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Spotlight
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?
Deep dive: Redwood Materials
With global demand for lithium-ion batteries projected to increase by 90% in the coming years, existing supply chain issues and environmental concerns will only be exacerbated unless efforts are made to switch from a linear to a circular model. By adopting a recycle and reuse philosophy, the battery industry can become localised, more sustainable, and more resilient. One company, Redwood Materials, is leading the charge, providing a model for the industry to follow, and revolutionising the way the battery industry works in the US.
The carbon footprint of electrification: what we need to know
Electrification will play a vital role in the energy transition, but it’s not a perfect solution. Not only are there bottlenecks impacting the supply chain, but the carbon footprint associated with electrification is only set to grow as demand for electricity increases. Many renewable energy technologies, including solar PV, wind farms and electric vehicle batteries, rely on mined minerals in both their construction and operation. However, obtaining and processing these minerals has several negative consequences ranging from increased carbon emissions and water pollution to human rights and safety concerns.
The net zero problem with big tech: reporting reform needed to address real world emissions
The actions of Silicon Valley’s tech giants have an international impact, especially when it comes to sustainability. The big five – Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple – have all made pledges to curb emissions, reduce waste, and implement fair working practices, but are outdated reporting methods skewing the data? With accusations of greenwashing to contend with, it could be time for Big Tech to prove it is working to be a force for good, not simply part of the problem.
The rise of the smart city
With 70% of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, cities are feeling the heat. Faced with higher energy consumption, increased pollution, limited resources, and insufficient infrastructure, urban planners are being forced to find new ways to harness the power of renewable energy and smart technology to mitigate these negative effects. Smart cities around the world are modelling a different future, adopting sensors, electric vehicles, hydroponic farming, and more to protect their inhabitants and take a proactive role in the fight against climate change.
US election: Is Biden’s massive clean energy programme under threat from Trump?
With just four months to go until the US election, the Republicans and Democrats could not be further apart when it comes to their views on clean energy and climate change. Depending on whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris enters the White House, Joe Biden’s programme of policies could be continued or scrapped and reversed entirely. The next four years are crucial for the fight against climate change, and the result of the upcoming election may materially impact not only the US, but the world.