A.I. like ChatGPT won’t boost economy for decades: Paul Krugman | Fortune

The A.I. race is heating up, with tech giants Microsoft, Google, and Baidu among those ramping up their efforts to launch advanced chatbots after OpenAI’s ChatGPT took the world by storm.

With billions being invested in the development of cutting-edge A.I. technology, many are speculating about how it will disrupt our day-to-day lives—leading to predictions around jobs being lost to machines, calls for greater A.I. governance, and forecasts that the world will soon see the dawn of a new A.I. era.

However, one high-profile economist isn’t convinced that the A.I. being rolled out right now will have much of an impact in the immediate future.

Paul Krugman, who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2008 and served on the Council of Economic Advisers under the Reagan administration, said in a New York Times op-ed on Friday that the rise of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard were unlikely to make any major economic headway just yet.

“History suggests that large economic effects from A.I. will take longer to materialize than many people currently seem to expect,” Krugman, a professor emeritus at Princeton, wrote.

He pointed out that historical innovations like the computing revolution or the electrification of industry had taken decades to have any notable impact on the economy.

Krugman also pointed to the famous 1965 theory by Gordon Moore, cofounder of Intel, which stated the number of transistors on a microchip doubles about every two years—an observation that became known as Moore’s law.

“For at least two decades after Moore’s law kicked in, America, far from experiencing a productivity boom, suffered from a protracted productivity slowdown,” he noted. “The boom kicked in only during the 1990s, and even then it was a bit disappointing.

“The lag in this economic payoff even ended up being similar in length to the lagged payoff from electrification,” he added. “Having a technology isn’t enough. You also have to figure out what to do with it.”

Krugman said in his editorial that the great economic boom that unfolded between the 1940s and 1970s was actually the result of technologies like the internal combustion engine that came into being decades earlier.

“That’s not to say that artificial intelligence won’t have huge economic impacts,” he conceded. “But history suggests that they won’t come quickly. ChatGPT and whatever follows are probably an economic story for the 2030s, not for the next few years.”

While Krugman argued that A.I. models like ChatGPT would eventually take over a significant number of tasks currently done by human beings, “nobody really knows” how big the effect of such a shift would be on society.

“Predictions about the economic impact of technology are notoriously unreliable,” he said, insisting that LLMs in their current form should not hugely affect economic projections for the next year—or even the next decade.

However, he conceded that this “doesn’t mean we should ignore the implications of a possible A.I.-driven boom…The longer-run prospects for economic growth do look better now than they did before computers began doing such good imitations of people.

“Not to put too fine a point on it, but anyone who predicts a radical acceleration of economic growth thanks to A.I.—which would lead to a large rise in tax receipts—and simultaneously predicts a future fiscal crisis unless we make drastic cuts to Medicare and Social Security isn’t making much sense,” Krugman said.

Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Greener Future: Apt Power Systems' Vision

At Apt Power Systems, we envision a future where sustainable energy solutions pave the way towards a greener and more environmentally-friendly world. Here's our vision for sustainable energy:

1. Embracing Renewable Energy: We believe in harnessing the power of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By leveraging these abundant and clean sources of energy, we can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of climate change.

2. Innovative Energy Storage Solutions: Energy storage plays a crucial role in maximizing the potential of renewable energy. Apt Power Systems is committed to developing innovative energy storage solutions, such as advanced battery technologies and grid-scale storage systems, to store excess renewable energy for later use and ensure a reliable power supply.

3. Grid Modernization and Smart Technologies: Grid modernization and the integration of smart technologies are essential for optimizing energy distribution and consumption. Apt Power Systems advocates for the adoption of smart grid technologies, energy management systems, and demand response strategies to improve grid efficiency and reduce energy waste.

4. Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Improving energy efficiency and promoting energy conservation are fundamental principles of sustainable energy solutions. Apt Power Systems offers energy-efficient products and solutions, as well as energy auditing services, to help businesses identify areas for improvement and reduce their energy consumption.

5. Electrification of Transportation: The electrification of transportation is a key component of our vision for a greener future. Apt Power Systems supports the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by providing EV charging infrastructure solutions and promoting the adoption of clean transportation alternatives.

6. Community Engagement and Education: We believe in the power of community engagement and education to drive positive change. Apt Power Systems is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of sustainable energy and empowering individuals and businesses to take meaningful actions towards a more sustainable future.

7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: As a responsible corporate citizen, Apt Power Systems is committed to giving back to society and minimizing our environmental footprint. We actively participate in CSR initiatives, such as tree planting campaigns, environmental clean-up drives, and community outreach programs, to contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Conclusion:

At Apt Power Systems, sustainability is not just a goal but a guiding principle that shapes everything we do. Through our commitment to sustainable energy solutions, we aim to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world for future generations. Join us in our journey towards a greener future!

Lithium Battery Stocks as Catalyst for Growth

The surge in lithium battery demand, driven by both electric vehicle adoption and renewable energy initiatives worldwide, has increased substantially. This trend marks not merely a passing trend but is an integral component of modern energy ecosystem. As governments worldwide set ambitious EV adoption and carbon neutrality targets for their citizens to meet, lithium batteries will only become increasingly crucial as storage components. As investors consider lithium battery stocks for investment purposes.

Leading Companies in the Lithium Battery Market

A few key players dominate the lithium battery market, each contributing to its growth through innovative solutions and expansive production capacities. Companies like Tesla have become synonymous with electrification; traditional manufacturers such as Panasonic, LG Chem, and CATL are increasing production to meet rising demand; mining companies involved in extracting lithium have seen their valuations soar, reflecting their critical role within lithium battery supply chains.

Investment Opportunities and Challenges

Lithium battery stocks offer investors an unrivaled opportunity to capitalize on the transition towards clean energy, but potential investors should be aware of the challenges and risks associated with this sector, including volatile raw material prices, geopolitical issues affecting supply chains, and technological innovations that may render existing technologies obsolete. Yet despite all this risk, lithium battery stocks still offer long-term upside given their indispensable role as part of tomorrow's energy landscape.

Research and Development

Innovation lies at the core of lithium battery production, with ongoing R&D efforts aimed at increasing battery efficiency, longevity, and sustainability. Companies investing heavily in R&D to advance lithium battery technology often reaping significant returns when investors look for growth prospects; further underscoring how dynamic this industry is when advancements can have significant effects on stock valuations.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

With more and more investors flocking to lithium battery stocks, there's been an increasing emphasis on environmental and ethical considerations. Extraction and processing of lithium and other minerals raise serious environmental impact concerns that companies that demonstrate responsible sourcing practices and environmental stewardship may appeal to an ever more conscientious investor base, emphasizing the significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions.

Conclusion

Lithium battery stocks offer investors an exciting investment avenue within the green energy transition, due to their central role in powering our future. While challenges exist within this sector's growth potential fueled by global electrification and renewable energy solutions, significant opportunities exist. Investors can position themselves for success by choosing companies leading innovation, sustainability, market penetration and market advancement as their focus.

Analyzing the Business of Formula E: Trends, Challenges, and Future Outlook

Formula E, the world's premier electric racing series, has emerged as a disruptive force in motorsport, pioneering the transition towards sustainable and electrified racing. Formula E Business Analysis As a leading observer of business trends, we delve into the intricacies of the Formula E ecosystem to provide a comprehensive analysis of its business model, market dynamics, and strategic considerations.

Understanding the Formula E Business Landscape

Formula E represents a unique fusion of motorsport, technology, and sustainability, offering a platform for automakers, sponsors, and stakeholders to showcase their commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and electrification. Founded in 2014 by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), Formula E features all-electric racing cars competing on temporary street circuits in major cities around the world, attracting a global audience of motorsport enthusiasts, tech enthusiasts, and environmentally conscious consumers.

Key Trends Shaping the Formula E Business

Shift Towards Electric Mobility

One of the primary drivers of growth in the Formula E business is the global shift towards electric mobility and the increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. With governments, regulators, and consumers prioritizing decarbonization efforts and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained traction as a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Formula E serves as a powerful catalyst for promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, raising awareness of EV technology, and accelerating the development of electric drivetrains, batteries, and charging infrastructure.

Rise of Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

In an era of heightened environmental consciousness and corporate social responsibility, Formula E provides a compelling platform for companies to align their brand values with sustainability goals and showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship. Corporate sponsors and partners view Formula E as an opportunity to enhance their brand visibility, engage with eco-conscious consumers, and demonstrate their leadership in promoting clean energy, innovation, and sustainable mobility solutions. As such, Formula E has attracted a diverse roster of sponsors and partners from various industries, including automotive, technology, energy, and telecommunications, seeking to leverage the platform to drive positive social and environmental impact.

Technological Innovation and R&D Collaboration

Formula E serves as a crucible for technological innovation and research and development (R&D) collaboration among automakers, suppliers, and technology providers. The competitive nature of the championship fosters a culture of innovation, pushing teams to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, aerodynamics, materials science, and energy management. The transfer of technology and know-how from Formula E to road-going electric vehicles has the potential to accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry, drive down costs, and improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of electric vehicles.

Growth Drivers and Challenges

Global Expansion and Market Penetration

One of the primary growth drivers for Formula E is its ongoing expansion into new markets and regions, tapping into the growing appetite for motorsport entertainment and sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. By staging races in major cities across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, Formula E has cultivated a diverse and geographically dispersed fan base, driving viewership, attendance, and commercial opportunities. However, expanding into new markets presents challenges such as logistical complexities, regulatory compliance, and cultural considerations, requiring careful planning, investment, and stakeholder engagement.

Monetization and Revenue Generation

While Formula E has attracted significant interest from sponsors, broadcasters, and investors, monetizing the sport and generating sustainable revenue streams remain ongoing challenges. Unlike traditional motorsport series such as Formula 1, which rely heavily on broadcast rights fees and corporate sponsorships, Formula E operates in a rapidly evolving media landscape where digital content consumption, streaming platforms, and social media engagement are reshaping the economics of sports broadcasting and sponsorship. As such, Formula E must innovate and diversify its revenue sources, explore new commercial opportunities, and optimize its commercial model to ensure long-term financial viability and growth.

Future Opportunities and Outlook

Evolution of Electric Racing Technology

The future of Formula E is closely tied to the evolution of electric racing technology and the continued advancement of electric mobility. As battery technology improves, energy density increases, and charging infrastructure becomes more widespread, Formula E is poised to showcase faster, more efficient, and more sustainable electric racing cars capable of delivering thrilling racing action while promoting the adoption of electric vehicles on a global scale. Moreover, advancements in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, energy storage solutions, and renewable energy integration have the potential to transform Formula E into a dynamic platform for showcasing the synergy between electric racing and sustainable energy systems.

Embrace of Digital Engagement and Fan Interaction

In an increasingly digital and connected world, Formula E has an opportunity to leverage digital engagement, social media platforms, and interactive fan experiences to enhance viewer participation, fan loyalty, and brand engagement. By embracing emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and gamification, Formula E can create immersive and interactive experiences that transcend traditional spectatorship and empower fans to become active participants in the racing spectacle. Moreover, Formula E can capitalize on its urban racing format, unique track layouts, and city center locations to create compelling content and storytelling opportunities that resonate with global audiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Formula E represents a compelling convergence of motorsport, sustainability, and innovation, offering a unique platform for showcasing the future of electric mobility and sustainable transportation. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it faces both opportunities and challenges in expanding its global footprint, monetizing its commercial potential, and driving technological innovation. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and digital engagement, Formula E can position itself as a leader in the transition towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future of motorsport and mobility.

The Social Impact of Solar Power: Empowering Communities and Alleviating Poverty

In recent years, the global shift towards sustainable and clean energy sources has gained momentum, with solar power emerging as a frontrunner in the race to combat climate change. Beyond its environmental benefits, solar power has a profound social impact, particularly in empowering communities and alleviating poverty. This article explores the transformative effects of solar power, focusing on utility-scale solar projects and the role of sustainable energy solutions companies.

Utility Scale Solar: A Catalyst for Change

Utility-scale solar projects are large-scale installations that generate electricity to be fed into the grid, serving entire communities or regions. These projects harness the power of the sun through photovoltaic panels, converting sunlight into a clean and renewable source of energy. The scale of utility solar allows for significant energy production, making it a crucial player in meeting the rising demand for sustainable power.

One of the key social impacts of utility-scale solar is its ability to provide reliable and affordable electricity to underserved and remote communities. In many parts of the world, especially in developing regions, access to electricity is limited or nonexistent. Utility-scale solar projects bridge this gap, bringing power to areas where traditional energy infrastructure may be impractical or financially unviable.

Empowering Communities Through Solar

The deployment of utility-scale solar projects goes beyond mere electrification; it empowers communities in various ways. One notable aspect is the creation of local job opportunities. The planning, construction, and maintenance of solar installations require skilled and unskilled labor, providing employment opportunities for the local population. This not only stimulates economic growth but also enhances the skill sets of community members, contributing to long-term sustainability.

Moreover, solar power can be harnessed for community-owned microgrids, allowing residents to take control of their energy production and consumption. Community-owned solar initiatives foster a sense of ownership and self-reliance, reducing dependence on centralized power systems. As a result, communities can become more resilient in the face of energy challenges and fluctuations.

Alleviating Poverty Through Sustainable Energy Solutions

The impact of solar power extends beyond individual communities to address broader issues such as poverty alleviation. Sustainable energy solutions companies play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of solar power by providing expertise, financing, and technology. These companies collaborate with governments, NGOs, and local communities to implement solar projects that not only generate electricity but also contribute to socio-economic development.

One of the ways in which sustainable energy solutions companies alleviate poverty is through the promotion of energy access for small businesses. By providing affordable and reliable electricity, solar power enables the growth of local enterprises, fostering economic development and job creation. This, in turn, contributes to poverty reduction by empowering individuals and communities to improve their economic prospects.

Additionally, the transition to solar power can lead to a reduction in household energy expenses. In many developing regions, low-income families spend a significant portion of their income on fuel for generators or kerosene lamps. Solar power offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, freeing up financial resources that can be directed towards education, healthcare, and other essential needs.

Conclusion

The social impact of solar power, particularly through utility-scale projects and the efforts of sustainable energy solutions companies, is a testament to the transformative potential of clean energy. By providing electricity to underserved communities, creating local job opportunities, and alleviating poverty through economic empowerment, solar power emerges not only as an environmental solution but also as a catalyst for positive social change. As we continue to embrace sustainable energy, it is crucial to recognize and amplify the role of solar power in building a more inclusive and resilient world.

The Green Revolution: Sustainable Microtransit Vehicles

We embark on a quest to understand the transformative impact of microtransit on modern transportation systems and the environment. Microtransit vehicles represent a dynamic shift in the way people move within cities and communities. These compact, eco-friendly vehicles offer a sustainable alternative to traditional transit methods, reducing congestion and lowering carbon emissions. As we delve into the world of sustainable microtransit, we'll uncover how these vehicles leverage advanced technologies, from electric powertrains to efficient route optimization, to create a greener and more efficient urban mobility landscape.

Redefining Urban Mobility: The Role of Sustainable Microtransit Vehicles

In this section, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of how sustainable microtransit vehicle are reshaping urban mobility. We delve into the reasons behind the growing popularity of microtransit as a sustainable solution, examining its potential to reduce traffic congestion, alleviate environmental impact, and offer convenient transportation options in densely populated areas. Through a detailed analysis, we reveal the fundamental shifts occurring in urban transportation paradigms and how microtransit is at the forefront of this revolution.

The Green Advantage: Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Microtransit

Sustainable microtransit vehicles hold the promise of significant environmental benefits. Here, we delve into the eco-friendly aspects of these vehicles, emphasizing their role in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and contributing to a greener urban landscape. Through case studies and data-driven insights, we illustrate how the adoption of microtransit can lead to cleaner and more sustainable urban environments, benefitting both city dwellers and the planet.

Electrifying the Streets: The Rise of Electric Microtransit Vehicles

The electrification of microtransit vehicles is a pivotal aspect of their sustainability. We explore the technology behind electric microtransit vehicles, highlighting their efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduced carbon footprint. By examining real-world examples and advancements in battery technology, we showcase how electric microtransit vehicles are poised to revolutionize urban transportation while promoting sustainability.

Accessibility and Equity: Microtransit's Inclusive Approach

Accessibility and equity are crucial aspects of sustainable urban transportation. In this section, we examine how microtransit addresses these concerns by providing flexible, on-demand services that cater to a diverse range of commuters. We discuss how microtransit solutions can bridge transportation gaps in underserved communities, enhance mobility options for individuals with disabilities, and promote social inclusivity in urban areas.

Technology-Powered Efficiency: The Smart Systems of Microtransite

Sustainable microtransit relies on cutting-edge technology to optimize routes, schedules, and passenger experience. We delve into the smart systems that power microtransit, including mobile apps, real-time tracking, and data-driven decision-making. By showcasing the efficiency gains and enhanced user experiences enabled by these technologies, we illustrate how microtransit is not just environmentally friendly but also highly convenient and user-centric.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative Models for Sustainable Microtransit

Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors play a vital role in the success of sustainable microtransit. This section explores various partnership models that enable the deployment and expansion of microtransit services. We examine how cities and private operators are joining forces to create integrated, sustainable transportation networks that benefit both residents and businesses while reducing the overall environmental impact.

Microtransit Adoption Worldwide: Global Insights and Trends

Sustainable microtransit is not limited to one region; it's a global phenomenon. We analyze global insights and trends in microtransit adoption, highlighting successful case studies from different parts of the world. By showcasing diverse approaches and lessons learned, we provide readers with a comprehensive view of how microtransit is transforming urban mobility on a global scale.

The Future of Sustainable Microtransit: Innovations and Possibilities

In our final section, we peer into the future of sustainable microtransit, exploring emerging innovations and possibilities. From autonomous microtransit vehicles to integrated mobility-as-a-service platforms, we discuss how technology and sustainability will continue to drive the evolution of urban transportation. By examining these exciting developments, we offer a glimpse into the ever-expanding horizons of sustainable microtransit and its potential to revolutionize urban mobility.

Conclusion

It's evident that these compact, eco-friendly vehicles are at the forefront of transforming urban mobility. The sustainability and efficiency they bring to the transportation landscape are not just trends; they represent a fundamental shift towards a greener and more inclusive future. Microtransit vehicles offer a multitude of environmental benefits, from reduced emissions to improved air quality, while also addressing issues of accessibility and equity in urban transportation. Their electrification, technological advancements, and collaborative public-private models are driving positive change globally. As we look to the future, the innovations and possibilities within sustainable microtransit continue to inspire hope for a more environmentally conscious, accessible, and efficient urban transportation system. The green revolution is underway, and microtransit is leading the charge towards a cleaner, more sustainable urban future.

Empowering a Sustainable Future with Green Energy and Electric Mobility

Hitachi is at the forefront of sustainable electrification, forging a path towards a greener future. With a strong commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric mobility, Hitachi is dedicated to electrifying the world sustainably by harnessing the potential of digitalization in the energy industry.

One of the key pillars of Hitachi's sustainable electrification efforts is the implementation of smart grids. These intelligent systems enable the efficient integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, ensuring a smooth transition toward a cleaner energy mix.

By leveraging smart grid technology, Hitachi is optimizing energy distribution, enhancing grid reliability, and minimizing environmental impact.

Hitachi, the climate change innovator, is actively promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. By developing advanced charging infrastructure and collaborating with industry partners, Hitachi is accelerating the shift towards clean transportation.

To enable effective management of energy resources, Hitachi offers smart energy management solutions that leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize energy consumption, monitor and control energy usage in real-time, and empower users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption patterns.

By driving digital transformation in the power and utilities industry, Hitachi is combining data-driven technology with its deep operational expertise in energy infrastructure systems to transition toward a more sustainable and electrified future.

Read more on how Hitachi is simplifying renewable energy integration by leveraging its IT & OT expertise to create sustainable and smarter power grids that can drive electric vehicle adoption and pave the way for a green energy future:

https://social-innovation.hitachi/en-us/think-ahead/energy/electrifying-the-world-sustainably/

Explore how Hitachi is driving a green energy future by leveraging its digital transformation capabilities to enhance sustainability in the utility sector:

https://social-innovation.hitachi/en-us/think-ahead/energy/

Digitalisation and electrification, key to a more sustainable future

During the Innovation Day 2023 in Mexico organised by Schneider Electric, experts agreed that smart cities will be a reality, once there is a joint and focused activity, in which technological innovation, environmental awareness and social responsibility are part of the equation.

Although each country presents different scenarios and rates of progress in energy matters, the first sustainable projections in the sector are already an imminent and proven reality, especially in terms of its immediate benefits and profitability. For one of the largest private energy companies in the world, Schneider Electric[1], the priority currently revolves around letting the population know that the concept of sustainability transcends just managing energy efficiently and conserving the planet.

This was stated by Jesús Carmona, president and general director for Mexico and Central America of the company, within the framework of Innovation Day 2023 - a meeting around the solutions provided by Electricity 4.0[2], organised by Schneider Electric -, held in Mexico City. on August 31, 2023. “Our interest is to make it known that sustainability goes beyond generating a minimum carbon impact and recycling. Sustainability means that we act responsibly in society, that there is an environment of diversity and equity at work,” explained the company manager during the first hours of the event.

Made up of a rich program of conferences, panels and exhibitions on areas of opportunity and success stories, Innovation Day 2023[3]  brought together different specialists, businessmen, academics, as well as members of the public and private initiative, around the possibilities of electrification intelligent technology, digitalisation and automation, as well as environmental and social responsibility that today transcend current discourses and meet historical competence and leadership, for the benefit of society.

After the welcome ribbon cutting, by the undersecretary of social development Fadlala Akabani Hneide, and Jérôme Audin, minister of counsellor of the French embassy, Innovation Day 2023 gave space to vital topics around smart energy possibilities, which range from much more efficient and eco-friendly electrification[4], over tools for prevention, maintenance and containment of damage, to self-supply, cybersecurity, computer concentration, among others.

In this context, Francisco Hurtado, director of Schneider Electric's zone execution centre, reiterated that the company's global reach currently impacts the residential, commercial buildings, industry, energy and data centre segments, in accordance with the objectives of The United Nations.

For her part, during her conference titled Green hydrogen in the race for decarbonization, María Valencia, responsible for institutional relations and links for Seisa Energía[5], stressed that although clean and smart energies today already represent a cost option real effectiveness for governments and a good part of companies (especially for larger ones), the process of adaptation, viability and scalability is key to better focus efforts, thereby calling for the diversification of investments, as well as a detailed study of the specific objectives that are pursued, within the route of decarbonization and reformulation of electrical solutions.

What Valencia said concurs with the different success stories that Schneider Electric has harvested for nearly three decades for different companies and productive sectors in Latin America, in examples that include the functioning of hospitals, the electrification of companies, prevention and containment of damages (Nestlé[6]), smart space design (Maselo Arquitectura[7]), among other projects that maintain the imprint of building comprehensive long-term benefits from innovation, security, ecological objectives and human sense.

“We are convinced that we must be specialists in segments and applications to be able to meet the different needs of society, but these are long processes, lasting two decades or more. Currently there are trends, and these will reach the market sooner rather than later, and then take a curve of adoption and acceleration (...), but the technology exists and is accessible. Furthermore, in our nine plants that we currently operate in Mexico we have the commitment to be zero emissions by 2030. But the second step is with our suppliers, that they also reach zero impact by 2035," emphasized the president and general director for Mexico and Central America from Schneider Electric.

Looking ahead to the closing of Innovation Day 2023, the majority of participating specialists agreed that there are still challenges to overcome in order to achieve the ideal of smart cities using tools such as those provided by Schneider Electric, which include the relevant legislation, acceleration of tool adoption, as well as greater investment, infrastructure redesign, among others. This, some experts emphasise, positions the consumer in a new place, in which he is no longer passive and unidirectional, but becomes much more dynamic, multidirectional, much more involved thanks to the tools of generation, storage and redistribution and has a leading role in the solutions towards a much more efficient and habitable planet for all.

Source

Ricardo Pineda, Digitalización y electrificación, clave para un futuro más sostenible , in: El País,  7-9-2023, https://elpais.com/america/tecnologia/electricidad-4-0/2023-09-07/digitalizacion-y-electrificacion-clave-para-un-futuro-mas-sostenible.html

[1] Schneider Electric SE is a French multinational company that specialises in digital automation and energy management. It addresses homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure and industries, by combining energy technologies, real-time automation, software, and services. Schneider Electric is the parent company of Square D, APC, and others. It is also a research company. https://www.se.com/mx/es/

[2] The future has to be sustainable, efficient and safe. Electricity 4.0 proposes solutions for companies and governments through digital innovation and environmental responsibility.https://elpais.com/america/tecnologia/electricidad-4-0/

[3] Cities of the Future: digital, electric and sustainable. Innovation Day is the space in which Schneider Electric reiterates its commitment to sustainability, building the path that accelerates sustainable progress for everyone: customers, employees, partners and communities around the world, bringing together the most relevant people physically and virtually. in the industrial and business field, establishing the favorable scenario to start the necessary conversation towards sustainability and Net Zero in the cities of the future, today.https://www.se.com/mx/es/about-us/events/local/innovation-day-2023.jsp

[4] With digitalisation, various industrial processes have been streamlined and automated, improving the various production chains around them. However, the vulnerability of information, functions and sensitive areas of the company also exists. https://elpais.com/america/tecnologia/electricidad-4-0/2023-09-07/digitalizacion-y-electrificacion-clave-para-un-futuro-mas-sostenible.html

[5] SEISA is a 100% Mexican company, with international reach, focused on the development and integration of cogeneration solutions that add value to its clients. Pioneers in Mexico in offering on-site generation and cogeneration services, combined with SEISA's unique capacity to carry out cogeneration projects from 50 kW to 20 MW and our successful track record of more than 20 years designing, building and operating cogeneration plants, in Mexico, Canada, the United States, India and Colombia, makes us an invaluable partner in the cogeneration (distributed generation) market. https://seisaenergia.com/

[6] https://www.se.com/mx/es/work/campaign/life-is-on/case-study/nestle-nescafe.jsp

[7] https://www.se.com/mx/es/work/campaign/life-is-on/case-study/maselo-arquitectos-orion-class.jsp

IBM to open Innovation Centre in Calgary 250 new jobs to be created

Today IBM Canada announced it will open an IBM Client Innovation Centre (CIC) for Western Canada, planning to create 250 new jobs in Calgary. The new centre aims to enhance the city’s technology sector and diversify the economy. It will have a focus on sustainability, delivering consulting services and technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, and blockchain, helping to elevate Alberta’s position as a centre for energy transformation. IBM is working with Invest Alberta, Calgary Economic Development and Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) to help establish the CIC. Sustainability challenges have impacted important economic engines in Canada, and according to an IBM study, 83 per cent of chief executive officers believe sustainability-related investments will improve their business results over the next five years. Through the Western Canada CIC, IBM will help businesses transform their environmental and social goals to create a long-lasting impact for their communities, employees, customers, and investors in five key areas: climate risk management, infrastructure and operations, supply chain, electrification, energy and emissions management, and sustainability strategies. “IBM’s choice to locate its new Client Innovation Centre for Western Canada in Calgary is truly something to celebrate. This investment shows once more that Alberta has the economic momentum to continue to move Albertans forward. We have worked closely with IBM over the past year to make this investment possible, and are thrilled to see this happen, adding even more momentum to Alberta’s rapidly growing tech sector,” said Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta. The creation of the CIC aligns with efforts from Alberta and the City of Calgary to create jobs and grow its already changing tech sector. Reports from Calgary Economic Development and IDC Canada reveal that Alberta’s spending on digital transformation is expected to surpass C$20 billion by 2024, of which Calgary businesses will account for nearly C$7.5 billion.  New jobs associated with the centre will include application developers, business and transformation analysts, testers, and project managers. The centre is an opportunity to help retain youth like recent graduates in the city, giving them an opportunity to have a global career in Calgary. In today’s announcement, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said that Calgary is focused on growing its tech sector and this new centre is a step to increase job opportunities and focus on sustainability developments while building the city’s economy.  “The centre will help organizations accelerate the pathways to net zero, and it will continue to elevate Calgary’s position as a world leader in energy transition and transformation. … People are definitely taking notice of Calgary, and they’re all wondering how we’re meeting with such incredible success in growing our economy. … We have a very skilled and diverse workforce in our city, and that’s a very important reason that IBM chose Calgary for this expansion,” she said.  The CIC will assume a portion of the 25,000 square foot office IBM currently occupies in the Beltline area of downtown Calgary as a collaboration hub for IBM, clients, and partners. Tracy Bean, IBM Consulting, partner, Client Innovation Centres, noted that the company decided not to build a completely new centre for real estate footprint reasons.  “Through COVID, in the last few years everyone was looking to reduce their real estate footprint … we’re going to retain what we have in Calgary. We’ve actually earmarked a component of the office to the growth for this centre,” Bean said.  The Western Canada CIC will be part of IBM’s proven model for tech and skills growth with its network of IBM Client Innovation Centres, including those in Canadian cities like Halifax and Montreal. https://ift.tt/9YSrFev https://ift.tt/VBEWPvn

Bernie 2020 - Environment

Reach 100% renewable energy for electricity and transportation by no later than 2030 and complete decarbonization by 2050 at latest

End unemployment by creating 20 million jobs needed to solve the climate crisis

Directly invest an historic $16.3 trillion public investment toward these efforts

Ensure a just transition for workers. This plan will prioritize the fossil fuel workers who have powered our economy for more than a century and who have too often been neglected by corporations and politicians. We will guarantee 5 years of a worker’s current salary, housing assistance, job training, health care, pension support, and priority job placement for any displaced worker, as well as early retirement support for those who choose it or can no longer work

Declare climate change a national emergency

Save American families money by weatherizing homes and lowering energy bills, building affordable and high-quality, modern public transportation, providing grants and trade-in programs for families and small businesses to purchase high-efficiency electric vehicles, and rebuilding our inefficient and crumbling infrastructure, including deploying universal, affordable high-speed internet

Support small family farms by investing in ecologically regenerative and sustainable agriculture

Justice for frontline communities – especially under-resourced groups, communities of color, Native Americans, people with disabilities, children and the elderly – to recover from, and prepare for, the climate impacts, including through a $40 billion Climate Justice Resiliency Fund. 

Commit to reducing emissions throughout the world, including providing $200 billion to the Green Climate Fund, rejoining the Paris Agreement, and reasserting the United States’ leadership in the global fight against climate change.

Meet and exceed our fair share of global emissions reductions

Make massive investments in research and development

Expand the climate justice movement

Invest in conservation and public lands to heal our soils, forests, and prairie lands. We will reauthorize and expand the Civilian Conservation Corps and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Corps

This plan will pay for itself over 15 years. Experts have scored the plan and its economic effects. It will be paid by: Making the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution, through litigation, fees, and taxes, and eliminating federal fossil fuel subsidies. Generating revenue from the wholesale of energy produced by the regional Power Marketing Authorities. Revenues will be collected from 2023-2035, and after 2035 electricity will be virtually free, aside from operations and maintenance costs. Scaling back military spending on maintaining global oil dependence. Collecting new income tax revenue from the 20 million new jobs created by the plan. Reduced need for federal and state safety net spending due to the creation of millions of good-paying, unionized jobs. Making the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share

Transform our energy system away from fossil fuels to 100 percent energy efficiency and sustainable energy by 2030 at the latest

Build enough renewable energy generation capacity for the nation’s growing needs

End greed in our energy system

Build a modern smart grid

Weatherize homes and businesses to perform energy efficiency upgrades to make buildings more energy efficient and lower energy bills

Electrify homes and businesses

Phase out the use of non-sustainable sources

Regulate all dangerous greenhouse gases

Declare a climate emergency

Fully electrify and decarbonize our transportation sector. 

To transition to 100 percent electric vehicles powered with renewable energy instead of expensive fossil fuels, we will institute a Vehicle trade-in program

Create nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Provide $407 billion in grants for states to help school districts and transit agencies replace all school and transit buses with electric buses. 

Replace all shipping trucks

Ensure the decarbonization of the transportation sector

Build public transit that is affordable, accessible, fast, and resilient

Build regional high-speed rail

Retrofit dangerous fossil fuel infrastructure

Grants to purchase a new EV

Dramatically decrease the cost of energy storage

Invest in decarbonizing the shipping and aviation industries as soon as possible

Establish a nationwide materials recycling program

Reassert U.S. leadership in research and engineering by marshaling resources across the federal government and institutions of higher education, including the National Academy of Engineering and National Science Foundation

Invest in the Green Climate Fund

Bring together the leaders of the major industrialized nations with the goal of using the trillions of dollars our nations spend on misguided wars and weapons of mass destruction to instead work together internationally to combat our climate crisis and take on the fossil fuel industry

Rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and enforce aggressive climate reduction goals

Renegotiate disastrous trade deals to protect the environment

End overseas fossil fuel financing

Create a Climate Justice Resiliency Fund to ensure our infrastructure and communities are protected from the unavoidable impacts of climate change

Rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure

Repair the nation’s water systems

Build resilient, affordable, publicly owned broadband infrastructure. 

Increase funding for roads

Repair freight and passenger transportation networks

Build the 7.4 million affordable housing units to close the affordable housing gap across the country and guarantee safe, decent, accessible affordable housing

Repair and modernize public housing including making all public housing accessible, conducting deep energy retrofits of all public housing, and providing access to high-speed broadband

Retrofit our public infrastructure to withstand climate impacts

Adapt to sea level rise

Protect community cohesion

Increase investments in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Invest in green infrastructure and public lands conservation by reinstating the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

End our National Park maintenance backlog

Make the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution by: Massively raising taxes on corporate polluters’ and investors’ fossil fuel income and wealth, raising penalties on pollution from fossil fuel energy generation, raise and aggressively enforce penalties., requiring remaining fossil fuel infrastructure owners to buy federal fossil fuel risk bonds to pay for disaster impacts at the local level. Federal risk bonds can then be paid to counties and municipalities when there are fossil fuel spills, explosions, or accidents.

Prosecute and sue the fossil fuel industry for the damage it has caused

Create a National Climate Risk Report

Implement sanctions for corporations that violate our domestic climate goals

End fossil fuel subsidies

Keep fossil fuels on public lands in the ground

Ban offshore drilling

End all new federal fossil fuel infrastructure permits

Require fossil fuel corporations repair leaking infrastructure, including natural gas and oil pipelines and drilling sites

Clean up old and abandoned fossil fuel infrastructure

Ban fracking and mountaintop removal coal mining

Ban imports and exports of fossil fuels

Divest federal pensions from fossil fuels

Pressure financial institutions, universities, insurance corporations, and large institutional investors still invested in or insuring fossil fuels to transition those investments to clean energy bonds through executive action

Place a fee on imported Carbon Pollution-Intensive Goods

Accurately estimate the climate impacts or benefits of all legislation proposed in Congress

Focus the federal government's resources on transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy

Require strong labor standards

Provide employers with tax credits to incentivize hiring transitioning employees

Invest in workers and de-industrialized communities' economic development

Provide targeted regional economic development

Infrastructure investments for impacted communities

Ensure an inclusive, comprehensive process from start to finish

Follow Environmental Justice principles

Ensure the full and equal enforcement of all environmental, civil rights, and public health laws and aggressive prosecution of violators. 

Ensure that Green New Deal jobs and job training resources are made available to low-income and disadvantaged communities equitably, and ensure equal access to clean energy, electrification, efficiency, and transportation funding, grants, and other incentives

Focus job training and local hiring to reflect the racial and gender diversity of the community receiving federal investments

Update permitting rules that allow polluters to target poor communities for polluting infrastructure

Ensure that all agencies abide by Executive Order 12898, which according to the EPA requires agencies to “identify and address the disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their actions on minority and low-income populations, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law.”

Extend civil rights protections to ensure full access to the courts for poor and minority communities to seek legal protections by overturning the Sandoval Supreme Court decision that set an unreasonable burden of proof of racism for claims of environmental racism, including disparate and cumulative exposure to environmental health risks

Follow the Principles of Environmental Justice adopted at the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit

Ensure that funding from the Green New Deal for parks and public lands are distributed equitably in urban, suburban, and rural areas

Fully survey and track pollution in vulnerable communities

Promote urban sustainability initiatives to improve the environmental and social conditions of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color without rendering those neighborhoods inaccessible for future residents of limited economic means

Ensure the creation and implementation of the Green New Deal is accessible to people with disabilities and non-English speakers

Impacted communities, including Tribes, will receive dedicated grant funding

The first two years of this plan will be spent very aggressively laying down a social safety net to ensure that no one is left behind

Ensure Tribes and Native American people benefit from this plan

Invest in Environmental Justice centered community economic development

Incentivize farmers to develop ecologically regenerative farming systems that sharply reduce emissions; sequester carbon; and heal our soils, forests, and prairie lands

Help farms of all sizes transition to ecologically regenerative agricultural practices that rebuild rural communities, protect the climate, and strengthen the environment with an investment of $410 billion

Pay farmers to keep carbon in the soil

Fund farmland conservation

Transition to organic farming

Bring renewable energy to farms

Enforce the Clear Air and Water Acts on large factory farms and ensure all farmers have access to the tools and resources they need to address pollution

Ensure all rural residents, including farmers, and farmworkers have the right to protect their families and properties from chemical and biological pollution, including pesticide and herbicide drift

Break up big agribusinesses that have a stranglehold on farmers and rural communities

Ensure farmers are paid a fair price for their products with tools like supply management and grain reserves

Re-establish a national grain and feed reserve to help alleviate the need for government subsidies and ensure we have a food supply in case of extreme weather events

Transition toward a parity system to guarantee farmers a living wage

Re-establish and strengthen the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration

Ensure farmers have the right to repair their own equipment

Reform patent laws to prevent predatory lawsuits from massive agribusinesses like Bayer/Monsanto

Reform the agricultural subsidy system so more money goes to small and medium sized farms

Strengthen organic standards

Invest in historically underserved communities to grow the number of farmers of color

Create a pathway to citizenship for migrant farmworkers and end exclusions for agricultural workers in labor laws

Strengthen outreach to minority and socially disadvantaged farmers

Establish a victory lawns and gardens initiative through a $36 billion investment to help urban, rural, and suburban Americans transform their lawns into food-producing or reforested spaces that sequester carbon and save water

Invest $14.7 billion in cooperatively owned grocery stores

Incentivize schools to procure locally produced foods

Enforce country of origin labeling

Incentivize community ownership of farmland

Issues List

SCIENCE FOR THE PEOPLE

The need for carbon removal

Massive removal of carbon from the atmosphere—also known as negative emissions, carbon drawdown, or regeneration—could be a cornerstone of either dystopian or radically utopian futures. Some of the dystopian ones are well known: vast conversion of land to plantations for biofuels with carbon capture and storage, displacing people from the land, destroying habitats, and spiking food prices. But given what we know about climate change in 2018, it’s not enough to protest against dystopian versions of carbon removal. Too much warming is already locked in. We need a radically utopian way of removing carbon.

If we buy into thinking of carbon removal technologies as substitutes for reducing carbon output, then industrial interests have already won: they have set the narrative and the framing, where carbon capture exists so that they can continue to emit. But we should demand more from these technologies. Industrial carbon capture technologies could instead be used as an extension of decarbonization—mitigation to get us to zero, and carbon removal going a step further to take emissions negative and address some of the climate impacts already being felt. It won’t be easy. But climate science suggests it’s a challenge the Left must take up.

Climate change has already warmed the planet over 1°C relative to pre-industrial levels. Paradoxically, cleaning up the air pollution that’s currently masking some of the global warming in the pipeline would raise temperatures another 0.5 – 1.1 degrees.1 This means that if we waved a magic wand and suddenly (1) stopped using fossil fuels, and (2) cleaned up air pollution, we would already be breaching 1.5°C, the amount of warming that most climate advocates have argued for. The carbon budget is not an exact science, but it seems we are hovering at the point where 1.5°C of warming is locked in by what has already been emitted. Put differently, the most recent scientific evidence suggests we have zero to five years before every additional ton of carbon dioxide emitted would need to be compensated by a ton of negative emissions to stay below 1.5°C.2

In fact, the scenarios used in the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report rely on massive amounts of negative emissions to curb warming to 1.5°C, primarily via a method known as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). This led a team of modelers to try and see what it would take to achieve 1.5° without BECCS. Even a scenario where renewables, electrification, and energy efficiency were aggressively pursued—as well as replacing 80 percent of meat and eggs with cultivated meat, flying less, and eliminating tumble dryers—could not eliminate the need for carbon removal. This scenario still required about 400 billion tons (Gt) of carbon dioxide removed via reforestation.3 Reforestation sounds great and green, but it also has the potential to result in dispossession, conflict over land access, and smallholder livelihoods.

What about achieving a slightly less ambitious goal of 2°C? Two and 1.5 degrees might not sound all that different, but they are. The difference is one that threatens entire unique coral ecosystems, the homes of five million people4 (including entire countries), and high increases in the frequencies of extreme events. Rapid mitigation could still curb warming to 2°C without the use of negative emissions technologies. But that window is closing fast. If near-term emissions reductions follow the trajectory laid out in the commitments nations made under the Paris agreement, by 2030, 2°C scenarios will also depend upon negative emissions.5 That is, in the next decade, we would have to vastly exceed the Paris promises to not depend upon negative emissions.

We aren’t even making much progress towards these Paris targets, which if achieved would still produce 3°C of warming—an amount widely agreed to lead to massive disruptions. This is why negative emissions have become such a useful device for the models. By the end of the century, scenarios for 1.5°C or 2°C envision pulling out ten billion tons (10Gt) per year. For comparison, current levels of emissions are around forty billion tons of CO2 per year. So 1.5°C means not just zeroing out those forty billion tons, but then working to extract another 10 billion on top of that to be net-negative. This would require scaling up current carbon capture and sequestration efforts a thousand-fold.6

Negative emissions help maintain the narrative that although time is running short, we can still stop catastrophic global warming if we act now.7 Once we understand that this inventive arithmetic has been employed to “solve” for 1.5, what do we do?

Assuming there will be a complete about-face that puts us on a course towards 100 percent renewables, massive lifestyle changes, and drastic land use change for afforesting millions of hectares in the tropics8 within the next ten years strikes me as not only magical thinking, but thinking that puts many at risk of great suffering.

Alternately, accepting that the earth will warm more than 1.5°C means accepting the loss of the world’s coral reefs and the half billion people relying on them, as well as other harms to communities living on the front lines of climate change.

So we need to ask: Is there a form of massive carbon removal that could be put towards socially just ends, pulling carbon out of the atmosphere as a form of collective social good? Can it work as an outgrowth of energy democracy? For if such a collection of technologies, practices, and institutions can exist, we should try to build it. Notably, carbon removal at what I’ll call climate-significant scale should not be thought of as a magic wand to wipe carbon away either. For one thing, it will not compensate exactly for emissions. The ocean, for example, currently takes up close to half of the carbon humans emit, and it’s possible that if carbon was removed at large scale from the atmosphere, the oceans would then give off carbon, perhaps replacing half of the carbon that had been removed.9 The prospect of carbon removal is fraught with complexity, and even peril—all of which we have to talk about.

(Continue Reading)

Renewable Energy Grows Even as Climate Challenges Loom

Countries across the world are racing to accelerate renewable energy production as concerns around climate change and rising global temperatures continue to heighten. From the UAE to Japan and Brazil to Australia, both developed and developing economies are investing in renewable energy generation and Global Manufacturing Innovations to meet the fast-growing energy demand and ensure long-term sustainability.

2018 was a milestone year for the global energy transition. At the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24), countries agreed on rules and mechanisms to limit the global temperature increase to below 2°C, essentially making the Paris Agreement operational. Indeed, the agreement involved a series of political negotiations, as well as taking into account the varied socio-economic realities and capabilities of each country to successfully drive the transition to a low-emissions future. This may be a challenge for Global manufacturing & Industrialisation revolutions. Because the manufacturing sector has the biggest impact on climate change.

“All evidence from the past 10 years points to clear and overwhelming social and economic benefits of climate action. The Global manufacturing Industry also joins hands for the reduction of greenhouse gases. For this the Global manufacturing Industry needs to increase the efficiency so as to reduce the energy utilization. The full implementation of the agreement at the national level means that countries and non-state actors alike can fully capitalize on these benefits as they enter a new era of accelerated climate action,” according to the United Nations Climate Chief, Patricia Espinosa.

Notably, as a result of this global commitment and greater awareness of the importance of climate action, transition towards renewable sources and energy innovations have gained momentum over the past five years. Even in the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) the global technology and manufacturing community joins the fight against climate change.

 According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2020 witnessed the largest year-one-year growth in renewable energy capacity since 1999 as energy sources such as solar and wind grew at their fastest rate, driven by increased investments. Additionally, both corporate energy spending and public Research & Development in IEA member countries witnessed consistent growth over the past decade – low-carbon energy technologies currently account for 80% of total public energy R&D spending. 

Specifically, these changes have led to three key trends to emerge in the renewable energy sector:

Solar Energy: Solar is a booming area of innovation, predominantly driven by recent breakthroughs in Perovskite Solar Cells (PSC). Innovations in solar include sectoral integration - coupling the energy consumption in residential, commercial, transport and industry with the power production sector through smart infrastructure. Integrating intelligent systems to generate and distribute energy fortifies ability of renewable energy sources to decarbonise the economy in a faster and more cost-effective manner. As a result, IHS Markit has predicted that the annual solar installations will grow by over 30% in 2021.

Importantly, several countries have been rapidly investing in this energy source. For example, the United Arab Emirates has increased its renewable energy capacity over the past four years, reaching over 2GW out of its 30GW grid capacity. The UAE is home to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the largest single-site solar park in the world, implemented by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The UAE government has also successfully deployed a solar park instalment project in the Al Dhafra region in Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 2GW whilst registering the world’s lowest electricity generation cost at 1.35 cents/kWh.

Wind Energy: The wind sector continues to innovate with increasing turbine size and improvements such as floating wind concepts that allow the technology to be scaled and new regions to consider offshore development. Offshore wind is set for another bumper year in 2021, nearly doubling deployed capacity to 10GW, according to the IHS Markit report. For example, in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, the Dolphyn Hydrogen project has developed a floating wind generation concept and recently won USD 3.9 million of government funding to grow a 2MW prototype unit by 2024 that can scale up to a 10MW commercial facility in 2027.

Offshore wind has also been recognized as a good transition opportunity for the oil and gas industry. Shell, the global energy corporation, recently announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Emerald floating wind project in the Celtic Sea. In January 2021, Danish wind giant Orsted announced a USD 684 million deal to build and expand a 2MW facility that would produce up to one ton of green hydrogen daily.

Hydrogen Energy: According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Green hydrogen is the renewable energy source to watch in 2021, as the European Union and many other states around the world pump investment in the burgeoning sector. Green hydrogen has the potential to make the most impact in accelerating decarbonisation efforts, particularly in sectors such as heavy industry, chemicals and transportation where electrification is not viable.

Earlier this year, UAE based-Masdar announced that it has partnered with Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa Group, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Siemens Energy, and Marubeni Corporation to develop green hydrogen in Abu Dhabi. In addition, Mubadala Investment Company, ADNOC and ADQ have joined forces to develop the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance. The alliance aims to advance a green hydrogen roadmap for the UAE. In addition, the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) 2021 has already been proposed in Dubai. There manufacturing & Industrialisation industry speakers share their valuable ideas. Let’s see what’s coming out more from the meeting. 

Akpabio lists achievements, says govt impacting lives positively through Niger Delta Ministry -NigPilot

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has listed achievements gained by the ministry, reiterating that relentless efforts have been made by the Federal Government in impacting lives positively in the area of infrastructure development and social amenities' empowerment in the Niger Delta region. The minister echoed this during his presentation at the 19th session of the State House Briefing organized by the Presidential Communication Team at the Presidential Villa yesterday in Abuja. “President Muhammadu Buhari is more interested in the grassroots development therefore he has shown keen interest in the activities of the Ministry, that is why the Ministry is determined to undertake laudable projects that will uplift the lives of the Niger Deltans,” he said. Akpabio recalled that the ministry which was created in 2008 to address the infrastructural deficit, environmental degradation and pollution, and other sultry issues confronting the oil-rich region has made efforts to live up to its mandate. The minister informed that the East-West road project which is a carriageway that spans a total of 338 km, containing over 41 bridges, had a historical debt of N11billion in 2019 owed to contractors which have been cleared by the ministry, adding that “this came from the magnanimity of Mr. President who approved the payment when he returned the project to the Ministry and thereafter we have had various sums of monies released to contractors who had gone back to site”. He stated that the Eleme-Onne Section was not included when the East-West road project was awarded because as at that time, it was in good shape and the two bridges were functional, adding that the ministry has released the sum of N2.5billion in August 2021 for a quick and emergency intervention due to the present deplorable condition of the section. He disclosed that N19.4billion of funds for the 2020 capital projects budget of the Ministry is being committed to the East-West road and N7.5billion has been paid, while additional funding of N35 billion will come from Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the project, noting that request for mobilization of special funding from SUKUK Issuance through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning has also been made to Mr. President to ensure the completion of the road. “We are redesigning the entire area because of the defects we have noticed, that area would be 6 lanes, no longer 4 lanes, we are going to construct additional 2 bridges, 2 flyovers and a new flyover bridge at Akpajo intersection because of the heavy flow of traffic as the road links to the big fertilizer company at Indorama, Wotore , Onne Port Harcourt refining company, PPMC. I, therefore appeal to the Eleme people, Niger Deltans and Nigerians for their patience and support as we are working hard to salvage the situation,” he added. The Minister also assured the completion of Section 1-4 linking Warri to Oron through Kaima, Ahoada, Port Harcourt, Ogoni, and Eket Township, while Section 5 axis would be considered soon. Other projects embarked upon by the ministry cutting across the nine states of the region. They include 13 Inter-State road projects, 109 Intrastate road projects, 9 Jetty design projects that have been completed with 1 being constructed in Nembe, Bayelsa State to improve water transportation, Akpabio revealed. In the area of Social infrastructure, he informed that the ministry is implementing 43 different categories of electrification projects, construction of over 500 Housing Units which have been handed over to the beneficiaries, construction of 18 classroom blocks with 15 completed and 3 ongoings, 6 renovated, initiation of 16 Health centers with 9 completed, 7 ongoing and 3 other renovated. He added that the ministry has constructed 500 Boarding Capacity Skill Acquisition centers with varied specialization and are at various levels of completion in each of the 9 States of the region, while the center at Otuoke, Bayelsa State has been handed over to the Federal University Otuoke and the center at Agadagba-Obon, Ese-Odo LGA, Ondo State is about to be handed over to the Federal Polytechnic, Ile- Oluji, the centers at Ibeno, Akwa Ibom and Ohaji Egbema, Imo State are completed, he stressed. Furthermore, he revealed that the ministry has engaged the youths and women in various economic empowerment projects, human capital development training, and key stakeholders which have led to remarkable improvement in the peace, security, and stability in the Niger Delta region. He pointed out that the ministry has harmonized its action plan for effective coordination to encourage rapid socioeconomic development while its Strategic Implementation Work Plan, SIWP, approved by Federal Executive Council, FEC in March 2021 will result in joint accountability, elimination of project duplication, wastages of scarce resources as well as preventing abandonment of projects in the region. Akpabio mentioned that the ministry has also completed the NDDC Head office, as well as Forensic Audit exercise report as a date for the official presentation of the report is awaited, he revealed that International Oil Companies, IOCs were owing NDDC over $4billion unremitted funds and with the audit exercise of the Commission, such issues would be addressed, adding that the ministry will also ensure that the three percent allocated to Oil Producing Communities in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA is used on executing tangible and developmental projects in the region. He stressed that despite inadequate funding that is a major challenge in the project implementation, the Ministry would endeavor to actualize its programs to improve the living standard of the people of the Niger Delta region.   FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The content of this Website is made available by the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper Publisher. This Website seeks to facilitate the dissemination of informative, with engaging, and constructive news about events in Nigerian, Africa, and Globally as they happen. The "Distributor" of this Information are the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper and Nigerian Pilot Tv brands of Dom Communication, LLC. DISCLAIMER: FAKE NEWS PUBLICATION. This Website NigPilot collects information from several Independent Reporters and may contain unauthenticated and/or copyrighted materials the utilization of which has not generally been explicitly approved or authorized by the copyright proprietor. NigPilot with concern to increase in misleading social media publications, please report any Fake, False, or Misleading News to [email protected] for immediate action. FAIR USE NOTICE. In accordance with THE LAW, the material on this Website is included for informational and educational purposes. 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Call to Action - Food Production in Industrial Symbiosis- Juniper Publishers

Food production in industrial symbiosis is an R&D opportunity addressing the food-energy-water nexus and therefore sustainable development. The low-hanging fruit of this opportunity are already being developed in ongoing projects. The urgency of climate action as well as other sustainable development goals merits an accelerated effort to develop and deploy far greater variety and capacity for symbiotic, industrial-scale food production.

Three points of departure collectively point to a potential opportunity to create sustainability and resilience with food production in industrial symbiosis:

i. The water-energy-food nexus conceptualizes the “inextricable linkages between these critical domains” and is “central to sustainable development1”.

ii. Parker & Svantemark (2019) concludes “distributed symbiotic food production can contribute to resilience to the most threatening of the relevant risks identified and that, therefore, more in-depth investigations of how symbiotic systems can contribute to resilience are merited2”.

iii. Parker & Kiessling (2016): “Arable land, artificial fertilizers, and freshwater resources are the base for our present food systems but are limited. At the same time, energy resources in the form of waste heat are available in ample quantities3”.

Low-grade waste heat is an abundant resource that will increase over time

There are two main drivers making low-grade waste heat a lasting and abundant resource, the electrification of industry and digitalisation. The electrification of industry is driven by the competitive need to increase efficiency, coupled with the social demand to reduce use of fossil fuels. Processes today driven by combustion, predominantly of fossil fuels, are being pushed towards the corresponding electrical processes. digitalisation is increasingly evident in communications, products, services and businesses, resulting in the proliferation of mass data centres. These data centres require cooling. The resulting heat is generally low-grade.

Cooling temperatures for electronics and information technology will still vary. A case study is the European Spallation Source ESS, a neutron source currently under construction, powered by what will be the world’s most powerful linear accelerator. ESS has a goal to recycle all waste heat. As a research facility, ESS publishes its design reports and numerous papers and conference proceedings. The ESS Energy Design Report details three cooling temperatures, a high-temperature level at 70-90°C, a medium range at the conventional cooling system level of 40°C and an also conventional chilled water loop at 5-10°C. The chilled water requires chillers, which conventionally reject heat at around 25°. The ESS envisioned employing heat pumps that deliver more useful reject temperatures, which of course comes at a cost of some additional energy use for the heat pumps4. The ESS case illustrates why most waste heat from cooling electrical processes will be low-grade, perhaps 30-40°. Tap water requires heating to 55°, to avoid bacterial build-up. Room heating with floor heating only requires temperatures a few degrees higher than the desired room temperature. However, existing buildings tend to be designed for a heat delivery at conventional temperatures around 80°, thus requiring retrofitting a heating system to allow use of low temperatures. The combined needs of duplicate heating systems and retrofitting make low-grade district heating systems impactable for existing residential areas.

Emerging case studies demonstrate the opportunity

Two ongoing R&D projects are illustrative of the opportunities offered in connecting waste heat with food production. The University of Linköping with the support from The Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship is running ‘Empowering Regenerative Businesses for Increased Resource Productivity and Sustainable Business Growth’. The project defines ‘regenerative business’ as “entrepreneurial initiatives that adopt value creation from residual resources as a core business”. The CORALIS5 project seeks to demonstrate industrial symbiosis in Europe.

Three of the involved businesses are particularly relevant here. Econova takes materials from industry that have traditionally been considered waste and converts them into new raw materials, such as fertilizer and soil improvement. Swedish Algae Factory farms algae in symbiosis with salmon farming. WA3RM (this author’s employer) creates regenerative business from industrial waste streams.

The Econova example illustrates that there are more connections between industrial waste streams and agriculture than just waste heat. The on-land, closed-loop salmon farms such as the ones that Swedish Algae Factory works with need only 20°-heat for the fish to thrive. WA3RM’s current projects include greenhouses supplied with 45°-55°-heat and fish farms for tropical fish requiring 30°.

The projects also demonstrate that symbiotic food production can deliver on many sustainable development goals besides climate change, such as avoiding eutrophication, protecting aquatic environment, job creation and economic growth.

Action is needed from researchers, developers and government

All too often, government is a barrier rather than a support for symbiotic food production, mainly due to the various schemes supporting unsustainable, traditional food production. This needs to be addressed to effectively combat climate change and to develop sustainably. The R&D imperative is to push harder towards commercial development on all promising initiatives in cultivation, digestion, fermentation and so on that can input into the food chain as food or fodder, or as fuel.

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Journal of Agriculture Research-https://juniperpublishers.com/artoaj/index.php

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Farther, Faster and No Sweat: Bike-Sharing and the E-Bike Boom As with all bicycles during the pandemic, electric bikes, or those with battery-powered motors to handle propulsion, boomed. The market research firm NPD Group said sales of e-bikes grew 145 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, outpacing sales of all bikes, which were up 65 percent. “Bike categories that catered to families and recreational and newer riders grew better than more performance-oriented bikes,” said Dirk Sorenson, a sports industry analyst at NPD, adding that e-bikes “overcome challenges like big hills or going on a longer ride than a typical bike.” But it’s not just consumer sales that have mainstreamed e-bikes. Municipal bike-sharing systems have increasingly adopted the technology, with some cities, including Charlotte, N.C., going with an all-electric fleet during the pandemic. Social distancing demands, the quest for safe and more accessible public transportation and sustainable travel measures have forged a growing adoption of e-bikes among travelers as well as local residents. “Covid sort of propelled electric bikes forward by years,” said Josh Squire, the founder and chief executive of Hopr, a bike-share service. Cities, bike-sharing companies and even a peer-to-peer bike-sharing platform (in which bike owners rent their bikes directly to users) are jumping into the e-bike ecosystem. Here’s how bike-sharing — sometimes called “micromobility” to include other small vehicles, such as scooters — has shifted in the tourism lull. Covid did not kill bike-sharing In the early days of the pandemic, bike-share usage stalled as those working from home stopped commuting. For essential workers who needed to travel, bike-sharing became an alternative to buses or trains, where they might be exposed to the virus by other passengers. Lyft, which manages bike-share fleets in nine cities — including the largest systems in New York City and Chicago — gave about 30,000 essential workers free yearly passes. “Covid was able to highlight micromobility as an essential transportation service, filling in where transit service stopped or where gaps existed and helping essential workers get to work,” said Samantha Herr, the executive director of the North American Bikeshare Association. As people began to leave their houses in summer, biking rebounded. In Honolulu, nearly 80 percent of members of the bike-sharing system Biki said riding was the safest form of public transportation during the pandemic. In Chicago, the Divvy bike-share system recorded its busiest month on record in August. In New York City, where Citi Bike added 3,700 new bikes in 2020, ridership exceeded 2019 levels in the last four months of 2020, according to a monthly report filed with the New York City Department of Transportation. The company said 27 percent of rides were deemed “casual,” or recreational, in 2020, versus 17 percent in 2019, with the most popular stations around hospitals and parks, reflecting the mix of essential and casual uses. Biking was clearly a remedy for cabin fever, and bike sharing is an affordable cure. In Miami, where hand sanitizer dispensers were installed at Citi Bike Miami stations, casual users have taken about 40 percent of rides in 2021 as tourism has ticked up. Colby Reese, the co-founder of DecoBike, which runs Citi Bike Miami, estimates about half a million visitors annually used the bike-share system before the pandemic. Plans are in place to add about 200 e-bikes this summer to the existing 2,000-bike fleet. “Because of Covid, outdoor things are more popular than they were before,” he said. E-bikes for the people The electrification of bike-share systems, accelerating now, has been underway for several years. In 2018, the Bikeshare Planning Guide from the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative, a global initiative on sustainable transportation, called them “ideal for bikeshare because of their otherwise high upfront cost to users, and they can improve user comfort by reducing often-cited barriers to cycling such as fatigue, sweating, and longer-distance or hilly trips.” According to the North American Bikeshare Association, in 2019, the last year for which statistics are available, 28 percent of bike-sharing systems had e-bikes. It found e-bikes were used more intensively than traditional bikes, at a rate 1.7 times higher. In 2019, when the Madison BCycle fleet in Madison, Wis., went electric, usage more than doubled. Novelty was a driver, along with affordability. “To be able to try an e-bike for a very low rate for a day pass is what draws people initially to try it out,” said Helen Bradley, the general manager of Madison BCycle, where a day pass costs $15. “Then they get hooked,” she added, on the range of the bikes, which can go 30 to 35 miles on a full charge with top speed of about 17 miles per hour. Chicago plans to have 10,000 e-bikes in its Divvy system by 2022 — it added 3,500 e-bikes in 2020 — in a plan to provide accessibility to 100 percent of the city. Updated  March 2, 2021, 5:39 a.m. ET Adopting e-bikes hasn’t come without growing pains. In New York City, Citi Bike introduced e-bikes in 2018, but removed them in 2019 after reports of brakes malfunctioning, causing rider injuries (similar problems forced Lyft, which manages Citi Bike, to temporarily withdraw e-bikes from its systems in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco). Last winter, New York re-introduced Citi Bike e-bikes, which reach maximum speeds of 18 m.p.h., below the limit of 20 m.p.h. later set by the city for the pedal-assisted e-bikes. There are now about 3,700 e-bikes in the 19,000-bike system; the average e-bike gets over nine rides a day, while the average for pedal bikes is 3.5. “Putting a little bit of a motor on it makes cycling more attractive to a wider and aging audience,” said Aaron Ritz, who oversees the Indego bike-share system for the City of Philadelphia. Over the next five years, the Indego system will more than double in size, making half the fleet electric and focusing on historically underserved neighborhoods, which tend to be Black or Latin American. “The more we shift from single-occupancy vehicles, the better, for reasons of air quality, traffic safety, environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr. Ritz said. Gregory F. Maassen, 53, a resident of Washington, D.C., describes the district’s Capital Bikeshare e-bikes as “built like tanks to withstand a lot of abuse.” E-bike aficionados, like Mr. Maassen, who founded a social group called E-bike Lovers, prefer higher-end bikes, but credit bike-sharing as a gateway for introducing them to a broader audience. “Interest in bike-share systems has had a great impact on the acceptance of e-bikes,” he said. “It gives people a low-cost entry into this new technology.” E-bikes can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, though most fans say quality bikes start around $1,500 and go much higher. But finding a fully charged bike is crucial, said Richard Strell, 68, a Bay Wheels bike-share rider in San Francisco. “I started using e-bikes because of Covid and I don’t own a car in San Francisco,” he said, noting that e-bikes with only seven or eight miles left on the battery were too weak to get him up hills. “I was excited, but it turned out to be disappointing.” Going farther, faster and mainstream Shared bike systems always aimed to go the “last mile” or fill the gap between public transit hubs and your destination. E-bikes makes them more serious contenders as transportation options by going farther with less effort. “If I can get someplace farther or faster, that matters when you’re picking a mode of transportation,” said Bill Dossett, the executive director of Nice Ride Minnesota, the nonprofit that started the shared mobility system in Minneapolis, now operated by Lyft, which plans to add about 2,000 e-bikes this spring. Lyft, the country’s largest bike-share service, has added transit information on its rideshare app in 17 cities to better coordinate with public transportation systems, in addition to showing available drivers, bikes and scooters. In Denver, users can buy transit passes through the app. “We’re giving people a user-friendly way to piece together trips and allow them to explore a city that historically would have been much harder,” said Caroline Samponaro, Lyft’s head of micromobility policy. The success of electric bikes and scooters has encouraged Bolt Mobility, which is in about 21 cities and college campuses, to develop electric mopeds, three-wheeled bikes and minicars, electric vehicles that offer more stability and protection. “These devices aren’t supposed to be just for 20-year-old kids, they’re supposed to be for everyone,” said Ignacio Tzoumas, the chief executive of Bolt Mobility. Bolt, which was co-founded by the Olympic gold-medalist sprinter Usain Bolt, has plans to bring its e-bikes and scooters to Tokyo in time for the Olympic Games this summer. Private bike-share systems predicted While most bike-share systems are affiliated with cities, entrepreneurs foresee a future in private bike shares for hotel guests, apartment complex renters or company employees. The peer-to-peer bike-sharing platform Spinlister is developing a private model that would station Rokit Ebikes at a hotel, for example, which could offer access as an amenity, leaving the management and maintenance to Spinlister. Before the pandemic, Hopr had plans to take its services, which include e-bikes, to hotels and create private bike-share systems, an effort paused by the dearth of travel. “We come from sharing and have the technology to unlock a bike from an app and rent it so it’s no hassle for the hotel,” Mr. Squire of Hopr said. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Source link Orbem News #BikeSharing #boom #EBike #Faster #Sweat