Ocean Sun, a Norwegian floating solar company, has secured NOK 4 million (approximately $359,000) from the Research Council of Norway and Brazil’s Finep agency to advance a 250 kWp floating solar pilot project near Rio de Janeiro in 2025. The project aims to develop and deploy Ocean Sun’s innovative membrane-based floating photovoltaic (PV) technology in collaboration with Brazilian partners UAPÊ Energias Solares and Sansuy S.A. Indústria de Plásticos. This partnership will allow the company to explore new fixation designs and materials engineering to enhance the performance and durability of its floating solar systems. Ocean Sun’s CEO, Kristian Tørvold, said: “This funding will enable us to push the boundaries of floating solar technology and allow us to build our first installation in South America, a strategically important market with our good partner Uapê.” The pilot project will demonstrate the viability and resilience of Ocean Sun’s membrane-based technology in Brazil’s coastal environment. This technology offers several advantages, including low material usage, simple installation, efficient water cooling, and robustness in challenging water conditions. This latest funding follows Ocean Sun’s recent acquisition of funding from Innovation Norway to advance key technology areas, including a freshwater collection system. The company has also strengthened its leadership team with…
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine has announced plans to adopt 643 European and international standards in the field of environmental protection. This move is supported by the OSCE Support Program for Ukraine and aims to align Ukraine’s environmental regulations with European standards. Ukraine’s membership in CEN-CENELEC, the European Committee for Standardization, has necessitated the adoption of these standards to facilitate the country’s integration into the European Union. By harmonizing its national standards with European norms, Ukraine aims to enhance its environmental monitoring capabilities and improve its overall environmental performance. The implementation of these standards will require a systematic approach, including the modernization of laboratories and the training of personnel. This will enable Ukraine to effectively monitor environmental conditions, assess the impact of human activities, and develop effective environmental policies. This initiative is a significant step towards Ukraine’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. By adopting international best practices, Ukraine can improve its environmental performance, enhance its international reputation, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Codelco, Chile’s state-owned copper mining company, has submitted an environmental permit application for a $650 million project aimed at enhancing water sustainability at its Andina mine. The project involves redirecting water from the mine’s Ovejeria tailings to the concentrator plant, located approximately 70 kilometers away. This innovative approach will improve water efficiency and reduce the mine’s environmental impact. “This project will enhance the availability of water resources by implementing a sustainable alternative that addresses the region’s water scarcity situation. This allows us to continue reducing our environmental footprint and to confront the consequences of climate change,” explained Lindor Quiroga Bugueño, General Manager of Codelco Andina. As global demand for sustainable mining practices grows and water resources become increasingly scarce, Codelco is committed to operating responsibly. The Andina mine, located in central Chile, has been particularly affected by prolonged drought conditions. The project is expected to create up to 1,650 jobs and take approximately 36 months to complete.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Chemistry are at the forefront of a groundbreaking new laser technology project, SUPERLASER. This EU-funded initiative aims to develop a new type of laser based on halide perovskite materials, offering superior performance and environmental sustainability. The project, coordinated by the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Athens, seeks to address the limitations of current laser technologies, such as their reliance on critical raw materials and thermal noise instability. By harnessing the unique properties of halide perovskites, SUPERLASER aims to create lasers that are more stable, precise, and environmentally friendly. Dr. Katherine Inzani’s group at the University of Nottingham is leading the theoretical aspects of the project, using computational techniques to identify and predict the properties of optimal perovskite materials. This research will guide the experimental work of the project partners, enabling the development of highly efficient and environmentally friendly laser devices. The SUPERLASER project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Programme and involves a consortium of nine partners from seven countries. “This ambitious European effort will take us from theoretical materials predictions all the way to device fabrication, establishing a new type of laser that will be crucial…
Bournemouth University (BU) has successfully completed the SUNRISE project, a collaborative initiative with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) funded by the British Council’s UK-Malaysia Going Global Partnerships Grant for Student Mobility. The SUNRISE project aimed to build capacity for sustainability research and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a series of events and workshops, the project facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration between researchers from both universities. Key activities of the project included joint research seminars, student research conferences, capacity building workshops, and training on diversity and inclusion in research. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, the project has contributed to the development of innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. The SUNRISE project has had a significant impact on both universities, strengthening academic partnerships and creating a culture of sustainability research.
Liverpool Waters, a significant regeneration project in the heart of Liverpool, has received a major boost with a £56 million investment from Homes England. This funding will accelerate the transformation of the city’s historic northern docklands, creating a vibrant new neighbourhood. The investment will support the development of Central Docks, the largest of the five neighborhoods within the Liverpool Waters district. This area is set to undergo a major transformation, with the creation of approximately 2,350 new homes, a new public park, and vital infrastructure. The project aligns with the UK government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the country. By investing in brownfield sites like Central Docks, the government aims to revitalize urban areas and create sustainable communities. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Britain is under new management and now we’re really starting to see the difference. Working hand in hand with government at a national, regional and local level we can make an enormous difference and drive growth locally. The development of Central Docks, alongside the ongoing work to regenerate Bramley Moore and Bootle, has the potential to be a catalyst for growth and wider regeneration for great swathes of South…
Intelsat, a leading global provider of satellite communications solutions, has been honored with the prestigious Africa Sustainable Futures award in the “Digital Infrastructure” category, presented by the Financial Times and the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). This recognition highlights Intelsat’s groundbreaking satellite broadband project in Burkina Faso, which has significantly enhanced the country’s telecommunications resilience. By deploying a robust satellite network, Intelsat has addressed the challenges posed by the country’s fragile terrestrial infrastructure, ensuring continuous connectivity even in remote and underserved areas. Intelsat’s innovative solution has provided a reliable and scalable communication network, empowering businesses, governments, and individuals in Burkina Faso. The project has contributed to economic growth, improved access to education and healthcare, and strengthened the country’s digital infrastructure. “We are honored to receive this award,” said Rhys Morgan, regional vice president, EMEA, Media and Networks at Intelsat. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing innovative and reliable connectivity solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. We look forward to continuing our work in Burkina Faso and other regions in need of resilient digital infrastructure.”
Paleo, a Belgian biotechnology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Vienna-based foodtech company Revo Foods. The collaboration, funded by the European Union with a total project volume of €2.2 million, aims to develop a more realistic and nutritious vegan salmon alternative. The two companies will leverage their expertise to create a myoglobin protein, derived from precision fermentation, that will be integrated into Revo Foods’ 3D structured vegan salmon filet, “THE FILET – Inspired by Salmon.” This innovative approach will enhance the product’s appearance, taste, and nutritional value, bringing it closer to the experience of eating real salmon. Paleo’s precision fermentation technology allows for the production of animal proteins without the use of animals. The company currently produces beef myoglobin and is expanding its portfolio to include other proteins such as chicken, pork, tuna, and even mammoth. Revo Foods, on the other hand, specializes in 3D food-printing technology, which enables the precise structuring of multiple materials, including fats and proteins. The partnership between Paleo and Revo Foods represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable and innovative food solutions. By combining their expertise, the two companies aim to create a more sustainable and delicious food future.
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.
EverWind Fuels, a leading clean energy company, announced today that it has received a letter from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, advancing its Burin Peninsula Green Hydrogen Project to the next stage. The Department has stipulated the requirement for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which EverWind will conduct to assess the project’s potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. The EIS will cover a wide range of topics, including greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, erosion control, water quality, noise, and potential impacts on local flora and fauna. In addition to the EIS, EverWind is actively working on wind data collection and analysis, collaborating with wind turbine OEMs to design a turbine suitable for the region’s unique wind conditions. The company is also developing a project layout that minimizes the need for significant interconnection to the Newfoundland and Labrador grid. EverWind remains committed to engaging with local communities and Indigenous groups throughout the project development process. The company has held over 50 information sessions since 2022 and continues to prioritize open and transparent communication. The company’s regional office in Marystown is open to the public to learn more about the project and provide feedback. The office is located…
