From food security to defence, project milestone ensures independence of supply chain at time of geo-political uncertainty LONDON, Sept. 9, 2024 - A mining project qualified to be fast tracked by the Norwegian Government is now set to secure critical and strategic minerals, (essential for food security, semiconductors, batteries for EVs, green technologies and defense), having achieved a major milestone which proves the project’s viability. With growth in demand but a reliance on a limited number of producers, such as China and Russia, the creation of a new integrated value chain for critical raw materials in Europe has become a strategic imperative.

The Rockefeller Foundation has unveiled a groundbreaking report highlighting an urgent “Green Power Gap” of 8,700 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable energy that must be generated by 2050 across 72 countries. This report underscores the critical necessity for these nations, predominantly in Africa and Asia, to transition from traditional, inefficient power systems to sustainable energy solutions to meet global development and climate objectives. The report, titled “Green Power Gap: Achieving an Energy Abundant Future for Everyone,” identifies 44 African nations and 20 Asian countries among those needing to bridge this substantial energy shortfall.

As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, the surge in renewable energy adoption marks a significant turning point in our global landscape. This transformation is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic and social revolution, reshaping industries, communities, and international relations. Recent data highlights an unprecedented rise in the installation and utilization of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. Countries across the globe are setting ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards greener energy solutions.

The recent GAO report, “Critical Minerals: Status, Challenges, and Policy Options for Recovery from Nontraditional Sources” (GAO-24-106395), highlights the United States’ reliance on foreign nations, including adversaries, for critical minerals essential for manufacturing and defense. The report identifies nontraditional domestic sources, such as mining wastes, coal by-products, and geothermal brines, as viable alternatives to traditional mining. The recovery of critical minerals from nontraditional sources presents several benefits. These include increased independence from foreign suppliers, stabilization of mineral prices, and the reuse of existing industrial sites, which can reduce environmental impacts associated with new mining operations.

National Geographic announced today an unprecedented collaboration with the world’s foremost natural historian, Sir David Attenborough, to create a feature-length documentary about the state of the world’s oceans. The 98-year-old broadcaster will present and author “DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: OCEAN” (working title), aiming to educate and inspire a global audience about the critical need to restore Earth’s vast, interconnected waters. The documentary, produced by Silverback with support from All3Media International, Ocean Ten Media, Minderoo Productions, National Geographic Society, Pristine Seas, Don Quixote ASBL, and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is set to debut in theaters in 2025.

PERTH, Australia, July 15, 2024 - Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) and Rio Tinto have agreed to pursue the development of an 80MW solar farm on Ngarluma Country, near Karratha, to supply renewable energy to the company’s iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The solar farm is the first proposed project the Ngarluma people and Rio Tinto will pursue after a memorandum of understanding was signed to explore opportunities for renewable energy projects on Ngarluma Country.

BRUSSELS, July 12, 2024 - Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, is happy to announce the supply of its state-of-the-art liquid-cooled BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) solution, the PowerTitan, for the 800MWh Vilvoorde BESS project in Belgium. The project will be developed by ENGIE, an international utility group who is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. The system will be one of the largest ever installed in Europe with a power capacity of 200MW/800MWh and is the first BESS project Sungrow will supply in Belgium.

From May 7 to 9, 2025, Messe München will host The Smarter E Europe, a premier event that brings together four leading exhibitions dedicated to renewable energy. This annual event is a cornerstone for industry professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Messe München, a world-class exhibition center, provides the ideal setting for this extensive event, known for its advanced facilities and spacious halls. Attendees will explore multiple themed areas, each focusing on different facets of renewable energy and technology.

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, July 10, 2024 - SKF and voestalpine Wire Technology, a subsidiary of the leading steel and technology group voestalpine, have successfully produced the first prototype bearing made from steel that contains hydrogen direct reduced iron (H-DRI). This represents a breakthrough in the efforts to decarbonize bearing production as H-DRI is a low emission alternative to conventional iron ore-based steelmaking and one of the important methods to make steel sustainable in the future.

PHOENIX, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – EarthEn Energy, a US-based climate-tech startup, is proud to announce that it has received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, also known as America’s Seed Fund. This award supports the development of a novel Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, aka heat battery for EarthEn’s sCO2-based, thermo-mechanical, long-duration energy storage. The NSF STTR program is a highly competitive award that funds innovative technologies with high potential for commercialization and societal impact.