Articles tagged with "Industrial"

Researchers from Germany's Hof University of Applied Sciences have developed a new insulation material made from mushroom mycelium that captures CO2 and is compostable. The project, called Mycobuild, aims to produce these eco-friendly insulation boards at an industrial scale by 2026, using locally sourced plant residues. The material is tested for flexibility, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity, showing promise in reducing mold risk through the integration of a mineral top layer. The team focuses on optimizing production while addressing consumer concerns about potential mold issues.

US company NANO Nuclear Energy is selling its ODIN microreactor technology to Cambridge AtomWorks in the UK for $6.2 million. The ODIN microreactor uses High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium with an enrichment level of up to 20% and features a unique low-pressure coolant system. This sale allows NANO Nuclear to focus on its gas-cooled reactor portfolio, including the KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR, and ZEUS reactors. Collaboration with MIT is ongoing to explore the use of solar salts in advanced nuclear reactors.

A report from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada highlights the significant contribution of mechanical contractors to the Canadian economy, injecting over $30 billion into the GDP while employing more than 205,000 workers. The report, titled 'Building Canada Now: The Economic Impact of Mechanical Contracting in Canada,' was commissioned by the association to showcase the sector's economic importance.

Bechtel has received approval to proceed with a $6.7 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project at the Rio Grande LNG Facility. The project had previously been delayed after an appeals court overturned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authorization last year. With this green light, Bechtel can move forward with construction and development. This project is expected to have significant implications for the energy sector.

Researchers at Rice University have developed a fast and eco-friendly method to extract aluminum and remove toxic metals from red mud, a by-product of aluminum production. This new technique involves flash Joule heating with a chlorine gas dose, extracting 96% of metals in about a minute, leaving an aluminum-rich residue for reuse. The method could be transformative for industries beyond aluminum, reducing waste, emissions, and the need for new bauxite mining, while converting waste into strong building materials. The project is being scaled globally with industry collaboration.

Red Bull is progressing with a $1.7 billion factory intended to can 3 billion energy drinks annually. The plant, which faced previous delays, will serve the U.S. market. This development highlights Red Bull's commitment to expanding its production capacity in response to demand.

California lawmakers have passed a bill that aims to expand manufacturing decarbonization projects. The legislation will allow thermal energy storage and industrial heat pumps to qualify for financial incentives under state programs. This move is part of a broader effort to support energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the U.S. has developed the ULIS power module, a compact silicon carbide device that can deliver five times greater energy density than existing models. It features ultrafast, ultraefficient electrical current switching and is suited for applications in power grids, aviation, and military vehicles due to its lightweight and reliability. The module's innovative design includes wireless capabilities and a unique shape that minimizes size and weight, broadening its applicability to various technologies. A patent is pending for its low-latency wireless communication protocol.

ConstructConnect has reported a significant increase in data center construction spending, which reached $14 billion in July 2025. This marks a strong year-over-year rise from July 2024, when the spending was $682 million, and it sets a new record after doubling the previous high of $7.4 billion. Future projections anticipate the spending could exceed $46 billion by 2025. This surge indicates a substantial growth trend in the data center construction industry.

Ottawa's plan to build a road and port in the Arctic aims to accelerate northern development. This initiative could allow China to tap into the region's natural resources. Improved infrastructure in the North may ease the export of these resources. China's involvement raises economic and strategic concerns.

The article discusses the significant rise in prices for crucial construction materials such as steel and aluminum, presenting a challenge to the construction industry. ABC chief economist highlights the rapid pace of price increases. This situation is putting a strain on project budgets and testing the industry's limits. Construction firms must find ways to cope with these increased costs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the first set of projects to be fast-tracked by Canada’s new Major Projects Office (MPO). These projects, valued at over $60 billion, include the LNG Canada Phase 2, the Darlington New Nuclear Project, the Contrecœur Terminal Container expansion, and the McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine. The MPO aims to streamline assessments and approvals for these nation-building initiatives and enhance Canada's economic growth. Additional sectors for development include critical minerals and wind energy in Atlantic Canada.