Articles tagged with "renewable-resources"
One of world's largest lithium deposits found in Germany's Altmark
Neptune Energy has confirmed the discovery of one of the world’s largest lithium deposits in Germany’s Altmark region, with an estimated 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Located in Northern Saxony-Anhalt, an area historically known for natural gas production, this lithium resource was validated by the independent agency Sproule ERCE under international standards. The Altmark basin’s Rotliegend brines are highly mineralized and lithium-rich, positioning the region as a significant future supplier of this critical raw material for batteries and electric vehicles (EVs). This discovery could notably enhance Europe’s role in the global EV and battery supply chain. In response to the growing demand for sustainable battery materials, Neptune Energy is shifting from fossil fuels to clean lithium extraction using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. This environmentally friendly method isolates lithium from underground brine with minimal land use and impact, avoiding traditional open-pit mining or evaporation ponds. Neptune has already completed two successful pilot projects and is conducting a
energylithiumbattery-materialsclean-energydirect-lithium-extractionEV-supply-chainrenewable-resourcesWorld’s first mushroom-powered toilet turns waste into fertilizer
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has developed the world’s first mushroom-powered, waterless toilet called the MycoToilet, which uses mycelium—the root network of mushrooms—to safely process human waste without the need for plumbing, water, electricity, or chemicals. Launched at the UBC Botanical Garden, this innovative sanitation system transforms waste into nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertilizer, potentially producing about 600 liters of soil and 2,000 liters of liquid fertilizer annually. The pilot phase, starting September 26, 2025, will last six weeks, during which researchers will monitor the mycelium’s effectiveness in waste decomposition and odor control. Designed as a prefabricated, modular structure, the MycoToilet aims to overcome negative perceptions of composting toilets by offering a clean, comfortable, and user-friendly experience. Its design includes rot-resistant cedar panels with antimicrobial charring, a green roof, continuous ventilation via a low-power fan, and accessibility features such as a
energysustainable-sanitationmycelium-technologycomposting-toileteco-friendly-materialswaterless-toiletrenewable-resourcesScientists engineer enzymes to turn crops into recyclable bioplastics
Researchers at Purdue University, supported by a $7 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation, are engineering novel enzymes to convert crops like corn and sugar, as well as agricultural waste, into recyclable bioplastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). These bioplastics aim to match the toughness and malleability of conventional petroleum-based plastics while being biodegradable and infinitely recyclable. By using domestically sourced feedstocks, the project also seeks to reduce reliance on imported petrochemicals and strengthen U.S. supply chains. The team is focusing on overcoming the limitations of PHAs, which historically have been fragile and unstable at high temperatures, restricting their use in consumer and medical products. The approach involves tuning the chemical structure of PHAs to enhance their strength and thermal stability through biocatalysis—using engineered enzymes to drive specific chemical reactions efficiently and sustainably. Collaborators from several universities are contributing expertise in enzyme selection, engineering via deep learning, functional testing, and commercialization potential.
bioplasticsenzymesbiodegradable-plasticssustainable-materialsagricultural-wastepolymer-engineeringrenewable-resourcesTerraton wants to be the McDonald’s of biochar
Terraton aims to revolutionize the biochar industry by applying a franchise-style "business-in-a-box" model similar to McDonald’s approach to burger restaurants. Biochar is a carbon-sequestering fertilizer produced by burning agricultural waste in the absence of oxygen, which stores carbon in soil for centuries while enhancing soil health. The company recently raised $11.5 million in seed funding led by Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale Capital, with participation from notable investors including Google’s Jeff Dean and OpenAI board member Bret Taylor. Terraton plans to help partners build biochar facilities, replicate successful models, and develop a SaaS platform to operate plants, verify carbon credits, and facilitate sales to large corporate buyers like Microsoft and Google. Terraton’s co-founders highlight that biochar production is currently supply-constrained due to the need for facilities to be located near agricultural waste sources to reduce transportation costs. Each facility can capture roughly 10,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is significant but
energybiocharcarbon-sequestrationsustainable-agriculturecarbon-creditsclimate-technologyrenewable-resourcesCarbon fiber goes green as German researchers ditch oil for algae
German researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), through the GreenCarbon project, have developed an innovative process to produce aircraft-grade carbon fiber from photosynthetic microalgae instead of petroleum. By converting algae oils into glycerol and then into acrylonitrile—the key precursor for carbon fiber—they have created a bio-based alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-derived acrylonitrile. This method, refined in partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute and carbon manufacturer SGL Carbon, yields carbon fibers that match the mechanical strength and resilience of conventional fibers, enabling their use in high-performance applications without major changes to existing manufacturing processes. The project’s success was demonstrated when Airbus used the algae-derived carbon fiber to build components for a research helicopter that flew in 2024, marking a significant step toward sustainable aviation manufacturing. Beyond aerospace, the lightweight, strong materials have potential uses in wind turbines, vehicles, and sports equipment. Importantly, because microalgae absorb CO₂ during growth, this approach offers a
carbon-fibergreen-technologysustainable-materialsalgae-based-materialsrenewable-resourcesaerospace-materialsbio-based-compositesOffset Your Carbon Footprint (and Make a Profit) - CleanTechnica
The article highlights World Tree’s investment opportunity that combines environmental impact with financial returns by planting fast-growing Empress hardwood trees. Investors fund the planting of these trees on selected farms across the U.S., Panama, and Belize, where the trees mature in 8–12 years into valuable lumber. Upon timber sale, investors receive 30% of the proceeds, with potential returns up to five times the initial investment, driven by an 80% tree survival rate and an average lumber price of $5.89 per board foot. One acre of Empress trees can offset an individual’s carbon footprint for a decade while restoring degraded farmland and supporting healthier ecosystems. World Tree is positioned to capitalize on the growing $170 billion North American lumber market, projected to increase demand through 2050. With 7,000 acres already planted and farms carefully vetted for optimal growth, the company offers a unique sustainable investment. Empress trees grow three times faster than traditional species like pine, enhancing both profitability and environmental benefits.
energycarbon-capturesustainable-investingforestryrenewable-resourcesclimate-changecarbon-footprintThe World Hit Another Clean Power Record Last Year
energyclean-powersolar-energydecarbonizationrenewable-resourcesclimate-goalsIcelandPrime minister’s mandate letter creates clear opportunities for building a cleaner, more affordable Canada - Clean Energy Canada
clean-energyelectric-vehiclessustainable-constructioncarbon-pricingenergy-efficiencyrenewable-resourcesclean-technologyCuộc đua khai thác năng lượng từ lòng đất
energygeothermal-energyclean-energydrilling-technologyrenewable-resourcesenergy-productionsustainable-energyCharging Up On the Rivian Adventure Network
energycharging-networkrenewable-resourceselectric-vehiclesfast-chargingsustainabilityRivianWith a Technology License from MIT and NREL in Hand, Comstock Fuels Aims to Produce Jet Fuel from Lignin
energybiomasssynthetic-fuelaviation-fuelrenewable-resourceshydrocarbonslignin