The Carbon Corner - Issue #39
Welcome to the 39th issue of The Carbon Corner! Today, we will explore Microsoft's collaborations with Ørsted and its investments in CCS projects in more detail. We will also dive into a few other partnerships and strategies emerging in the carbon capture and sequestration space. Carbon Capturing, Solar-Powered Fuel Cell Developed by University of CambridgeResearchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered fuel cell that addresses two major global challenges: recycling plastic waste and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The innovative technology utilizes solar energy and a fuel cell to convert plastic waste into hydrogen fuel through a process called solar-driven hydrothermal liquefaction. This method involves breaking down plastic into smaller molecules under high temperatures and pressures, releasing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The fuel cell not only captures the released carbon dioxide but also converts it into formic acid, a valuable chemical used in various industries. The device offers an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for plastic waste management and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The scientists envision large-scale facilities where plastic waste can be efficiently processed, generating clean hydrogen fuel and formic acid. In addition to its environmental benefits, the solar-powered fuel cell holds promise for renewable energy storage by utilizing excess solar energy to produce hydrogen, which can be stored and later used to generate electricity.
New Research Explores CO2 Mineralization Systems for Scalable SolutionsA recent article published on Carbon Herald discusses new research aimed at studying CO2 mineralization systems to facilitate the scaling of CO2 storage. The study, led by a team of researchers, seeks to explore innovative methods for converting carbon dioxide into stable mineral forms. This process, known as CO2 mineralization, involves the chemical reaction between CO2 and certain minerals, resulting in the formation of solid carbonates that can be stored long-term. By investigating various mineralization techniques and their effectiveness in capturing and immobilizing CO2, the research aims to develop scalable solutions for carbon capture and storage technologies. The team will conduct experiments to assess the reaction rates, energy requirements, and environmental impacts associated with different mineralization approaches. The findings of this research have the potential to significantly contribute to global efforts in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by providing viable methods for large-scale CO2 storage.
Microsoft and Ørsted Collaborate to Drive Renewable Energy Solutions for a Net-Zero FutureMicrosoft, a global tech giant, has set ambitious goals to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove all the carbon it has emitted since its founding by 2050. To accomplish these targets, the company has been actively investing in CCS projects that aim to capture and store CO2 emissions from various industrial processes. Recently, Microsoft and Ørsted have joined forces to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. The collaboration centers around power purchase agreements (PPAs) that will enable Microsoft to procure renewable energy generated by Ørsted's offshore wind farms. By increasing its renewable energy procurement, Microsoft aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and drive the adoption of clean energy sources. Through this collaboration, Ørsted, a leading renewable energy company, will benefit from Microsoft's technological expertise and data analytics capabilities to optimize the efficiency and performance of its offshore wind farms. This integration of technology aims to improve energy generation, storage, and grid integration, enhancing the sustainability and reliability of the energy infrastructure. The partnership between Microsoft and Ørsted is an important step in scaling renewable energy deployment. By supporting Ørsted's offshore wind development, Microsoft aims to accelerate the growth of clean energy sources and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. This collaboration aligns with both companies' commitment to environmental stewardship and contributes to the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
IU Researcher Receives NSF Award to Study Carbon-Trapping Mineral Systems
Recently, a researcher at Indiana University (IU) was granted an award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to investigate carbon trapping mineral systems. The researcher aims to explore and understand the mechanisms by which certain minerals can effectively capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. By studying the interaction between minerals and CO2, the project seeks to develop sustainable methods for long-term carbon sequestration. The NSF funding will support the research team's efforts in identifying and characterizing minerals that exhibit high carbon trapping potential. The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of innovative carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, contributing to global efforts in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The project aligns with IU's commitment to sustainability and showcases the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing climate change challenges. NextDecade Secures Framework Agreements with Global Infrastructure Partners and TotalEnergies to Drive Rio Grande LNG Project DevelopmentNextDecade Corporation has established framework agreements with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and TotalEnergies. These agreements are designed to support the development of the Rio Grande LNG project, a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) initiative. The partnerships aim to secure funding and strategic support for the project, which will involve the construction of a natural gas liquefaction and export facility in the Port of Brownsville, Texas. GIP, a leading infrastructure investor, and TotalEnergies, a major energy company, will contribute their expertise, financial resources, and industry knowledge to help advance the project. The agreements highlight the growing interest and investment in LNG infrastructure as a means of meeting global energy demands. The Rio Grande LNG project is expected to play a significant role in the future export of LNG, providing a reliable and cleaner energy source to international markets.
Schaper Energy Consulting is a professional engineering firm offering carbon strategy services to CCS site developers. Check out some examples of our projects here: https://schaperintl.com/carbon-strategies/ If you have questions or comments, please contact us at info@schaperintl.com. We hope you enjoyed reading this week and hope to see you back next week for more! |
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