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CCUS

Industry Hubs

Occidental Makes Plans to Acquire Carbon Engineering

CCUS

August 25, 2023

Occidental just announced its intention to acquire Carbon Engineering, a leader in direct air capture (DAC) technology, for $1.1 billion. The acquisition is slated to close by the end of the year. Occidental and Carbon Engineering have been partners since 2019, driving tons of innovation in the DAC space. This acquisition can be seen as a continuation of that work, providing Occidental with a huge opportunity to offer real, global solutions for carbon removal. DAC offers a great solution for hard-to-abate emissions – think things like heavy industry and aviation. While we wait for decarbonization technologies to catch up in these sectors, carbon removal is a necessity. In fact, some estimates show that we may need to remove as much as 10 GIGATONS of carbon every single year to keep us inline with climate targets. This merger is a great step toward reaching that daunting figure. Congrats to Occidental CEO Vicki Hollub on this great achievement!

Podcasts

Can Direct Air Capture Solve Our Carbon Problem? – Alex Bell

CCUS

August 22, 2023

Can direct air capture solve our climate problem? That’s what Alex Bell, Chief Growth Officer at Removr, is betting on. His company is developing state-of-the-art technology to effectively capture carbon dioxide straight from the air. Operating from Oslo, Removr repurposes oil and gas technology to remove atmospheric carbon and then store it permanently underground.

In this episode, Alex explains how DAC could drastically change our climate story for the better:

Removr’s core technology revolves around direct air capture (DAC). Giant fans pull in air, channeling it through a specialized chemical solution. This process extracts carbon dioxide, which is then stored securely in geological formations. What sets Removr apart is their unique solvent—both highly efficient and cost-effective compared to other DAC solutions.
Removr isn’t limiting its reach to Norway. As a key participant in the US DAC Hub program, Removr is on a mission to promote DAC technology around the world. The startup plans to establish facilities in Iceland, with the capability of capturing over 100,000 tons of CO2 annually.
As with any new tech, scalability poses challenges. Alex highlights the importance of government backing to ensure DAC’s economic viability. In the meantime, Removr is committed to refining their technology, driving down costs, and amplifying efficiency.
Beyond simple carbon capture, there’s potential to create a carbon-negative energy system. Alex reveals plans to utilize captured CO2 for synthetic fuel production, helping to decarbonize things like the transportation sector.

Industry Hubs

Running Tide Raises $54 Million for Ocean CDR

CCUS

August 21, 2023

Running Tide, a startup in the carbon removal sector, announced a $54 million Series B round led by Lowercarbon Capital. On top of this, they also announced the completion of their very first carbon removal operation in the open ocean. This breakthrough, backed by their first customer Shopify, resulted in the delivery of 100 credits. Running Tide leverages the ocean’s natural ability to store carbon through kelp. Their ambitious plan, the OceanOS, is an integrated operating system combining logistics, tech, software, and earth science to scale up one of the world’s most affordable and vast carbon removal methods – the ocean itself. Did you know that the ocean has the capacity to transfer 10 billion tons of fast carbon back to the slow carbon cycle annually? This ocean-based solution stands out against other nature-based carbon removal solutions, such as tree planting, which fail to tackle fast carbon in the same way. With the global economy lagging behind in decarbonization efforts, ventures like this are critical. Carbon removal is now considered essential to hitting climate targets.

Clean Power

Podcasts

Our Top Tools for the Energy Transition – Mona Dajani

Clean Power

September 29, 2023

Our latest Energy Superhero, Mona Dajani, joins Energy Superheroes to discuss the technologies and policies that will shape our sustainable future. A recognized expert in energy, she is the Global Head of Renewables, Hydrogen & Ammonia and Global Co-head of Energy & Infrastructure at law firm Shearman and Sterling. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). With knowledge in many energy technologies and strategic startup growth, Mona provides deep insight into the energy industry’s evolving landscape.

In this episode, Mona reflects on the critical decisions currently faced by the energy industry and their far-reaching implications for our planet:

Mona has experience with a wide range of emerging technologies, including wind, solar, hydrogen, digital mobility, electric vehicles, ammonia, and waste-to-energy. She emphasizes the potential of all of these options in catalyzing the energy transition and reaching net-zero emissions. In particular, she highlights the promising future of hydrogen as a zero-emissions fuel.
Mona shares her experiences with startups in the energy space. According to her, startups have the capability to challenge and transform established norms within the energy sector, providing much-needed innovation. She stresses the importance of fresh perspectives and novel ideas in steering the industry towards sustainability.
According to Mona, policy, public awareness, and investment all play a pivotal role. She emphasizes that all three are fundamental in shaping the energy landscape and in successfully fostering the adoption of new technologies and infrastructure.

Industry Hubs

Ontario Plans New Nuclear Generating Station at Bruce Power

Clean Power

September 20, 2023

While many regions are investing in things like wind and solar, Ontario is making a bold move. They’re considering adding a third nuclear generating station at Bruce Power. If given the go ahead, this will be Canada’s first major nuclear plant construction in 30 years. The new station could produce up to 4,800 megawatts, or enough to power 4.8 million homes. That would almost double the plant’s current output capabilities. As nations race to decarbonize, many are starting to see nuclear energy as a key player in the clean energy lineup. The technology is becoming safer and more widely accepted, and there has been increasing momentum for plants across the globe.

Industry Hubs

Cornish Lithium Raises $67 Million

Clean Power

September 12, 2023

Cornish Lithium has secured $67 million in investments, helping lead the UK’s green revolution. Key investors include UK Infrastructure Bank, The Energy & Minerals Group, and TechMet (the largest existing shareholder in Cornish Lithium). This influx of capital will accelerate the creation of a domestic supply of battery-grade lithium compounds. This is essential for increasing battery production for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Cornish Lithium is extracting lithium from hot springs beneath the Cornish granites. The result? Igniting a NEW mining wave in Cornwall, bridging the gap between Cornwall’s rich 4,000-year mining past and a sustainable future. This is more than just an investment; it’s a statement. The UK is stepping up its game, targeting net zero, and enhancing local economies in the process.

Digital Infrastructure

Podcasts

Can robots solve climate change? – Joshua Olaiya

Clean Power, Digital Infrastructure

August 2, 2023

Joshua Olaiya, a 20-year-old robotics prodigy from Nigeria, is hoping to spark a robotics revolution – one that could potentially be the key to fighting climate change. The young tech visionary recently went viral for his “hand gesture robot” – developed when he was only 17. His inspiring story provides hope and motivation for many aspiring STEM professionals, especially from underrepresented communities.

In this episode of Energy Superheroes, Joshua discusses how he got started with robotics and how he thinks it could reshape industries across the board:

As a kid, Joshua was obsessed with figuring out how things worked. He began his robotics journey by dismantling toys and examining electronics. Amazingly, his skills are self-taught, thanks to spending countless hours watching YouTube videos and reading online articles.
Joshua is thinking beyond typical applications for robotics. He emphasizes the potential role that robotics could play in combating climate change, underlining its importance in the energy transition by increasing efficiency and autonomy.
Right now, Joshua is working on a ground-breaking project: a robotic arm controlled by brain signals. His hope is to assist people with disabilities, yet another sector that can benefit from robotics today.
We need more diversity in STEM. Joshua urges for more initiatives that encourage young people from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in technical fields. With his work, he hopes to inspire other African youths to enter STEM disciplines. Joshua’s story highlights the simple yet powerful message that perseverance, passion, and a thirst for knowledge can overcome any obstacle, even in the face of limited resources and support.

Industry Hubs

DCVC Raises $1 Billion for Deep Tech

Clean Power, Digital Infrastructure, Green Transport

July 27, 2023

DCVC has raised over $1 billion, empowering deep-tech founders to tackle real world problems. What makes DCVC’s portfolio so special? Their investments in deep-tech companies apply computing innovation to tackle some of today’s most stubborn problems – from climate change, to aerospace, to human health, to robotics. And they’ve certainly put their money where their mouth is. Early investments in scale-out technology helped build giants like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Illumina, and VMWare, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering innovation. Many portfolio companies are making a huge impact already. Take Pivot Bio, which reprograms soil microbes to produce nitrogen sustainably, or Fervo Energy, leading a renaissance in geothermal energy, or even Twelve, which has broken ground on its first commercial plant for sustainable aviation fuel made from CO2. Their portfolio is not just about tackling global challenges, it’s about driving sustainable change without passing on costs to the hardworking people. It’s a model for a sustainable, equitable future. And with this fresh capital, DCVC is ready to back the next generation of deep-tech breakthroughs. It’s a thrilling prospect for the future of tech and the world.

Podcasts

How Irish Data Centers are Saving the Bees – Garry Connolly

Digital Infrastructure

January 13, 2023

This Energy Superhero is making big waves in the world of digital infrastructure. Based in the Greater Dublin metropolitan area, Garry Connolly describes himself as “a stubborn digital optimist, common sense advocate, possibleist and connector of people with challenges to those that have solutions.” As a top podcast host and an expert in digital infrastructure and digitalization, Garry is helping to shape the way we get connected on a global scale.

In this episode, Garry talks about the future of data centers, how his love for human stories led him to become a podcast host, and the unique way he is blending digital infrastructure and bee conservation:

Garry says we’re in our fourth industrial revolution – the first was steam, second was electricity, third was microchips and now we’re in the data space. All of that data takes a lot of energy to produce. A sustainable future is one that sees decarbonization of data centers.
On his podcast Bits, Bytes & Banter, Garry is primarily focused on showcasing good people with a good story. From punch cards, to floppy discs, to mushrooms, to bees, his show highlights a wide variety of topics, but always comes back to the central theme of understanding human behavior and how we can make a bigger impact in the world.
Garry has what he calls a “specific pollinator plant for the global digital infrastructure industry.” What does that mean? He is currently working on building data centers in a more community-friendly way, a way that simultaneously helps the declining bee population and tackles climate change. This includes planting orchards of native trees to give bees a place to live.

Digitalization

Industry Hubs

Nuclearn.ai Raises $2.5 Million in Seed Round

Clean Power, Digitalization

September 4, 2023

It seems that AI is everywhere these days! Nuclearn.ai recently announced a $2.5 million seed investment to help advance their AI-driven solutions for nuclear energy. Leading the round was AZ-VC, with a strong show of support from Nucleation Capital. It sounds like there is some exciting R&D in the pipeline. Products like AtomAssist, an advanced Nuclear Language Model, and more. The company sees the potential of AI and machine learning to massively streamline time-consuming tasks that currently exist in nuclear facilities, as well as to provide advanced and necessary security. It looks like AI is taking center stage in reshaping the energy sector. Let’s see what other possibilities unfold as AI tech advances even further.

Podcasts

Digital Twins and the Energy Transition – Kevin O’Donovan

Digitalization

June 7, 2023

Kevin O’Donovan is a technology evangelist, working to bridge the gap between fiction and reality when it comes to the latest energy transition tech. With past experience at heavy hitters like Compaq, HP, and Intel, he has long been focused on how we can change the world through up-and-coming innovations. As a Fractional Executive at OneTwenty 1, he now helps companies navigate the fast-paced world of new technology. Kevin’s expertise lies at the intersection of energy and digitization, making him the ideal person to discuss the role of digital twins in the energy industry.

In this episode of the Energy Superheroes Podcast, Kevin O’Donovan delves deep into the concept of digital twins and their significance in the energy sector:

Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets that can be used to simulate and optimize performance. In the energy industry, they are instrumental in improving efficiency and reducing costs. The ability to predict outcomes based on simulations allows companies to anticipate and address potential issues and provide preventive maintenance.
Kevin believes that we are at a stage where digital twins are becoming increasingly important. He sees them as integral in accelerating infrastructure design, simulating for scenario planning, optimizing operations and maintenance, and fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
As technology and energy continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Kevin encourages listeners to buckle up for the ride. Embracing change and being open to new ideas is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. The advent of the Industrial Metaverse represents the next generation of Digital Twins — facilitating data gathering from various businesses and enabling more extensive and real-time simulation.
Digitalization is indeed challenging, especially when integrating legacy systems with existing assets. However, new greenfield builds offer an easier path, allowing for design and construction from scratch for optimal results. While it’s not without its difficulties and costs, the potential economic stimulus from initiatives like the US’s IRA and the EU’s RepowerEU can help facilitate this transition.

Industry Hubs

Real Estate ESG Data Provider Measurabl Raises $93 Million

Digitalization

June 1, 2023

Established in 2013, San Diego-based Measurabl has been helping commercial, residential, and corporate real estate owners and asset managers measure, manage, and report ESG data. Their platform now covers more than 16 billion square feet of real estate, with over $2 trillion in asset value across 93 countries. This new injection of funds is aimed at expanding their platform, funding international expansion, and fostering global partnerships, including within Asia-Pacific. The company is making big waves when it comes to digitalization and ESG in the real estate sector. Mitigating climate risk, decarbonizing real estate portfolios, and improving access to capital are among the key areas where Measurabl is making a significant impact. With this Series D financing round led by venture capital investors Energy Impact Partners and Sway Ventures, Measurabl is poised for continued expansion and innovation to drive positive impact for the industry and the planet.

Green Materials

Podcasts

Unlocking the Potential of the Bioeconomy – Florian Graichen

Circular Economy, Green Materials

September 15, 2023

Our latest Energy Superhero, Florian Graichen, is the General Manager in charge of forestry and bio-based products at Scion, a New Zealand Crown Research Agency. With a strong background in chemical engineering and a hands-on role in Scion’s biocomposites program, Florian helps steer the agency towards innovative and sustainable bio-based solutions. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to sustainability, both Scion and Florian are championing the path to a greener, more prosperous future.

In this episode, Florian discusses Scion’s growth over the past decade and emphasizes the agency’s important role in the bioeconomy:

As one of the seven New Zealand Crown Research Agencies, Scion is not just grounded in the forestry sector but has expanded to various biomaterials, biomass, and budding bioeconomies. Scion’s work spans a diverse range of materials — from lignocellulosic biomass, a foundational biomass product, to bioplastics derived from forestry remnants. These bioplastics hold promise, with applications varying from daily packaging to intricate automotive components.
The bioeconomy isn’t about cherry-picking certain elements; it’s about utilizing every fragment of the food chain. It’s akin to employing the “whole buffalo” concept, ensuring minimal wastage and maximal utility.
The core of the circular economy revolves around the prolonged utilization of materials with the aim of curbing waste. Scion is making great strides in this area, particularly through their development of a circular model tailored for the New Zealand forestry sector.

Industry Hubs

Dioxycle Secures $17 Million to Make Ethylene from Recycled Carbon Emissions

CCUS, Green Materials

August 9, 2023

MASSIVE move in the climate space – Dioxycle has secured $17 million to make ethylene from recycled carbon emissions. Why is this huge? Firstly, while everyone’s used to discussing things like renewables and EVs, we’re finally witnessing funding being poured into sectors that have traditionally been sidelined despite their enormous carbon footprint. The Series A round saw participation from some significant names like Lowercarbon Capital, Breakthrough Energy Ventures Europe, and Gigascale Capital. What’s the big deal about ethylene? Ethylene dominates the chemical market to the tune of $180 billion. Used majorly in textiles and plastics, it’s an integral part of our daily lives. Imagine if we could cut its fossil fuel ties? Dioxycle claims this shift could reduce global carbon emissions by a HUGE 800 million tons annually. That’s 2% of the world’s yearly output! With these funds, the ambitious start-up is gearing up to showcase its first on-site demo and an industrial prototype. The next-gen climate tech race is heating up! What other companies are you keeping tabs on?

Industry Hubs

Startup Material Evolution Secures $19M for Low Carbon Cement

Green Materials

July 10, 2023

Did you know that cement contributes to a whopping 8% of global CO2 emissions? If cement were a country, it would rank as the third largest emitter worldwide! Yet, UK-based startup Material Evolution is making big changes with a groundbreaking low-carbon cement solution. Material Evolution, founded in 2017, has just announced a $19 million Series A round to scale the production of its cement. The funding round was led by Kompas VC, with participation from Norrsken VC, Circle Rock, and SigmaRoc. And this isn’t just any old cement — it boasts an impressive 85% lower carbon footprint than standard options. Material Evolution stands apart from the competition thanks to its unique technology. No need for traditional energy-intensive cement kilns. Instead, the startup uses an “alkali-fusion” process, allowing production at room temperatures from industrial wastes and feedstocks. No fossil fuels required here! Who else is excited to see the cement industry take on a greener shade?

Green Transport

Industry Hubs

Quantron Ramps Up ZEV in North America

Green Transport

September 18, 2023

Germany-based Quantron has its eye on the North American market for zero-emission trucks, with their Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. With Canada’s Ballard Power on board to supply fuel cells and plans to partner with North American truck manufacturers for things like the chassis, the company is well on their way. Initial designs include on-board hydrogen storage capable of 750 miles of range, with plans to eventually expand to 1,000 miles. Miami to LA with just two stops for fuel? Very possible! Quantron anticipates manufacturing 1,000 trucks annually at their Michigan facility. And through their partnership with FirstElement Fuel, Quantron will also be building hydrogen fueling stations to power their vehicles. The future of transport is zero emissions, and it seems Quantron is driving full speed towards it!

Industry Hubs

We need more electricity, and SOON, according to climate leaders like Elon Musk and Bill Gates

Clean Power, Green Transport

August 2, 2023

Elon Musk recently expressed concerns at a PG&E conference about the predicted electricity shortage, which he believes could hinder the progression of AI and other energy-dependent developments. Musk anticipates that U.S. electricity consumption could triple by 2045, with a serious shortage likely as soon as 2024. His proposed solution? Speed up the time scale of energy projects. Meanwhile, the U.S. energy industry is already struggling, with threats of rolling blackouts during demand peaks due to things like heat waves. This is testing a system already in transition, as plants continue to shift from fossil fuel plants to clean energy by retooling, etc.. It’s predicted that by 2030, the largest U.S. electric companies could be investing as much as $1.8 TRILLION into greener systems. Bill Gates, founder of Breakthrough Energy, agrees with Musk’s electricity concerns. At the recent EEI 2023 conference, Gates emphasized the critical need for innovation in transforming the U.S. grid and investing in advanced clean energy technologies. So how should we approach zero-carbon electricity? Perhaps this three-pronged approach: nuclear power for baseload , hydrogen-fueled turbines for variable load, and advanced batteries for short-duration storage. Prominent players already in these areas include Oklo, who is developing advanced fission power plants, and Mitsubishi, who is focusing on hydrogen combustion turbines. Increased electrification, such as the adoption of EVs, necessitates more grid-supplied zero-carbon electricity. And to properly distribute this clean energy, we need to enhance transmission systems. Lots to do in the energy transition!

Industry Hubs

DCVC Raises $1 Billion for Deep Tech

Clean Power, Digital Infrastructure, Green Transport

July 27, 2023

Hydrogen

Podcasts

Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonization – James Kast

Hydrogen

September 13, 2023

Hydrogen continues to be a promising player in the energy transition. Our latest Energy Superhero is hydrogen-champion James Kast, Director of Hydrogen Business Development at Iwatani. Founded over 100 years ago in Japan, Iwatani has an extensive background in the industrial gas industry. They are at the forefront of the hydrogen economy, laying foundational work in developing fuel cell stacks for vehicles.

In this episode, James sheds light on his company’s hydrogen production work and their venture into the U.S. market:

Iwatani’s vision is clear – they see hydrogen fuels as a pivotal tool for decarbonization, particularly in mobility. The company is committed to promoting the vast potential hydrogen offers to revamp the energy sector.
The roots of many decarbonization technologies, particularly fuel cell stack development for vehicles, can be traced back to Japan. With automotive giants like Toyota and Honda spearheading fuel cell technology for almost three decades, it’s propelled momentum globally.
Future prospects for hydrogen vehicles are promising. Beyond early adopters, there’s a growing market of customers drawn by vehicle aesthetics or attractive deals, in addition to climate benefits. California is already home to hydrogen refueling stations, signaling the rising demand for hydrogen vehicles in the States.
Transitioning to a hydrogen economy isn’t without its roadblocks. Scaling up production, ramping up R&D investments, and establishing robust infrastructure are just some of the challenges. James emphasizes the important role of collaboration, insisting that a concerted effort from various sectors is essential to realize the hydrogen economy’s full potential.

Industry Hubs

Verdagy Secures $73 Million for Hydrogen Electrolyzer Tech

Hydrogen

August 14, 2023

The Moss Landing, CA startup, a frontrunner in developing electrolyzer technologies for industrial markets, just raised an impressive $73 million in their Series B round. This round was led by Temasek and Shell Ventures, with additional investments from Samsung Venture Investment and Toppan Ventures. Vergady has some pretty powerful tech in development. Their eDynamic 20 MW electrolyzer module plans to help scale hydrogen productions units at the 200 MW scale. But why is this HUGE for the energy transition? Simple: Hydrogen technology advancement is a necessary step. As we chase a sustainable future, hydrogen emerges as a clean, versatile, and dense energy carrier. It’s pivotal to decarbonize sectors hard to electrify, like heavy industry and aviation. Verdagy aims to push their eDynamic tech to giants in heavy sectors like oil, gas, and steel, aligning with global industrial decarbonization goals. Hydrogen’s role in the energy transition is undeniable, and with Verdagy’s advances, we’re one step closer to a sustainable future!

Industry Hubs

PSM, Thomassen Energy, and Hanwha Set New Industry Record in Hydrogen Fuel Blend for Gas Turbines

Clean Power, Hydrogen

July 13, 2023

PSM, Thomassen Energy, and Hanwha Power Systems, along with Hanwha’s portfolio peer companies in Korea, have just made history by operating a Frame 7E gas turbine with an impressive 60% hydrogen blend – the highest ever in the industry. They achieved this with PSM’s FlameSheet™ Combustor Platform – capable of delivering an unparalleled level of fuel flexibility and emissions performance. This power plant was designed for a site in Daesan, South Korea. The turbine used a mix of natural gas, hydrogen, and hydrogen-containing gas, operating at base load with 60% hydrogen by volume. This type of technology is a game-changer for power producers worldwide striving to strike a balance between affordability, reliability, and sustainability. Upgrades like this to existing plants can really help future proof operations. What a fantastic leap for the energy industry! Let’s take a moment to imagine the tremendous potential this holds for our transition towards a more sustainable future.

Mining

Podcasts

Modular Mining for the Energy Transition – Liz Lappin

Mining

September 11, 2023

Mining has a problem – it’s perceived as big, dirty, and expensive. But we need mining for critical energy transition minerals (think metals like copper and nickel). What if there were a more sustainable alternative? Liz Lappin, CEO of Common Good Mining, sheds light on her company’s groundbreaking modular mining technique, set to redefine traditional methods in the mining industry.

In this episode, Liz introduces the revolutionary technology that aims to address mineral shortages in the ever-evolving energy industry:

Traditional methods often rely on sizable, permanent infrastructure, such as mine shafts and processing plants. In contrast, modular mining emphasizes portability and customization, with units that can be swiftly assembled or dismantled. This allows operations in locations deemed challenging for conventional mining.
Modular mining stands out not just for its innovation, but also its environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. With design emphasis on portability, these units can minimize waste production and local ecosystem disturbances. Additionally, reduced upfront infrastructure investments means cost savings, especially for smaller mining endeavors or those in infrastructure-deprived areas.
With projects in development, Common Good Mining is on the lookout for collaborators and partners to develop shared value. They are optimistic about scaling to match the mounting demand for critical minerals.
Liz emphasizes that their environmentally-friendly, economic approach can revolutionize mineral availability for the energy transition. With a reduction in environmental harm and increased affordability, the approach aims to ensures a continuous mineral supply for the growing clean energy sector.

Industry Hubs

Silicon Valley’s Latest Unicorn Focuses on Mining AI

Mining

June 26, 2023

Riding high on the wave of the clean energy revolution, Silicon Valley’s latest unicorn isn’t a tech startup or a biotech company. It’s a mining startup called KoBold Metals. This Berkeley, California-based company is spearheading the search for metals like copper, lithium, and cobalt, critical elements for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. And they’re doing it with a bit of Silicon Valley magic – artificial intelligence. In a recent funding round, KoBold secured an impressive $200 million, launching the company’s valuation to over $1 billion. It’s not just the money that’s impressive, but the roster of backers, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a firm that invests on behalf of tech heavyweights like Jeff Bezos and Jack Ma. These funds will be pumped into developing copper reserves the company recently acquired in Zambia. The fact that a mining company is now a unicorn is a clear sign that the energy transition is reshaping entire industries. This is not just a story about a mining startup’s success, but about the intersections of technology, mining, and the green energy transition.

Industry Hubs

Mining Company Ceibo Raises $30 Million for Copper Extraction Tech

Mining

June 9, 2023

Mining company Ceibo has raised an impressive $30 million to expand their advanced copper extraction technology. Investments were led by Energy Impact Partners and mining-focused investors such as CoTec Holdings, Audley, Orion Resources, Unearth, and Pincus Green. But what’s the big deal about copper? Copper is a key player in various sectors – electricity, transportation, communications, construction, and more. And with the accelerating adoption of renewables and electric vehicles, copper demand is projected to DOUBLE by 2050. However, the production of copper is facing significant obstacles – declining ore grades, evolving mineralogy, and bureaucratic permitting processes. These hurdles could seriously hamper the growth of copper supply, putting a dent in our clean energy transition. Enter Ceibo. Ceibo’s groundbreaking leaching process and solution can economically boost copper production, using existing mine infrastructure and with a smaller environmental footprint than current options. This technology is a game-changer, targeting Chalcopyrite and other refractory copper minerals that hold over 70% of known copper reserves. With this fresh injection of funds and a team of seasoned professionals at the helm, Ceibo is poised to take its technology global and help meet society’s increasing demand for copper. With their help, we can continue smoothly along the path of the energy transition.

Water

Industry Hubs

Research Shows Our Groundwater Pumping is Shifting Earth’s Axis

Water

June 30, 2023

New research has revealed that our insatiable thirst for groundwater is so significant that it’s tilting Earth’s rotational axis. We’ve extracted so much liquid from subsurface reserves over the past decade, that it has tipped our planet’s axis to the east by about 1.7 inches per year. This shift ALSO contributes to global sea level rise. It’s not just about the planet’s axis. Groundwater plays a vital role for global river systems, and our intensive extraction is causing a “slow desiccation” of river ecosystems worldwide. Groundwater is essential to life here on Earth, watering 40% of the food we grow. As we drain this resource, we threaten not just our water supplies, but also the rivers, streams, and habitats around them. Why does this matter? Water is an indispensable part of the energy transition. It’s needed in large quantities for energy production and extraction processes, and also for irrigation of bioenergy crops. As we transition towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future, the demand for water in the energy sector is expected to grow substantially. But here’s the catch. Without critical water infrastructure investments, we risk exacerbating the situation. We need to enhance our understanding of the water-energy nexus, minimize water-related risks, and ensure sustainable use of water resources. Investments in efficient, resilient, and adaptable water infrastructure are non-negotiable. This news is a wake-up call. It’s high time we rethink how we use and value water, not just as a life-sustaining resource, but as a critical component of our energy future. Let’s not forget, we only have one planet and there’s no Planet B.

Podcasts

A Global Water Crisis – Marc Cortez

Water

June 6, 2022

Marc Cortez, CEO and Founder of Liquid8Water, is helping companies meet ambitious water neutrality goals. Using a water-conservation-as-a-service model, the startup has developed a trading marketplace that allows corporations to effortlessly zero out their water footprint. The method is simple: business and home owners are incentivized to save water, and those water savings are then turned into purchasable credits – similar to the carbon trading market.

In this episode, Marc talks about the hard work behind building Liquid8, his take on climate change, and the big ideas behind his new book:

Liquid8 is a product of the Clean Tech Open startup incubator. Marc says the experience opened up new doors for his company, allowing him to gain valuable feedback from mentors and really flesh out his core business strategy. He highly recommends the incubator to any startups in the clean tech space looking to take their ideas to the next level.
Unlike the carbon market that has potential for fraud, Marc says that Liquid8’s water credits are tangible and validated. Water savings are pulled directly from meters, using verifiable data to create Water Conservation Credits. Then, Liquid8 has a third party agency verify the credits before they are released in the marketplace, assuring buyers that there is no “greenwashing” involved.
Marc stresses the importance of focusing on activism, rather than fear, when we talk about climate change. Younger generations today are faced with climate anxiety, which can act as a barrier to progress. It’s vital that we focus on transparency and solutions rather than scare tactics.
In his book Climaturity: A Journey into the Muddy Climate Middle, Marc hopes to start a discussion that can change opinions about climate change. He believes that most of us lie somewhere in the “muddy climate middle,” neither preaching denialism nor fatalism. By presenting the facts in an easily digestible format, he believes that his book can start a conservation about how we can actually solve this humanity-wide problem.

Marc’s book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Climaturity-Journey-Muddy-Climate-Middle/dp/1629672416

Food & Agriculture

Podcasts

Regenerative Agriculture: A Solution to Climate Change – Philippe Birker

Food & Agriculture

July 7, 2023

Meet Philippe Birker, co-founder of Climate Farmers, an organization that champions regenerative agriculture across Europe. Philippe has devoted his career to promoting agricultural practices that not only sustain but actively restore the health of our planet.

In this episode of Energy Superheroes, Philippe offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between agriculture and climate change. Shifting the focus from sustainability to regeneration, Birker advocates for practices that can help reverse environmental damage and foster a healthier food system.

Birker distinguishes between sustainability and regeneration. He argues that while sustainability seeks to maintain the current state, regeneration aims to improve it. This approach is particularly relevant to agriculture, where practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage can restore soil health and enhance biodiversity.
Climate Farmers is actively pushing for a regenerative revolution. They believe in the power of collaboration and are leveraging working groups to devise practical proposals that will drive change.
The global conversation around climate change is often polarizing. However, Birker suggests that everyone can agree on the need to improve our food systems. Regenerative agriculture, he says, is a potential unifying solution.
The transition to regenerative agriculture presents challenges. Barriers such as a lack of education and support can hinder progress, but Birker remains optimistic. By collaborating closely with farmers and empowering consumers, we can accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable and regenerative food system. Birker’s message serves as a powerful reminder that the fight against climate change starts with the soil under our feet.

Podcasts

The M&A Success Story Taking on Global Ag – Paul Goldberg

Food & Agriculture

April 25, 2022

Paul Goldberg, CEO of Carbon Neutral Ag Sciences, chats with Energy.Media about how his company’s revolutionary hydrogel product plans to change the face of agriculture. By reducing the amount of water and fertilizer needed by farmers, Paul believes that this product will be transformational for global agriculture as the world faces increasing droughts and concerns over food security.

With a background in mergers and acquisitions, Paul tells how he came to acquire Carbon Neutral Ag Sciences, what stood out to him about the technology, and where he sees the company going in the future:

Unlike other hydrogels used in extractive industries, the company’s flagship product Bounty Gel is specifically designed with the needs of agriculture in mind. The product is engineered for strength, allowing the gel to anchor near crop roots and slowly release needed moisture. By using Bounty Gel, farmers not only save on water and fertilizer, but also are finding that their crops see reduced levels of illness and stress, leading to greater harvests.
Bounty Gel is not a replacement for other products – rather it augments the efficiency of other chemicals like fertilizer, allowing farmers to use less. Reduced chemical use not only saves farmers cash, but also has cascading environmental benefits, including lessening toxic runoff to nearby bodies of water.
Currently working with independent farmers, Paul credits the company’s success to its tailored approach to product sales. Staff agronomists work individually with customers to understand their specific farming environments, creating a custom-made plan for using Bounty Gel most efficiently.
Paul discusses how he is proud of the company’s growth, up from just 1-2 customers at the time of acquisition to well over 90 clients within 18 months. He hopes to continue growing the company organically as the product gains momentum.