Turkey has unveiled the world’s longest suspension bridge, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge. This engineering marvel spans the Dardanelles Strait, connecting the Asian and European continents and reducing travel time by a significant 93%. The bridge boasts an impressive length of 2,023 meters and features 318-meter-high towers, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Its towering height of 15,118 feet makes it the tallest suspension bridge globally. Construction of the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge commenced in March 2017, with a joint venture of Turkish and Korean companies overseeing the project. Danish firm COWI led the design process. The bridge was originally scheduled for completion in September 2023 but was finished ahead of schedule in March 2022. The bridge is named after the Ottoman naval victory against the French and British during World War I in the same year. It not only symbolizes Turkey’s engineering prowess but also strengthens its strategic position as a vital link between continents.
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…
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 Scottish Government has announced an investigation into the pause of the Sutherland Spaceport project, following concerns raised by opposition politicians. The spaceport, located on the north coast of the Scottish mainland, received significant public funding, including £14.6 million from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). However, the project has been put on hold by Orbex, the rocket manufacturing company developing the site. Orbex has shifted its focus to launches from the rival SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, prioritizing rocket production over spaceport construction. This decision has raised questions about the future of the Sutherland Spaceport and the recovery of public funds invested in the project. Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant expressed concern about the impact on the local community and urged the First Minister to intervene. First Minister John Swinney has committed to investigating the matter, highlighting the existence of contractual arrangements for grant funding as a potential avenue for addressing the situation. While the pause in the Sutherland Spaceport project is disappointing, it highlights the dynamic nature of the space industry. As the market evolves, companies may prioritize different strategies, including focusing on rocket production over spaceport infrastructure.
Fraunhofer IME, in collaboration with metaX Institut für Diätetik GmbH and Candidum GmbH, is embarking on a groundbreaking research project, NovelSweets, to develop novel sweet-tasting proteins as a sustainable alternative to traditional sugar. The project aims to leverage biotechnology to produce sweet proteins, which are naturally occurring substances found in certain plants. These proteins bind to the tongue’s receptors, triggering a sweet taste sensation without the negative health implications associated with excessive sugar consumption. By focusing on the production of brazzein-based proteins, the researchers aim to create a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for reducing sugar content in food and beverages. Precision fermentation techniques will be employed to optimize the production process and enhance the sensory properties of these sweet proteins. The NovelSweets project aligns with the goals of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) to promote healthier food options and reduce the prevalence of diet-related health issues. By developing innovative and sustainable solutions, the project contributes to a healthier future for consumers. As the global demand for healthier and more sustainable food products continues to grow, the development of sweet proteins represents a significant step forward
Kärnfull Next, a Swedish clean energy company, and Samsung C&T, a global construction and engineering firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plants in Sweden. The partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of SMR technology and contribute to Sweden’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. By combining Kärnfull Next’s expertise in SMR development and Samsung C&T’s global project execution capabilities, the two companies seek to establish multiple SMR campuses across Sweden. Kärnfull Next has been actively working on identifying suitable sites for SMR deployment and has already identified potential locations in Nyköping and Valdemarsvik. The company is focused on developing a robust and sustainable SMR ecosystem that includes technology selection, licensing, construction, and financing. Samsung C&T will bring its extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects to the partnership. The company will be involved in various aspects of the SMR project, including project financing, design, construction, and environmental impact assessments. “The Re:Firm South programme aims to establish SMR campuses, ie a minimum of two units and co-location capabilities, that provide reliable, clean electricity to the national grid and directly supply energy-intensive facilities such as AI data centres through direct or indirect…
A consortium of three companies, Y-CAD SA, Orllati Real Estate SA, and MalmEnergie Naturelle SA, has joined forces to launch a groundbreaking geothermal exploration campaign in the North Vaud region of Switzerland. The consortium, known as YOM, aims to harness the geothermal potential of the region and contribute to a sustainable energy future. The first phase of the project, dubbed “GeothermY,” will involve a detailed seismic survey covering 29 municipalities in the Yverdon-les-Bains area. This survey will provide valuable insights into the subsurface geology and identify potential geothermal resources. By combining their expertise in geothermal energy, real estate development, and engineering, the consortium members are well-positioned to successfully execute this ambitious project. If successful, the project could lead to the development of a geothermal power plant, providing clean and renewable energy to the region. The consortium’s commitment to sustainable energy aligns with Switzerland’s goal of reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. By exploring innovative solutions like geothermal energy, the consortium is contributing to a more sustainable future for Switzerland.
Ocean Winds has announced an extension to its long-term Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract with Principle Power for the 25MW WindFloat Atlantic project. This decision reinforces the operational success of the world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm. Since its installation in 2019, Principle Power has provided comprehensive O&M services, including Inspections, Maintenance, and Repair (IMR) activities, along with integrated engineering support. The company has also implemented remote monitoring and data analytics to optimize the project’s performance. The collaboration between Ocean Winds and Principle Power has resulted in exceptional performance, with WindFloat Atlantic exceeding initial power expectations and demonstrating remarkable resilience to extreme weather conditions, including 20-meter waves and 139 km/h wind gusts. Asset senior lead associate at Ocean Winds Daniel Ribeiro said: “At Ocean Winds, we are pleased to continue collaborating and extend our long-term contract with our partner Principle Power. “Together with the WindFloat Atlantic team, Principle Power helps us deliver a high-quality operational service that prioritises safety and allows us to consistently exceed the production expectations of this pioneering project each year, demonstrating the readiness of floating technology for the commercial-scale phase.” Vice-president of O&M at Principle Power Clara de Moura Santos said: “The extended contract further validates the…
Aberdeen Science Centre is set to revolutionize its visitor experience with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) technology. Thanks to the generous support of Mermaid Subsea Services UK, ETZ Ltd, and Peterson Energy Logistics, the centre will be able to offer immersive VR experiences that will transport visitors to new worlds and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. The funding will enable the centre to purchase 38 VR headsets, which will be used in a variety of interactive activities, workshops, and science demonstrations. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the solar system, journey through the human body, and even experience the thrill of deep-sea exploration. Steph McCann, head of fundraising at Aberdeen Science Centre, welcomed the support the project has seen so far, and encouraged any other organisations interested in investing to get in touch. She said: “We are immensely grateful for the support of Mermaid, ETZ Ltd and Peterson, alongside AVC, which has allowed us to move forward with our plans to enhance our interactive activities and workshops with the addition of VR headsets. With this technology, we can transport our visitors to new worlds where they can explore our solar system, walk around a hydroelectric dam,…
