Articles tagged with "Technology"

A new residential project using prefabrication is being developed in Dorval. Construction officially starts in the fall with the ground-breaking already completed in July. The building will contain four stories and 82 housing units, designed to accommodate certain residents. The project aims for completion and opening by early 2027.

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.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is investing $225 million in a 54-megawatt hyperscale data-centre expansion in Cambridge, Ontario. The funding is provided through a joint loan with Deutsche Bank, and the facility has been preleased to a major AI cloud-compute provider. The project is part of CPPIB's broader strategy to expand its data-centre presence globally. The federal government has also committed to supporting Canadian AI innovation through significant investments.

A new white paper highlights the slow adoption of construction technology (contech) as a potential barrier to data center projects, which are crucial for the development of artificial intelligence globally. The report warns that without broader technology implementation, the construction sector might hinder progress in AI advancements. It stresses the need for the industry to embrace innovative technologies to keep pace with the global demand for data infrastructure.

BWX Technologies has commenced work on the Pele microreactor, a 1.5-megawatt system designed to power U.S. military bases and remote locations. The reactor, small enough to fit in shipping containers, is expected to produce energy by 2028 and can operate for three years without refueling. Rolls-Royce and Northrop Grumman are key partners in the project, which also has potential applications for disaster response and research stations. The microreactor technology reflects advancements initially intended for space exploration but is now being adapted for terrestrial use.

Saint-Gobain Group has acquired Interstar Materials Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of concrete pigments, to expand its construction chemicals sector in North America. This acquisition will add over $20 million annually to Saint-Gobain's revenues and integrate Interstar's 55 employees into its operations, maintaining the Interstar brand in Canada and the US. The acquisition aligns with Saint-Gobain’s commitment to innovation and sustainable construction. Interstar will continue its operations from its facilities in Sherbrooke, Calgary, and Junction City.

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 report by Info-Tech Research Group highlights urgent risks facing the construction industry, including policy shifts, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and labor shortages. The report stresses the need for construction IT leaders to adopt a proactive, strategic approach to mitigate these risks and ensure project continuity. It provides a four-step framework to assess risk, align resources, develop critical response plans, and execute with confidence. The report aims to help construction organizations build resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.

Carbon Upcycling Technologies and cement company Ash Grove are developing a pioneering carbon capture and utilization facility at Ash Grove's cement plant in Mississauga, Ontario. The facility, named Carbon 1 Mississauga, aims to capture CO₂ emissions from the cement kiln and convert them into low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials. Supported by federal funding, the project aligns with Canada's climate goals and is expected to become operational in 2026, producing up to 30,000 tonnes of these materials annually. It is a collaborative effort involving government, industry, and local stakeholders.

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.