Welcome to Odds & Ends, a weekly digest of updates spanning sustainability and energy topics. There’s always more news than we can cover each week in our newsroom, but here we cut through the fluff and focus on just a few highlights that our team found interesting and deserving of a mention.
A mid-year review by the SUN DAY Campaign, based on data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), indicates that renewable energy sources now constitute 30% of the total U.S. electrical generating capacity. Notably, June marked the tenth consecutive month where solar energy led in new capacity additions. Solar is on track to become the nation's second-largest source of electrical capacity, trailing only natural gas, within the next three years.
Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe has announced its participation as a founding member of “NoMaRe” (Norwegian Marine Restoration), a platform dedicated to scaling marine restoration solutions in Norway. Alongside partners such as The Bellona Foundation and Urchinomics, NoMaRe will prioritize the restoration of 5,000 km² of kelp forests in northern Norway. By removing excess sea urchins and advocating for marine restoration in national policies, the initiative aims to combat marine biodiversity loss and enhance carbon sequestration. Purina’s involvement aligns with its broader Ocean Restoration Programme, focusing on restoring key marine habitats across Europe.
Wialon, the fleet management platform by Gurtam, reports growth from 400,000 vehicles in 2015 to over 4 million in 2024. The platform processes 5 billion data points daily, optimizing fuel consumption and enhancing driver safety across 160 countries. Wialon’s applications, from cold chain IoT solutions to agricultural management, are advancing sustainability within fleet operations.
Contemporary Amperex Technology’s NING Space in Sichuan, China, has opened its doors as the world’s first new energy experience center, offering consumers a comprehensive look into electric vehicles. Featuring nearly 100 models from 50 brands, NING Space educates visitors on EV advancements and promotes a low-carbon lifestyle.
IBM and WWF Germany are partnering to develop AI-driven solutions for monitoring endangered African forest elephants. Using IBM’s Maximo Visual Inspection software, this initiative aims to improve tracking accuracy and assess the financial value of nature’s contributions, supporting both conservation and climate change mitigation.
With the renewable energy sector expanding rapidly, the United States now hosts approximately 74,511 wind turbines, with 1,755 installed this year alone. To meet the growing need for skilled professionals, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has introduced the first Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification. This certification equips technicians with verified skills in tasks such as installation, maintenance, and safety procedures, addressing the increasing demand for qualified workers in the wind energy industry.
Qnergy has reported successful results from a landfill methane abatement pilot program in Weber County, Utah, which launched in September 2023. The project, a collaboration between the county and Qnergy, initially targeted a closed landfill but expanded in May to cover the entire site. The initiative generates electricity to power the operation and produces carbon credits for emission offsets. Future plans include extending the project to an open landfill and using the electricity for additional applications like EV chargers and security systems. Qnergy is also exploring expansion with other municipalities.
As one of 400 U.S. colleges having signed a pledge through the Climate Leadership Network, Bellevue College, Washington, is implementing key measures from its new Climate Action Plan, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The college, which has already achieved a 35% reduction in its carbon footprint, plans to expand rooftop solar, establish a microgrid, and transition to an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2035. Other efforts include eliminating single-use plastics, enhancing sustainable transportation options, and achieving certifications in SalmonSafe and urban forestry management.
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