Governor Jared Polis will embark on a trip to Costa Rica this week for the 2024 gathering. During his absence, Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera will assume the role of acting governor. The purpose of Polis’s visit is to foster collaboration in areas such as agriculture, geothermal energy, and small businesses. The governor’s office reported that Colorado and Costa Rica exchanged approximately $58 million worth of goods in the previous year.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved an initiative to provide 1-kilowatt solar power systems to 50,000 low-income households in the province free of charge. This program, titled “Bill Bijli sey Nijat, Roshni k Saath,” aims to reduce the burden of expensive electricity bills for underprivileged families. Initially, households consuming up to 100 units of electricity will be eligible for the solar systems, which include solar panels, batteries, inverters, and wires. These systems can provide up to 16 hours of backup through lithium-ion batteries and can power essential appliances like fans, lights, and small motors.
Exeger, a Swedish startup, has developed Powerfoyle, a patented solar cell material that harnesses both natural and artificial light to power electronic devices. This innovative technology mimics photosynthesis, converting light energy into electricity through a dye-sensitized process. With its ability to seamlessly integrate into various products, Powerfoyle reduces e-waste and promotes more sustainable electronic solutions.
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) currently warrants a hold rating due to several barriers facing the global clean energy industry. While the long-term outlook for clean energy is promising, near-term challenges in U.S., European, and Asian markets are impeding growth. High costs for clean energy, stunted demand, and the prevalence of fossil fuels are significant roadblocks. Investors should be aware of the volatility associated with ICLN and similar ETFs, as they tend to experience more fluctuations than the broader market.
General Galactic, a new startup, aims to revolutionize the production of e-fuels by tightly integrating the entire process in-house. This approach aims to lower prices and advance the adoption of carbon-neutral fuels. General Galactic’s reactor currently produces 2,000 liters of methane per day, utilizing renewable energy and modular components for scalability.
Poland’s industrial output fell sharply in March 2024 due to a significant decline in coal mining, raising concerns about the country’s economic growth prospects. Coal mining output plunged by 25.9% year-over-year, contributing to a 6% decline in industrial production. This steep drop cast doubt on expectations of a 3% economic rebound in Poland this year.
Exowatt, a startup developing energy-efficient modules for AI data centers, has secured $20 million in funding. The modules store solar energy as heat and produce electricity for up to 24 hours, benefiting from cost reductions and avoiding the need for fossil fuels.
The global waste to energy market is expected to witness steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Europe is at the forefront of this market, with significant investments in waste-to-energy technologies. This market offers a solution to managing waste streams, transforming them into valuable energy sources, and mitigating environmental impact.
In a remarkable turn of events, Eskom has managed to avoid load shedding during the Easter weekend. The energy minister, Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, attributes this success to meticulous planning and government collaboration. Despite the progress, Ramakgopa cautions against complacency and emphasizes the ongoing efforts to eliminate load shedding.
Toyota’s Woven City, a futuristic city designed as a ‘living laboratory’ for self-driving cars and energy-efficient technology, is nearing completion at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan. The city will welcome its first residents later this year as part of a £8 billion study on driver and pedestrian behavior. Residents will live in smart homes powered by hydrogen and equipped with AI technology and home robotics.
