Latest news with #cleantech
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
University of P.E.I. and Holland College receive $100,000 towards cleantech scholarships
Pictured is the sign at University of Prince Edward Island. (Jack Morse/CTV Atlantic) Students attending the new cleantech programs at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and Holland College will be eligible to receive a portion of $100,000 in scholarships from the provincial government. The funding will support students entering the Sustainable Business Leadership Post-Graduate certificate at Holland College and the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation at UPEI, a news release said. The new programs were developed in partnership with the PEI Energy Corporation and the Cleantech Academy in Georgetown, P.E.I. 'These programs are about more than education. They're about transformation,' said Gilles Arsenault, minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action. 'We're investing in people who will help P.E.I. reach and maintain its net-zero goals, drive sustainable growth and position our province as a leader in cleantech innovation.' Both programs are designed to help students prepare for working in the cleantech sector. 'We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our provincial partners as we work to build a more sustainable future for Prince Edward Island,' said Sandy MacDonald, Holland College president and CEO. 'This funding will empower students to pursue education that not only meets their personal goals but also supports critical Island industries to transition to a net-zero economy.' Students interested in the programs and information on the scholarships can visit: For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Geek Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Seattle solar startup Omnidian names former Impinj leader as CFO after raising $87M
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . Evan Fein, CFO of Omnidian. (LinkedIn Photo) Omnidian, a startup specializing in solar power performance management, has hired Evan Fein as its new chief financial officer as it seeks to expand into international markets and broaden its services to include new categories of renewable energy installations. Fein's appointment follows the Seattle-based company's recent announcement of $87 million in funding and its acquisition of Solar Service Guys, Australia's largest solar service network. Prior to this role, Fein spent nearly two decades at Impinj, a Seattle company specializing in high-tech RFID tags that connect billions of items to the internet. As Impinj's eighth employee, he played a key role in taking the company public in 2016. Two years later, he left to become CFO at Chef Software, which was acquired during his tenure, before moving on to TextNow. 'I really wanted to be in the clean tech space,' Fein said of his decision to join Omnidian. 'There is a lot of excitement around solar and other renewable energy methods.' While he hasn't previously worked in the energy sector, a late-stage private company that's ready to scale is his 'sweet spot,' Fein said, adding that Omnidian is 'a very good fit.' Omnidian launched in 2016, founded by CEO Mark Liffmann, Chief Strategy Officer Ray Szylko and Chief Operating Officer David Kenny, all of whom had experience in the renewable energy space. The company hired Cathy Hardin as chief revenue officer last year. The company has developed software that virtually monitors the output of solar power and battery installations in the commercial and residential spaces. Its technology looks at a system's energy production and analyzes weather conditions along with other data to assess whether it's performing optimally. If issues arise, Omnidian can provide remote support, or when physical repairs are needed, it can dispatch contracted energy technicians to service installations on-site. Omnidian reported that its revenue more than tripled from 2022 to 2024. It's ranked No. 49 on the GeekWire 200, our list of top tech startups across the Pacific Northwest. Total funding is estimated at $165 million. The company has 285 employees in the U.S., and about 90 in Australia. Potential new markets include countries in Europe and Latin America, and could involve additional acquisitions, Fein said. The company is also considering electric vehicle charging stations as an additional clean energy source for monitoring and output management. Fein said Omnidian is primed to unlock new services through AI, including creating tools that could guide field technicians in troubleshooting and repairs. 'There is so much that we can do in the future as we get more data and can harness more data,' he added. The backdrop to Omnidian's plans for growth includes a presidential administration that favors fossil fuels over solar and wind power. Add to that President Donal Trump's threat of high tariffs, which can create challenges for solar technology that's largely manufactured abroad. U.S. developers, however, had been stockpiling solar panels and are expected to add 54 gigawatts of solar capacity to the grid this year, according to BloombergNEF. Last year, solar was responsible for 81% of new energy capacity in the U.S., according to Ember. Solar accounts for more than 30% of the electricity mix for clean energy leaders California and Nevada. Despite the uncertainty currently created by U.S. leadership, Fein had a sunny outlook for solar's long-term potential given demands from data center growth and increased electrification of transportation and other sectors. Solar is the cheapest source of energy, he said, and 'our need for power is expected to grow enormously.'
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Innovation takes centre stage as global leaders convene for day two of the World Utilities Congress 2025
Innovation Hub showcases AI-powered infrastructure and cleantech breakthroughs from global and youth innovators Cleantech and Climate Tech Theatres spark dialogue on ESG-driven technologies and renewable integration strategies Abu Dhabi – The World Utilities Congress 2025 continued today at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, solidifying its role as a global platform for sector-wide transformation. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers and innovators under the theme Innovating for a New Age of Utilities, day two of the Congress showcased how policy, technology and investment are converging to reshape utilities systems worldwide. Hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and brought to you by dmg events, the second day of the Congress featured high-level discussions that underscored the urgent need for scalable innovation, strategic investment and global collaboration to accelerate the energy transition. With electricity demand surging and water scarcity becoming more acute, delegates explored how integrated infrastructure, advanced technologies and climate-aligned policy can work in tandem to transform the global utilities landscape. Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA, said: 'The utilities industry stands at the forefront of solving critical global challenges – from ensuring water security to delivering reliable, low-carbon energy. Whether it's system flexibility, water resilience or clean energy integration, these issues have a direct impact on the communities we serve. In this Year of Community, it is a reminder that our role as a utilities provider goes beyond infrastructure — it is about contributing to sustainable, inclusive growth for all. The World Utilities Congress provides a vital platform for sharing scalable solutions, forging partnerships, and shaping the policies and technologies that will define the future of power and water worldwide.' A Ministerial Panel titled 'Powering Energy Security Through Strategic Cross-Border Water Cooperation' examined regional collaboration as a critical enabler for water resilience and sustainable development. H.E. Alejandro Gallardo Baldiviezo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy of Bolivia; H.E. Mrs. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus; and Hon. Prof. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka, engaged in a meaningful dialogue to explore ways to enhance cross-border water security. A key session on day two was also the Global Leadership Panel titled 'Realising the ambition: tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.' Senior executives from organisations including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), Siemens Energy, the World Nuclear Association, EPRI Gulf, and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) explored the growing role of nuclear in global decarbonisation strategies. The panel addressed how innovation in small modular reactors (SMRs), streamlined regulatory frameworks, and increased investment—estimated at $100 billion annually—can unlock nuclear energy's potential as a cornerstone of a low-carbon future. Speaking on the panel, Karim Amin, Board Member at Siemens Energy, highlighted the importance of striking a balance between advancing nuclear energy and maintaining continuity across the supply chain. He stated: 'There is no net zero without nuclear energy. If we really want to meet net zero, we must focus on carbon capture and nuclear energy.' Across the exhibition, the Innovation Hub continued to showcase transformative technologies aimed at building smarter, more sustainable systems. The Innovation Hub, which includes the Cleantech Theatre and the Climate Tech Theatre, featured cutting-edge innovations that addressed real-world challenges in power and water. From real-time grid analytics and decentralised renewables to smart water networks and modular infrastructure, the Innovation Hub brought together youth entrepreneurs, global tech leaders and utilities pioneers, driving progress on the ground toward net-zero outcomes. The Cleantech Theatre highlighted the growing importance of electrification across sectors and the critical role of ESG-led innovation in decarbonising utilities, transport and energy systems. Meanwhile, the Climate Tech Theatre explored strategies for integrating renewables into energy systems, with a strong focus on emerging technologies, regulatory evolution and the drive toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. A panel discussion titled 'Renewable-powered desalination for sustainable water supply' featured experts from Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, EWEC, ENGIE, Etihad Water & Energy, and SUEZ – Near and Middle East, who examined how solar, wind, and other renewable sources are being harnessed to power desalination sustainably. Speaking on the panel, Maitha Ahmed Al Hallami, Project Manager at Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, said: As global water stress increases, renewable-powered desalination has emerged. Abu Dhabi's economy has entered a new age of transformation and now is the moment for action across the whole water and energy nexus.' She added: 'In Abu Dhabi, we view renewable powered desalination not just as a technological evolution, but a strategic enabler of economic diversification and environmental stewardship.' The Congress concludes tomorrow, Thursday 29 May, with high-level sessions on climate finance, urban decarbonisation and regional energy integration, continuing the journey toward a more sustainable and connected utilities future.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Nuclear Energy Sees Renewed Momentum From Startups And Industry
Next-generation nuclear is part of clean energy technologies being driven by industry and startup ... More innovation. In 2022, McKinsey's Global Energy Perspective found that global power consumption could triple by 2050. Nuclear power, a zero-carbon electricity source, contributes about 10 percent of global electricity generation. As a dispatchable energy source, nuclear power can be generated at any time and can also complement wind and solar power sources to make a total power supply that meets grid demand. A March Gallup poll found that 61% of Americans favor using nuclear energy to generate electricity, up from two years ago and just one point below the 2010 record high. Support includes 29% who "strongly favor" and 32% who "somewhat favor" nuclear energy. Earl Simpkins, Partner, Energy and Industrials Strategy Leader, Strategy& (part of the PwC Network), said one of the most significant shifts he's seeing right now is the sheer pace of load growth. "AI and data centers are ramping up electricity demand in ways we haven't seen in decades," said Simpkins. "At the same time, there's been a massive buildout of clean energy: in 2024, 96% of new U.S. capacity came from carbon-free sources, especially solar and storage." "That said, there are signs of change as policies and the flow of federal support changes," he added. "Electrification is picking up across sectors—from transportation to heavy industry—and major companies are leaning into low/zero-carbon power." Simpkins says clean tech is also pulling in serious venture funding. "Underneath all of this is a growing focus on resilience, as climate, supply chain, geopolitical, and other risks push energy players to think more locally and strategically." Abilene-based Natura Resources, which uses molten salt to cool reactors, has a permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to build a small molten salt reactor beneath a new lab at Abilene Christian University. The reactor will sit in an underground trench 25 feet deep and 80 feet long, covered by concrete and serviced by a 40-ton crane. California-based Kairos Power is constructing a 35-megawatt Hermes test reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under an NRC permit granted in 2023. In May, the NRC accepted Dow's permit application to build X-energy's first small modular reactor plant in Seadrift, Texas. The Long Mott Generating Station would include four Xe-100 reactors at Dow's chemical facility in Southeast Texas. Simpkins says he's excited about the recent resurgence of nuclear energy. "There's more momentum now behind the revival of nuclear than ever before, and for good reason," he said. "Nuclear offers a powerful combination of ultra-low carbon emissions and high reliability, operating at over 90% capacity. "With AI and data centers driving massive new demand on the grid, we need steady, scalable, and affordable baseload power," said Simpkins. "In 2023, nuclear supplied 19% of U.S. electricity and nearly half of all carbon-free generation—making it an essential pillar of a decarbonized, digitally driven energy future." However, Simpkins says that nuclear energy faces challenges. "Cost and regulatory complexity are front and center—building nuclear on time and on budget will be important to those considering nuclear and its costs." "Having more standardized, scalable approaches to construction and real movement on the licensing will help as well," said Simpkins. "Financing is another key piece - not just the cost and being on time and on budget, but these are large programs - and a lot of money for utilities to finance." Simpkins says that having the appropriate financing mechanisms will help de-risk nuclear projects. "And beyond all that, building public trust and figuring out a long-term plan for waste are essential if we want to see nuclear scale in a meaningful way," he said. "As of now, there are signs that are moving in the direction of progressing the advancement of nuclear power." PWC's Simpkins says startups are driving exciting innovation in the energy space right now. "Whether it's advanced nuclear designs, long-duration storage, or AI tools to optimize the grid, they are tackling some of the toughest technical and operational challenges head-on," said Simpkins. "Just last year, U.S. clean energy startups raised over $7.6 billion in venture capital—which tells you there's not just momentum, but real belief in the role these companies can play in the power ecosystem." California startup Valar Atomics secured $19 million in seed funding and announced in May that it was partnering with the State of Utah to have a nuclear test reactor running in the state by 2026. The global distributed energy generation market was valued at $360 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2033. In April, Aalo Atomics, a nuclear energy startup in Austin, announced the Aalo Pod, a portable nuclear power plant designed for AI and data centers. The company has raised $27 million in Series A funding for its reactor design. Final Frontier, also based in Austin, is developing a portable modular reactor called the Cube. It is expected to be deployed between 2028 and 2030 to power AI data centers and industrial sites. The company has $3 million in self-funding. Teague Egan, CEO and founder of Final Frontier and EnergyX says portable and modular energy is the best way forward for distributed energy. "It allows industrial manufacturing plants, AI data centers, and remote communities to have their own power sources," said Egan. "It allows flexibility, decentralization, distribution, and many other positive attributes." Egan says the Cube's initial use cases will be AI data centers and industrial manufacturing plants, including lithium production facilities being built by EnergyX. "We are building remote lithium processing plants in the high desert salt flats of the Andean mountain range where power is expensive and hard to come by," said Egan. "If we had a Final Frontier Cube, this would solve a lot of problems for us." He adds that the Cube will eventually be used to power residential homes. "The 20 Megawatt Energy (MWe) from the Cube will be able to power approximately 20,000 average-sized homes," said Egan. Egan says the Cube is being developed around nuclear fission technology, with molten salt reactors as the current pathway. "Generally speaking this has high thermal efficiency, operates at atmospheric pressure, uses thorium, and has inherent safety." Egan says the company intends to incorporate AI into the Cube's operation. "Operational conditions such as safety checks and operating limits will be heavily monitored by AI," said Egan. "You can think of it as an AI-Smart Cube. As we develop the actual nuclear engineering and physics that goes into the Cube's development, AI plays a large role in the modeling and simulation for our designs and engineering." Like Simpkins, Egan identifies the regulatory burden as a significant barrier to nuclear energy growth. "I think if we get past the overburdensome regulation, we will quickly see widespread adoption, and the 'golden hour' of nuclear power will be around the turn of the decade into the 2030s," he said. "The main thing that needs to change to accelerate adoption is regulation," Egan said. 'We literally have the answer to the world's energy problem and unnecessary regulation holding society back.'
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Is Australia's big green hydrogen dream over?
CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission leader Patrick Hartley explains why despite another green hydrogen project being mothballed, it's too soon to write off the potential of the energy source. #ABCBusiness
