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Spotlight
Shining a spotlight on green steel start-ups
As one of the world’s most used materials – and with one of the largest carbon footprints – the steel industry has long been considered one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. While more sustainable production processes are available, harnessing hydrogen and renewable energy, these are more expensive and rely on restricted resources that hinder their adoption by legacy manufacturers. However, green steel start-ups are showing that there may be another way forward – and investors are starting to see their potential.
The largest funding rounds of 2024
Looking back at 2024, investment in the renewable and cleantech sector continued to grow. While economic constraints could have dissuaded investors, funding has consistently increased since 2020 and hit record sums this year. However, looking at the companies that attracted the most significant investment in 2024 illustrates that funding is still largely concentrated within the developed world and channelled towards firms which are already relatively established, have a product with mass market appeal, and formed partnerships with big name corporations.
Decarbonising industry: Spotlight on cement
As one of the world’s largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, cement is a material that desperately needs to be decarbonised. Happily, there are several innovative companies making strides in green cement, adopting alternative materials and production methods as well as capturing the carbon emitted by traditional Portland Cement manufacture. With the use of cement expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, the green cement industry represents a massive environmental and economic opportunity that could transform the way the construction sector operates.
Recycling rare earth materials
With rare earth elements an essential component in everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and wind turbines, demand for these materials is set to rapidly increase as electrification grows. However, an uncertain supply chain, the high energy consumption of mining, and the vast quantities of electronic waste being produced have led many experts to look to recycling to help satisfy the increase in demand. But can these elements be recycled effectively?
The UK, wind and China
With the UK home to the perfect blend of natural resources to make wind energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels, it’s unsurprising that the Government is looking to maximise its potential – and quickly. With Scottish Power awarding Hull-based Siemens Gamesa a £1 billion contract to build turbines, growth in this industry could benefit the environment and the economy. But some are looking to outside sources to help accelerate capacity. China dominates the international wind energy supply chain, but it’s not got there without controversy. Could welcoming input from here be a short-term fix with long-term consequences?
The rise and fall of Northvolt, and what it means for Europe’s EV battery market
Once the leading light of Europe’s battery cell industry, Northvolt shocked many by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US in November, with debts amounting to over $5.8 billion. Despite eight years of innovation, an impressive client roster and over $12 billion in funding, the company couldn’t produce the quantities needed to deliver on its commitments and has been forced to scale back. Its fall has caused a ripple effect, throwing Europe’s battery supply chain into chaos, and exposing the issues plaguing this nascent industry.
Spotlight on LEGO Group
As one of the most prolific toy manufacturers in the world, and one with a product that is reliant on plastic, the LEGO Group is facing significant challenges when it comes to operating more sustainably. However, the Danish brand has taken a proactive approach to solving this problem, looking to make more sustainable choices in its manufacturing, employee policies, and investment. Taking a holistic approach to minimising its environmental impact, the LEGO Group is proving what’s possible and setting an example for similar companies worldwide.
What is white hydrogen and why haven’t we heard more about it?
The accidental discovery of natural white hydrogen in a well in Mali, West Africa has unlocked a whole new world of possibilities for this important energy source. Free from carbon emissions and ready-made with no need for costly electrolysis, white hydrogen could be a sustainable source of energy and contribute to the 200 million tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per annum that the world will need to decarbonise by 2050. But it’s not a silver bullet solution – indeed, there are many problems that this burgeoning sector needs to address before it can play a significant role in the renewable energy industry.
CCUS: The state of play in the UK, European and US markets
Carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCUS) has an important role to play in helping the world reach net zero by 2050. Harnessing innovative technology, CCUS works to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and either store them safely underground or repurposes them as a cleaner source of energy. Its importance has been recognised globally with the UK, European and US markets all committing substantial funds to its development, encouraging a burgeoning start-up scene and establishing new CCUS clusters that can help to decarbonise industry.
Cybersecurity challenges and solutions for large-scale green energy infrastructure
The green energy sector is notoriously vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Its reliance on electrification and a continual flow of data as well as its importance to infrastructure makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. However, despite the many challenges it faces, renewable energy providers can take a proactive approach to their cybersecurity to protect their operations and their customers, supported by robust government policy and targeted investment.
Shining a spotlight on the new National Energy System Operator (NESO)
Since Labour came into power on 4th July, the new government has already made great strides in following through with its manifesto pledges and resetting the UK’s approach to the energy sector and climate change. Critics have been concerned that these ambitious plans aren’t backed by the investment or infrastructure needed to make them successful – and that’s where the new National Energy System Operator (NESO) could make all the difference.
Renewable energy progress in sport
While our attention is understandably often focused on the industries with the highest carbon footprints, its undeniable that other sectors can also play an influential role in helping us fight climate change. Sport is one sector that can take steps to improve its sustainable credentials and embrace renewable energy on a larger scale. It can also affect wider change by inspiring its fans to follow its lead. But is the industry ready to rise to the challenge and go for gold?