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Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
Venice's Electric Water Taxis Slammed as "Cultural Catastrophe" Amid Fears of Ruined Heritage and Lost Traditions
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Lucietta is the first fully electric water taxi in Venice, created through a collaboration between Nauta Design, Cantiere Serenella, and Repower. is the first fully electric water taxi in Venice, created through a collaboration between Nauta Design, Cantiere Serenella, and Repower. ⚡ The vessel features a robust 200-kW electric propulsion system and a 180-kWh battery, allowing it to operate for a full day without recharging. and a 180-kWh battery, allowing it to operate for a full day without recharging. 🌿 Designed with both tradition and innovation in mind, the Lucietta integrates seamlessly into Venice's waterways while promoting sustainable transport . . 🌟 The Lucietta showcases advanced technology, including LED lighting, USB ports, and a carbon fiber hull, blending luxury with eco-friendly materials. In the centuries-old waterways of Venice, a new chapter in sustainable transport is unfolding. A collaboration between an innovative marine design studio, an Italian shipyard, and a Swiss energy company has led to the creation of the first fully electric Venetian water taxi, known as the Lucietta. This groundbreaking vessel is expected to transform local marine tourism by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water taxis. A Visionary Collaboration The Lucietta is the result of a synergy between three influential entities: Nauta Design, Cantiere Serenella, and Repower. Nauta Design, a Milan-based studio renowned for its sleek superyacht concepts, brought its visionary flair to the project. Cantiere Serenella, an Italian shipyard with a rich heritage, offered its expertise in construction. Meanwhile, the Swiss energy company Repower provided its extensive knowledge of electric propulsion systems. Together, these partners aimed to redefine the Venetian water taxi for the 21st century. Massimo Gino of Nauta Design emphasized the importance of preserving the essence of traditional Venetian water taxis while integrating modern technology. 'Starting from a meticulous study of the original drawings of old taxis and interviews with taxi drivers,' he noted, 'we defined the essential upgrades to design the electric taxi for the new millennium.' This careful balance of history and innovation is evident in the Lucietta's design, which features stylistic elements that highlight its sustainable core. 'California's Electric Train Revolution Slashes Toxic Pollution': 89% Drop in Carcinogens Marks Historic Win for Public Health and Climate Design and Performance The Lucietta made its debut at the sixth Salone Nautico di Venezia, showcasing a contemporary design deeply rooted in Venetian history. Measuring 30.5 feet in length, 7.4 feet in width, and with a draft of 6.8 feet, the vessel adheres to the stringent spatial constraints imposed by Venice's canals and infrastructure. These dimensions ensure that the Lucietta integrates seamlessly into the city's iconic waterways. Equipped with a powerful 200-kW electric propulsion system and a 180-kWh battery pack, the Lucietta can reach speeds up to 34.5 mph. For more leisurely cruises, it operates efficiently between 8 and 12 mph, allowing it to function for a full working day without recharging. The vessel can accommodate up to 14 passengers, who can choose between seating in the shaded mid-section or enjoying open-air views at the stern. The captain's seat is strategically positioned at the bow for optimal visibility. Japan Plans 310,000-Ton Crude Oil Giant: World's Biggest Methanol-Powered Ship Set to Revolutionize Global Energy Transport Technological Innovations The Lucietta is not just an innovation in sustainable transport; it is a testament to advanced marine technology. It features LED navigation lights, underwater aft lighting, and a comprehensive 12-inch Garmin display for navigation. Passengers can enjoy modern conveniences such as USB charging ports, a Fusion audio system, and a 42-liter refrigerator. With a synthetic teak deck and flooring, the vessel combines luxury with eco-conscious materials, including a carbon fiber hull and recycled glass components. Repower highlights the Lucietta's role in shaping the future of public transport in Venice. 'Lucietta is not simply an 'excellence of the lagoon's know-how,'' a statement reads, 'but also a contribution to the debate on public transport in Venice, a solution capable of integrating with fast-charge tools for cars and offering performances and ranges equal to those of the endothermic boats that currently work in the Venetian waters.' 'China Unleashes Flying Bike': Futuristic Hoverbike Hits 44.7 MPH and Flies 31 Miles in Shocking Public Debut The Road Ahead While the Lucietta has made waves at expos, including its upcoming appearance at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the collaboration has yet to announce mass production plans. For now, the vessel serves as a powerful demonstration of what sustainable marine transport can achieve. The creators hope that it will inspire future innovation and adoption of electric vehicles throughout Venice and beyond. As Venice faces increasing challenges from climate change and tourism, solutions like the Lucietta offer a glimpse into a more sustainable future. The vessel exemplifies how tradition and modern technology can coexist to preserve the city's unique heritage while addressing environmental concerns. Will other cities follow Venice's lead in embracing electric innovation for their own waterways? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
Sky News AU
08-05-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
'Enough is enough': Mornington Peninsula Shire to redirect climate funding towards Australia and Anzac Day events
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors are redirecting funds originally meant for climate action grants toward Australia Day, Anzac Day, community services, and roads. Changes to the draft budget, proposed by deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro, ditched $160,000 in climate grants and removed a climate emergency declaration after the council spent $11.7 million on climate related initiatives within three years. Mayor Anthony Marsh told Sky News' Andrew Bolt on Thursday it took 'bravery' to discuss reallocating the funds. 'So, we're going through our first budget process after the recent elections and I think we're seeing a reprioritisation of community money going back into community,' he said. 'It takes some bravery, I think, to have these conversations these days, but if we look at our feedback, you know, we've just gone through a budget survey and we've had 3,600 odd people respond to that." Defending the cuts, Mr Marsh declared 'enough is enough' as he backed the council to finally pull the pin on "feel good" climate grants. Mr Marsh added community feedback had shown a desire for the council to focus on core infrastructure, including renewing community buildings and fixing drainage, and steer away from climate change. 'It's not to say climate change is unimportant, but it's definitely not ranking as a high priority across that feedback that we hear,' he said. 'I speak to hundreds of people a week and I think the general feedback from sort of the 70 per cent across the centre are saying, you know, it is good to see council focusing back on local community stuff.' In addition to the climate grants, the local council also cut funding to volunteer group Repower, which helps locals switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and $350,000 was slashed from the performing arts sector, ending grants for individual creative pursuits. Mornington Peninsula Shire will now allocate about $3.3 million in community investment funding programs, which includes $150,000 towards commemorative events subsidies to support Australia Day and Anzac Day. 'I think it was a lot of people said we've lost that sort of identity on Australia Day where we're not celebrating that as much,' Mr Marsh said. 'We do already give grants to some of the local communities that run local events, but it's sort of increasing the funding there because I think even around Christmas, people say, you now, often, if you walk down the main street in Mornington, there's not a lot happening.' Mr Marsh added the response to Australia Day funding had been positive, as he insisted the national holiday remained hugely popular on the Mornington Peninsula. 'I think that just shows as a community, we still love being Australian. We love celebrating that day and I acknowledge it means different things to different people, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be getting behind locals that want to run events on that day,' he said. Aside from supporting Australia Day, the council will also allocate $250,000 to local infrastructure grants, $115,00 to road safety, emergency services and lifeguard subsidies, and $80,000 toward tourism across the region.
Herald Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Mornington Peninsula bid to fund Australia Day over climate action
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News. Handouts for climate action and the performing arts are facing the chopping block on the Mornington Peninsula as the local council plots to redirect money into Australia Day and Anzac Day events, community services and roads. Mornington Peninsula councillors are also expected to call on the council's bean counters to slash $101m proposed employee costs by $5m and find $5m in 'service planning efficiencies' when they consider part of the draft budget on Tuesday night. If adopted the council would scrap $160,000 in climate grants previously used to pay for appliances for residents and schools and no longer fund volunteer group Repower, which helps locals switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It would also pull $350,000 from the performing arts ending grants for individual creative pursuits such as bankrolling a local muso's debut album. Deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro is expected to propose the changes detailed in a document seen by the Herald Sun. The document revealed a push by some councillors to redirect funds to a new, $150,000 commemorative events subsidy to support events including Australia Day, Anzac Day and Survival Day. Up to $250,000 would be invested in local area community capital infrastructure grants, $100,000 would be allocated to biolink support grants and a further $50,000 set aside for the biosphere. Road safety, emergency services and lifeguards would be boosted by $115,000 in community led safety subsidies and tourism centres across the region would share in $80,000. Speaking ahead of the meeting Mr Pingiaro said he was proud of the proposed changes. 'It's our first budget as a new council group and I believe it sets a strong direction,' he said. 'It reflects what our community told us they value and delivers local investment where it's needed most. 'This is about meaningful, tangible outcomes that strengthen our community and ensure real value for ratepayers.' Mayor Anthony Marsh said the proposed 'tweaks' to the draft budget would be well received by the community. 'I'd call it a community building budget,' he said. The proposed changes follow last month's decision to ditch the council's climate emergency declaration after spending $11.7m on climate related initiatives in three years, including $4.15m on wages. Mr Marsh said the decision would help the council deliver results residents could see and benefit from. 'This is not about stepping away from climate responsibility. It is about stepping forward with a clearer focus,' he said. 'This decision strengthens our approach by ensuring all future proposals are transparent, well-considered and deliver clear public value.' In future all climate-related proposals would be subject to individual council reports or itemised budget bids, with 'clear measures of effectiveness'.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future of U.S. Wind Power Hinges on Turbine Upgrades
Since coming into power, U.S. President Donald Trump has been fighting to increase oil and gas production while reining in the renewable energy sector. Trump aims to expand the country's fossil fuel output and encourage more countries worldwide to import U.S. LNG, which he has done by introducing strict tariffs on countries unwilling to increase trade with the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. President has doubled down on his electoral pledges to slow green transition progress and halt programmes and funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which he called the 'Green New Scam'. This means building 'no new windmills' as well as restricting other renewable energy expansion. Trump rapidly introduced several policy measures that have made it more difficult for energy companies to expand their renewable energy capacity, particularly when it comes to wind power. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order that indefinitely paused new offshore wind leases in U.S. coastal waters and halted new permits pending the completion of a review. This caused uncertainty across the industry and has made investors wary about financing new U.S. wind energy projects, prompting other countries to compete for greater investment in their renewables sectors. However, it will be difficult for Trump to completely dismantle the U.S. wind energy industry or halt expansion altogether, as, after decades of development, onshore wind farms now provide almost 11 percent of the country's electricity. Wind power is the country's largest source of renewable power and, at some points in 2024, wind and solar overtook coal power generation for the first time. The U.S. installed wind power generating capacity grew from around 2.4 GW in 2000 to 150.1 GW and 1,500 onshore wind farms in April 2024, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a figure that is expected to increase to 160 GW of wind capacity in 2025. The wind energy sector, although fearful of Trump's anti-renewables pledges, is hopeful about the continued U.S. dependence on wind for clean electricity generation. Several companies, including GE Vernova, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa – a subsidiary of Germany-based Siemens Energy, expect 'repowering' activities to support sectoral growth. According to GE Vernova, 'Repower enhances older turbines by replacing the drivetrains and rotors with upgraded components and the latest controls technology. GE Vernova estimates that approximately 10,500 legacy turbines in the United States alone are eligible for Repower. This could potentially add as much as 2.6 GW more capacity to the grid.' With many wind turbines reaching a ripe old age of 20 or more years, and coming close to the end of their lifecycle, companies are increasingly exploring the potential of upgrading existing turbines to make them more efficient and enhance performance. Switching out their blades, rotors, and electronics with advanced, modern components could boost electricity output by as much as 50 percent. This is making companies weigh up the benefits and risks of upgrading or replacing turbines. Wood Mackenzie reported that around 7 GW of U.S. wind capacity has been repowered to date, with another 12 GW having been partially repowered. Meanwhile, around 10,000 turbines have been decommissioned. Repowering wind turbines can offer operators a range of benefits. For example, it does not require the same permits that are needed to expand a project or develop new operations. Operators can also use existing land to repower turbines and generate more electricity. Due to the enhanced efficiency of the turbines, it is often the case that fewer of them are required to produce the same quantity of electricity as previously. However, if operators expand their production capacity, they could require updated permits and may have to wait to connect this additional power to the grid. Companies may also need to consult communities surrounding wind farms to inform them about repowering plans and seek support. Often, the public has a 'not in my backyard' opinion of energy projects, regardless of the potential benefits. In April, GE Vernova announced it had received customer orders to repower more than 1 GW of wind turbines across the U.S. The projects will use components produced at the company's Pensacola facility in Florida. Matt Lynch, the general manager of repower at GE Vernova, stated, 'As the United States works to meet the doubling of projected demand for more energy, repower projects like these help US workers in US factories take advantage of what we already have, where we already have it.' While expanding U.S. wind energy capacity through new onshore and offshore projects might become increasingly challenging under the Trump administration, several wind companies are hopeful that repowering projects will help them boost revenues and increase capacity. With many turbines across the country coming to the end of their lifecycle, companies may decide to upgrade, rather than decommission, equipment to enhance efficiency and expand production capacity without the need to develop new projects. By Felicity Bradstock for More Top Reads From this article on
