Latest news with #sustainablefuture
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Boris Johnson's ‘jet zero' dreams have failed to take off
For those flying south this summer, the prospect of 'green fuel' one day powering their planes down to the south of France or the Med may mean a little less guilt over their climate-destroying air travel. British factories pumping out climate-friendly aviation fuel have long been a pipe-dream for the aviation industry and some holidaymakers, and it seemed one step closer six years ago when British Airways announced plans for the UK's first factory to convert waste into jet fuel. The futuristic plant, to be built by fuels firm Velocys on a field near the Humber estuary, in north Lincolnshire, would see household rubbish destined for landfills turned into thousands of tonnes of green plane fuel, powering the airline into a sustainable future. Alex Cruz, then-chief executive of BA, said the fuel – known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – would be a 'game-changer for aviation'. But six years after British Airways' Velocys announcement – and a year after the SAF plant should have gone into production – that dream seems as far away as ever. Velocys' Humber estuary site remains as an empty field – a recent image shows that the only structure on it is a portaloo. The failure of the plan highlights the difficulty green aviation has faced getting off the ground, made worse by a government push to force airlines to use more green fuels. On the back of promises for airlines to use SAF, in 2022, then-prime minister Boris Johnson announced a new policy – known as 'jet zero' – to enforce a minimum threshold of green fuel use. By 2050, he claimed, flying would be zero-carbon, adding: 'Sustainable fuels and fully electric planes will achieve guilt-free flying for years to come.' Under the policy, still in force, British airlines must this year fuel their planes with a minimum of 2pc SAF, ratcheting up to 10pc by 2030 and 22pc by 2040. That fuel should also be pumping out from a minimum of five new SAF plants, which, Johnson's policy promised, would be operating by now, creating jobs and helping make the UK 'a clean energy superpower'. Barely any of that has come to pass. For BA's partner Velocys – which is yet to sell any green jet fuel to any airline – it ran out of money last year and was taken over by a private consortium. Its leadership team says its plans are only delayed, but similar promises by other UK would-be SAF producers have also so far come to nothing. It means the only company making SAF in the UK is the Phillips66 refinery on Humberside – and its output is just 20,000 tonnes a year. That's about 0.2pc of the 11 million tonnes of aviation fuel Britain consumes annually. So how are UK airlines meeting their obligation to add 2pc SAF to their fuel tanks? Most of it is being imported, generating jobs not in the UK but mostly in Finland, the Netherlands, the US and Holland. That gap is set to worsen, says the Aviation Environment Federation. It points out that by 2030, the UK's SAF obligation will have soared to 10pc, or 1.2 million tonnes, of green fuel – all or most of which will be imported. 'While a number of plants are making progress, the expected amounts they will produce are insufficient to meet the mandate', it says. Those imports will not just dash the opportunity for more UK jobs, but also mean flight costs will take off, say experts. Simone Burgin, a biofuels analyst with Argus Media, said SAF is already far more expensive than conventional jet fuel. 'The European price for SAF stood at $2,280 (£1,681) per metric tonne on Aug 13 – more than three times the price of conventional jet fuel.' Those high costs are inherent to the way SAF is made – using vast amounts of heat at high pressure to break down waste cooking oil, animal fats, wood, plastics or other organic materials into the smaller molecules needed for jet fuel. But inflated pricing is adding to that, says the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 340 global airlines. It says fuel suppliers are stoking their profit margins with 'compliance fees'. 'The fees being imposed on airlines are over twice the prevailing market price premium of SAF. In the EU, airlines face an additional $1.3bn in excess surcharges in 2025. The impact of the compliance fees in the UK is even higher.' It all suggests Britain's demand that airlines add SAF to their fuel is doing little to save the planet and nothing for UK jobs, while making aviation increasingly expensive. Greenhouse gas emissions from UK-based international aviation are surging – equating to 37 million tonnes in 2024 – more than double the 16 million tonnes seen in 1990, and set to grow even faster in the next two decades. The 300 million passengers who pass through UK airports annually is expected to hit up to 500 million by 2050, with 10 airports planning major expansions. And globally, aviation emits around a billion tonnes of CO2 and rising – so what difference can SAF really make? Airlines and aircraft manufacturers point out that it's still early days for SAF – and as manufacturing steps up, so prices and emissions may decline. But they too are worried by the lack of realism from a Government that is telling them to use ever more SAF, but doing little to help ensure homegrown supplies. Jonathon Counsell, sustainability director at IAG, which owns British Airways, said the current plans for boosting SAF output were too weak to meet UK and EU decarbonisation targets. Airlines want some of the taxes they pay to be deployed to support SAF production. 'SAF is a critical lever to get to net-zero, and to achieve this, the industry needs increased Government support, as mandates alone are not enough,' he said. 'Greater support is essential to bridge the cost gap between SAF and traditional jet fuel, alongside stronger incentives to accelerate production at the scale required to ensure a long-term, affordable supply.' The Department for Transport, which is steering the policy, points out that next year will see the introduction of its 'revenue certainty mechanism' under which companies that build SAF plants will get a guaranteed minimum price, funded by a levy on airlines. But that levy would add to costs in an industry with a slim profit margin of 3pc to 4pc – and so would go straight on to ticket prices. Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, said global SAF supply had doubled last year to one million tonnes and was expected to double again this year. 'Like any brand-new industry, progress will be uneven, and there will be failures. There also remains much to do to ensure UK airlines have access to the growing volumes of 'advanced' SAF needed to meet the UK mandate.' Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, puts it more bluntly: 'SAF production needs to be incentivised by governments.' It said the environmental taxes it pays annually need to be reinvested to 'accelerate the decarbonisation of the sector'. A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'Not backing SAF is not an option – it is a core part of the global drive to decarbonise aviation. 'There are encouraging signs that the SAF mandate will be met, and we will continue to support the production and use of SAF as the technology matures.' A Velocys spokesman said the company was seeking to licence its technology to SAF producers worldwide to help them produce more fuel. He said the amount of money required for the Humber estuary plant was 'beyond investment appetite' and investors 'remained concerned about the pace of regulatory change' but that it hoped to bring the site to fruition in the 'near term'. For sunseekers hoping to cleanse their conscience with green fuel, a guilt-free future still seems some way off.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Schneider Electric strengthens its strategic partnership with Enactus
In line with International Youth Day, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is marking International Youth Day by reaffirming its strategic partnership with Enactus to equip young university innovators and social entrepreneurs in Egypt with the skills, resources, and opportunities to shape a sustainable future. This collaboration is part of Schneider Electric's Youth Impact Through Learning Initiative, which offers lifelong learning opportunities for a sustainable future, enabling individuals, particularly youth, with future-focused skills to enable their active role in the energy transition. Through this partnership, we supported the Enactus Core Program and the training of university students for the second consecutive year, while also launching the Enactus Battery Innovation Challenge for the first time. The Core Program more than 63 university teams, 30 competed in Enactus Egypt national competition, with over 55 Schneider Electric volunteers contributing their time and expertise. Over three months of preparation, 21 mentors guided teams in refining their projects, 25 judges applied their business insights to evaluate the strongest contenders, and 13 coordinators ensured the smooth running of the national competition. In total, the program impacted and enabled 9,242 university students, inspiring entrepreneurial thinking and fostering sustainable solutions to pressing local challenges. The Enactus Battery Competition challenged 14 university teams to design and innovate clean technology solutions and applications utilizing eco-friendly innovative battery technologies for underserved communities, impacting more than 3,000 beneficiaries. Participants received technical training on sustainable battery components and processes before developing prototypes under the guidance of four Schneider Electric mentors. Eight judges then evaluated the projects, selecting three winners whose innovations demonstrated strong potential for real-world application. These local achievements are part of Schneider Electric's Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program, launched in 2009 and supported by the Schneider Electric Foundation, which has reached young people in more than 60 countries. Globally, the company recently achieved its Schneider Sustainability Index (SSI 11) milestone of training one million youth in energy management, two quarters ahead of schedule. Across the Middle East and Africa, the program has trained 106,405 young people in technical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills, as well as climate awareness and youth-led innovation. Commenting on these achievement, Sebastien Riez, CEO of Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and Levant, said: 'The impact we are witnessing, both globally and here in Egypt, demonstrates the transformative power of uniting strong partnerships with a shared vision for sustainability and innovation. Our collaboration with Enactus goes beyond a traditional program; it serves as a catalyst for enabling youth to design practical, scalable solutions that address real-world challenges. In doing so, we are also tackling the critical gap in green talents and skills investing in the next generation of innovators who will lead the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. By cultivating talent locally and linking it to a global network of change-makers, we are actively shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.' Asmaa ElShiemy, Sustainability Manager at Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and Levant, emphasized the tangible outcomes: 'Through the Enactus Core Program and Battery Competition, we have seen remarkable creativity and resilience from youth in Egypt. By combining technical expertise with dedicated mentorship, we are enabling students to refine and strengthen their business cases, turning innovative concepts into tangible solutions that directly benefit their communities. The role of our expert judges has also been pivotal, offering valuable insights that help teams enhance their solutions from economic, environmental, and social perspectives. These programs go beyond competitions, they create lasting value, build local capacity, and prepare young leaders to actively shape a just and inclusive energy transition.' Schneider Electric's ongoing global partnership with Enactus underscores an unwavering commitment to enabling the youth, advancing sustainability education, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring that progress and sustainability go hand in hand. In line with our purpose to bridge progress and sustainability, our sustainability initiatives support the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values. Follow us on: Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.
Globe and Mail
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Ontario students win EV battery competition. Will they be the ones to push EVs into the mainstream?
There's little doubt within the auto industry that electric vehicles are the future. Who will make them, however, remains an open question. Whether workers here in Canada get a meaningful slice of that action depends, at least in part, on whether they have the right skills and training. That's where hands-on competitions like the Battery Workforce Challenge can help. A team of students from Ontario's McMaster University and Mohawk College recently defeated rival teams from Canada and the United States to win the EV battery competition, which the students hope will position them well to create the EVs of the future. 'Students want to work on something that really matters. They see the EV industry as a way to make a real impact, not only in the battery technology, but also in more sustainable future,' said Romulo Vieira, project manager of the winning team and a Ph.D. candidate at McMaster working on artificial intelligence and batteries. 'I believe a lot of us in this field started by wanting to be part of the solution for climate change,' he said. 'Batteries are one of the core technologies making that shift [away from gas-powered vehicles] possible.' The team of students from McMaster and Mohawk won year two of the three-year Battery Workforce Challenge, which is managed by the Argonne National Laboratory, a federally funded U.S. research institution, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and sponsored by Stellantis. The goal of the competition is to help train the next generation of engineers, programmers, builders, chemists and inventors who will create EVs of the future. During year two, each team of students had to design and build an EV battery module, including battery architecture and associated software. Teams were judged on their battery module design, project management, market development and communications skills. Vieira said the McMaster-Mohawk team didn't win based on a particular advantage in their battery technology but by excelling across all 55 different deliverables evaluated by the judges. Lamar Webb, a student in Mohawk's software development program, said his interest in joining the competition was sparked by the chance to tackle a big problem like climate change and get in on the ground floor of an emerging industry. 'Battery technology is in its infancy,' Webb said. 'Getting in now offers you the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a field that is going to have meaningful impacts on climate and the future of transportation.' For Stellantis, having a skilled workforce trained in the complex skills required for EV development is crucial, said Oliver Gross, a senior fellow of electrical energy technology at the auto company. He mentored, advised and judged teams in his role as a technical advisor for the competition. 'You have to get them the opportunity to be hands-on and see directly how what they learn in theory in class manifests itself practically,' Gross said. Broadly speaking, if Canada is to meet its climate targets, the students graduating now will be the generation of workers that solves the problems of fast charging, electrical infrastructure, battery energy density and brings down costs. 'We're going to see big improvements on a few fronts,' Vieira said. 'First, energy density will continue to improve, which means you can drive more without increasing the battery size ... Charging times are getting faster and thermal management is becoming more advanced, which will make EVs more reliable in extreme temperatures.' In short, he said, the future will bring smarter, safer and more sustainable electric vehicles. Having a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of the rapidly growing EV and battery industry is crucial if Canada is to gain a slice of the US$1.2-trillion that Reuters calculates car companies will invest in the sector through 2030. Between 2020 and 2024, federal and provincial governments have invested up to $52.5-billion in the EV supply chain, to help secure new battery manufacturing facilities and retool existing auto assembly plants for EV production. Ontario's growing EV industry presents 'a generational economic opportunity for the province and its workforce,' according to a 2024 study by Canada's independent non-profit Information and Communications Technology Council. However, a 2023 forecast by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) predicted the province won't have enough workers with the right skills to fill the growing demand for jobs related to EV manufacturing, engineering and digital technologies. 'What we really need are more programs that give students hands-on, industry-relevant experience, and that's where initiatives like the Battery Workforce Challenge make a huge difference,' Vieira said. 'We've seen first-hand how much students grow when they are part of real engineering projects, like meeting deadlines [and] solving problems that mirror what they will face in the industry.' All of Canada's efforts to become a leader in the EV sector are being undermined by U.S. tariffs and rollbacks of EV and environmental policy, which threatens to turn North America into a global backwater when it comes to EVs. The sudden instability in the market worries Vieira, who is hoping to find a job in the battery industry in Canada when he graduates so he can stay close to his family. At this point, he's wondering if maybe he'll have to go elsewhere.
Sustainability Times
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
'This Is Colonization by Climate': Rural Americans Furious as 52 Billion Solar Panels Start Swallowing Land Across the Country
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 52 billion solar panels proposed to cover highways, generating over 60% of global electricity demand. proposed to cover highways, generating over 60% of global electricity demand. 🌍 Initiative could offset up to 28% of global carbon emissions and reduce road accidents by 11%. and reduce road accidents by 11%. 🚧 Challenges include climate variability, construction costs, and the carbon footprint of infrastructure. include climate variability, construction costs, and the carbon footprint of infrastructure. 🔋 Project exemplifies the shift towards green energy innovation and the utilization of existing infrastructure. The dream of a solar-powered future is inching closer to reality as researchers propose an ambitious plan to cover highways with solar panels. This groundbreaking initiative could potentially transform the American highway network, and by extension, the global energy landscape. By installing 52 billion solar panels, we could significantly reduce carbon emissions and meet a substantial portion of the world's electricity demand. This article explores the potential and challenges of this visionary project, as well as its implications for a sustainable future. Revolutionizing Global Energy with Solar Highways The proposal to install solar panels on highways is not just about generating electricity; it's about fundamentally changing how we perceive and use energy infrastructure. According to the publication 'Roofing Highways With Solar Panels Substantially Reduces Carbon Emissions and Traffic Losses' in Earth's Future, the global highway network spans approximately 2 million miles. By utilizing this existing infrastructure, researchers estimate that up to 17,578 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity could be generated annually. This amount of energy could cover more than 60% of the world's energy consumption as of 2023. Moreover, the initiative could offset up to 28% of global carbon emissions while decreasing road accident incidences by 11%. Lead author Ling Yao expressed astonishment at the potential impact, stating, 'I didn't realize that highways alone could support the deployment of such large photovoltaic installations.' This initiative not only underscores the importance of renewable energy but also highlights the need for innovative solutions to combat climate change. Revolutionary Solar Tech Unveiled: Ultra-Efficient Panels with Breakthrough Nanolayers Set to Transform Energy at Lightning Speed The Challenges and Opportunities of a Solar-Powered Highway While the conceptual framework is promising, the practical application of covering highways with solar panels presents several challenges. Pilot projects have already been successfully implemented in countries such as the United States, China, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. However, climate variability poses a significant challenge, as solar panel efficiency can fluctuate based on geographic and climatic conditions. This variability is crucial, as the effectiveness of the solar roofing system relies heavily on consistent sunlight exposure. Another critical factor is the displacement of fossil-fuel-based electricity, which depends on regional power supply structures, grid efficiency, and transmission losses. Additionally, the carbon footprint associated with the construction of such a vast infrastructure could negate the environmental benefits for over a year. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of increased solar energy utilization make this initiative a promising avenue for future research and development. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Innovating for a Greener Future As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, innovative and radical solutions like the solar highway are becoming more essential. The project is still in an exploratory phase, and although it involves high logistical and economic costs, the potential payoff is substantial. By promoting a radical shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such initiatives are helping to pave the way for the fifth industrial revolution characterized by robust technological innovation. The research in Earth's Future shows that if implemented successfully, this project could generate up to four times the energy currently produced in the United States annually. Green energy innovation is at its peak, and the shift towards a global solar panel network is not a matter of 'if' but rather 'when.' As countries invest more in green solutions, maximizing the environmental benefits becomes crucial for the sustainability of our planet. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks Maximizing Environmental Benefits Through Infrastructure To reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the transition to renewable energy sources like solar power is essential. The increasing efficiency and widespread implementation of renewable technologies are becoming standardized, making initiatives like the solar panel highway more feasible. By leveraging existing infrastructure, such as highways, to install solar panels, we can maximize space and environmental benefits. As we invest in greener solutions, it is vital to consider how to optimize these technologies for maximum impact. The solar highway project exemplifies how we can utilize existing land resources to harness sustainable energy. This approach not only addresses energy production but also encourages a more holistic view of infrastructure development. With the potential to revolutionize energy consumption and drastically reduce carbon emissions, the solar highway project presents a compelling vision for a sustainable future. As we continue to explore innovative solutions, how can we ensure that such ambitious projects are implemented efficiently and effectively to benefit future generations? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (23)
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Omani startup develops safe air purifier based on natural product
Muscat: Student innovations are emerging as a key driver for the sustainable future. From the heart of Omani universities, Balil Company developed a smart and safe air purifier based on natural, effective, biodegradable, and environment-friendly components, such as algae. The company began its journey from an idea to developing a prototype and beyond, combining environmental science and bioengineering to provide a practical and environmental-friendly solution. Hajar bint Jumaa Al Amri, CEO of Balil Company, said: 'The idea was born from a painful real-life incident: the death of a child inside a vehicle due to high temperatures and the accumulation of toxic gases. This prompted us to consider a real solution to prevent such accidents and improve air quality inside vehicles. We began working on developing a smart and safe air purifier based on natural and effective components.' Al Amri stated that the company was established in 2023 as part of its participation in the Injaz Oman Student Entrepreneurship Programme. After support and guidance, it became an official startup and obtained a patent and scientific and technical evaluation. These natural organisms are effective in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, making them ideal for natural air purification. Furthermore, they can be easily cultivated in the local environment, reducing reliance on imported resources and enhancing the product's environmental and economic sustainability. She noted that the technology not only purifies the air but also adds cooling and fragrance features. Furthermore, the device does not rely on industrial filters, so it does not require frequent replacement, making it more sustainable and less expensive in the long run. Regarding the device's operating mechanism, Hajar Al Amri explained that it combines technology and sustainability. The device operates with a natural filter containing algae for purification. It is charged via a Type-C port or a rechargeable battery, and requires no significant power to operate. The team is currently working on adding a solar-powered charging feature to make the device more autonomous and environmental-friendly. Al Amri stated that the device contains a temperature sensor that measures the interior temperature of the vehicle. Once it exceeds a certain threshold, it automatically begins cooling and purifying the air, providing additional protection, especially in closed vehicles during peak traffic hours. Maintenance is also easy and does not require technical intervention; the filter must be replaced after a period of use. Hajar Al Amri stated that the academic environment has helped her receive support, consultations, and guidance from experts and academic professors regarding technical and sustainability aspects. Regarding laboratory experiments, the CEO of Balil Company said that it started in the laboratories of Sultan Qaboos University during preparations for 20th Science Festival. This provided an opportunity to conduct initial scientific experiments and analyse the performance of the filter and the natural materials used. Regarding the team members and the disciplines that collaborated to achieve this innovation, she indicated that it consists of nine members from diverse disciplines, including engineering, technology, environment, design, and marketing. This facilitated the project from all angles, from scientific research and development to design, manufacturing, and promotion. The innovation journey was not without challenges. Hajar Al Amri explained that the lack of specialised local factories to manufacture the company's product was one of the challenges the company faced, noting that the team worked on developing and testing prototypes until it achieved a stable and effective product. The CEO of Balil also stated that the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology played a pivotal role in supporting this innovation, enabling the team to overcome challenges and transform the idea into a successful business model. The Omani Startup Accelerator also played a prominent role in guiding the team throughout its inception and until graduation from the program. Regarding the environmental and societal impact, the company's CEO believes that the device can reduce internal vehicle emissions and lower levels of harmful gases inside cars, improving user health and reducing respiratory problems. It also contributes to environmental conservation because it uses natural ingredients. Regarding the potential use of the device or technology in various spaces, she confirmed that the team has begun studying other applications in closed spaces such as classrooms, offices, and factories. The CEO of Balil is currently conducting experiments to expand the use of the technology in home ventilation systems, public buildings, and factories. Regarding expansion and development plans, Al Amri stated that the company has received numerous investment offers to support its project, and that work is ongoing to study these opportunities. Additionally, the company is working to develop innovative solutions suitable for domestic and industrial uses, enhance sustainability in various fields, integrate smart technologies, and improve product effectiveness to better meet market needs and support a cleaner, healthier environment. Furthermore, the company has signed international agreements with global partners, which enhances the opportunity to expand and reach new markets outside the Sultanate of Oman. Regarding the community role, Al Amri explained that trusting the capabilities of youth, supporting local products, and promoting them within the community are among the most effective roles. These roles open up opportunities for collaboration and encourage partnerships between universities and the industrial community, which contribute significantly to the success of such projects. It's worth noting that Baleel has won several national awards in the field of air purification and environmental protection, including first place for Best Idea in the Innovation and Technology Sector at the Youth Sustainability Camp, second place in the Elite Projects category at the Military Technical College, and fifth place at the First Annual Startup Forum. It is also among the top 12 innovative ideas that qualified to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the Gulf Science Forum, qualified for the Injaz Oman finals from among more than 180 participating companies, and was nominated to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the LEAP Global Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
