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Solar Farms Help Bees: Solar Installations for the Bees

Posted on March 5, 2024 by dishanth

Solar farms help bees: Solar farms emerging as sanctuaries for declining wild and honey bee populations.

In an unexpected turn, solar farms help bees and are emerging as potential sanctuaries for declining bee populations, providing a secondary purpose beyond clean energy generation. A recent study reveals that strategically planting native flowers and grasses around solar installations significantly enhances the population and diversity of crucial pollinators like bees, offering a promising avenue for both clean energy expansion and environmental conservation.

Research conducted by scientists from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Lab, in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Lab, focused on assessing the impacts on insects from two large solar installations situated on retired farmland in Minnesota. Enel Green Power North America, the operators of these solar sites, undertook the initiative to plant wildflower mixes alongside the panel arrays during construction in 2018. The researchers then conducted comprehensive year-round insect surveys at these facilities from 2018 to 2022.

The findings from the study are nothing short of remarkable; solar farms help bees. Over the five-year observation period, both native bee and monarch butterfly populations increased more than twenty-fold. The areas surrounding the solar panels transformed into thriving, prairie-like habitats abundant with essential flowering nourishment. The overall insect populations tripled, surpassing initial expectations. Additionally, these flourishing hubs of pollinators are extending benefits to vegetation in nearby agricultural areas, as evidenced by satellite imaging.

Dr. Lee Walston, an ecologist at Argonne and the lead author of the study, expressed enthusiasm about the scale of positive influence managed solar landscapes can have on insect biodiversity and abundance. The strategic integration of natural ecosystem elements adjacent to renewable projects, as demonstrated in this study, could potentially offer a win-win scenario, supporting the expansion of clean energy infrastructure while addressing the decline in insect populations.

The research underscores the concept of “solar sharing” – a departure from the traditional approach of isolating solar infrastructure from its surroundings. By allowing vegetation to thrive around solar facilities, solar farms help bees, and a new haven is created to support fragile bee colonies. The collapse of global bee populations poses a severe threat to agriculture, as over $500 billion in crop production relies on natural pollination annually.

But it doesn’t have to be only about the bees. Agrovoltaics refers to co-locating agriculture and solar photovoltaic systems on the same land. The solar panels are elevated and spaced out to allow crops to be grown underneath while allowing sunlight to reach the crops. The partial shade created by the solar panels can benefit certain crops by providing shelter, reducing evapotranspiration, and lessening weed pressure. The crops benefit the solar infrastructure by reducing heat under and around the panels.

Some bee-friendly crops and flowers that could thrive under the partial shade of solar panels include potatoes, cabbage, kale, carrots, Brussels sprouts, celery, spinach, onions, garlic, lettuce, arugula, strawberries, asparagus, leeks, swiss chard, parsley, oregano, green beans, sunflowers, cosmos flowers, marigolds, clovers, borage, and many varieties of wildflowers. These provide nutrient-rich pollen and nectar that support diverse bee populations.

These findings open the door to a new perspective on the relationship between solar power and ecological conservation. Instead of erecting barriers, solar infrastructure can be designed to coexist harmoniously with the environment. The success observed in this study suggests that solar farms help bees and can play a crucial role in aiding declining bee populations, offering hope for preserving essential pollinators.

As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable practices amid the climate crisis, the authors hope these groundbreaking findings will inspire further research. Exploring habitat-friendly solar blueprints to integrate nature into the urgent climate transition could be a transformative step forward. Dr. Walston emphasized the potential symbiosis between solar power and ecological conservation, envisioning bees flocking to blossoms beneath solar panels, which may reveal surprising pathways to advance sustainable energy and agriculture concurrently.

In conclusion, solar farms help bees. Once seen solely as agents of clean energy, they are now emerging as potential allies in the crucial mission to preserve and protect bee populations. This unexpected synergy between renewable energy infrastructure and environmental conservation opens doors to innovative solutions that could redefine the future of sustainable energy and agriculture.

Source Happy Eco News

What is water cremation? UK now offers eco-friendly burial alternative

Posted on February 19, 2024 by dishanth

The UK’s biggest funeral care provider is now offering water cremation. But what exactly is it and what is its impact on the environment?

Water cremation is now available in the UK following rising demand for more environmentally friendly end-of-life options.

When you die there are currently only two options in most of Europe – burial or a traditional fire cremation.

But new options are becoming more popular.

What is water cremation or resomation?

Water cremation, also known as aquamation, resomation and alkaline hydrolysis, uses water to bring the body back to the skeletal remains.

The body is placed in a steel vessel filled with water and an alkaline solution.

It is then heated up which takes the flesh back to its chemical components – amino acids, peptides, sugars and salts.

After about three to four hours, only the bones remain. They are then ground down to a white powder, placed in an urn and given to the family.

Last summer the UK’s biggest funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare, announced that it would start offering the service. This made them the first business to do so.

Water cremation was already legal in the UK subject to compliance with health, safety and environmental regulation.

It’s the method that South African anti-apartheid hero Desmond TuTu chose following his death in 2021.

He wanted an eco-friendly funeral and according to UK-based firm resomation, it uses five times less energy than a fire cremation.

What is the environmental impact of the funeral industry?

“For decades there have been just two main choices when it comes to [peoples’] end-of-life arrangements: burial and cremation,” says Julian Atkinson, director of resomation company Kindly Earth.

“[We] will be providing people with another option for how they leave this world because this natural process uses water, not fire, making it gentler on the body and kinder on the environment.”

And there appears to be an appetite for such a service.

Research by YouGov, commissioned by Co-op Funeralcare, found that 89 per cent of UK adults hadn’t heard of the term resomation. But once explained, just under a third (29 per cent) said they would choose it for their own funeral if it was available.

“The rise in ecological and sustainability concerns over the past decade combined with a desire to be part of nature or laid to rest in a natural setting, means more people are considering the environmental impact of their body once they die,” says Professor Douglas Davies from the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University.

Around 245kg of carbon emissions are generated by one traditional cremation, the equivalent of charging your smartphone over 29,000 times.

Traditional burials also have negative environmental consequences. The chemicals used in the embalming process can leak out and pollute the surrounding soil and waterways.

Which European countries offer water cremation?

The UK is not the only European country to make waves in the resomation scene.

Ireland is set to open its first water cremation facility this year. The service is also available in the US, Canada and South Africa.

Belgium and the Netherlands are among the other European countries looking to introduce resomation, but there are regulatory hurdles that must be overcome first.

Source euronews.green.com

Sustainable Cooling: Electrocaloric Cooling Breakthrough

Posted on January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 by dishanth

As heatwaves intensify across the globe, the demand for air conditioning and refrigeration skyrockets. The ballooning demand for cooling strains energy infrastructure and escalates emissions from vapor compression systems. These conventional refrigerators and AC units rely on greenhouse gases and inefficient mechanical compressors that have reached their efficiency limits. With little room for improvement, vapor compression technology cannot sustainably shoulder doubling cooling demands. Scientists urgently search for climate-friendly innovations before the warming world overheats.

In a breakthrough discovery, researchers at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) pioneer a radically different cooling approach harnessing the electrocaloric cooling effect. This phenomenon describes particular ceramic materials that heat up or cool down when electric fields flip on and off. By cleverly leveraging this conductivity toggle, the LIST team designed an assembly that can pump heat without noisy, energy-draining compressors.

Electrocaloric cooling is a fascinating phenomenon where certain materials experience a reversible temperature change when an electric field is applied. In simpler terms, you can directly use electricity to manipulate their temperature, creating a cooling effect. This opens up exciting possibilities for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies.

The regenerative system developed by LIST alternates layers of electrocaloric capacitors with liquid coolant. Switching an electric field pulls heat from the fluid into the capacitors, cooling the system. Cutting voltage then dissipates the heat, so the cycle repeats. The smooth back-and-forth between hot and cold replaces high-maintenance mechanical parts with solid-state reliability. Scientists calculate that electrocaloric cooling efficiency leapfrogs vapor compression refrigeration by directly shuffling heat instead of wasting effort compressing refrigerants.

Since fluids naturally stratify by temperature, no added energy input is required to cycle hot and cold. The passive electrocaloric cooling generator minimizes electricity demands by exploiting thermodynamics rather than fighting against them. With game-changing energy savings over traditional refrigerator designs, this electrocaloric cooling technology paves the way for truly sustainable cooling.

Seeking real-world integration, LIST researchers collaborate with manufacturing partners to develop prototypes. The original discovery featured a single electrocaloric part, which limited heat transfer speed. The current regenerator assembly overcame this by interleaving many capacitors with parallel coolant channels. This boosts heat pumping capacity for powerful, real-world performance. Ongoing enhancements also aim to lower costs and extend operating lifetimes to enable widespread commercialization.

While the immediate goal focuses on eco-friendly refrigeration, the applications likely won’t stop there. Any process generating unwanted heat could benefit from electrocaloric cooling technology. Air conditioners, electronics cooling, industrial processes and even solar energy storage represent prospective opportunities. Because electrocaloric cooling systems thrive when miniaturized, microchip-level cooling also offers possibilities for computing breakthroughs.

For example, electrocaloric cooling films could provide on-chip cooling for high-performance computer processors, enabling faster computing speeds. Electrocaloric cooling systems can also be used to condense water vapor in air conditioning and dehumidification applications. This could allow environmentally-friendly refrigerants like water instead of HFCs to be used in vapor compression HVAC.

Additionally, the flexibility of electric-powered cooling lends well to renewable energy integration and smart grid load balancing. Electrocaloric heat pumps powered by wind or solar electricity during times of excess generation could store thermal energy for later dispatch while synchronizing supply and demand on the grid. With materials and system configuration innovations, electrocaloric cooling technologies show promise for revolutionizing thermal management across many sectors.

Despite enormous promise, unanswered questions remain regarding large-scale manufacturing and durability. However, early indications suggest the regenerator’s simple solid-state design will prove reliable over long stretches. By dodging complex mechanical components, the approach naturally steers towards sustainability. Cooling demand will only climb higher as climate change continues, but creative solutions like the LIST electrocaloric cooling regenerator offer hope we can innovate our way to a cooler future.

Source Happy Eco News

Intel is using hot water to cut natural gas use in its factories

Posted on January 29, 2024January 29, 2024 by dishanth

Intel’s new manufacturing plant in Leixlip, Ireland, which cost $18.5 billion to build, is replete with technologies touted for conserving energy and water including programmable, all-LED lighting and a water reclamation and filtration system that could save 275 million gallons a year.

One of its more unusual features, however, is an approach that’s often overlooked: capturing heat generated by equipment in the facility and funneling it into production processes rather than expelling it through cooling towers. This was accomplished by the installation of recovery chillers that capture heat created by Intel’s high-temperature manufacturing processes and pipe it in the form of heated water to other places at the facility.

Intel estimates these heat recovery measures will allow it to significantly cut the natural gas it must buy to run operations at the site, Fab 34. It will use nine times as much recovered energy than what is generated by other fuels, the company projects. That so-called “waste heat” can be used for tasks such as preheating the ultra-pure water Intel needs for semiconductor fabrication or keeping buildings at the site warm during cooler weather, said Rich Riley, principal engineer in Intel’s corporate services development group.

“If we didn’t have that heat, we would need that much more gas to facilitate the [heating, ventilation and air-conditioning] operations,” Riley said. “This is an overall reduction of natural gas consumption.”

Over time, Intel’s plan is to build on heat recovery and other energy efficiency measures by updating them with industrial equipment, such as heat pumps, that run on electricity.

Intel’s near-term energy-related sustainability goals include reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10 percent by 2030 from a 2019 baseline (it has achieved 4 percent as of fiscal year 2022); and conserving up to 4 billion kilowatt-hours cumulatively.

An untapped source of energy efficiency

Intel hasn’t disclosed the potential impact on its carbon emissions this heat recovery at Fab 34 effort could have, but a retrofit using water-to-water heat pumps in Fab 10 (also in Leixlip) will save an estimated 18.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. It will reduce Scope 1 emissions by about 4,760 metric tons, but Scope 2 emissions will increase by about 1,627 metric tons because of the electricity needed for the heat pumps.

Industrial energy remains a thorny challenge for corporate sustainability teams: An estimated 20 percent to 25 percent of energy consumed globally by industrial sources is still predominantly powered by coal and natural gas, according to the International Energy Agency.

The potential energy cost savings of using recovered waste heat for industrial processes, district heating applications or to generate electricity could reach up to $152.5 billion annually, slightly less than half the value of the natural gas imported by the European Union in 2022, according to a McKinsey report published in November. The analysis estimates the global recoverable heat potential is at least 3,100 terawatt-hours.

“In our view, if you want to decarbonize, heat recovery and waste heat is one of the most economical levers available,” said Ken Somers, a McKinsey partner who was one of the report’s authors. One barrier to adoption has been low natural gas prices, but tariffs and supply shortages have prompted companies to rethink their dependence, he said.

The industrial heat pump technology needed to move heat from where it’s generated to where it’s needed in a production process is also maturing. The potential for manufacturers of chemicals, consumer products, food and pharmaceuticals to use this approach is growing as a precursor to the electrification of production systems, said Patricia Provot, president of thermal production equipment manufacturer Armstrong International.

“If your plan is to fully decarbonize, your first step is to get rid of steam and use hot water, and then try to recover as much of that waste heat as possible and put it back into the system,” Provot said.

Source GreenBiz Group Inc

Water Based Battery Safer than Lithium

Posted on January 25, 2024 by dishanth

A novel water based battery is said to be safer than lithium at half the cost.
A Boston-area startup called Alsym Energy has introduced a rechargeable water based battery that could match lithium-ion batteries’ performance at a fraction of the price.

In addition to using inexpensive, easily accessible materials like manganese and metal oxide, the novel battery is based on water, according to an initial report from Fast Company.

Being a water based battery means it avoids some of the main drawbacks of current batteries, such as the potential for lithium-ion battery fires and the negative impact of mining on the environment. And thanks to the use of non-toxic materials, the water based battery design is simpler to recycle, which is always a bonus.

Electric vehicles are becoming more important as the world’s nations step up their efforts to decarbonize the grid. That’s because they can aid in decarbonizing both transportation and supply of electricity through reduced tailpipe emissions and offer flexibility. Naturally, many automakers are tapping into the market by producing luxurious EVs; however, the expensive price tag remains to be a problem to this day. The costs are partly due to the lithium-ion batteries that are used in electric vehicles, which are too costly to make EVs that can compete in price tag with cars that run on fossil fuels.

This is where Alsym Energy, which recently emerged from stealth and secured $32 million from investors, comes in. According to a press release, with its first partner being an automaker in India, the startup wants to make it possible for manufacturers to produce cheaper electric vehicles.

“Our motivation was to make it affordable so that it could be widely deployed as opposed to niche,” Mukesh Chatter, CEO and co-founder of the startup, told Fast Company.

The Alsym Energy water based battery is inexpensive enough that it might be used in developing countries to store off-grid solar power. This is especially crucial for individuals who do not currently have access to energy.

What Makes the Water Based Battery Special?
The water based zinc battery makes use of other affordable, easily accessible components like manganese and metal oxide. Crucially, it does not contain cobalt, an expensive critical component of lithium batteries that also contributes to supply-chain health and environmental issues due to unethical mining practices. It also doesn’t use lithium at all, which requires resource-intensive salar brine extraction methods, mainly concentrated in conflict-prone regions of South America. Avoiding lithium and cobalt reliance is incredibly important as both metals have seen extreme price increases recently amid surging EV demand.

Lithium carbonate prices have skyrocketed over 750% in the last two years. And cobalt more than doubled in cost since 2020. These unstable dynamics will likely drive up prices of lithium-ion batteries for the foreseeable future. By swapping water for expensive, ethically fraught raw materials, the aqueous zinc batter stands to radically transform the energy storage calculus in terms of affordability, local manufacturing potential, and stability of supply chains.

According to the team behind Alsym Energy, the new design has “lithium-like performance.” But unlike the latter, Alsym Energy’s batteries are not flammable. This saves money as it doesn’t require special protection to avoid fires and gives the batteries additional applications, such as use in ships, where the industry is particularly concerned about fire risk.

If all goes to plan, Alsym Energy will start beta testing with its first customers in early 2023, with high-volume production beginning as early as 2025. The novel battery design will surely make waves globally; however, the company’s priority is to first make it affordable in low-income regions.

Source Happy Eco News

Can You Enjoy a Warmer Winter Without Increasing Your Energy Use?

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by dishanth

Excessive Energy Consumption in Winter

Home heating costs keep soaring yearly, creating a budget concern among American homeowners. In 2022, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association forecasted each home would pay an average of $1,328 for electricity in the winter of 2023 — a 17% increase from the previous year’s power consumption.

Because people need to stay warm and cozy indoors, the heating system operates for nearly 24 hours. While it’s necessary for survival, homeowners are getting more concerned about the rising energy costs and the impact of constantly running appliances on the environment.

So this brings the question, “Is it possible to keep warm and save on bills?” The answer is a big yes — and there are several options to do so. Here are the workarounds to keep your family warm during winter, minus the skyrocketing bills.

Maximize Passive Solar Heating

The easiest way to warm your space is to take advantage of the sun. Doing so doesn’t require any complicated upgrades or installations. All you have to do is open your windows during the day to allow warm air inside and improve circulation.

South-facing windows capture the most heat, so don’t block the sun by placing tall plants directly in front of them. In addition, run your ceiling fan counterclockwise direction — it circulates more warm air by pushing it down.

During the night, close the blinds to trap heat indoors. If you can, invest in thermal-lined curtains. They’re made of several layers of fabric and microfiber that provide a wall between your home and the cold outside air.

Insulate Various Home Areas

While it’s ideal to boost insulation from the roof to the foundation, such a move requires a considerable financial investment. The average cost of home insulation is between $3,000 and $10,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

Windows

If you lack the budget, simply insulating your doors and windows is energy-saving and pocket-friendly. Here are some hacks.

1. Put a Plastic Film or Bubble Wrap Over the Window

You can save up to $20 per window every winter by merely putting a film over your window. If you have five windows, you can put a potential extra $100 toward other expenses.

The process to do this is straightforward. Use tape to secure the plastic to the edge of the window frame. Then, fix the film to the window using a hair dryer.

2. Add Caulk and Weatherstripping

It’s easy to add caulk to your windows. Make sure to cut the tip of the tube to the same size as the gap between the wall and the frame. If you have double-hung windows, weatherstrip them with a V seal.

3. Install Cellular or Honeycomb Shades

This solution may be more expensive than the first two, but they can last for years. Installing honeycomb shades can save you as much as 15% of your yearly HVAC energy use. They just take a bit of measuring and drilling.

Doors

Weatherstripped doors can also prevent heat loss, warming up your space during winter. Follow these tips to insulate them.

1. Tighten the Screws and Fittings

Check if the doors’ fittings have come loose, which can happen with time. The door must hang appropriately in the frame.

2. Install Weatherproofing Strips and Seals

Self-adhesive strips are the easiest way to seal gaps between the door and the frame. Meanwhile, you can use a weather seal on the bottom of the door.

3. Hang Heavy Curtains on the Entry Doors

At the back of the entry doors, mount a curtain rail on top to hang thick curtains. You can take this down after winter. Remember to do the same for your garage door using rigid foam boards or other similar materials.

Use Smart Thermostats

Modern households are becoming technology-driven. By leveraging advancements, you can control energy use. A great example is a thermostat.

Smart thermostats are designed with sensors, algorithms and machine learning capabilities. When sensors detect someone entering the home, the thermostat automatically turns on and adjusts to the occupants’ optimal cooling or heating temperature.

With use, it can remember the best time to heat the home during winter, saving you 8% on heating and cooling bills or $50 per year. They’re also convenient, as you can control them remotely through an app and voice commands in some models.

Use Energy-Saving Mode on Appliances

Your choice of entertainment during winter — which may include a TV, game console or computer — can also add up on your bills. Hook them up to a battery saver or turn on low power mode when operating in this setting is possible. For instance, you can turn your laptop into power saver mode if you only do data entry tasks and don’t need the high-resolution video feature. By implementing this simple change, you can save up to $30 a year on energy bills.

Switch to LEDs

Lighting accounts for about 15% of your entire home energy use, which is considerable. Swapping to quality LED fixtures will result in huge savings since they use 75% less energy and last more than 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Besides their low energy consumption, LEDs are more durable than traditional lighting. They’re made of epoxy lenses — not glass — increasing their resistance to breakage. More importantly, their longer life span makes them good for the environment, as they emit less carbon.

Layer up Indoors

Another simple, sustainable winter practice is to wear warm clothing at home to reduce the need for heating. Wearing thick winter clothes will preserve your body’s natural heat, decreasing your reliance on electricity to warm up. You’ll have to apply the same hack when sleeping — ensure you cover yourself with a layered blanket.

Enjoy a Warmer Winter at No Extra Cost

Power bills shoot up during winter due to the extensive use of the heating system. Fortunately, you can enjoy warm, cozy evenings without increasing your energy use by harnessing the sun’s power to heat your home, insulating any openings where heat can leak and switching to a smart thermostat. Save hundreds of dollars yearly using these simple tips to prepare your home for winter.

Source Happy Eco News

Windcatcher the Huge Wooden Wind Generator

Posted on January 8, 2024 by dishanth

Engineers have designed a new type of gigantic wooden wind generator dubbed the “Windcatcher” that could rise higher than the Eiffel Tower to tap into more powerful winds and generate huge amounts of renewable electricity far offshore.

At 1,066 feet (325 meters) from anchoring base to propeller tip, the proposed Windcatcher wooden wind generator system would surpass the iconic Parisian landmark’s height of 1,063 feet when fully built. But rather than offering tours of city views, this would allow the colossal tower to leverage faster wind speeds at higher altitudes than conventional wind turbines mounted closer to shore. Architects envision groups of these wooden wind generator megastructures with spinning wind turbines dotted along their central shafts, powering entire regions with clean energy.

Winds Tend to Blow Stronger Higher Up

Wind flow is enhanced the higher you go because ground obstacles like hills and buildings cause slowing friction. By elevating up into less disrupted airflow, the Windcatcher’s turbines could rotate 50% faster than ones constructed only 300 feet up. More spin velocity means manyfold more power generation. Modeling shows electricity output from a single Windcatcher could equal several traditional wind towers running in parallel. This boosted productivity per tower could make building fewer giants more efficient than patching seascape views with ever more waves of smaller mills.

Engineering a Gigantic Wooden Wind Generator

However, efficiently scaling turbines to Eiffel defining heights poses profound infrastructure challenges around stability, longevity, and safe maintenance access throughout the multiyear operation. The proposed Windcatcher design incorporates a sturdy yet flexible solid timber tower base tapering into an open skeletal wood frame swirling up to its peak generation capacity. The entire structure can gently sway to dampen extreme gust loads without catastrophic failure risk. Metal vibration dampeners also help absorb wind energy to limit motion.

Ringing the tower’s exterior, helical rampways, and grated platforms circle up to turbine machinery requiring routine inspection or emergency repairs. Cargo lifts and even tilting gondolas mean specialized crews can access any point from base to pinnacle in most conditions while remaining secure. But whatsoever precautions, embarking 1,000 feet into the North Sea gusts to bolt down wayward equipment is no task for the faint of heart.

The wooden wind generator concept has grabbed attention across renewable energy circles, yet experts debate feasibility obstacles around truly enormous timber joinery, massive construction logistics, operating equipment endurance, and connection infrastructure. Building numerous near Eiffel-topping wooden wind generators certainly nudges current offshore wind realism boundaries. However, proponents argue that visionary, clean power goals require expansive thinking, including wooden wind generators. However, intimidating initial steps appear. Our energy appetites will only expand, and every field bears longshot innovations that will later prove pivotal.

The proposal’s futuristic allure is clear. Windcatcher wooden wind generators evoke images of natural organisms gently swaying amid the waves, smoothly converting the wind’s energy into electricity, helping human life flourish onshore. Their sheer epic scale captivates the imagination much akin to Parisian Gustave Eiffel’s original wrought iron icon that long-held records as the world’s tallest manmade structure. Perhaps someday, rows of these block-long towers may claim their own position as ultimate wind energy titans built to sustainably power nations using renewable materials and ingenuity.

Source Happy Eco News

How manufacturers can transition to 100% renewable electricity

Posted on January 3, 2024 by dishanth

Manufacturing and other industrial users account for around a third of the world’s energy consumption, according to the International Energy Agency(1). Electricity is a central element of that. If all the power consumed by factories and industrial plants came from renewable sources, it would make a sizeable contribution to tackling climate change.

It is a tough target, but one that companies are increasingly signing up to. The RE100 initiative, for example, has seen more than 400 corporations commit to 100% renewable electricity use across their operations. How they reach that goal will depend on many factors, including what they are making and where.

Switching to renewable electricity

“Organisations with lighter electricity needs and stable finances will be best positioned to transition to renewables. Companies with high electricity demand, like furnaces for glass, smelting or other large-scale heating applications and companies with very large footprints – such as expansive warehouses and assembly operations – may have more difficulty,” says Paul Holdredge, Director for Industrials and Transport at consultancy Business for Social Responsibility (BSR).

COP28 president-designate Dr Sultan Al-Jaber told the Adipec conference in Abu Dhabi in early October(2) that heavy industries may be hard to decarbonise but added “We know that solutions exist, and all industries can and must respond.”

The prospect of switching to renewable electricity has become far easier due to recent dramatic cost reductions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the price of solar photovoltaic power in 2010 was typically 710% higher than the cheapest fossil fuel, but by 2022 it was 29% cheaper(3). Currently electricity accounts for around 20% of final energy use in manufacturing, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency, and this is only expected to increase.

The manufacturing challenge

But it is not just the price of renewable energy, low as it is, that dictates a manufacturer’s ability to move to 100% renewable energy. Both the required initial capital investment and first-mover disadvantage—where it costs pioneers more than those that follow them to deploy new technologies—can significantly slow down a fully renewable transition. Not to mention the lack of availability of certain renewables in certain geographies and the fact that the appropriate infrastructure must be in place for this energy to be delivered—something no one company can do on its own.

Manufacturing requires an enormous amount of electricity in comparison to offices. In some countries or regions where the supply of renewable electricity is limited, like Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, it is much more expensive than electricity produced by traditional means, placing a significant future cost burden on companies that purchase renewable electricity.

Epson is working to popularize the use of renewable electricity, despite the certainty of short-term cost increases. The company is advancing investment in sustainability to enrich communities and invest in future generations to create social value.

Going local

Wherever they are in the world, with whatever types of renewable energy available to them, companies need to adapt to local, national, and global circumstances. Seiko Epson, based in Japan, has done just that. Having switched to 100% renewable electricity for all its sites in Japan in 2021, it will complete the transition to 100% renewable electricity globally by the end of 2023(4). This goal has been made achievable through steady implementation of decarbonization targets and the use of renewable electricity since 2018.

In Nagano Prefecture, Japan, for example, where water sources are abundant, it relies on hydroelectric power. But in the Tohoku area, where it has a semiconductor fabrication plant, it uses hydropower and geothermal heat from the Ou mountains.

It is taking a similar approach outside Japan. In the Philippines, it taps into local geothermal and hydroelectric sources. While in Indonesia, it uses yet another renewable source—biomass power.

“We have used locally produced energy wherever possible,” says Junichi Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer General Administrative Manager, Production Planning Division, whose role encompasses the promotion of Epson’s procurement strategies in the supply chain, including the use of renewable electricity. “Rather than using energy generated in faraway countries, using a particular region’s abundant renewable resources brings many benefits, such as improving energy self-sufficiency and creating jobs.”

In addition to purchasing renewable electricity, Epson co-creates and develops other power sources through continuous renewable electricity purchases. In partnership with Nagano Prefecture and Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Company, Inc., the company began support of hydroelectric power plants in Nagano Prefecture. Two are already in operation (totalling 5,770 kilowatts) and another is scheduled to begin operation in 2024. That number is expected to increase to five by 2025.

Such targets can help a company stand out from the crowd. “Based on our research, setting a near-term goal for 100% renewable electricity use is an example of leadership and a differentiator. Some companies also have roadmaps to transition over longer time periods,” says Holdredge.

Among the practical methods companies should consider are:

• Sourcing renewable electricity from local suppliers via contracts with electricity suppliers – the ability to do this will depend on the rules in a particular country but, if it is possible, a company can be confident its electricity is only coming from renewable sources.

• Generating electricity on-site, via rooftop solar panels or, if space allows, wind turbines. Even if they do not generate all the power needed, they can still make a useful contribution.

• Develop battery storage facilities. A common concern about renewable electricity is the risk of supply being interrupted when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining, but storage technology offers a viable way to address that.

When it comes to solar power generation systems, Epson’s sites also decide whether to adopt self-investment or power purchase agreement (PPA) based on the individual circumstances of each country or region. The solution will vary from company to company. But most manufacturers are likely to find a combination of these elements will go a long way to reaching their renewable electricity goals.

What’s more, many manufacturers like Epson realize that their indirect GHG emissions from their entire value chain (Scope 3) are much greater than the GHG emissions from their own electricity use (Scope 2). As such, by reducing the sector’s Scope 2 emissions using renewable energy—something the sector can do independently—is likely to have a far greater impact on society. Setting goals early and demonstrating a company’s stance toward solving climate change is the key to co-prosperity with suppliers and a sustainable society.

“For large companies the return on investment is there to make the case for investment in renewables. For smaller companies this can also be true, but it depends on the geography. Government incentives can only speed up transition which is sorely needed,” says Christy Slay, Chief Executive Officer of The Sustainability Consortium.

The future for greener manufacturing

There are big gains for humanity if climate change can be addressed, but for manufacturing companies and their shareholders the best approach could also deliver commercial gains.

Consumers and investors are increasingly likely to reward companies with greener credentials, making it an essential part of long-term market positioning. In addition, greater use of renewables and greater self-generation can make a company more resilient to volatile electricity prices on the open market.

“Reaching 100% renewable is tough but pushing to get as close as possible, as soon as possible should be every company’s focus right now,” says Slay. “Epson has managed to stay one step ahead of the industry and is setting an example not only to Japan but to the world.”

Source Reuters

These Maasai women have developed an eco-friendly way to turn invasive cacti into bio-fuel

Posted on December 13, 2023 by dishanth

In Kenya, Maasai women have found an eco-friendly solution to an invasive and hazardous plant.

Parts of the opuntia cactus are edible, but its outer layers are covered in spikes and harmful to livestock which try to graze on it.

A group of women are now transforming the prickly pear into a bio-gas and preserves.

It is bringing them a form of employment and a method of empowerment.

Kenya’s livestock threatened by invasive cactus

The wilderness of Laikipia County, near Nairobi, is home to goats and cattle that roam freely.

They are frequently attracted to grazing on prickly pears, but these are an invasive species which threaten the natural environment.

The cacti were introduced by colonialists in the early 1900s as a natural fence and have morphed into an invasive menace that outcompetes native plants.

Its seed gets widely dispersed by the wind and the animals that pass through.

The hairs which cover the fruit can cause internal obstructions when eaten by animals, posing a significant threat to livestock.

Local farmers say the cactus now competes for critical resources, jeopardising community lands, wildlife reserves and livestock ranches.

Its encroachment also hinders wildlife navigation as well as reducing grazing areas.

Naimadu Siranga, a 65-year-old herder, has witnessed the devastation of the cactus firsthand, leading to the loss of over 150 of his goats and sheep.

“I once maintained a herd of more than 100 goats. Unfortunately, a series of losses ensued when they started consuming cactus plants, which led to mouth injuries, severe diarrhoea, and ultimately, the demise of my livestock,” he says.

“These circumstances have inflicted significant financial setbacks.”

Women’s group transforms cacti into bio-fuel

Now a women’s group in Laikipia County is transforming the cacti from a problem into a new enterprise.

They harvest the prickly pear and turn it into biogas which they can use in their homes.

The Iloplei Twala Cultural Manyatta Women Group has 203 members who are now employed in converting the cactus pulp into fuel.

This approach not only eradicates the cactus but also promotes environmental conservation and offers an alternative livelihood for the women.

“We came together because in Maasai culture, women do all the domestic work and own nothing at home,” says Rosemary Nenini, a member of the group, “so we want to empower ourselves.”

The fruits from the cactus are edible for both humans and animals if separated from their sharp spines.

So the Twala women at Laikipia Permaculture are also using the fruit to create a range of products including jams, cosmetics and juices. This generates an independent income for them.

Cacti pose a danger to baby elephants

Loisaba Conservancy, a 58,000-acre wildlife habitat in northern Kenya, home to iconic species such as lions and wild dogs, also grapples with the invasive cactus.

Animals unwittingly facilitate the spread of this invasive plant. Baboons, elephants, guinea fowl, and tortoises consume the sweet fruit and disperse the seeds.

However, elephants, while skilled at extracting the fruit from the spiny thorns, sometimes suffer from digestive issues due to the fruit’s small hairs.

“If the elephant is young, the hairs of the fruit can irritate the gut lining, create diarrhoea and sometimes even irritation in the gut,” says Tom Silvester, the Conservancy’s Chief Executive.

Combatting this invasive species proves challenging, as it spreads aggressively, even on barren rock.

Traditional removal methods, like manual labour and burning, have proved ineffective.

Teams now use heavy machinery to uproot the cactus, transferring it to designated areas and burying it in deep pits to minimise carbon emissions during decomposition.

This strategy results in fertile zones where native plants can regenerate and flourish.

As of June 2023, Loisaba Conservancy successfully cleared 3,100 acres of opuntia, marking a significant step in the fight against this environmental menace.

Research scientist Winnie Nunda from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International says it’s a step towards preserving the country’s biodiversity.

Source euronews.green

Recycle Plastic Bags into Oil with New Machine

Posted on December 1, 2023 by dishanth

A Japanese inventor learned how to recycle plastic bags into oil with a new machine.

A Japanese inventor has designed an innovative machine that can recycle plastic bags into oil. 70-year old Akinori Ito created the recycling device to process hard-to-recycle plastic waste into usable fuel.

Ito’s machine shreds plastic bags into flakes and then melts them at high heat, producing an oil liquid similar to light crude. The unconventional recycling method aims to reduce waste while generating income for local communities. The machines come in a variety of sizes, from desktop-sized to community-scale.

“I don’t want this equipment to just be used by major companies. I want it to be used in small towns and villages,” Ito shared.

His compact recycling unit measures around 4.5 meters long by 2.5 meters wide with various control stations. Up to 1 kilogram of plastic bags can be loaded into the shredder per hour.

The shredded plastic is then fed into a hot furnace, melting the material at temperatures up to 430 degrees Celsius. The intense heat decomposes the hydrocarbons and will recycle plastic bags into oil.

Different grades of fuel oil can be created depending on the temperature and components used. Higher heat produces lighter oils akin to diesel or gasoline. The oil can then be sold to buyers as recycled petroleum products.

Japan generates over 9 million tons of plastic waste annually but recycles only 22% of it, government statistics report. The country imports much of its energy and previously recycled most plastics into lower-grade uses like concrete filler. The ability to recycle plastic bags into oil is something that Japan needs.

Motivated by both the waste and energy issues, Ito spent over 20 years perfecting a system to upcycle plastics into usable crude oil.

After testing various methods, the retired electronics engineer pioneered the pressurized hot furnace technique to recycle plastic bags into oil.

“I didn’t expect oil made from plastic bags would be such good quality when I first produced it,” shared Ito. “The quality of oil is high enough to be sold to consumers.”

By selling the oil produced, local groups and municipalities can fund new recycling efforts in a self-sustaining loop. “I hope more people will use the machine in their community,” said Ito.

Several Japanese municipalities have already installed Ito’s invention to process hard-to-recycle plastic films, bags, wrappings, and other waste into oil.

The city of Akita estimates they can convert several hundred kilograms of plastic waste per day into nearly $500 worth of oil. Some groups report producing over 80 liters of oil daily.

But challenges remain in scaling up the niche recycling concept. Collecting sufficient plastic volumes is difficult in smaller towns. Removing ink and labels from plastic bags is an added step. The systems also require maintenance of technical equipment.

Still, supporters believe Ito’s invention provides an important outlet to reduce unrecyclable plastics piling up in Japan and other countries. His machine offers a rare solution for polyethylene films that lack recycling markets globally.

If expanded, systems that recycle plastic bags into oil could reduce environmental and crude oil imports for countries while generating income. With further development, experts envision entire localized supply chains optimizing the plastic-to-fuel concept.

For his innovation, Ito was awarded the Medal of Honor from Japan’s Ministry of Environment in 2018. His persistence in creating a real-world solution also highlights the power of grassroots initiatives to spur change.

Said Ito: “I don’t want my technology to end up sitting on the shelf. I want it to be used practically to help communities.”

Source Happy Eco News