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Employment Energy & Environment Law & Legal Living Technology

Legalese Decoder Partners with OurForest to Plant 1 Million Trees, Pioneering a Greener Future

Vancouver, Canada – Legalese Decoder, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence company specializing in legal language understanding, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with OurForest, a renowned environmental organization committed to restoring biodiversity and combating climate change through tree planting initiatives. This strategic partnership will see Legalese Decoder contribute to planting one tree per month for each customer, collectively aiming to plant one million trees within the coming years.

OurForest’s mission is aligned with Legalese Decoder’s values, as both entities strive to promote positive environmental action in a tangible and impactful way. By joining forces, Legalese Decoder and OurForest aim to create a more sustainable future and inspire other businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Why Trees?

  1. Trees play a critical role in sustaining life on Earth and safeguarding the environment. They provide numerous benefits, such as:
  2. Job Creation: By supporting reforestation and forest protection efforts, communities in rural areas can access stable livelihoods, alleviating extreme poverty.
  3. Wildlife Habitat: Forests serve as vital habitats for diverse wildlife, preventing erosion, stabilizing water cycles, and offering protection from natural disasters.
  4. Climate Resilience: As trees grow, they filter pollution, capture carbon dioxide, and enhance the planet’s climate resilience, combating the effects of climate change.

“We firmly believe that planting trees is the most tangible way to add purpose to our customers’ interactions with Legalese Decoder,” said William Tsui, founder at Legalese Decoder. “OurForest’s track record and expertise in tree planting initiatives make them an ideal partner for us as we work together to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”

Trusted by Leading Brands

OurForest has garnered the trust and admiration of businesses across various industries, including retailers, service providers, manufacturers, distributors, and more. Some of the notable brands that have already embraced this initiative include Airswift, Apex Legends, Humble Roots, Passion Tree Hard Seltzers, and Zalina Swiss Organics, among others.

Joining a Growing Community

By collaborating with OurForest, Legalese Decoder joins a growing community of environmentally conscious businesses dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. The company aims to demonstrate how businesses, regardless of their size, can contribute significantly to environmental conservation.

About Legalese Decoder

Legalese Decoder is a leading artificial intelligence company that specializes in legal language understanding. Their advanced technology simplifies complex legal jargon, enabling businesses and individuals to comprehend legal documents with ease. Legalese Decoder is committed to excellence, innovation, and now, environmental stewardship.

About OurForest

OurForest is an environmental organization with a mission to restore biodiversity and combat climate change through tree planting initiatives. They collaborate with non-profits and local communities across the globe, ensuring sustainable and impactful tree planting projects that benefit the environment and communities alike.

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Building & Construction Business Energy & Environment Hospitality Stock Market News

Intrakat Group Emerges as Greece’s Second Largest Construction Powerhouse through Aktor Acquisition

Intrakat Group, an industry leader in Greece’s construction, infrastructure, renewable energy, real estate development, concessions/PPPs, and waste management sectors, has taken a major leap forward by acquiring Aktor. This strategic move has propelled Intrakat Group to solidify its position as the second largest construction company in Greece, with an impressive portfolio of projects exceeding €4 billion.

With a steadfast commitment to strategic growth and investment, Intrakat Group has already established a robust presence across its targeted sectors and has ambitious plans for further expansion in the years ahead. The Group’s recent acquisition of the Apanema Resort in Mykonos Town exemplifies its dedication to transforming properties into cutting-edge luxury boutique hotels. Additionally, since the beginning of 2022, Intrakat has successfully operated the prestigious “Xenodocheio Milos,” a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Athens.

Looking ahead, the Group is gearing up to participate in the bidding process for the new concession of the Attiki Odos, forming a 30% joint venture with BRISA, a prominent European company with extensive expertise in managing road networks and motorways.

Recognizing the importance of sustainable energy and the green transition, Intrakat Group is making strategic investments in Renewable Energy Sources (RES), which will be a key growth driver and investment priority. With an existing portfolio of RES projects boasting a capacity of 1.8 GW and electricity storage projects of 0.7 GW, the Group is poised to tap into Greece’s potential for offshore wind farms, collaborating with Parkwind, a company renowned for its experience in similar ventures.

Beyond renewable energy, Intrakat Group aims to bolster its presence in real estate and tourism infrastructure, focusing on the development of luxury hotels and residential units in coveted destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Syros, Athens, and Crete.

“We are thrilled to take this significant stride for Intrakat Group, solidifying our position as Greece’s second largest construction company. This acquisition will enable us to expand our capabilities and geographic reach while maintaining our commitment to delivering high-quality services to our clients,” stated Alexandros Exarchou, CEO of Intrakat Group.

The acquisition of Aktor marks a pivotal milestone in Intrakat Group’s growth strategy, with its unwavering focus on strategic investments and clear direction expected to drive stable financial flows and establish the Group as a market leader in Greece for years to come.

This announcement highlights Intrakat Group’s unwavering dedication to expanding its presence across sectors, while cementing its status as a major player in Greece’s construction and infrastructure markets. Catering to business investors and those seeking growth opportunities, Intrakat Group is poised to deliver on its commitment to strategic investments, clear direction, and exceptional service across various sectors, solidifying its position as a prominent force in Greece’s construction and infrastructure realms.

About Intrakat Group

Intrakat Group is a leading player in Greece’s construction, infrastructure, renewable energy, real estate development, concessions/PPPs, and waste management sectors. Guided by a clear strategic vision and investment orientation, the Group actively strives to expand its business footprint, boasting a formidable presence across targeted sectors. With a turnover of €225 million and €365 million in asset value, Intrakat Group is primed for growth, backed by a robust backlog of projects exceeding €4 billion. Intrakat Group remains committed to strategic investments, clear direction, and delivering top-notch services to clients across diverse sectors, solidifying its position as a key player in Greece’s construction and infrastructure markets.

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Energy & Environment Technology World

China to Dominate Upcoming Oil and Gas Projects Commencing Operations in Asia-Pacific by 2027

China is poised to dominate the landscape of the upcoming oil and gas (O&G) project in Asia-Pacific, accounting for 33% of the total projects anticipated to go into operation by 2027, reported Offshore Technology, which cited “Petrochemicals New Build and Expansion Projects Analysis by Type, Development Stage, Key Countries, Region and Forecasts, 2023-2027.”

Upcoming Oil & Gas Projects in Asia-Pacific Region

The O&G industry in the Asia-pacific region is forecasted to see a boom in the coming years, with the region’s economy resuming growth and driving demand for consumer goods and fuels.

Roughly 2,040 oil and gas projects are set to start operation during the forecast period of 2023–27, with petrochemical leading with 1,024 projects. Of the project total, 230 are expected to be upstream, 564 downstream, and 343 refinery projects.

The trunk/transmission pipelines sector accounts for 37% of all projects whilst LNG and oil storage respectively constitute 30% and 24% of the midstream project segment.

Among these 2,040 oil and gas projects, the construction of about 43% is underway and are expected to be in operation by 2027. 

Thirty-one percent of the undertakings have been sanctioned by the governing authority or waiting for approval while the remaining projects are still in the planning phase.

China Leading the Oil & Gas Industry in Asia-Pacific

GlobalData forecasts China to lead the midstream projects. Around 89 midstream projects accounting for 22% of the total midstream projects in Asia-Pacific are anticipated to start operation between 2023 and 2027.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification projects top the list of midstream projects accounting for 46% of the total as the country steps up imports of natural gas as part of its effort to curb carbon emissions. 

Himani Pant Pandey, Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Being one of the leading importers and consumers of oil and gas in the world, China is witnessing a strong midstream infrastructure development, particularly in the LNG regasification, pipelines, and storage segments.”

Again, China is forecast to dominate the petrochemical projects accounting for about half of the total projects commencing operation in Asia through 2027. 

Out of 410 petrochemical projects starting in the country, the number of polypropylene and propylene projects are expected to be 48 and 42 respectively. 

Optimising Oil & Gas Production Requires Efficient Reservoir Lifecycle Monitoring

With the demand for energy soaring worldwide, companies are striving to develop new oil and gas fields.

Case in point: New-built projects make up more than 78% of the total O&G projects starting in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period of 2023-27.

For oil and gas companies looking to optimise production and strengthen their decision-making, using high-resolution borehole seismic services manufactured by leading companies like Silixa is a sensible business investment.

High-end DAS seismic services can offer a cost-effective solution for monitoring the life cycle of a reservoir, including exploration, development, production, and abandonment.

Wrapping Up

By rolling out a significant number of oil and gas projects, China is committed to meeting the growing industrial, domestic, and consumer energy demand while also becoming self-sufficient in energy.

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Business Computers & Software Energy & Environment Professional Services U.S

Merlin’s AC & Plumbing Launches Emergency Air Conditioning Repair Services in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona – Merlin’s AC & Plumbing is excited to announce the launch of its new emergency air conditioning repair services in Phoenix, Arizona. As the summer approaches and hot days increase in numbers, Merlin’s AC & Plumbing understands that a malfunctioning air conditioning system can be a major inconvenience for homeowners and businesses alike. That is why the company is now offering 24/7 emergency air conditioner repair services to ensure that customers can receive timely assistance whenever they need it.

The new emergency air conditioning repair services from Merlin’s AC & Plumbing are designed to provide quick and efficient solutions to all air conditioning system problems. The company has a team of highly trained and experienced, HVAC service technicians who can diagnose and repair any AC unit, regardless of its make or model. From refrigerant leaks and malfunctioning fans to circuit breaker issues and faulty HVAC systems, Merlin’s AC & Plumbing can fix it all.

“Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we understand the importance of having a functioning air conditioning system, especially during the hot summer months in Phoenix,” said the Founder of Merlin’s AC & Plumbing. “Our emergency repair services are designed to provide fast and reliable solutions to all AC system repairs and problems, ensuring that our customers can enjoy cool and comfortable indoor temperatures.”

Merlin’s AC & Plumbing has a reputation for providing high-quality repair services at affordable prices. The company offers transparent pricing and does not charge any hidden fees, ensuring that customers can make informed decisions and choose the best option for their needs and budget.

In addition to emergency repair services, Merlin’s AC & Plumbing also offers regular maintenance services, AC tune-ups, and air filter replacement services to ensure that air conditioning and cooling systems are running smoothly and efficiently. The company uses only the highest quality parts and equipment, and its technicians are trained to provide the best possible service.

To learn more about Merlin’s AC & Plumbing’s emergency heating and air conditioning repair services in Phoenix, Arizona, visit their website at https://www.acandheatingaz.com/ or call 602-892-5338 to schedule an appointment.

About Merlin’s AC & Plumbing

Merlin’s AC & Plumbing is a leading provider of air conditioning and plumbing services in Phoenix, Arizona. With a team of highly trained and experienced technicians, the company provides top-quality repair, maintenance, and installation services at affordable prices. Merlin’s AC & Plumbing is committed to customer satisfaction and strives to exceed expectations with every service call.

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Energy & Environment Lifestyle News & Current Affairs U.K

Around 150 Elderly People Living Alone in Bedford Have No Central Heating; Age UK Describes the Figure as “Tremendously Concerning”

Citing Age UK, the country’s leading charity for older people, Bedford Today reported that roughly 150 one-person households aged over 65 have no access to central heating in Bedford.

Age UK marks this figure as a “tremendous concern” and asks the government to call for immediate action.

“These figures are of tremendous concern, as older people lacking central heating often find it very difficult to stay warm during the winter months with potentially serious consequences for their health and well-being, stated Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.

Fleshing Out the Reasons

In 2021, roughly 8993 over-65s in Bedford were likely to be living alone, constituting a staggering 30% of the age group, according to an analysis of census 2021 data by the PA news agency.

Of the aged people living alone, 146 (1.6%) were without central heating. 

According to Age UK, if proper measures can’t be implemented before the next winter sets in, the country is poised to face a “perfect storm” which will cause older people to suffer severely.

One of the key players causing this suffering among aged people is the current energy crisis stemming from geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

On top of that, the issues posed by the current energy crisis have amplified the Ukraine conflict. As the gas supply scenario in the UK seems to be exacerbated by the war, energy costs keep spiralling upward.  

It becomes challenging for elderly people living alone to pay the fixed costs of central heating. Stretching the income of a single person to cover multiple expenses can sometimes lead to serious repercussions among aged people – such as social isolation.

In such a situation, the spiking cost of living and rising inflation looming over the country has prompted an increase in the number of aged people struggling to afford heating their houses. 

Driving Energy Efficiency Can Help

Stressing the importance of making heating accessible to everyone in the UK, Ms. Abrahams said, “Expanding central heating access and providing suitable alternatives to keep older people warm will be absolutely key.”

Describing the number of people living without heating in Bedford as “deeply concerning,” Ed Miliband, Labour’s shadow climate change secretary, stated, “No person in Britain should have to live in a cold home.”

According to the secretary, as part of its effort to upgrade the heating system of homes, thus ensuring families have “the warmth they need” at a cheaper energy rate, Labour is set to roll out a national Warm Homes Plan. 

The plan is expected to upgrade the energy efficiency of up to 2M homes in a year, helping households cut up to £500 off their annual energy bills.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), driving the energy efficiency of homes is the most viable and long-term approach to fighting the current fuel poverty and energy crisis.

“We know this is a difficult time for families, including older people, which is why we’ve been covering around half of the typical household’s energy bill and committed over £6.6 billion in this parliament to improve energy efficiency,” said a spokesperson from Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

As part of its effort to support low-income and vulnerable households while also offering improvements to the UK’s least energy-efficient houses, the DESNZ has launched the expansion of the Great British Insulation Scheme. 

With this scheme, the government is committed to tackling fuel poverty and helping slash a significant amount off energy bills.

That said, UK residents are urged to follow governmental measures to transition to a more “energy efficient future” and affordable energy costs.

Besides adding insulation, and deploying energy-efficient appliances, keeping an updated service on boilers is a great way to minimise energy losses, thus driving energy efficiency.

For residents looking to save on their energy bills by making their boilers more energy efficient, leveraging a high-end boiler repair service like Mulgas is a sensible investment. Periodic servicing ensures boilers run efficiently, thus reducing energy waste. 

Wrapping Up

Living without central heating is one of the household aspects that indicate deprivation. 

Age UK urges people in suffering to contact its advice line for immediate support. 

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Energy & Environment Technology Transportation & Logistics World

GoodFuels and Hyundai GLOVIS Partner on Biofuel Bunkering for the First Korean-Flagged PCTC Vessel

GoodFuels, in collaboration with Hyundai GLOVIS, have announced the successful completion of the first biofuel bunkering with a South Korea-flagged pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

Named GLOVIS SUNRISE, this vehicle carrier is the first-ever Korean-flagged PCTC to sail on biofuels. 

GoodFuels considers this bio-bunkering a milestone, as promoting the usability of sustainable “drop-in” fuel takes centre stage in the company’s sustainability strategy.

“This first bio-bunkering in collaboration with Hyundai GLOVIS marks an exciting milestone towards decarbonised maritime transport and more sustainable supply chains,’ stated Dirk Kronemeijer, CEO of GoodFuels. “It also shows the central role that biofuels can play in reducing shipping’s carbon footprint today as a safe, convenient, and technically viable option to slash emissions from commercial vessels by up to 90%.”

Sustainable Marine Fuel can Curb CO2 Emissions

Even though vital for trade, the shipping sector contributes significantly to climate change. This sector alone requires over 330 Mt of fuel in a year and spews out 2-3% of the world’s total CO2 emissions.

In 2021, waterborne transport accounted for around 3% to 4% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU). 

With the maritime industry responsible for carrying roughly 90% of world trade, decarbonising this sector has long been considered a dire necessity. 

That said, years after sustainable marine fuels were first introduced as an alternative to petroleum-based fuel in the shipping industry, uptake remains remarkably limited.

However, steps are being taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry.

For example, In March 2023, a ‘groundbreaking’ agreement has been inked between the European Parliament and the Council to help the maritime industry reduce ship emissions by 2% as of 2025 and 80% as of 2050.

Experts unanimously agree that biofuels hold the potential to provide almost the same efficiency as fossil-based marine fuel but with a much smaller carbon footprint. For example, sustainable marine fuel can offer more than 70% reduction in well-to-wake GHG emissions than its fossil fuel equivalent, based on the feedstock and conversion process used.

However, with the increasing bio-content in sustainable marine fuels exacerbating microbial contamination, preventing the growth of microbes has now become dire.

Businesses looking to improve their fuel management use periodic marine fuel tests with kits like FUELSTAT®, so that that contamination can be identified at the earliest stages and before any safety/operational disruptions incur hefty losses.

More About the First Korean-Flagged Bio-Bunkering

During its port visit to Vlissingen (Flushing) in the Netherlands on 28th December, vehicle carrier GLOVIS SUNRISE was reported to be refuelled with 50 Mt of 30% sustainable biofuel blend produced by GoodFuels.

The trial was executed during the PCTC’s journey between Europe and the Persian Gulf, which was successfully concluded this January.

According to GoodFuel, the sustainable marine fuel that powered GLOVIS SUNRISE was 100% waste and residue-based and met the highest sustainability requirements. 

This marine fuel supplied by GoodFuel is claimed to provide 80% to 90% well-to-exhaust CO2 reduction compared to its petroleum-based fuel equivalent. 

Due to the drop-in properties of the biofuel, it required no changes in the fuel tank or engine to power the PCTC.  

Hyundai GLOVIS expects this partnership will offer the company solid footing for significantly decoupling GHG emissions from its fleet of 153 vessels while also fostering its capabilities for eco-friendly green logistics. 

Headquartered in Seoul, Hyundai Glovis is a global logistics company that offers businesses optimal strategic services. The company is committed to continuously evolving and delivering greater sustainability across its logistics and shipping activities.

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Energy & Environment Financial Market Government & Politics Technology

Church of England Pensions Board Asks Investors to Rethink Mining; Aims to Push Mining Corporations to Adopt Better Sustainability Standards

As the demand for extracting minerals to help implement renewable energy intensifies, the Church of England Pensions Board calls on investors to reconsider how they invest in mining businesses.

As a result, investors are pushing miners to adopt stringent sustainability policies and ensure the world’s ecosystem and the poor communities are least harmed by their activities, reported ESG CLARITY.

Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Future Needs More Non-Renewable Mineral Resources

Anthropogenic processes are driving planetary-scale critical transitions with long-lasting ramifications.

One of the most effective ways to fight this issue is to end the world’s over-reliance on fossil fuel-based energy.

That said, even though thought-out recycling and implementation of a circular economy can help reverse climate change, transitioning away from fossil fuels towards low-carbon replacements will require more mining and processing of non-renewable mineral resources.

According to the World Bank, the demand for extracting minerals (graphite, nickel, lithium) will soar by a staggering 500% by 2050, with the drive to green energy getting a push.

Case in point: Over two million tons of lithium will be required by 2030 to install solar, wind, and geothermal power plants to meet the Net-Zero target detailed in the Paris Agreement.

However, worldwide, only 100 tonnes of lithium were mined in 2021. This huge gap between the demand and supply only exacerbates the supply chain.

“That’s the challenge here because the low carbon transition needs a massive scaling of mining,” said Adam Matthews, chair of the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 and chief responsible investment officer of the Church of England Pensions Board. “Regardless of whether we can recycle existing minerals, regardless if we can be more efficient or if we can replace the minerals that are being mined with others, we are going to need a massive scale of mining,” Mr. Matthews said.

That said, increasing mining activities would require the miners to abide by regulatory standards and ensure minimal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. 

Even though the mining industry can act as a step-changer in helping with climate transition, historically, it has failed to ensure consistently responsible service.

Church of England Pensions Board to Introduce Sustainability Standards

The Brumadinho tailings dam disaster, the Courrières mine disaster, the Mariana disaster, are just a few mining incidents that shook the World. Analysts unanimously point out the mining industry’s roles in spurring corruption and conflict, human rights violations in the sites, and exacerbating environmental pollution.

As part of its effort to overhaul the mining industry in the next ten years, the Church of England Pensions Board has recently launched the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 which is poised to set regulatory standards by January 2024.

Advised by the United Nations, backed by the Principle of Responsible Investment, this investor-led commission is expected to collaborate closely with all stakeholders across the mining industry—miners, buyers, unions, and impacted communities.

Insurers, banks, and investors are expected to push miners to adhere to the standards to be detailed by the commission. 

The commission also offers them the opportunity to re-think how they invest or incentivise the mining industry. 

The standards of the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 will be drawn on from the success of the Global Tailings Standard. Formed by investors handling multi-stakeholder operations after the Brumadinho disaster, it’s a perfect model to capitalise on when it comes to ensuring the secure handling of tailings facilities that store mining waste.

Capitalising on advanced technologies, such as ventilation systems, process flow metres, digital mining solutions, etc., can also help the mining industry abide by the standards, thereby reducing their adverse impact on the environment.

For example, using distributed fibre optic sensing-based process flow metering systems by companies like Silixa is a sensible business investment for miners looking to drive sustainability. Such high-end solutions help operators manage and monitor process challenges and water dependency in ESG business sustainability initiatives. In addition, these systems can boost the sustainability of operations with significantly reduced energy consumption while also ensuring substantial cost savings. 

A Shared Future for Responsible Mining is Foundational to the World’s Long-Term Interests

Sustainable mining has long been considered the bedrock of the coveted Net-Zero future.

However, the fourth-biggest cause of deforestation, the mining industry accounts for 7% of tropical and subtropical forest loss.

In such a situation, critics are stressing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to make the mining sector highly sustainable and transparent. 

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Computers & Software Energy & Environment Leisure Activities Technology U.K

Energy Efficiency: Re-Using Heat From Data Centres to Heat Up Public Swimming Pools

The rising energy prices in the UK have affected not just households but also businesses. Data centres, for example, require a lot of energy to keep their computers cool. The cost of running air conditioning for these can be astronomical.

Similarly, public swimming pools require energy to keep the water warm enough to swim in. Maintaining a steady 30 degrees C means an energy bill can cost thousands. And, with the anticipated increase in heating costs, leisure centres are expecting to pay £100,000 more this year.

However, someone noticed the opposing requirements of these two entities and figured why not get them to help each other out.

But, why do data centres need help? 

One can see how the heating cost is a factor for public pools. In fact, BBC News reported that 65 pools have closed down since 2019, with rising costs being listed as a significant factor. But data centres?

The Problem Data Centres Face

Cloud computing and digital transformation have meant that the need for data centres has grown exponentially. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services need more data centres in the UK. 

However, they face the likelihood of being hit with sustainability-related regulations to keep them out of certain parts of London. Some of these regulations might limit the amount of power they consume and mandate how they reuse heat.

These regulations will mean data centres might have to either scale back their expansion plans or look into newer ways of energy efficiency and heat capture.

Swimming Pools to the Rescue

The founder of tech startup, Deep Green, Mark Bjornsgaard, came up with the idea of using small data centres as “digital boilers” for swimming pools. He provided a small, washing-machine-sized data centre to the Exmouth Leisure Centre.

The “digital boiler” is made up of computers housed inside a white box, which is surrounded by oil. The oil absorbs the heat generated by the servers and then it’s pumped into the heat exchanger, where the absorbed heat is transferred to the water.

The cooled oil is sent back into the boiler to continue the heat transfer process.

This system has provided around 60% of the heating required for the pool. And, it’s been so successful that up to 20 public pools might adopt this heating system this year. 

The best part is, this system is free for the pools. As mentioned above, data centres need to demonstrate sustainability, whilst also keeping servers cool. The data centre installed in the Exmouth Leisure Centre pool has been provided free of charge.

What’s more, Bjornsgaard also refunded them the electricity cost of running the server.

Is This the Heating Solution of the Future?

As the need for more data centres grows, there is a possibility that, at some point in the future, people could house (pun intended!) data centres in their homes as “digital boilers”. However, for now, people still need to rely on traditional boilers to heat their homes. 

Of course, as heating costs rise, regular maintenance and repair of boilers (by reliable service providers, like Mulgas Boiler Care Specialists) will help keep homes energy efficient for now.

In the future, however, it is entirely possible that when boilers act up, homeowners might need to call a server repair technician.

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Energy & Environment Public Affairs Technology Travel World

COP 27: ICAO Marks Sustainable Aviation Fuels as the Future of Net-Zero Aviation

At the side event at COP 27 last November, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) professed its Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) for reducing the aviation sector’s contribution to climate change, reported Lexology.

“Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require substantial and sustained investment and financing over the coming decades. We must furthermore assure reliable and affordable support and capacity-building for the many developing countries and States with particular needs, who will be depending on it to help play their part,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. “An important part of my message to you here today is that the work to begin addressing these objectives for our sector has already started.” 

LTAG for International Aviation 

LTAG is a succession of the pledges advocated at the inaugural meeting of the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition launched at COP 26, which emphasises cooperative international actions to significantly decouple GHG emissions from flights. 

LTAG aims to comply with the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming well below 1.5°C.

Part of this effort is to help the aviation sector hit the Net-Zero target by 2050 and foster mass adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aligning with CORSIA—ICAO’s carbon offsetting and reduction scheme.

“ICAO is fully cognizant of its global responsibilities toward the sustainable future of the international aviation sector, and of the planet. We also remain deeply cognizant of the critical importance of international air connectivity to the civil societies and economies of Small Island Developing States, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Least Developed Countries,” remarked the Council President.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Extracted from sustainable feedstocks and waste products, SAF is a biofuel used to power aircraft.

It can be in blended or unblended form. SAF holds the potential to provide identical or sometimes better performance than conventional fossil-based aviation fuel but with a fraction of its carbon footprint, helping decarbonise the aviation industry.

Even though aviation is considered the bedrock of the world economy, it accounts for almost 3% of the total volume of carbon dioxide annually infiltrating the Earth’s atmosphere. 

That said, cutting carbon emissions from aviation has now become dire.

Although hydrogen- and electric-powered aircraft hold great potential to cut GHG emissions, they are still a long way off from being commercially viable. 

A bridge between hydrogen- or electric-powered aeroplanes and today’s petroleum-based aircraft, SAF’s lower carbon intensity makes it a realistic solution for decreasing aviation GHG.

SAF can cut GHS emissions by up to 80% over the fuel lifecycle and can be used to power the aircraft engine as a direct replacement (drop-in) for fossil-based aviation fuel.

Since 20211, SAF has been used to take more than 450,000 flights to the skies.

Early this month, Airbus powered both engines of its single-aisle aircraft—A321neo—with 100% SAF.

Currently, up to 50% SAF can be blended with petroleum-based jet fuel in commercial flights. 

SAF Production: The Global Outlook

Despite being able to decarbonise aviation significantly, global SAF production is still minuscule. Roughly 26.4 million gallons of SAF are being produced annually, constituting only 0.1% of all jet fuel.

Soaring costs due to limited supply hinders the rapid uptake of SAFs in the aviation industry.

However, these low production numbers are prompting the world’s policymakers to develop plans for scaling up new production methods and facilitating the commercialisation of SAF.

The global SAF market is poised to rise to $6.26 billion by 2030—up from $72.1 million in 2020. 

Again, with the increasing bio-content in jet fuels aggravating microbial contamination, checking its impacts has become dire.

That said, investing in high-end aviation fuel testing kits such as FUELSTAT® is a sensible business decision when it comes to periodic testing of SAF fuels. As a result, microbial growth can be tracked down at the earliest phases and before critical safety or operational disruptions incur heavy financial losses.

Industry Leaders Looking to Facilitate SAF Production

At COP 27, industry leaders underscored the need for a strong regulatory framework to enable the evolution to emissions-free flight while ensuring the safe deployment of SAF into the fuel supply system.

“As aviation continues to explore and adopt the incredible new technological innovations arising today in aeronautics and renewable energy propulsion, ICAO also recognizes how imperative it is to start putting in place the right policies, legal frameworks, and modernised infrastructure to enable this evolution to emissions-free flight,” said ICAO President.

As part of its effort to offer a framework and bespoke assistance to States in different phases of SAF production and deployment, ICAO launched the ICAO Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) program in June 2022.

However, at COP 27, industry leaders unanimously agreed that boosting the production of commercially usable SAF and replacing conventional fuel with it would need substantial funding. 

Should that funding be raised and only 10% of conventional jet fuel get replaced by SAF, it will reduce 60 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

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Energy & Environment Financial Market Technology World

Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Set for a Tremendous Comeback; $214B of New Project Investments Lined Up

With project investment worth $214B or above lined up, the global offshore oil and gas (O&G) industry is poised to get a massive boost in the next two years.

The annual greenfield investment is predicted to hit a decade-high record in 2023 and 2024, said OILPRICE.com citing Rystad Energy research.

The Comeback Is Happening Now

Offshore production projects are forecasted to comprise roughly 68% of all approved traditional hydrocarbon-based projects during the projection period 2023-24—up from 40% during 2015-2018. 

This expected activity increase is buoyed by strong oil prices and rig demand. As of March 07, 2023, WTI crude oil values $77.76 per barrel, which is high enough to prompt operators to boost production activities, and that should continue into next year. 

Additionally, the cost of imported fossil fuels has spiralled upward since 2022 as supply chain challenges have been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

The Ukraine conflict is anticipated to propel the development of relatively high-CAPEX offshore (both platform and subsea-based) O&G projects, with a range of regions like Europe shunning Russian fossil fuels and seeking ways to ramp up energy production from alternative sources.

The result: offshore schemes will constitute almost 50% of the total projects expected to get sanctioned globally between 2023 and 2024, which was only 29% during 2015-18.

Experts expect these new projects to be the key factor in driving the expansion of the offshore system market, with supply chain investment to witness an upturn of 16% between 2023 and 2024, a record-high year-on-year increase of around USD 21B in the last ten years. 

Other Key Players Stimulating Subsea Production Activities

As global demand for fossil fuel continues to pick up, casting about carbon-free energy sources has now become a major concern. The world is set to undergo an energy transition as it slides away from fossil fuels to less carbon-intensive energy sources.

As one of the least carbon-intensive hydrocarbon extraction techniques, offshore O&G production offers the industry a solid footing for significantly decoupling carbon dioxide emissions from the production process.

“Offshore oil and gas production isn’t going anywhere, and the sector matters now, possibly more than ever. As one of the lower carbon-intensive methods of extracting hydrocarbons, offshore operators and service companies should expect a windfall in the coming years as global superpowers try to reduce their carbon footprint while advancing the energy transition,” stated Audun Martinsen, head of supply chain research with Rystad Energy.

Citing Rystad Energy, Offshore predicts the subsea production sector to reign in the offshore industry, with a substantial number of subsea trees up for grabs in the upcoming years.

With subsea oil production boosting, ensuring high-end reservoir monitoring has become the key concern today. 

For subsea production operators looking to increase production while minimising OPEX across a subsea well lifecycle, investing in a permanent reservoir monitoring system like Silixa is a sensible decision. 

By enabling intervention-free operations and delivering a high-seismic signal-to-noise ratio for seismic surveys with fewer shots, a high-end reservoir monitoring system significantly saves on operation time and cost. 

Offshore Sector Comeback: The Global Outlook

An uptick in high-impact drilling activity in offshore Namibia, the Gulf of Mexico, South America, and the Eastern Mediterranean is the key player in accelerating the development of the subsea oil production sector.

Case in point: The highly stable high-impact drilling has helped resource discovery soar to 9.2B barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in 2022—up from 7.4B boe in 2021, according to Westwood.

On the other hand, the proportion of discovered wells with the potential to turn into commercial development rose to 36% in 2022 from 29% in 2021.

Again, with 47 production licences awarded to a total of 25 oil companies by the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in January 2023, the country is heading for an oil production surge. 

While Norway is fast becoming the key player in helping Europe reduce its reliance on Russian energy imports, uncertainties spurred by the Energy Profits Levy are still looming over the UK.

However, offshore development spending in the UK is predicted to increase 30% in 2023 to a total of $7 billion.

The Middle Eastern offshore sector will steadily expand, if not booms, while South American spending is projected to plunge in 2025.

Wrapping Up

With the world trying to deal with the current energy crisis, more emphasis is placed on capitalising on the subsea reservoirs as affordable and safe energy sources.