge – it serves as a bridge between promising ideas and the support they need to thrive, whether through public or private investment,” Serafin added. The European Commission’s commitment to supporting innovation and technology is evident through its various initiatives, including the Innovation Fund, the Digital Europe Programme, the European Defence Fund, the EU4Health program, and…
The UK Agri-Tech Centre and Chirrup.ai have joined forces to pioneer a groundbreaking project that utilizes birdsong as a key tool for unlocking the secrets of wildlife. This innovative approach, dubbed “ChirrupNano,” aims to revolutionize nature monitoring by providing an affordable and efficient solution for measuring and managing biodiversity. Funded by Innovate UK, ChirrupNano leverages the power of birdsong to gain insights into wildlife populations that might otherwise remain unseen in traditional nature reserves and backyard bird counts. Hayley Gerry, project manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, highlights the project’s potential: “The amount of knowledge we can gather about an area’s biodiversity simply by analyzing the bioacoustics of birdsong is truly remarkable.” ChirrupNano plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming practices. By fostering multi-species habitats, the project aims to enrich agricultural landscapes, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of livestock and arable production. Gerry emphasizes the importance of establishing a baseline: “To achieve this goal, we need a way to measure the current state of biodiversity. That’s precisely where ChirrupNano comes in.” Scheduled for a large-scale rollout across the UK in Spring 2025, ChirrupNano promises to transform the way we monitor and manage our natural environment. This innovative project…
The UK Space Agency has announced a £3.5 million funding initiative to develop innovative satellite connectivity solutions for some of Britain’s most remote areas. By combining satellite and terrestrial technologies, the agency aims to improve digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide. The funding will support three projects, each targeting specific challenges in remote and rural areas. One project will focus on developing portable gigabit-capable internet terminals for vehicles, benefiting local authorities, farmers, emergency services, and event organizers. Another project will transform connectivity on Rathlin Island, a remote island off the coast of Northern Ireland. By implementing a hybrid satellite-wireless solution, the project aims to improve the island’s connectivity and support its local economy. A third project will be undertaken on the Shetland Islands, testing a hybrid satellite-wireless solution for the remote island of Papa Stour. This initiative aims to provide reliable connectivity to the island’s residents, despite its challenging geographical location. These projects demonstrate the potential of satellite technology to address connectivity challenges in remote and rural areas. By combining satellite and terrestrial technologies, these solutions can provide robust, flexible, and high-speed connectivity, even in the most challenging environments. The UK Space Agency’s investment in these projects is a…
OQ Technology, a leading provider of satellite-based IoT connectivity, has been selected by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program to receive funding for its groundbreaking AMAZING-6G project. This project aims to push the boundaries of wireless technology and develop innovative solutions for a wide range of industries. The EU’s Horizon Europe program is dedicated to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation across various fields, including telecommunications. By selecting OQ Technology’s project, the EU recognizes the company’s potential to contribute to the development of next-generation networks that will transform society and drive economic growth. OQ Technology’s AMAZING-6G project will focus on developing and testing innovative 6G use cases across critical sectors such as healthcare, public safety, energy, and transportation. By leveraging satellite-based IoT technology, OQ Technology aims to address the limitations of traditional terrestrial networks and provide reliable, high-performance connectivity in remote and underserved areas. Through large-scale trials, OQ Technology will demonstrate the transformative potential of 6G technology and pave the way for the development of new applications and services. This funding will enable the company to accelerate its research and development efforts, further solidifying its position as a leader in the global 6G ecosystem.
In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, France has offered advanced pumpjet propulsion technology for the country’s next-generation diesel-electric and nuclear-powered attack submarines. This technology, already operational in the French Barracuda-class submarines, is renowned for its stealth capabilities. Pumpjet propulsion systems are known for their reduced acoustic signature compared to traditional propeller systems. By adopting this technology, India’s submarines would gain a significant advantage in underwater operations, enhancing their stealth and maneuverability. This would enable the Indian Navy to operate more discreetly in the Indian Ocean region. The potential acquisition of this technology underscores the growing defense partnership between India and France. The two nations have been actively collaborating on various defense projects, including joint military exercises and co-development of military hardware. This move by France highlights the increasing importance of advanced submarine technology in modern naval warfare. By equipping its submarines with cutting-edge propulsion systems, India aims to strengthen its naval forces and safeguard its maritime interests.
Topsoe, a leading global technology provider for the energy industry, has been selected by Hygenco to provide its dynamic ammonia technology for the latter’s green ammonia project in Gopalpur, Odisha, India. The project, which is expected to be operational by 2027, will have an initial capacity of 750 tonnes per day. Topsoe’s technology will enable the plant to adapt to fluctuations in renewable energy supply, ensuring a reliable and sustainable production process. Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy, is a promising solution for decarbonizing various industries, including shipping, power generation, and fertilizer production. By utilizing green ammonia, Hygenco aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a cleaner energy future. “We are excited to partner with Hygenco on this important project,” said Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe. “This collaboration will help accelerate the adoption of green ammonia as a sustainable fuel and energy carrier.” Hygenco’s ambitious plan to invest USD 2.5 billion in green hydrogen projects in India highlights the country’s growing commitment to renewable energy and decarbonization. The company’s partnership with Topsoe will leverage the Danish company’s expertise in green ammonia technology to deliver a successful project.
