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…
Comcast Corporation today released its 2024 Green Bond Report, detailing the allocation of proceeds from its inaugural green bond issued in February 2023. A total of $995 million in net proceeds were invested in green buildings, circular economy initiatives, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects. These investments align with Comcast’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. “We’re proud to have offered investors the opportunity to support greener operations at Comcast that ultimately benefit people and the planet,” said Sara Cronenwett, Senior Vice President of Corporate Environmental Sustainability at Comcast. Comcast has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact, achieving a more than 30% reduction in market-based, enterprise-wide Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 to year-end 2023. Key projects funded by the green bond include: Comcast’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and create a more sustainable future.
Iberdrola, a global energy leader, has successfully issued a £500 million green bond in the UK market. This marks Iberdrola’s largest sterling bond issuance since 2009 and its first-ever green bond in sterling. The strong demand for the bond, exceeding £2.1 billion, allowed Iberdrola to reduce the spread over the reference interest rate to 95 basis points, a significant reduction from the initial 125 basis points. The coupon has been set at 5.25%, attracting the interest of over 140 investors, particularly those committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The proceeds from the green bond will be used to finance future renewable energy investments in the United Kingdom. This issuance further solidifies Iberdrola’s position as a leading player in the global renewable energy sector. Iberdrola’s active presence in the capital markets has been evident in 2024, with six public transactions completed so far. These transactions have included bond issuances in euros, Swiss francs, and US dollars, demonstrating the company’s strong financial position and investor confidence. By diversifying its funding sources and accessing the UK market, Iberdrola aims to strengthen its financial flexibility and support its ongoing growth strategy.
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…
Truro Methodist Church is set to undergo a significant transformation with the commencement of the Truro Community Hub project in late spring 2025. The first phase of the project will involve the construction of a three-story extension to the rear of the Grade II listed building, creating additional community space for local groups. Subsequent phases will introduce a new entrance and a community cafe. The Reverend Mark Dunn-Wilson, the church’s minister, said he believed the hub would make a positive difference to the community. He said: “Moving forward the hub will be adopting the name Kemeneth – which means community in Cornish – as a clear statement of the commitment of the project to serve local groups and people.” The £952,000 grant awarded by Truro Town Deal, along with a £500,000 investment from Cornwall Council, will fund the construction of the extension. This additional space will provide an extra 140 square meters for community activities, addressing the increasing demand from over 114 local groups that currently utilize the church’s facilities. The existing facilities within the Methodist church will remain accessible throughout the construction period
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…
A revolutionary new project, BeefTwin, aims to transform UK beef farming by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies. The £1.2 million initiative, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), seeks to tackle critical challenges facing the industry, including greenhouse gas emissions, profitability, and animal welfare. Led by Professor Xiao Ma, Director of the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School, the project brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham, Royal Holloway University, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Lincoln. Addressing Urgent Challenges Beef farming is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with annual emissions exceeding four billion metric tons (FAO, 2023). UK farms additionally face issues like inconsistent beef quality, lack of precision farming practices, and low profitability. Traditional grazing methods often hinder the collection of real-time data on animal health, feed conversion, and environmental impact. BeefTwin seeks to overcome these obstacles through a unique approach. Digital Twins for Optimized Farming The project will develop an AI-powered “Digital Twin” for each cow, creating a virtual representation of the farm system. This system will utilize real-time data, simulations, machine learning, and…
Today marks the official launch of ReFarm, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making farming for nature a sustainable and scalable practice in Ireland. Launched by Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, ReFarm offers businesses a unique opportunity to support nature-positive actions on Irish farms, while complying with new EU sustainability reporting directives. Spearheaded by Dr. Brendan Dunford, founder of Burrenbeo Trust, and Anke Heydenreich, an impact investor, ReFarm is a collaborative effort between Trinity College Dublin, Burrenbeo Trust, and local and international organizations. The project has already begun funding the creation of wildlife ponds on Irish farms, a practice that will continue throughout its five-year lifespan to address biodiversity and climate challenges. Trinity College Dublin will spearhead a research program exploring long-term funding structures for businesses looking to invest in nature-positive actions on Irish farms. ReFarm has successfully secured over €1 million in seed funding from a diverse group, including RWE Ireland, John Paul Construction, CIE Tours, BiOrbic, Community Foundation Ireland, and Trinity Business School. Welcoming the ReFarm project Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, said: ‘Two thirds of the landmass of Ireland is farmland, so it’s only by working with farmers that…
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nashville District is pleased to announce significant progress on the flood risk management project for the city of Cleveland, Tennessee. This collaborative effort aims to reduce flooding risks in the South Mouse and Fillauer Branch watersheds. The project, a result of a 2017 feasibility study, combines structural and non-structural measures. Structural measures include detention structures and channel modifications, while non-structural measures encompass property buyouts and elevations. “The collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our city has laid the foundation for a safer and more resilient community,” said Cleveland City Engineer Brian Beck. “These flood mitigation efforts address long-standing vulnerabilities, protect our residents, and pave the way for future growth. We look forward to the continued progress as we work together to safeguard our neighborhoods from the challenges of severe weather.” Construction Underway on Key Channel Modifications In April 2024, a contract was awarded to Wilamut Construction Company, LLC for the Ocoee Channel Modification and Clearwater Channel Modification. These modifications involve channel excavation, grading, and installation of drainage structures to increase water flow capacity and reduce flood risks. Completion is expected by April 2025. Project Details: These modifications address the…
