Latest news with #clean energy
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China unveils groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize how nations approach their policies: 'It's a necessity'
China unveils groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize how nations approach their policies: 'It's a necessity' China has developed the world's most advanced environmental monitoring system, and according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, via a report published by a leading researcher says it could act as a template for other such systems across the globe. China has made great strides in clean energy in recent years. The country is home to the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer in BYD and the world's largest EV battery manufacturer in CATL. China also opened the world's largest solar farm in late 2024 and is in the process of building one that will be even bigger. It should come as no surprise that China has now put together such an expansive environmental monitoring system. Over the last decade, under the umbrella of the China National Environmental Monitoring Center, China has built a massive monitoring infrastructure, including over 330,000 stations across the country as well as satellites and unmanned drones. The network collects real-time data across space, air, ground, and sea, and it's not just superficial information that's collected. It's capable of collecting information on air quality, river water chemistry, soil contamination, and ocean currents. The system also uses AI-powered analytics and automated labs, and a central platform merges the information into predictive models. According to the report, this advanced monitoring system has already shown a significant impact. Between 2015 and 2022, particulate matter pollution dropped by 35%. This type of system on a global scale would allow policymakers to act proactively rather than reactively and greatly reduce pollution, at the same time benefiting human health. It provides a road map to cleaner air, water and soil. "Intelligent environmental monitoring is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity," Dr. Dawei Zhang, director of the CNEMC, said, per the report. "Our experience shows that when real-time data is integrated with smart analytics, we can predict, prevent, and even reverse environmental damage. This system is not just a national achievement — it's a scalable, collaborative tool that can help the global community respond more effectively to ecological challenges." Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Helion Energy starts construction on nuclear fusion plant to power Microsoft data centers
SAN FRANCISCO :Helion Energy, a startup backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman and SoftBank's venture capital arm, has started construction on a site for a planned nuclear fusion power plant that will supply power to Microsoft data centers by 2028, the company said on Wednesday. The site in Malaga, Washington, is in the center of the state along the Columbia River, where Helion hopes to take advantage of grid infrastructure in place for the nearby Rock Island Dam hydroelectric plant. The startup still has to secure final permits from Washington's government but said the work puts it on track to sell power to Microsoft under a deal it struck in 2023. Fusion generates electricity by ramming atoms into each other, releasing energy without emitting significant greenhouse gases or creating large amounts of long-lasting radioactive waste. But despite billions of dollars of investment, scientists and engineers still have not figured out a way to reliably generate more energy with fusion than it takes to create and sustain the reaction. Helion is still working on how to do that with its current prototype, called Polaris, which is housed in Everett, Washington, where it plans to build components for the machine to be built at Malaga, called Orion. Orion will connect to Washington's primary power delivery networks, David Kirtley, Helion's co-founder and CEO, told Reuters. "We'll actually be able to connect to the exact same grid just upstream of the Microsoft data centers," Kirtley said. Microsoft has for years said that nuclear energy should be part of a mix of carbon-free energy sources and has also signed power purchase agreements for conventional fission-based nuclear power. Fusion is a longer-term bet, said Melanie Nakagawa, Microsoft's chief sustainability officer. "Over the last three, four years, you've been seeing from across the fusion space different types of milestones being met by other companies and peers, Helion included," Nakagawa told Reuters. "There's a lot of optimism that this could be the moment that fusion actually comes forward within this decade, or near in this decade."
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Tin mining to return to Cornwall after Reeves makes £29m investment
Tin mining is poised for a comeback in Cornwall after the UK government invested almost £29m to reopen the county's last tin mine, creating more than 1,000 jobs in the region. The South Crofty tin mine, near the Cornish village of Pool, closed in 1998, and in the years since, as tin prices have soared, attempts to reopen it have been unsuccessful. On a visit to Cornwall this week, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, estimated that reopening South Crofty could create 1,300 jobs for the region. Back in January the government approved the £28.6m investment to support the reopening of the mine, which is being led by Redruth-based Cornish Metals. Don Turvey, the chief executive of Cornish Metals, said: 'Tin is a critical mineral for the clean energy transition, essential to electronics, electric vehicles and renewable infrastructure. By reviving domestic production at South Crofty, we're not only creating over 300 direct jobs but also supporting many more across local supply chains and regional businesses.' The government estimates that a further 1,000 jobs will be created as the company uses more local suppliers such as metal fabricators and electricians, and supports supply chains in the UK. After operating for more than 400 years, South Crofty was the last tin mine to close in the UK due to lack of investment and falling metal prices in the 1990s. However, there has been a rise in prices over the past decade – from $16,000 (£11,957) a tonne in 2016 to about $34,000 – with tin used as solder in consumer electronics and other sectors, including electric cars and solar cells. 'Despite having so much potential to grow, Cornwall has been neglected by successive governments, and its families and businesses have suffered as a result,' Reeves said. 'Like in every part of the UK, I am determined to unlock growth that creates jobs and puts more money in Cornish people's pockets.' The government made the investment through the national wealth fund, supporting its industrial strategy to boost growth in priority industries. Ian Brown, the head of banking and investment at the national wealth fund, said: 'Cornish Metals have made excellent progress as they work towards reopening South Crofty. Our financing is designed to help them crowd further investment into the region, bringing skilled, year-round opportunities, and driving local growth.' Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion The Vancouver-based Strongbow Exploration acquired the rights to the tin mine in July 2016. The company, which has a dual listing in Canada, changed its name to Cornish Metals in 2020. Cornish Metals listed on London's junior AIM stock exchange in 2021, raising funds to support mining in the area, including at South Crofty. Cornish Metals' share price has soared by 28% over the past year – although it remains down almost a third on five years ago – and has a market value of C$170m (£92m). Turvey said: 'Our focus remains on delivering long-term, sustainable value safely, responsibly, and with deep roots in the community. We're proud to be playing a role in bringing responsible tin mining back to Cornwall and supporting economic renewal and industrial growth in the region.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Southern Company Gas Expands Clean Energy Portfolio with New RNG Deals in Virginia and Tennessee
The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) is among the 13 Best Electrical Infrastructure Stocks to Invest In. Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based The Southern Company (NYSE:SO), announced new renewable natural gas (RNG) acquisitions by its Chattanooga Gas and Virginia Natural Gas subsidiaries on June 25, 2025. An electric power substation, with a skyline in the distance. According to estimates, the transactions will reduce lifecycle emissions by 18,978 metric tons of CO₂e, which is equivalent to the annual carbon stored by 19,036 acres of U.S. forest. The RNG is sourced from facilities in Texas and expands upon the initial RNG purchases made by the subsidiaries in 2023. The agreements are consistent with supportive state laws such as the Virginia Energy Innovation Act and the Tennessee Natural Gas Innovation Act, which promote cleaner fuels. Methane from waste sources such as landfills and agriculture is captured to create RNG, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The gas integrates effortlessly into the current infrastructure. Bryan Batson, EVP of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO)'s Southern Company Gas, highlighted the company's objective of achieving net-zero direct emissions by 2050. The company's clean energy efforts are being further expanded with a new RNG project in collaboration with Hampton Roads Sanitation District. It is one of the Best Electrical Equipment Stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of SO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 High-Growth EV Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2025. Disclosure. None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Nano Nuclear Energy Stock Zoomed Almost 6% Higher Today
Key Points The company has been formally admitted to a key industry grouping in Canada. This positions the American company for future expansion in the neighboring country. 10 stocks we like better than Nano Nuclear Energy › Hardly for the first time in recent weeks and months, shares of next-generation power company Nano Nuclear Energy (NASDAQ: NNE) jumped skyward on Thursday. Investors pushed the shares almost 6% higher in value, on news that it is now part of an important industry association north of our border. That nearly 6% leap crushed the S&P 500 index, which was basically flat that trading session. Energized by Canadian news Before market open, Nano announced that it has become a member of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA). That makes the U.S.-based company part of an influential industry grouping in the country, one that has been advocating for the use of nuclear power since 1960. In the press release trumpeting the news, Nano wrote that according to CNA data, nuclear energy effectively avoids 80 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, serving as a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuel generation methods. Although Canadian citizens have been as critical and wary of nuclear energy as their American counterparts, Nano clearly sees a solid chance for winning business in our neighboring nation, and advancing the technology as it does so. It wrote, "With the introduction of next-generation technologies in the form of small or micro nuclear reactors, like those being developed by NANO Nuclear, there is a significant opportunity for Canada to solidify a leading position in the global nuclear industry." Walking the walk Nano did not provide any estimates for how an increased Canadian presence might affect its fundamentals. However, this feels like a low-impact way to strengthen its presence on the market. The proof will be in the doing, however, so investors should watch how -- and if -- the company's Canadian business develops following its CNA ascension. Should you buy stock in Nano Nuclear Energy right now? Before you buy stock in Nano Nuclear Energy, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Nano Nuclear Energy wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $634,627!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,046,799!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,037% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Nano Nuclear Energy Stock Zoomed Almost 6% Higher Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
