The Week in Cleantech: 27 August 2023
Cargill and BAR Technologies Propel Shipping Industry Toward Green Transition
Cargill and BAR Technologies have launched an innovative WindWings project, marking a significant step in the integration of wind propulsion into commercial shipping. The WindWings technology involves retrofitting large wing sails onto bulk cargo ships, such as the Pyxis Ocean chartered by Cargill, to harness wind power and achieve fuel savings of up to 30%. With the maritime industry striving to reduce emissions, WindWings provides a retrofit solution that can help meet emission reduction targets, particularly for older vessels.
The maritime industry's journey toward decarbonisation faces critical challenges, and WindWings represents a pioneering effort to drive efficiency gains and emissions reductions. The partnership between Cargill and BAR Technologies, supported by the European Union, showcases the potential for retrofitting existing vessels with sustainable solutions. By integrating wind propulsion and investing in innovative technologies like WindWings, the shipping sector can make strides toward a more sustainable future, addressing both environmental concerns and economic efficiency in vessel operations.
Covered in Fathom World and 14 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard
Biden Administration Advances Offshore Wind Expansion with Rhode Island Project Approval
The Biden administration has given its approval for the Revolution Wind project, the latest in a series of major commercial-scale offshore wind energy projects sanctioned by the Interior Department. Located about 15 nautical miles southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island, the project is set to have a capacity of over 700 megawatts. This approval follows earlier projects sanctioned off Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
The approval of the Revolution Wind project demonstrates the Biden administration's dedication to achieving its ambitious goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power capacity by the end of the decade. This project aligns with broader efforts to reduce U.S. carbon emissions and create sustainable energy solutions. The administration's focus on offshore wind contributes to the growth of clean energy, the creation of skilled jobs, and the development of a resilient energy infrastructure.
Covered in The Hill and 12 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard
Tesco Introduces Clear Caps on Milk Bottles to Boost Recycling Efforts
UK supermarket chain Tesco has taken a step towards greater sustainability by adopting clear caps on its own-brand milk bottles. This move is aimed at simplifying the recycling process and promoting environmental benefits. More than 425 million milk bottles per year will now feature clear caps instead of coloured ones, streamlining recycling efforts and potentially leading to a reduction in plastic waste.
Tesco's initiative to replace coloured plastic caps with clear ones on milk bottles demonstrates its commitment to enhancing recycling practices. By eliminating the need for separate processing of colored caps, the company is making recycling more efficient and eco-friendly. This move contributes to a closed-loop recycling system, allowing a substantial amount of recycled plastic to be reintroduced into new bottle production each year. Additionally, the visual cue of clear caps encourages customers to actively participate in the recycling process by ensuring caps are returned for reuse.
Covered in Environment+Energy Leader and 2 other sources tracked by Cleantech Vanguard
Top Funding Rounds Raised by Cleantech Startups
- Swedish lithium-ion battery producer Northvolt has secured approximately $1.2 billion in funding through a convertible note from BlackRock and several Canadian pension plans. The funds will be utilised to construct new battery factories in North America and Europe. (Reuters)
- The Amazon Reforestation Fund, established by Brazilian startup Mombak, has successfully achieved its target funding of $100 million with two Series A investments totalling $35 million from the Rockefeller Foundation and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Mombak's goal is to become the largest carbon removal company globally, generating premium carbon credits by reforesting the Amazon. (Carbon Credits)
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