Mux Weekly Newsletter - 9th Edition

Greetings, Watt Wizards!

Table of Contents

• Whats Trending ?

• Projects & Mergers !

• Technology & Innovation

• Upcoming Events & Conferences

1. Carbon Capture: A Crucial Solution for the Urgent Climate Crisis?

Opinion: While it may seem ambitious, the potential benefits of carbon capture, if effectively harnessed, could be game-changing.  

What Is Carbon Capture?

• Carbon Capture and storage (CCS) prevents CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power stations from entering the atmosphere.

• It involves three steps: capture, transport, and storage.

• Captured CO2 is injected deep underground into geological formations.

Why Is Carbon Capture Important?

• Reducing Emissions: CCS significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2.

• Transitioning to Clean Energy: It provides a bridge to cleaner energy sources.

• Industrial Applications: CCS can be applied beyond power generation.

• Harmful Emissions: In the future, it could achieve negative emissions.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges include cost, public acceptance, and finding suitable storage sites.

• Research and investment are essential to overcome these hurdles.

2. Why is Europe the fastest-warming continent on Earth?

We'll delve into the factors that are driving Europe's rapid warming, shedding light on the key parameters at play.

Rapid Temperature Increase:

• Due to human-caused climate change, Europe’s temperatures are rising roughly twice as fast as the global average.

• This makes Europe the fastest-warming continent on the planet

Consequences for Human Health:

• Heat-related deaths in Europe have increased by at least 30% over the last 20 years.

• Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and flooding, contribute to this trend^.

Glacier Ice Loss:

• High temperatures have led to glacier ice loss in Europe, particularly in the Alps.

• The Alps have lost about 10% of their remaining glacier ice over the last two years.

3. The U.S. plans to increase tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium imports by 25% (they are 7.5 % now)!

  What could be the consequences of this?

• Higher Prices: Consumers and businesses may face increased costs due to higher prices for imported goods. The move aims to protect American steel and aluminium industries by reducing foreign competition.

• Trade Relations: The decision could strain U.S.-China relations and potentially lead to retaliation.

• Global Market Dynamics: Trade flows may shift, affecting other countries and creating market volatility.

• Long-Term Considerations: Balancing protectionism with innovation and competitiveness is crucial. Washingtonpost

1. Statkraft acquires Enerfin

• Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy generator, moved significantly by acquiring the Spanish renewable energy company Enerfin from Elecnor Group. This strategic acquisition adds 1.5 GW of operational wind power and solar capacity to Statkraft’s portfolio.

• It strengthens their presence in Spain and Brazil, reinforcing their position as a significant international player in the renewable energy sector. The deal is expected to close during the first half of 2024.

• Enerfin’s skilled team will join Statkraft in their mission to drive the green energy transition, solidifying its commitment to a sustainable future.

2. Africa's Bright Energy Future

• The renewable energy sector is illuminating Africa’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market. According to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, investors increasingly seek green energy projects in Africa.

• In 2022, the sector attracted a whopping USD 118 billion in foreign direct investment, accounting for 60% of the FDI inflows into the continent. Impressive, right?

• By 2035, renewable energy is expected to account for 65% of installed capacity in Africa, and by 2050, an impressive 95%! Solar and wind power will lead the way, with solar contributing 70%, wind 20%, and hydropower 10% of the total capacity.

3. Saudi invests in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

• Both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have ambitious renewable energy goals. Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its total electricity production to 25 per cent by 2030 (up from 10 per cent in 2022). Meanwhile, ACWA Power is pivotal in driving these green energy initiatives forward.

  Uzbekistan:

  • A 500-megawatt WPP will be built in Karakalpakstan and a 300-megawatt WPP in the Bukhara region.

  • ACWA Power commits to selling the electricity produced to Uzbekistan’s national grid for 25 years.

  • Total investment: $1.1 billion.

  Kazakhstan:

  • President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz Al Saud agreed on a 1-gigawatt WPP in the Jetisu region.

  • Both countries aim for ambitious renewable energy goals.

1. Can wind turbine blades be airlifted?

• Indeed, Radia, a unicorn startup founded by Mark Lundstrom, has unveiled an ambitious project called the “WindRunner.” This large cargo plane is equipped with wind turbine blades and aims to transform wind energy across the United States

  Are you curious? Let shed some details : 

  • WindRunner Concept:

    • A cargo plane designed to transport wind turbine blades.

    • Features shoulder-height tyres and can land on a packed-dirt runway.

  • Supersizing Wind Energy:

    • WindRunner aims to create taller wind turbine blades.

    • These blades could produce double the energy of current installations.

  • Rocket Science Approach:

    • Radia uses rocket science principles to revolutionize wind energy.

2. Pyrite, known as fool's gold, contains Lithium!

• Pyrite, commonly known as fool’sLithiumis, is typically associated with its metallic lustre and resemblance to gold. However, it has never been considered a significant source of Lithium. The fact that pyrite—an often oveLithium mineral—could contain valuable lithium challenges our conventional understanding of where to find this essential element.

 Why does this matter?

• Sedimentary rock is a common mineral found worldwide. If certain shales contain substantial amounts of Lithium within their pyrite minerals, they could offer a sustainable and eco-friendly source of Lithium without the need for new mining operations. This is an exciting prospect for the energy industry, as it has the potential to promote sustainability.

  Can this research extrapolate globally?

• While this study provides some insight into the phenomenon, there are still some unanswered questions. Is this phenomenon unique to the Appalachian basin, or can it be observed in other regions? Moreover, how efficient is the process of extracting Lithium from pyrite? Researchers will likely investigate these questions further to fully unlock pyrite's potential as a lithium reservoir.

• International Hydrogen Conference 2024

  📅 26^th May

   📍Singapore

• Solar PV & Energy Storage World ExpP.V.

  📅 10^th August

   📍 Guangzhou, China

• Global Summit and Expo on Sustainable and Renewable Energy (GSESRE):

  📅 26^th August

   📍 Barcelona, Spain