Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

A recent study by SOLARCYCLE and Arizona State University found that solar panels made with 50% recycled glass perform as efficiently as those made with new glass. This breakthrough supports the creation of a sustainable supply chain in the renewable energy industry by reducing waste and enhancing solar production sustainability. SOLARCYCLE plans to open a solar glass factory in Georgia to utilize recycled materials for building new panels. The company also aims to establish a massive recycling plant to further improve solar panel sustainability.

EnBW plans to convert a former nuclear power site in Philippsburg into one of Germany's largest battery storage systems. The facility will have a capacity of 400 MW and 800 MWh, enough to power approximately 100,000 homes, and will help stabilize the grid by storing surplus renewable energy. The project is strategically located near a large substation connected to the Ultranet power line. Despite clear plans, the project still awaits final investment decisions and a building permit, aiming for operation by mid-2027.

Helion Energy has commenced construction of the world's first nuclear fusion facility in Chelan County, Washington, aimed at generating low-cost, zero-carbon electricity. The project plans to supply power to Microsoft data centers by 2028, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of clean and sustainable energy. The facility represents a collaboration with Constellation Energy and is supported by significant backers such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman. Despite challenges, the company is progressing with its Polaris prototype to advance fusion technology.

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science have developed flexible perovskite solar cells that can be fabricated under ambient air conditions without expensive environmental controls. These cells maintain over 85% efficiency after 2,800 operational hours and withstand 10,000 bending cycles with minimal efficiency loss. This advancement could lower production costs and expand applications in wearable electronics and vehicle-integrated solar power systems. The technology shows promise for commercial viability with large-scale production capability.

A project is underway in Canada to explore technologies that could lower carbon emissions from off-road heavy equipments used in construction and other industries. GHD has been contracted by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to identify obstacles to the market adoption of these technologies. The initiative aims to pave the way for the construction sector to become more environmentally sustainable.

Fengate Asset Management's portfolio company, eStruxture Data Centers, has obtained $1.35 billion in new financing to advance its data center development across Canada. The package includes $750 million in asset-backed securities and a $600 million revolving credit facility, marking the first rated securitization of this kind in Canada. This financing supports the growing demand for digital infrastructure driven by AI and cloud computing needs. The funds are part of Fengate's Infrastructure Fund III and Fund IV and involve capital from leading institutional investors.

Data centers are increasingly looking at flexible battery and generator solutions to enhance their resilience and sustainability. These solutions enable quicker power-up times and lessen the impact on power grids. Experts believe that this approach supports data center owners in achieving their sustainability goals.

French company HelioRec has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) Level II certification from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for its floating solar panels, confirming their compliance with international marine standards. These solar platforms are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as winds exceeding 99 mph. HelioRec's installations aim to utilize underused water surfaces near urban and industrial areas, contributing to renewable energy generation in space-constrained coastal regions. The company is collaborating with the UK’s Shoreham Port as part of a decarbonization strategy.

Enbridge Inc. is developing a US$900 million solar project in Texas to enhance its renewable energy portfolio. The Clear Fork project, located near San Antonio, will generate 600 megawatts of solar power to support the data center needs of Meta Platforms Inc. Known for its oil pipeline network, the Calgary-based company is expanding into renewable energy solutions.

The article discusses the increasing power demands in data centers driven by AI and high-density computing as outlined in Eaton's white paper. Data centers are facing challenges in optimizing space, energy, power, and cooling, while also achieving sustainability goals. The white paper projects a significant rise in energy consumption by data centers due to AI workloads, highlighting the need for renewable energy, improved energy storage, and grid upgrades. Electrical engineers and contractors are essential in designing power infrastructure to help meet these goals.

Michael Wrinch and Graham Lovely, leaders in the consulting engineering field, have launched 'Between Two Firms,' a podcast addressing engineering challenges and opportunities. The podcast's debut episode focuses on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the need for scalable and reliable systems. The show aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical engineering solutions. It takes its name from the talk show 'Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.'

Canada's housing shortage is prompting a focus on increasing residential density, especially for structures ranging from seven to 12 stories. There is an emphasis on environmental sustainability, which may lead developers to consider Mass Timber Construction as a viable solution. Additionally, combining cross-laminated timber with cold-formed steel is being suggested as a promising hybrid approach for construction.