On%20the%20same%20day%20the%20International%20Air%20Transport%20Association%20(IATA)%20pledged%20to%20achieve%20net-zero%20CO%E2%82%82%20emissions%20by%202050%2C%20the%20nonprofit%20Atmosfair%20unveiled%20a%20milestone%20project%3A%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20facility%20dedicated%20to%20producing%20carbon-neutral%20jet%20fuel.%0A%0ALocated%20in%20Emsland%2C%20northern%20Germany%2C%20the%20plant%20is%20expected%20to%20begin%20operations%20in%20early%202022%2C%20generating%20about%20eight%20barrels%20of%20synthetic%20kerosene%20per%20day%20%E2%80%94%20roughly%20one%20metric%20ton.%20Atmosfair%2C%20known%20for%20providing%20carbon%20offsets%20for%20flights%2C%20has%20not%20disclosed%20the%20project%E2%80%99s%20total%20cost%20or%20financing%20details.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhy%20Synthetic%20Kerosene%20Matters%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAir%20travel%20remains%20one%20of%20the%20most%20carbon-intensive%20modes%20of%20transport%2C%20accounting%20for%20an%20estimated%202%E2%80%933%25%20of%20global%20CO%E2%82%82%20emissions.%20Commercial%20aircraft%20rely%20heavily%20on%20fossil-based%20kerosene%2C%20and%20reducing%20aviation%E2%80%99s%20footprint%20is%20considered%20one%20of%20the%20toughest%20decarbonization%20challenges.%0A%0ASynthetic%20kerosene%20%E2%80%94%20also%20known%20as%20e-kerosene%20or%20power-to-liquid%20(PtL)%20%E2%80%94%20is%20a%20form%20of%20Sustainable%20Aviation%20Fuel%20(SAF).%20Unlike%20traditional%20jet%20fuel%2C%20SAFs%20can%20be%20produced%20from%20renewable%20or%20recycled%20sources%20such%20as%20agricultural%20residues%2C%20waste%20products%2C%20or%20captured%20carbon.%20When%20blended%20with%20conventional%20kerosene%2C%20they%20can%20cut%20emissions%20by%20up%20to%2080%25%20over%20the%20fuel%E2%80%99s%20lifecycle.%0A%0AThe%20new%20Atmosfair%20plant%20aims%20to%20combine%20hydrogen%20(produced%20using%20renewable%20electricity%20from%20nearby%20wind%20turbines)%20with%20carbon%20dioxide%20captured%20from%20the%20air%20and%20biomass%20to%20create%20e-kerosene.%20The%20resulting%20fuel%20will%20be%20mixed%20with%20standard%20kerosene%20and%20delivered%20to%20Hamburg%20Airport%2C%20where%20airlines%20like%20Lufthansa%20will%20use%20it.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ECurrent%20Limits%20and%20Future%20Targets%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AToday%E2%80%99s%20aircraft%20engines%20are%20capable%20of%20operating%20on%20a%20mix%20of%20up%20to%2050%25%20SAF%2C%20but%20global%20production%20capacity%20remains%20extremely%20limited%20%E2%80%94%20just%200.1%25%20of%20total%20jet%20fuel%20consumption%2C%20according%20to%20IATA.%0A%0AGovernments%20are%20beginning%20to%20push%20quotas%20to%20accelerate%20adoption.%20Germany%20has%20set%20a%20target%20for%20e-kerosene%20to%20make%20up%200.5%25%20of%20its%20aviation%20fuel%20demand%20by%202026%20and%202%25%20(around%20200%2C000%20tons)%20by%202030.%20The%20European%20Union%20is%20also%20considering%20mandatory%20SAF%20blending%3A%202%25%20by%202025%2C%20rising%20to%205%25%20by%202030%2C%20including%20a%20sub-quota%20specifically%20for%20e-kerosene.

Aviation: Germany Opens World's First Plant for Clean Jet Fuel

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RAF sets world record for first successful flight powered by synthetic fuel

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Hertz to buy 100,000 Tesla cars as rental car company pivots toward electric vehicles

The%20transportation%20sector%20is%20the%20largest%20source%20of%20climate%20pollution%20in%20the%20United%20States%20and%20a%20significant%20source%20of%20harmful%20air%20pollution.%20By%20adopting%20the%20Advanced%20Clean%20Trucks%20(ACT)%20rule%20and%20the%20Zero%20Emission%20Vehicle%20(ZEV)%20program%2C%20Washington%20and%20Oregon%20are%20helping%20the%20West%20Coast%20%E2%80%94%20the%205th%20largest%20economy%20globally%20if%20it%20were%20a%20nation%20%E2%80%94%20chart%20a%20new%20course%20in%20the%20U.S.%20to%20electrify%20medium-%20and%20heavy-duty%20trucks%20along%20with%20passenger%20vehicles.%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20curbing%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%2C%20electrifying%20trucks%20will%20save%20lives%20by%20reducing%20harmful%20tailpipe%20pollution%20plaguing%20communities%20near%20freeways%2C%20warehouses%2C%20rail%20yards%2C%20and%20ports.%20People%20of%20color%2C%20including%20Black%2C%20Latino%2C%20and%20Asian%20American%20populations%2C%20experience%20an%20excessive%20burden%20from%20transportation%20air%20pollution.%0A%0AEmission%20standards%20accelerate%20the%20EV%20market%20and%20clean%20up%20pollution%0AThe%20ACT%20rule%20requires%20truck%20manufacturers%20to%20sell%20an%20increasing%20number%20of%20zero-emission%20vehicles%20in%20Washington%20and%20Oregon%2C%20growing%20to%2055%20percent%20of%20new%20Class%202b-3%20trucks%2C%2075%20percent%20of%20new%20Class%204-8%20trucks%2C%20and%2040%20percent%20of%20new%20Class%207-8%20tractors%20by%202035.%20Meanwhile%2C%20the%20ZEV%20program%20requires%20manufacturers%20to%20sell%20an%20increasing%20number%20of%20electric%20passenger%20vehicles.%20Sixteen%20states%2C%20including%20Oregon%2C%20have%20already%20adopted%20standards%20based%20on%20California%E2%80%99s%20Advanced%20Clean%20Cars%20program%20to%20reduce%20smog%2C%20soot%2C%20and%20climate%20pollution%20%E2%80%94%20with%20more%20in%20the%20process%20of%20doing%20so.%0A%0AThe%20ACT%20rule%20requires%20truck%20manufacturers%20to%20sell%20an%20increasing%20number%20of%20zero-emission%20vehicles%20in%20Washington%20and%20Oregon.%0AReplacing%20dirty%2C%20fossil-fueled%20vehicles%20with%20clean%20electric%20vehicles%20(EVs)%20will%20help%20reduce%20asthma%2C%20bronchitis%2C%20cancer%2C%20heart%20disease%2C%20dementia%2C%20and%20other%20pollution-related%20diseases.%20Two%20studies%20by%20MJ%20Bradley%20%26%20Associates%2C%20commissioned%20by%20NRDC%20and%20the%20Union%20of%20Concerned%20Scientists%2C%20found%20that%20adopting%20the%20ACT%20rule%20will%20cut%20Washington%E2%80%99s%20annual%20nitrogen%20oxide%20emissions%20from%20trucks%20by%2047%20percent%20and%20particulate%20matter%20pollution%20by%2043%20percent%20compared%20to%20the%20baseline%20and%20by%2049%20percent%20and%2050%20percent%20respectively%20in%20Oregon%20by%202050.%0A%0AThe%20public%20health%20benefits%20are%20immense.%20By%202050%20Washington%20is%20expected%20to%20avoid%20almost%2070%2C000%20respiratory%20cases%2C%20nearly%20100%20hospital%20visits%2C%20and%20114%20premature%20deaths.%20Meanwhile%2C%20Oregon%20is%20expected%20to%20avoid%20over%2043%2C000%20respiratory%20cases%2C%20more%20than%2060%20hospital%20visits%2C%20and%20almost%2080%20premature%20deaths%20by%202050.%20Improving%20public%20health%20amounts%20to%20over%20%241.3%20billion%20in%20monetized%20benefits%20for%20Washington%20and%20%24927%20million%20for%20Oregon%20through%202050.%0A%0AAdapted%20from%20MJ%20Bradley%20%26%20Associates'%20reports%20for%20Washington%20and%20Oregon.%0AOn%20the%20West%20Coast%2C%20Washington%20and%20Oregon%20are%20linking%20up%20with%20California%20to%20electrify%20transportation%20and%20clean%20up%20air%20pollution%20up%20and%20down%20the%20I-5%20corridor%20from%20Mexico%20to%20Canada%20and%20throughout%20regional%20highway%20networks.%20As%20a%20result%2C%20people%20in%20all%20three%20states%20can%20expect%20to%20see%20an%20increasing%20number%20of%20electric%20cars%20and%20trucks%20on%20the%20road%20and%20for%20sale%20in%20the%20coming%20years%2C%20as%20manufacturers%20ramp%20up%20EV%20supply%20to%20meet%20sales%20requirements%20set%20by%20the%20new%20rules.%0A%0AThese%20states%20also%20join%20a%20growing%20national%20and%20international%20movement%20to%20electrify%20transportation.%20Recently%2C%20President%20Biden%20directed%20the%20United%20States%20to%20electrify%20at%20least%20half%20of%20all%20new%20cars%20by%202030%2C%20and%20over%20thirty%20governments%20around%20the%20world%20committed%20to%20all%20passenger%20vehicles%20being%20zero-emission%20by%202035.%0A%0AGood%20for%20people%20and%20the%20economy%0AClean%20medium-%20and%20heavy-duty%20vehicles%20come%20in%20all%20shapes%20and%20sizes%2C%20ranging%20from%20delivery%20vans%20to%20garbage%20trucks%20to%20tractor-trailers%20to%20everything%20in%20between.%20Washington%20recently%20deployed%20over%2040%20electric%20school%20busses%20to%20reduce%20children%E2%80%99s%20exposure%20to%20diesel%20particulates%20and%20smog-forming%20pollutants.%20Meanwhile%2C%20fleet%20owners%20are%20lining%20up%20to%20order%20electric%20trucks%20due%20to%20attractive%20economics%20compared%20to%20fossil%20fuel%20vehicles%20thanks%20to%20significant%20fuel%20and%20maintenance%20cost%20savings.%20For%20example%2C%20Amazon%20purchased%20its%20first%2010%2C000%20of%20100%2C000%20total%20all-electric%20delivery%20vans%20for%202022%20from%20Rivian%2C%20an%20EV%20truck%20manufacturer.%0A%0AThe%20ZEV%20program%20requires%20manufacturers%20to%20sell%20an%20increasing%20number%20of%20electric%20passenger%20vehicles.%0ABusiness%20leaders%20up-and-down%20the%20West%20Coast%20have%20embraced%20the%20economic%20opportunities%20offered%20by%20transportation%20electrification.%20Industry%20stakeholders%20understand%20that%20electric%20trucks%20will%20reduce%20ownership%20costs%20for%20fleets%2C%20create%20new%20manufacturing%20jobs%20developing%20electric%20vehicle%20technology%2C%20and%20require%20electricians%20and%20contractors%20to%20design%20and%20install%20EV%20chargers.%0A%0AComplementary%20policies%20are%20still%20needed%0AThe%20ACT%20rule%20and%20ZEV%20program%20put%20Washington%20on%20the%20road%20to%20electrifying%20transportation%2C%20but%20more%20is%20needed.%20Washington%20must%20now%20adopt%20the%20Heavy-Duty%20Omnibus%20rule%2C%20which%20requires%20truck%20makers%20to%2C%20among%20other%20things%2C%20produce%20diesel%20trucks%20that%20are%2090%20percent%20cleaner%20once%20fully%20implemented.%20California%20approved%20the%20rule%20in%202020%2C%20and%20Oregon%20recently%20adopted%20it%20alongside%20the%20ACT%20rule.%20Washington%20is%20well-positioned%20to%20adopt%20this%20clean%20air%20regulation%20that%20is%20projected%20to%20accumulate%20an%20additional%20%241.5%20billion%20in%20public%20health%20benefits%20for%20the%20state%20by%20205.0%0A%0AWashington%20should%20also%20follow%20Oregon%E2%80%99s%20lead%20and%20adopt%20California%E2%80%99s%20fleet%20reporting%20requirement%20to%20collect%20operational%20data%20from%20fleets%20or%20entities%20that%20dispatch%20or%20own%20a%20significant%20number%20of%20medium-%20and%20heavy-duty%20vehicles.%20The%20information%20collected%20can%20help%20identify%20the%20best%20truck%20segments%20for%20electrification%2C%20inform%20future%20regulations%20and%20incentives%2C%20and%20help%20target%20utility%20infrastructure%20investments.%0A%0AFurther%2C%20understanding%20industry%20business%20practices%20is%20critical%20to%20prevent%20exploitative%20labor%20practices%2C%20such%20as%20misclassifying%20drivers%20as%20independent%20contractors.%20Due%20to%20misclassification%2C%20many%20drivers%20lack%20financial%20resources%20to%20upgrade%20their%20equipment%20to%20reduce%20diesel%20pollution%20or%20buy%20a%20zero-emission%20truck.%20Washington%20will%20need%20the%20most%20granular%20information%20possible%20to%20make%20sure%20entities%20that%20control%20fleets%20comply%20with%20emissions%20reductions%20and%20electrification%20goals%20rather%20than%20shifting%20the%20responsibility%20to%20drivers%20who%20often%20do%20not%20have%20the%20resources%20to%20comply.%0A%0ALast%2C%20both%20Washington%20and%20Oregon%20will%20have%20the%20opportunity%20to%20update%20the%20Zero%20Emission%20Vehicle%20program%20with%20other%20clean%20car%20states%20once%20standards%20for%20Model%20Year%202026%20and%20beyond%20are%20developed.%20Doing%20so%20will%20move%20the%20state%20even%20closer%20to%20a%20more%20affordable%2C%20pollution-free%20future.

Two states build one of the world's EV markets

The%20idea%20for%20an%20electric%20snow%20bike%20first%20came%20to%20Nicolas%20Muron%20-%20CEO%20of%20MoonBikes%20-%20in%202015%2C%20when%20visiting%20his%20grandparents'%20home%20in%20the%20French%20Alps.%0A%0AThat%20Christmas%20he%20made%20a%20simple%20observation%3A%20transportation%20options%20are%20infinite%20in%20the%20summer%20months%2C%20but%20when%20winter%20comes%20around%2C%20heavily%20polluting%20cars%20and%20snowmobiles%20are%20the%20only%20viable%20option.%0A%0AEver%20a%20lover%20of%20technology%2C%20Nicolas%20took%20on%20the%20challenge%20of%20finding%20a%20solution.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CI%20wanted%20to%20make%20a%20machine%20that%20is%20easy%20to%20use%2C%20and%20electric%20to%20protect%20the%20environment%20and%20to%20enjoy%20the%20silence%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20says.%0A%0AWith%20that%20in%20mind%2C%20Muron%20set%20about%20creating%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20electric%20snow%20bike%20-%20an%20ambitious%20undertaking%20aimed%20at%20protecting%20the%20environment%20he%20calls%20home%2C%20and%20having%20some%20fun%20along%20the%20way.%0A%0A%22It%E2%80%99s%20electric%20and%20silent%2C%20so%20it%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20bother%20anyone%20and%20it%20protects%20the%20environment%2C%20it%20protects%20mountains.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AMuron%E2%80%99s%20design%20is%20%E2%80%9Ceasy%20to%20use%E2%80%9D%2C%20democratising%20the%20snow%20transportation%20industry%20which%20previously%20offered%20few%20options%20for%20a%20wider%20demographic.%0A%0A%2288%20per%20cent%20of%20snowmobile%20users%20are%20male%2C%20so%20snowmobiles%20are%20not%20for%20everyone%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20the%20French%20engineer.%0A%0AAt%20just%2087%20kilograms%2C%20the%20MoonBike%20provides%20a%20speedy%20alternative%20over%20three%20times%20lighter%20than%20a%20conventional%20snowmobile.%0A%0ABut%20while%20ergonomic%20factors%20like%20these%20remain%20a%20key%20selling%20point%20for%20Muron%E2%80%99s%20design%2C%20his%20main%20drive%20lies%20in%20bringing%20sustainability%20to%20an%20industry%20infamous%20for%20its%20gas-guzzling.%0A%0AFossil-fuel%20powered%20skidoos%20cause%20significant%20damage%20to%20land%20cover%2C%20affecting%20vegetation%20growth%20throughout%20the%20year.%0A%0AIn%20one%20hour%2C%20a%20typical%20snowmobile%20can%20emit%20as%20much%20hydrocarbon%20as%20a%202008%20model%20automobile%20emits%20in%2086%2C000%20kilometres%20of%20driving.%0A%0ATheir%20exhaust%20fumes%20contain%20dangerous%20levels%20of%20airborne%20toxins%2C%20degrading%20air%20quality%20and%20altering%20snow%20chemistry%20for%20good.%0A%0AThe%20MoonBike%2C%20meanwhile%2C%20can%20cover%20up%20to%2064%20kilometres%20with%20a%20single%202.5%20kilowatt%20battery.%20It%20can%20climb%20groomed%20slopes%20with%20a%2040%20per%20cent%20steepness%2C%20and%20boasts%20top%20speeds%20of%20up%20to%2042%20kilometres%20per%20hour.%0A%0A%22In%20the%20powder%20snow%2C%20it%20seems%20like%20skiing%20or%20snowboarding%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Muron%2C%20who%20insists%20the%20design%20is%20capable%20of%20gliding%20on%20the%20moon.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CBecause%20it%E2%80%99s%20completely%20silent%2C%20you%20really%20feel%20like%20you%E2%80%99re%20sliding%2C%20you%20can%20really%20curve%20lines%20just%20like%20you%20do%20when%20skiing.%E2%80%9D

MoonBike: Europe’s answer to eco snow travel

Airbus%20has%20agreed%20to%20a%20new%20partnership%20with%20engine%20manufacturers%20to%20enable%20the%20use%20of%20hydrogen%20in%20combustion%20engines%2C%20with%20an%20overall%20aim%20of%20integrating%20it%20into%20a%20zero-emission%20aircraft%20by%202035.%0A%0AAirbus%20has%20signed%20a%20partnership%20agreement%20with%20CFM%20International%2C%20a%2050%2F50%20joint%20company%20between%20GE%20and%20Safran%20Aircraft%20Engines.%20The%20companies%20will%20work%20on%20a%20hydrogen%20demonstration%20programme%2C%20with%20an%20aim%20of%20delivering%20a%20test%20flight%20in%20the%20new%20few%20years.%0A%0ABoth%20ground%20and%20flight%20tests%20will%20be%20issued%20for%20a%20direct%20combustion%20engine%20fueled%20by%20hydrogen.%20The%20demonstration%20will%20use%20an%20A380%20flying%20testbed%20equipped%20with%20liquid%20hydrogen%20tanks%20prepared%20at%20Airbus%20facilities%20in%20France%20and%20Germany.%20%0A%0AIt%20is%20hoped%20that%20the%20technology%20can%20be%20used%20to%20assist%20with%20zero-emission%20flights%20by%202035.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20the%20most%20significant%20step%20undertaken%20at%20Airbus%20to%20usher%20in%20a%20new%20era%20of%20hydrogen-powered%20flight%20since%20the%20unveiling%20of%20our%20ZEROe%20concepts%20back%20in%20September%202020%2C%E2%80%9D%20Airbus%E2%80%99%20chief%20technical%20officer%20Sabine%20Klauke%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CBy%20leveraging%20the%20expertise%20of%20American%20and%20European%20engine%20manufacturers%20to%20make%20progress%20on%20hydrogen%20combustion%20technology%2C%20this%20international%20partnership%20sends%20a%20clear%20message%20that%20our%20industry%20is%20committed%20to%20making%20zero-emission%20flight%20a%20reality.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAirbus%20first%20unveiled%20futuristic%20concept%20designs%20for%20zero-emission%20aircraft%20with%20hydrogen%20as%20the%20primary%20power%20source%2C%20back%20in%202020.%20At%20the%20time%2C%20the%20organisation%20claimed%20that%20they%20could%20operate%20commercial%20flights%20by%202035.%0A%0AAirbus%20said%20in%20a%20statement%20that%20it%20believes%20hydrogen%20%E2%80%9Cholds%20exceptional%20promise%20as%20a%20clean%20aviation%20fuel%E2%80%9D%20and%20has%20been%20working%20to%20design%20the%20concepts%20for%20several%20months.%0A%0AAirbus%20has%20called%20the%20range%20of%20aircraft%20%E2%80%98ZEROe%E2%80%99%20%E2%80%93%20short%20for%20zero-emission.%20It%20has%20said%20that%20governments%20and%20airports%20will%20need%20to%20provide%20%E2%80%9Csignificant%E2%80%9D%20investment%20in%20green%20hydrogen%20generation%20infrastructure%20and%20hydrogen%20transport%20and%20refuelling%20systems%20if%20the%20designs%20are%20to%20become%20a%20commercial%20reality%20in%20the%20coming%20decades.%20On%20the%20former%2C%20less%20than%201%25%20of%20the%20hydrogen%20produced%20in%202019%20was%20made%20using%20100%25%20renewably-powered%20processes%2C%20according%20to%20Wood%20McKenzie.%0A%0AAirbus%20is%20in%20alignment%20with%20the%20Air%20Transport%20Action%20Group%E2%80%99s%20climate%20ambitions%20to%20get%20the%20aviation%20industry%20to%20net-zero%20carbon%20emissions%20by%202050.

Airbus turns to zero-emission flight vision

UK%20Government%20allocates%20funding%20for%20more%20than%20900%20electric%20and%20hydrogen%20buses.%0AThe%20Department%20for%20Transport%20(DfT)%20unveiled%20its%20plans%20for%20allocating%20the%20funding%20late%20last%20week%2C%20confirming%20recipients%20in%20locations%20including%20Greater%20Manchester%2C%20Nottingham%2C%20Blackpool%20and%20Portsmouth.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20department%2C%20the%20funding%20will%20support%20local%20authorities%20with%20the%20purchase%20of%20943%20buses%20in%20total.%20It%20will%20also%20help%20councils%20to%20invest%20in%20the%20electric%20charging%20points%20or%20hydrogen%20refuelling%20infrastructure%20needed%20to%20support%20the%20new%20buses.%0A%0AAreas%20set%20to%20receive%20a%20share%20of%20the%20grant%20funding%20are%3A%0A%0ANorfolk%0ANorth%20Yorkshire%0APortsmouth%0ABlackpool%0ANottingham%0AGreater%20Manchester%0AHertfordshire%0ASouth%20Yorkshire%0AOxfordshire%0AWest%20Midlands%0AYork%0AWest%20Yorkshire%0A%0AThe%20funding%20was%20first%20confirmed%20at%20the%20publication%20of%20the%20National%20Bus%20Strategy%20in%20March%202021.%20Touted%20as%20the%20%E2%80%9Cmost%20ambitious%20shake-up%20of%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20bus%20sector%20in%20a%20generation%E2%80%9D%2C%20decarbonising%20buses%20is%20a%20key%20facet%20of%20the%20strategy%2C%20along%20with%20improving%20bus%20ticket%20affordability%20and%20making%20bus%20services%20more%20affordable%20and%20accessible.%0A%0AOn%20decarbonisation%2C%20the%20Strategy%20set%20a%20commitment%20to%20deliver%204%2C000%20new%20British-built%20electric%20or%20hydrogen%20buses%20across%20the%20UK%20this%20parliament.%20%20The%20DfT%20claims%20it%20is%20on%20track%20to%20achieve%20this%20ambition%3B%20it%20has%20stated%20that%20the%20943%20buses%20funded%20through%20the%20allocation%20confirmed%20this%20month%20builds%20on%20up%20to%20735%20buses%20already%20funded%20through%20separate%20processes.%0A%0ATransport%20Secretary%20Grant%20Shapps%20said%20buses%20will%20play%20an%20important%20role%20in%20delivering%20the%20Government%E2%80%99s%20vision%20of%20%E2%80%9Clevelling%20up%20and%20cleaning%20up%20our%20transport%20network%E2%80%9D.%20While%20the%20recently%20published%20Levelling%20Up%20White%20Paper%20was%20broadly%20criticised%20across%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20green%20economy%2C%20it%20does%20list%20improving%20local%2C%20low-carbon%20public%20transport%20connectivity%20across%20the%20UK%20as%20a%20key%20mission.%0A%0AMaking%20zero-emission%20buses%20the%20norm%0A%0AThe%20National%20Bus%20Strategy%20also%20saw%20the%20Government%20committing%20to%20drawing%20up%20a%20legal%20end-date%20for%20the%20sale%20of%20new%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20buses%2C%20modelled%20on%20the%202030%20date%20for%20cars.%20The%20DfT%20has%20worked%20with%20key%20stakeholders%20over%20the%20past%20year%20to%20agree%20on%20a%20timeline%2C%20and%20has%20now%20opened%20a%20consultation%20on%20delivering%20the%20phase-out%20by%202032%20at%20the%20latest.%20%0A%0AIndividuals%20and%20organisations%20wishing%20to%20comment%20through%20the%20consultation%20have%20until%2021%20May%20to%20do%20so.%0A%0AIn%20a%20statement%2C%20the%20DfT%20said%20a%20legal%20end-date%20%E2%80%9Cwould%20bolster%20the%20market%20for%20zero-emission%20buses%2C%20making%20them%20the%20default%20choice%20for%20operators%20to%20transition%20sooner%E2%80%9D.%0A%0ASeveral%20major%20bus%20operators%20have%20already%20set%20their%20own%20net-zero%20targets%20and%20begun%20investing%20in%20cleaner%20vehicles.%0A%0AFirst%20Bus%2C%20for%20example%2C%20has%20committed%20to%20delivering%20a%20zero-emission%20fleet%20in%20the%20UK%20by%202035%20and%20has%20already%20changed%20its%20procurement%20processes%20to%20help%20meet%20this%20goal.%20Elsewhere%2C%20Stagecoach%20has%20a%202050%20net-zero%20target%20and%20The%20Go-Ahead%20Group%E2%80%99s%20is%20in%20place%20for%202045.%0A%0ACollaboration%20on%20decarbonisation%20in%20the%20bus%20sector%20is%20strong.%20Organisations%20representing%20more%20than%2095%25%20of%20the%20UK's%20bus%20industry%20have%20pledged%20to%20only%20invest%20in%20low-emission%20vehicles%20from%202025%2C%20through%20the%20industry%20body%20the%20Confederation%20of%20Passenger%20Transport%20(CPT).%0A

UK funding pot £200m for zero-emission buses

To%20make%20the%20UK%20transport%20system%20greener%20and%20more%20efficient%2C%20entrepreneurs%20and%20innovators%20have%20been%20awarded%20Government%20funding%20to%20develop%20their%20sustainable%20transport%20projects.%0A%0AUK%20entrepreneurs%20and%20innovators%20are%20pioneering%20novel%20ways%20of%20creating%20a%20more%20efficient%20and%20sustainable%20transport%20system%3B%20and%20as%20a%20result%2C%20are%20being%20backed%20by%20Government%20funding%20that%20was%20announced%2013%20April%202022.%0A%0AIn%20total%2C%2051%20projects%20have%20been%20selected%20to%20be%20awarded%20a%20share%20of%20%C2%A31.95m%20in%20the%20Department%20for%20Transport%20(DfT)%20funding%20as%20part%20of%20the%20Government%E2%80%99s%20Transport%20Research%20and%20Innovation%20Grant%20(TRIG)%20programme.%20This%20is%20the%20largest%20number%20of%20projects%20backed%20in%20the%20programme%E2%80%99s%20history.%0A%0AInnovative%20company%E2%80%99s%20being%20awarded%20a%20grant%20for%20their%20innovative%20and%20sustainable%20transport%20schemes%0A%0AMakesense%20Technology%20Ltd%2C%20is%20set%20to%20develop%20a%20technology%20to%20guide%20visually%20impaired%20people%20through%20the%20public%20transport%20network.%20A%20handheld%20device%20will%20scan%20the%20area%20and%20provide%20touch%20feedback%2C%20such%20as%20a%20vibration%20to%20the%20tablet%20holder%2C%20alerting%20them%20to%20any%20obstacles%20and%20their%20direction%20of%20travel.%0A%0AAJEA%20Products%20Ltd%20is%20also%20among%20those%20awarded%20funding%2C%20creating%20autonomous%20flood%20protection%20for%20critical%20transport%20infrastructure.%20It%20will%20design%20self-deploying%20barriers%20that%20can%20be%20installed%20at%20train%20stations%20across%20the%20UK%20and%20pop%20up%20automatically%20when%20floods%20are%20detected%2C%20preventing%20passenger%20journeys%20from%20being%20disrupted%20by%20extreme%20weather.%0A%0AUnitrove%20Innovation%20Ltd%20is%20being%20backed%20to%20develop%20a%20control%20system%20for%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20liquid%20hydrogen%20fuel%20container%20facility%20for%20zero%20emission%20ships%0A%0AThe%20University%20of%20Cambridge%20is%20developing%20a%20new%20low-cost%20and%20lightweight%20steering%20system%20for%20heavy%20goods%20vehicles%20(HGVs)%2C%20which%20will%20reduce%20tyre%20wear%2C%20decrease%20carbon%20emissions%20and%20make%20it%20easier%20for%20larger%20vehicles%20to%20manoeuvre%20on%20the%20road.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CInnovation%20funded%20as%20part%20of%20TRIG%20could%20be%20the%20key%20to%20unlocking%20a%20more%20efficient%20and%20safer%20transport%20system%20for%20tomorrow%2C%E2%80%9D%20commented%20Transport%20Minister%2C%20Trudy%20Harrison.%20%E2%80%9CI%20support%20the%20ingenious%20ideas%20of%20this%20year%E2%80%99s%20cohort%20every%20step%20of%20the%20way%20and%20wish%20the%20successful%20applicants%20all%20the%20very%20best.%20I%20look%20forward%20to%20seeing%20the%20ideas%20develop%20to%20boost%20our%20green%20agenda%20and%20create%20high-skilled%20jobs%20across%20the%20UK.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ATRIG%20programme%0A%0ACurrently%20in%20its%2011th%20round%20of%20funding%2C%20the%20TRIG%20programme%2C%20delivered%20in%20partnership%20with%20Connected%20Places%20Catapult%2C%20brings%20together%20talented%20start-ups%20%E2%80%93%20mainly%20SMEs%20and%20universities%20%E2%80%93%20and%20policymakers%20at%20the%20earliest%20stage%20of%20innovation%20to%20help%20enhance%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20transport%20system.%0A%0ASince%20launching%20in%202014%2C%20over%20%C2%A36m%20in%20grants%20has%20supported%20more%20than%20200%20TRIG%20projects.%0A%0AThis%20year%2C%20the%20programme%20focused%20on%20increasing%20the%20diversity%20of%20its%20applicants.%20From%20Southampton%20to%20the%20Shetland%20Islands%2C%20the%20winning%20projects%20are%20based%20across%20the%20UK%20and%20reflect%20DfT%E2%80%99s%20commitments%20to%20levelling%20up.%0A%0ADfT%20will%20also%20be%20working%20in%20partnership%20with%20Connected%20Places%20Catapult%20this%20year%20to%20pilot%20an%20Innovation%20Accelerator%20Programme%2C%20which%20will%20support%20companies%20at%20a%20later%20stage%20in%20their%20innovation%20journeys.%20The%20programme%20will%20provide%20funding%20to%20help%20projects%20take%20the%20last%20step%20towards%20the%20market%20by%20providing%20bespoke%20training%20from%20industry%20experts.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CConnected%20Places%20Catapult%20is%20extremely%20proud%20to%20deliver%20TRIG%202021%2C%20which%20is%20supporting%20over%2050%20innovators%20across%20four%20different%20challenges%2C%20including%20the%20future%20of%20freight%2C%20maritime%20decarbonisation%2C%20COVID-19%20recovery%20and%20resilient%20transport%20systems%2C%E2%80%9D%20commented%20Rachel%20Gardner-Poole%2C%20the%20Chief%20Operating%20Officer%20at%20Connected%20Places%20Catapult.%20%E2%80%9CI%20am%20excited%20to%20see%20what%20great%20products%20and%20services%20arise.%E2%80%9D

UK grant £2m to sustainable transport projects

Lawmakers%20on%20the%20European%20Parliament's%20environment%20committee%20are%20backing%20a%20plan%20to%20effectively%20ban%20new%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20car%20sales%20from%202035.%0A%0AThe%20committee%20supported%20the%20proposal%20for%20a%20100%20per%20cent%20cut%20in%20CO2%20emissions%20by%202035%2C%20which%20would%20make%20it%20impossible%20to%20sell%20new%20fossil%20fuel-powered%20vehicles%20in%20the%2027-country%20bloc.%0A%0AThe%20European%20Commission%20proposed%20the%20targets%20as%20part%20of%20a%20bigger%20package%20of%20climate%20change%20policies%20last%20July%2C%20on%20the%20basis%20that%20new%20cars%20stay%20on%20the%20roads%20for%2010%20to%2015%20years%20-%20meaning%20that%202035%20is%20the%20latest%20date%20that%20sales%20of%20polluting%20cars%20could%20halt%2C%20without%20jeopardising%20the%20bloc's%20plan%20to%20have%20net%20zero%20emissions%20in%20all%20sectors%20by%202050.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20committee%20simultaneously%20voted%20against%20proposals%20for%20tougher%20targets%20to%20cut%20car%20CO2%20emissions%20within%20this%20decade.%0A%0AIt%20rejected%20the%20proposal%20to%20increase%20the%20ambition%20of%20the%20Commission's%20proposal%20for%20a%2055%20per%20cent%20cut%20in%20CO2%20emissions%20from%20cars%20by%202030%20versus%202021%20levels.%20And%20nor%20did%20it%20support%20a%20watering%20down%20of%20the%202035%20goal.%0A%0AThe%20whole%20European%20Parliament%20will%20vote%20on%20the%20car%20CO2%20proposals%20in%20the%20coming%20months%2C%20after%20which%20lawmakers%20and%20EU%20countries%20must%20negotiate%20the%20final%20rules.%0A%0A%22With%20CO2%20standards%2C%20we%20create%20clarity%20for%20the%20car%20industry%20and%20stimulate%20innovation%20and%20investments%20for%20car%20manufacturers%2C%22%20said%20Jan%20Huitema%2C%20the%20lead%20lawmaker%20on%20the%20policy%2C%20adding%20that%20it%20should%20make%20driving%20electric%20vehicles%20cheaper.%0A%0ABy%20speeding%20the%20shift%20to%20zero-emission%20electric%20vehicles%2C%20the%20EU%20aims%20to%20tackle%20the%20quarter%20of%20EU%20emissions%20that%20come%20from%20transport%2C%20which%20in%20recent%20years%20have%20been%20rising.%0A%0AFirms%20including%20Volkswagen%20have%20already%20announced%20plans%20to%20stop%20selling%20combustion%20engine%20cars%20in%20Europe%20by%202035%2C%20but%20some%20industry%20groups%20have%20warned%20against%20banning%20a%20specific%20technology%2C%20and%20said%20more%20ambitious%20targets%20can%20only%20be%20met%20if%20policymakers%20support%20a%20massive%20rollout%20of%20charging%20infrastructure.%0A%0AThe%20EU%20is%20also%20negotiating%20proposals%20to%20require%20countries%20to%20install%20public%20charging%20points%20at%20regular%20intervals%20along%20major%20roads.

EU-wide ban on new fossil fuel cars starts by 2035

Canadian%20startup%20TransPod%20recently%20unveiled%20a%20hybrid%20between%20a%20train%20and%20an%20aircraft%20that%20could%20transform%20the%20transportation%20industry%20as%20we%20know%20it.%20The%20fully-electric%20FluxJet%20can%20travel%20at%20speeds%20of%20more%20than%20621%20miles%20per%20hour.%20Such%20speeds%20are%20even%20quicker%20than%20an%20average%20private%20jet%20and%20almost%20three%20times%20that%20of%20high-speed%20trains.%0A%0AThe%20science%20behind%20the%20train%20is%20based%20on%20a%20new%20field%20of%20physics%20known%20as%20%E2%80%9Cveillance%20flux.%E2%80%9D%20This%20technology%20also%20features%20a%20%E2%80%9Ccontactless%20power%20transmission%E2%80%9D%20and%20aerodynamic%20and%20propulsion%20systems%20to%20reduce%20friction.%20Essentially%2C%20a%20vacuum%20tube%20is%20set%20up%2C%20in%20which%20magnetically%20levitated%20pods%20travel%20at%20faster%20speeds%20than%20trains%2C%20cars%20and%20jets.%0A%0AAdditionally%2C%20FluxJet%20can%20carry%20up%20to%2054%20passengers%20and%20two%20wheelchairs.%20It%20also%20contains%20luggage%20racks%20for%20passenger%20bags%2C%20carrying%20up%20to%2010%20tons%20of%20cargo%20at%20a%20time.%20Since%20the%20train%20travels%20within%20a%20vacuum-like%20tube%2C%20it%20will%20use%20a%20dedicated%20route%20already%20set%20up%20by%20the%20company.%20Known%20as%20TransPod%2C%20this%20unique%20tube%20alleviates%20congestion%20that%20could%20be%20experienced%20on%20roads%20and%20train%20stations.%20%0A%0AFluxjet%20comes%20at%20a%20time%20when%20the%20world%20has%20been%20launching%20bullet%20high-speed%20trains%20in%20close%20succession.%20China%2C%20in%20particular%2C%20has%20been%20in%20the%20headlines%20for%20launching%20bullet-speed%20trains%20with%20the%20recent%20one%20being%20a%20train%20that%20connects%20Shangai%20and%20Beijing%20in%20just%204%20hours.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20even%20Chinese%20superspeed%20trains%20are%20still%20miles%20behind%20the%20FluxJet%20if%20speed%20is%20to%20be%20considered.%20The%20only%20other%20model%20that%20comes%20close%20to%20this%20speed%20is%20the%20proposed%20Hyperloop%20by%20Virgin.%20The%20Hyperloop%20will%20travel%20at%20speeds%20of%20up%20to%20600%20miles%20per%20hour%2C%20but%20that%20will%20not%20be%20a%20reality%20until%202030.%0A%0ABesides%20exemplary%20speeds%2C%20FluxJet%20also%20has%20zero%20carbon%20emissions%20and%20the%20creation%20of%20up%20to%20140%2C000%20jobs.%20The%20fast-speed%20train%20will%20start%20operating%20in%20Canada%20and%20is%20expected%20to%20lower%20transport%20costs%20for%20individuals%20by%2044%25%20compared%20to%20a%20plane%20ticket.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAll%20the%20hard%20work%20over%20the%20past%20few%20years%20has%20led%20to%20this%20milestone%20moment%20where%20talk%20is%20becoming%20a%20reality%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20TransPod%E2%80%99s%20Cofounder%20and%20CEO%20Sebastien%20Gendron%20in%20a%20statement.%20%E2%80%9CThe%20technology%20is%20proven%2C%20and%20we%20have%20the%20confidence%20of%20investors%2C%20governments%20and%20partners%20to%20continue%20pushing%20forward%20to%20redefine%20transportation%20effectively.%E2%80%9D

Canada unveiled all-electric train-plane hybrid

One%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20most%20advanced%20electric%20passenger%20ferries%20could%20soon%20link%20Belfast%20and%20Bangor%20in%20Northern%20Ireland.%20With%20a%20top%20speed%20of%2069%20kilometres%20per%20hour%2C%20the%20vessels%20will%20%E2%80%9Cfly%20above%20the%20water%E2%80%9D%20with%20underwater%20wings%20lifting%20up%20like%20a%20plane%20taking%20off.%0A%0AThey%20can%20carry%20up%20to%20150%20passengers%20with%20the%20design%20mitigating%20the%20effects%20of%20seasickness%20and%20reducing%20the%20strength%20of%20waves%20that%20can%20damage%20the%20shoreline.%0A%0ARaising%20the%20hull%20above%20water%20cuts%20drag%2C%20delivering%20estimated%20fuel%20cost%20savings%20of%20up%20to%2085%20per%20cent%20compared%20to%20conventional%20diesel-powered%20ferries%2C%20the%20designers%20say.%0A%0AA%20%E2%80%9Cunique%E2%80%9D%20high-speed%20collision%20avoidance%20system%20will%20also%20help%20prevent%20the%20vessels%20from%20hitting%20marine%20animals.%20The%20makers%20say%20they%20will%20follow%20an%20%E2%80%9Caltered%20path%20away%20from%20sea%20life%2C%20wildlife%2C%20debris%20and%20other%20in-water%20objects%E2%80%9D.%0A%0ACould%20electric%20ferries%20combat%20congestion%20and%20pollution%3F%0A%0AThe%20company%20behind%20the%20100%20per%20cent%20electric%20ferry%20Artemis%20Technologies%20was%20founded%20by%20Olympic%20sailing%20champion%20Dr%20Iain%20Percy%20OBE.%0A%0AIt%20is%20a%20spin-off%20of%20the%20Artemis%20Racing%20team%20which%20competed%20in%20the%20America%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20-%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20oldest%20international%20sailing%20competition.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMany%20water-based%20cities%20around%20the%20world%20are%20grappling%20with%20the%20challenge%20of%20growing%20populations%2C%20congestion%2C%20and%20pollution%2C%E2%80%9D%20Percy%20says.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20EF-24%20Passenger%20can%20provide%20an%20immediate%20green%20transport%20solution%20that%20competes%20economically%20with%20road%20and%20rail%20in%20places%20like%20San%20Francisco%2C%20New%20York%2C%20Venice%2C%20Istanbul%2C%20Dubai%2C%20and%20Singapore.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20aim%20of%20the%20ferries%20is%20to%20provide%20a%20%E2%80%9Ccost-effective%20public%20transport%20solution%E2%80%9D%20that%20can%20cut%20down%20on%20%E2%80%9Cair%20pollution%2C%20congestion%20and%20noise%2C%E2%80%9D%20Percy%20adds.%20It%20is%20just%20one%20of%20a%20range%20of%20zero-emissions%20vessels%20being%20developed%20by%20the%20company.%0A%0AWhen%20will%20the%20electric%20ferries%20start%20running%20in%20Northern%20Ireland%3F%0A%0AThese%20new%20vessels%20will%20link%20Belfast%20to%20Bangor%20in%20Northern%20Ireland%2C%20taking%2025%20minutes%20to%20make%20the%20crossing.%0A%0AArtemis%20Technologies%20has%20partnered%20with%20Condor%20Ferries%20to%20run%20the%20pilot%20scheme%20which%20is%20due%20to%20start%20in%202024.%0A%0AThe%20launch%20of%20the%20first%20ferry%20is%20expected%20to%20create%20125%20jobs%20and%2C%20as%20more%20services%20are%20launched%20over%20the%20next%2010%20years%2C%20that%20could%20rise%20to%201%2C000%20roles.%0A%0AThis%20isn%E2%80%99t%20the%20first%20sustainable%20ferry%20route%20set%20to%20launch%20in%20the%20UK.%0A%0AA%20new%20wind-powered%20catamaran%20between%20Dover%20and%20Boulogne-sur-Mer%20is%20set%20to%20launch%20in%202023.%20The%20daily%20foot%20passenger%20sailboat%20service%20will%20take%20around%20four%20hours.

Flying ferry starts zero-emissions Belfast service

US%20battery%20plane%20developer%20is%20aiming%20to%20have%20its%20first%20zero%20emission%20aircraft%20commercially%20operating%20within%20five%20years%0AEviation%20Aircraft%20has%20hailed%20the%20first%20flight%20of%20its%20zero%20emission%2C%20battery-powered%20'commuter%20and%20cargo'%20plane%20in%20the%20US%20earlier%20this%20week%20as%20%22a%20historic%20day%20and%20major%20milestone%20in%20electric%20aviation%22.%0A%0AThe%20electric%20plane%20developer%20confirmed%20its%20Alice%20aircraft%20took%20off%20on%20Tuesday%20morning%20from%20Grant%20County%20International%20Airport%20in%20Washington%20state%20before%20successfully%20completing%20an%20eight-minute%20flight%20at%20an%20altitude%20of%203%2C500%20feet.%0A%0AThe%20maiden%20flight%20provided%20%22invaluable%20data%20to%20further%20optimise%20the%20aircraft%20for%20commercial%20production%22%2C%20according%20to%20Eviation%2C%20which%20envisages%20the%20plane%20carrying%20up%20to%20nine%20passengers%20or%20delivering%20cargo%20in%20the%20logistics%20market.%0A%0AThe%20company%20claims%20its%20Alice%20aircraft%20produces%20zero%20carbon%20emissions%20and%20%22significantly%20less%20noise%22%20than%20conventional%20commuter%20aircraft%2C%20while%20costing%20a%20fraction%20to%20operate%20per%20flight%20hour%20compared%20to%20fossil%20fuelled%20aircraft.%20It%20now%20aims%20to%20have%20its%20first%20electric%20planes%20in%20commercial%20operation%20within%20five%20years.%0A%0AGregory%20Davis%2C%20president%20and%20CEO%20at%20Eviation%2C%20said%20the%20%22unforgettable%22%20first%20flight%20of%20Alice%20signalled%20%22the%20next%20era%20of%20aviation%22.%0A%0A%22People%20now%20know%20what%20affordable%2C%20clean%20and%20sustainable%20aviation%20looks%20and%20sounds%20like%20for%20the%20first%20time%20in%20a%20fixed-wing%2C%20all-electric%20aircraft%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22This%20ground-breaking%20milestone%20will%20lead%20innovation%20in%20sustainable%20air%20travel%2C%20and%20shape%20both%20passenger%20and%20cargo%20travel%20in%20the%20future.%22%0A%0ABoasting%20a%20maximum%20operating%20speed%20of%20260%20knots%2C%20Alice%20is%20designed%20with%20capacity%20to%20carry%20up%20to%202%2C500%20pounds%20for%20the%20passenger%20version%2C%20and%202%2C600%20pounds%20for%20the%20cargo%20version%2C%20typically%20operating%20flights%20ranging%20from%20150%20miles%20to%20250%20miles%2C%20Eviation%20said.%0A%0AAll%20three%20versions%20of%20the%20plane%20-%20cargo%2C%20six%20passengers%2C%20or%20nine%20passenger%20models%20-%20support%20two%20crew%20members%20and%20are%20powered%20by%20two%20electric%20propulsion%20units%2C%20backed%20by%20a%20battery%20system%20which%20Eviation%20claims%20is%20%22endlessly%20upgradeable%20enabling%20range%20improvements%20as%20technology%20evolves%22.%0A%0AThe%20company%20said%20it%20has%20already%20secured%20orders%20totalling%20more%20than%20100%20aircraft%20from%20several%20airline%20operators%20and%20logistics%20firms.%0A%0AUS%20regional%20airlines%20Cape%20Air%20and%20Global%20Crossing%20Airlines%20have%20placed%20orders%20for%2075%20and%2050%20Alice%20aircraft%2C%20respectively%2C%20while%20DHL%20Express%20has%20ordered%2012%20eCargo%20planes%20as%20part%20of%20its%20plan%20to%20establish%20the%20first%20electric%20express%20delivery%20network%2C%20according%20to%20Eviation.%0A%0AThe%20company%20is%20aiming%20to%20have%20its%20electric%20aircraft%20design%20fully%20approved%20by%20regulatory%20bodies%20by%202025%2C%20before%20delivering%20its%20first%20aircraft%20to%20customers%20the%20following%20year%2C%20with%20a%20view%20to%20the%20first%20Alice%20planes%20hitting%20the%20skies%20commercially%20by%202027.%0A%0ADan%20Wolf%2C%20Cape%20Air%20founder%20and%20board%20chairman%2C%20said%20Alice's%20maiden%20flight%20%22represents%20a%20transformational%20milestone%20for%20the%20aviation%20industry%22.%0A%0A%22We%20currently%20fly%20more%20than%20400%20regional%20flights%20per%20day%2C%20connecting%20more%20than%2030%20cities%20across%20the%20United%20States%20and%20Caribbean%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22Alice%20can%20easily%20cover%2080%20per%20cent%20of%20our%20flight%20operations%2C%20bringing%20sustainable%2C%20emission-free%20travel%20to%20the%20communities%20we%20serve.%22%0A%0AIn%20related%20news%2C%20UK-based%20hydrogen-electric%20aircraft%20ZeroAvia%20announced%20today%20that%20it%20has%20inked%20a%20joint%20development%20agreement%20to%20supply%20its%20600kW%20powertrain%20systems%20to%20commercial%20and%20cargo%20aircraft%20manufacturer%20Textron%20Aviation.%0A%0AUnder%20the%20agreement%2C%20ZeroAvia's%20electric%20powertrain%20system%20is%20to%20be%20fitted%20to%20Textron%20Aviation's%20nine-seater%20Cessna%20Grand%20Caravan%20aircraft%20with%20a%20view%20to%20producing%20a%20zero%20emission%20version%20of%20the%20plane.%0A%0A%22The%20famous%20Cessna%20Grand%20Caravan%20is%20on%20track%20to%20be%20one%20the%20first%20airframes%20operating%20commercial%20services%20-%20both%20cargo%20and%20passenger%20-%20with%20hydrogen-electric%2C%20zero-emission%20engines%2C%22%20said%20ZeroAvia%20CEO%20Val%20Miftakhov.%20%22We%20applaud%20the%20visionary%20leadership%20of%20Textron%20Aviation%20in%20joining%20us%20to%20help%20transform%20a%20much-loved%20mainstay%20of%20sub-regional%20aviation%20into%20a%20symbol%20of%20sustainable%20transformation%20in%20aviation.%22

Alice the all-electric aircraft takes off from USА

The%20largest%20transit%20bus%20charging%20station%20and%20microgrid%20in%20the%20country%20has%20just%20opened%20in%20Montgomery%20County%2C%20Maryland%2C%20home%20of%20the%20largest%20fleet%20of%20electric%20school%20buses%20in%20the%20U.S.%20The%20new%20charging%20station%20and%20microgrid%2C%20called%20the%20Brookville%20Smart%20Energy%20Bus%20Depot%2C%20will%20be%20especially%20beneficial%20as%20the%20county%20prepares%20to%20electrify%20all%20of%20the%20buses%20in%20its%20transit%20system%20by%202026.%20The%20project%20is%20part%20of%20the%20county%E2%80%99s%20goal%20to%20reach%20net-zero%20emissions%20by%202035.%0A%0AThe%20depot%20includes%20solar%20canopies%2C%20battery%20energy%20storage%2C%20electric%20bus%20chargers%20and%20microgrid%20software%20and%20controls%20by%20AlphaStruxture%20as%20well%20as%201.8%20MW%20of%20natural%20gas%20via%20on-site%20generation.%20The%20goal%20is%20to%20keep%20the%20fleet%20of%20electric%20buses%20in%20operation%20continuously%2C%20even%20if%20there%20are%20utility%20disruptions.%20The%20county%20is%20home%20to%20over%201.1%20million%20residents%2C%20and%20about%2038%2C070%20people%20rode%20the%20buses%20on%20an%20average%20weekday%20in%202018%2C%20according%20to%20Montgomery%20County%E2%80%99s%20Office%20of%20Legislative%20Oversight.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CTackling%20transportation%20emissions%20makes%20up%20a%20significant%20portion%20of%20Montgomery%20County%E2%80%99s%20bold%20climate%20action%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Linda%20Toth%2C%20associate%20sustainability%20consultant%20at%20Arup%2C%20a%20partner%20on%20the%20project.%20%E2%80%9CBy%20opening%20this%20pioneering%20transit%20center%20and%20microgrid%2C%20the%20County%20with%20AlphaStruxure%20is%20embarking%20to%20make%20a%20real%20impact%20while%20signaling%20future%20opportunities%20for%20cities%20across%20the%20United%20States.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20Brookville%20Smart%20Energy%20Bus%20Depot%20is%20free%20to%20the%20county%20and%20paid%20for%20by%20AlphaStruxture%20through%20an%20Energy%20as%20a%20Service%20(EaaS)%20model%2C%20where%20the%20county%20pays%20AlphaStruxture%20monthly%20for%20the%20energy%20services%20rather%20than%20paying%20for%20the%20upfront%20costs%20to%20install%20the%20charging%20stations%20and%20microgrid.%0A%0AThe%20depot%20will%20provide%20charging%20stations%20for%20up%20to%2070%20buses%20and%20saves%20over%20160%2C000%20tons%20of%20carbon%20emissions%20over%20the%20life%20of%20the%20project%2C%20according%20to%20AlphaStruxture.%20Arup%20also%20noted%20that%20there%20will%20be%20a%2062%25%20decrease%20in%20carbon%20emissions%20for%20buses%20charged%20by%20the%20microgrid.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20transportation%20infrastructure%20of%20tomorrow%20is%20up%20and%20running%20today%20in%20Montgomery%20County%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Juan%20Macias%2C%20CEO%20of%20AlphaStruxure.%20%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20thrilled%20to%20partner%20with%20Montgomery%20County%20on%20this%20holistic%20solution%20that%20delivers%20improved%2C%20cleaner%20services%20to%20County%20constituents.%20This%20benchmark%20project%20serves%20as%20a%20national%20model%20for%20municipalities%20and%20private%20fleet%20owners%20across%20the%20county%20to%20efficiently%20deploy%20the%20charging%20infrastructure%20and%20distributed%20energy%20resources%20that%20the%20energy%20transition%20requires%2C%20accelerating%20the%20electrification%20of%20medium%20and%20heavy-duty%20vehicle%20fleets.%E2%80%9D

America's biggest electric bus microgrid opened

Dutch%20border%20police%20arrested%20hundreds%20of%20climate%20activists%20who%20stormed%20Amsterdam%E2%80%99s%20Schiphol%20airport%20and%20sat%20in%20front%20of%20the%20wheels%20of%20aircraft%20to%20prevent%20them%20from%20leaving.%0A%0AMore%20than%20100%20protesters%2C%20wearing%20white%20suits%2C%20entered%20an%20area%20where%20private%20jets%20are%20kept%20on%20Saturday%20as%20part%20of%20a%20day%20of%20demonstrations%20in%20and%20around%20the%20airport%20organised%20by%20environmental%20groups.%0A%0ADewi%20Zloch%2C%20the%C2%A0Netherlands%C2%A0campaign%20leader%20for%20Greenpeace%2C%20one%20of%20the%20groups%20involved%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20want%20fewer%20flights%2C%20more%20trains%20and%20a%20ban%20on%20unnecessary%20short-haul%20flights%20and%20private%20jets.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AGreenpeace%20says%20Schiphol%20is%20the%20largest%20source%20of%20carbon%20dioxide%20emissions%20in%20the%20Netherlands%2C%20emitting%2012bn%20kilograms%20annually.%0A%0AExtinction%20Rebellion%20was%20also%20involved%20in%20the%20action.%20Hundreds%20of%20other%20demonstrators%20in%20and%20around%20the%20airport%E2%80%99s%20main%20hall%20carried%20signs%20saying%20%E2%80%9CRestrict%20aviation%E2%80%9D%20and%20%E2%80%9CMore%20trains%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AAbout%20three%20hours%20after%20the%20protest%20began%2C%20border%20police%20started%20arresting%20activists%2C%20some%20of%20whom%20were%20dragged%20to%20waiting%20buses%20after%20passively%20resisting%20arrest%2C%20AFP%20reported.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20take%20this%20very%20seriously%2C%E2%80%9D%20Dutch%20border%20police%20spokesperson%20Major%20Robert%20van%20Kapel%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThese%20people%20are%20facing%20charges%20relating%20to%20being%20in%20a%20place%20where%20they%20should%20not%20have%20been%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said%2C%20adding%20that%20prosecutors%20will%20now%20formulate%20the%20exact%20charge.%0A%0AThe%20activists%20were%20taken%20to%20various%20border%20police%20offices%20around%20the%20airfield%20where%20they%20were%20being%20processed%20and%20identified%2C%20Van%20Kapel%20said.%0A%0AVan%20Kapel%20said%20no%20commercial%20flights%20were%20affected%20by%20the%20protest.%0A%0AThere%20were%20also%20reports%20of%20border%20police%20tackling%20several%20activists%20on%20bicycles%20as%20they%20tried%20to%20escape.%0AGreenpeace%20said%20police%20were%20%E2%80%9Cfar%20too%20heavy-handed%20against%20the%20activists%20on%20bicycles%E2%80%9D%20and%20that%20at%20least%20one%20person%20received%20a%20head%20injury.%0A%0AResponding%20to%20the%20protest%2C%20Schiphol%20said%20it%20aimed%20to%20become%20an%20emissions-free%20airport%20by%202030%20and%20it%20supported%20targets%20for%20the%20aviation%20industry%20to%20reach%20net%20zero%20emissions%20by%202050.%0A%0AOn%20Friday%2C%20in%20response%20to%20an%20open%20letter%20from%20Greenpeace%2C%20Schiphol%E2%80%99s%20new%20CEO%2C%20Ruud%20Sondag%2C%20conceded%20that%20change%20needed%20to%20happen%20faster.%0A%0AThe%20Dutch%20government%20announced%20plans%20in%20June%20to%20cap%20annual%20flights%20at%20the%20airport%20at%20440%2C000%2C%20about%2011%25%20below%202019%20levels%2C%20citing%20air%20pollution%20and%20climate%20concerns.%0A%0AThe%20transport%20minister%2C%20Mark%20Harbers%2C%20told%20parliament%20last%20month%20that%20his%20office%20could%20not%20control%20growing%20private%20jet%20traffic%2C%20and%20the%20government%20was%20considering%20whether%20to%20include%20the%20issue%20in%20its%20climate%20policy.%0A%0AMore%20than%20120%20world%20leaders%20are%20due%20to%20attend%20this%20year%E2%80%99s%C2%A0UN%20climate%20talks%C2%A0at%20the%20Red%20Sea%20coastal%20resort%20of%20Sharm%20el-Sheikh%2C%20which%20start%20on%20Sunday.%0A%0AExtinction%20Rebellion%20has%20been%20warning%20of%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of%20air%20travel%20for%20many%20years%20and%20in%20October%202019%20a%20protester%20climbed%20on%20to%20a%20British%20Airways%20plane%20at%20London%20City%20airport%20and%20was%20seen%20lying%20on%20top%20of%20it.%20Other%20activists%20staged%20a%20sit-in%20at%20the%20airport%20entrance%20during%20the%20third%20day%20of%20protests%20in%20London%20at%20that%20time.

Climate activists storm Amsterdam airport

Moonbike%20is%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20all-electric%20snowbike%2C%20similar%20to%20a%C2%A0snowmobile%2C%20and%20it%E2%80%99s%20hitting%20the%20Alps%20this%20year.%20This%20French%20creation%20with%C2%A0skis%C2%A0in%20front%20and%20tractor%20treads%20in%20back%20retails%20for%20%E2%82%AC10%2C680%20(around%20%2411%2C402)%20and%20can%20hit%20speeds%20of%2026%20mph%2C%20with%20a%20battery%20that%20lasts%20three%20hours.%20This%20off-road%20EV%20weighs%20just%2087%20kilograms%2C%20which%20is%20three%20times%20lighter%20than%20a%20snowmobile.%0A%0AAdditionally%2C%20the%20cool%20thing%20is%20you%20might%20not%20have%20to%20buy%20one%20yourself%20if%20you%20only%20plan%20to%20be%20in%20the%C2%A0snow%20for%20a%20short%20vacation.%20Tourism%20experts%20from%20Austrian%20ski%20resorts%20have%20just%20tested%20the%20Moonbike%20on%20the%20Kaunertal%20Glacier.%20Four%20Tyrolean%20ski%20resorts%20in%20the%20Austrian%20Alps%20plan%20to%20make%20this%20snowbike%20available%20for%20visitors.%20The%20bike%20will%20not%20be%20allowed%20on%20normal%20ski%20slopes%2C%20but%20will%20be%20permitted%20on%20closed%20snowbike%20areas%20or%20guided%20trails.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CYou%20need%20just%20five%20minutes%20until%20you%20get%20used%20to%20the%20snowbike%2C%20then%20you%20accustom%20yourself%20and%20soon%20you%20get%20smart%20%E2%80%93%20like%20on%20a%20motobike%2C%20you%20must%20lie%20down%20in%20the%20curves%20and%20more%20you%20lie%20down%20more%20you%20have%20fun%20and%20find%20stability%2C%E2%80%9D%20Mario%20Bicocchi%2C%20a%20bike%20rental%20company%20owner%20in%20Austria%2C%20told%20EuroNews.%20%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20electric%2C%20it%20does%20not%20cause%20noise%20or%20exhaust%20fumes.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AOn%20the%20other%20hand%2C%20Forbes%20called%20the%20Moonbike%20the%20birth%20of%20snowtech.%20TopGear%20said%20it%E2%80%99s%20the%20most%20fun%20you%20can%20have%20on%20snow%2C%20high%20praise%20from%20a%20show%20traditionally%20dead%20against%20EVs.%20The%20Moonbike%20comes%20in%20black%2C%20white%20or%20red.%20The%C2%A0bike%C2%A0is%2028%20inches%20wide%2C%20which%20makes%20it%20fit%20through%20doorways%20and%20on%20standard%20vehicle%20tow%20hitches%2C%20or%20in%20the%20bed%20of%20a%20truck.%0A%0AMoreover%2C%20the%20bike%20was%20crafted%20in%20partnership%20with%20Bosch%20Marignier%2C%20with%20under%20200%20parts%20with%20no%20chain%20or%20belt%20for%20easy%20maintenance%20and%20extremely%20low%20noise.%20You%20can%20get%20170%20Nm%20or%20125%20lb-ft%20of%20torque.%20This%20is%20an%C2%A0electric%C2%A0bike%2C%20all%20available%20to%20you%20on%20a%20light%20body%2C%20so%20it%20should%20be%20easy%20to%20haul.

World’s first electric snowbike hits the Alps

The%20%22Black%20Swan%2C%22%20a%20drone%20approved%20to%20transport%20cargo%20in%20the%20European%20Union%20(EU)%2C%20will%20make%20its%20debut%20early%20in%202023.%20Konstantin%20and%20Svilen%20Rangelov%2C%20two%20brothers%20from%20Bulgaria%2C%20who%20run%20Dronamics%2C%20a%20drone%20manufacturing%20company%2C%20are%20the%20minds%20behind%20the%20idea.%20%0A%0A%22It%20can%20cover%20the%20continental%20U.S.%2C%20the%20diagonal%20in%20the%20Caribbean%2C%20the%20South%20China%20Sea%2C%20and%20all%20of%20Europe%2C%22%20Rangelov%20told%20Business%20Insider%2C%20referring%20to%20the%20cargo%20drone.%0A%0A%22So%20the%20size%20fits%20neatly%20into%20the%20global%20geography.%22%0A%0AThe%20two%20began%20researching%20the%20business%20in%202013%20when%20Amazon%20started%20experimenting%20with%20drone%20delivery%2C%20according%20to%20multiple%20media%20reports%20quoting%20the%20brothers.%20%0A%0AThe%20brothers%20thought%20there%20was%20a%20better%20way%20to%20deliver%20courier%20packages%20to%20each%20client%2C%20but%20they%20were%20discouraged%20by%20the%20logistical%20challenges%20involved%20in%20using%20small%20drones%20like%20Amazon's%20to%20carry%20goods%20directly%20to%20houses.%0A%0AMerchandise%20is%20flown%20into%20Sofia%20in%20Bulgaria%2C%20loaded%20onto%20a%20large%20truck%2C%20and%20then%20driven%20hundreds%20of%20miles%20before%20being%20unloaded%20onto%20a%20smaller%20van%20that%20transports%20the%20delivery%20to%20specific%20locations%2C%20which%20according%20to%20Rangelov%2C%20is%20a%20costly%20affair.%20%0A%0A%22We%20said%20let's%20map%20the%20size%20of%20the%20vehicle%20to%20fit%20exactly%20what%20you%20can%20fit%20in%20a%20delivery%20van%20in%20the%20last%20mile%2C%22%20said%20Rangelov.%20%0A%0A%22This%20way%2C%20we%20get%20to%20cut%20a%20step%20from%20the%20process.%22%0A%0ACheaper%20and%20quicker%20cargo%20delivery%0A%0AWith%20the%20support%20of%20approximately%203%2C000%20airstrips%20located%20around%20Europe%2C%20the%20final%20product%2C%20which%20has%20about%20half%20the%20capacity%20of%20a%20U-Haul%20moving%20van%2C%20may%20provide%20consumers%20with%20quick%20and%20inexpensive%20cargo%20shipment%2C%20allowing%20for%20same-day%20delivery%2C%20as%20per%20the%20'drone%20airline'%20company.%20%0A%0AMany%20of%20the%20airstrips%20are%20closer%20to%20consumers%20than%20the%20primary%20distribution%20centers%2C%20making%20them%20even%20more%20practical%20for%20same-day%20delivery%2C%20feels%20Rangelov.%20%0A%0AAdditionally%2C%20the%20design%20sets%20Dronamics%20apart%20from%20other%20cargo%20drone%20operators%20that%20frequently%20carry%20smaller%20loads%20for%20shorter%20distances.%0A%0A%22Most%20small%20delivery%20drones%20are%20an%20attempt%20to%20solve%20the%20last-mile%20problem%2C%22%20Dronamics%20told%20Drone%20DJ%20news%20in%202018.%20%0A%0A%22They%20are%20the%20bike%20messenger%2C%20we%20are%20the%20cross-country%20truck.%22%0A%0AGreener%20delivery%0A%0AThe%20company%20claims%20that%20Dronamics's%20shipment%20drone%20may%20reduce%20prices%20by%20up%20to%2050%25%20when%20compared%20to%20rival%20cargo%20planes%2C%20in%20part%20because%20of%20its%20carbon%20fiber%20structure%2C%20making%20it%20attractive%20for%20the%20%22middle-mile%20market.%22%0A%0AThe%20Black%20Swan%20can%20go%202%2C500%20kilometers%20(1%2C550%20miles)%20in%20one%20flight%2C%20cruise%20at%2020%2C000%20feet%2C%20and%20carry%20up%20to%20350%20kilos%20(770%20pounds).%0A%0ABRP-Rotax%2C%20an%20Austrian%20firm%20owned%20by%20Bombardier%20Recreational%20Products%2C%20constructed%20the%20single-propeller%20Rotax%20engine%20that%20powers%20the%20drone%20shuttle.%0A%0ARangelov%20claims%20the%20plane%20will%20be%20able%20to%20penetrate%20the%20low-density%20e-commerce%20industry%20since%20it%20will%20be%20able%20to%20carry%20individual%20shipments%20in%20addition%20to%20single%20pallets%20of%20one%20item.%0A%0ABlack%20Swan%20runs%20on%20sustainable%20fuel%20%0A%0ADronamics%20intends%20to%20use%20Black%20Swan%20as%20the%20first%20freight%20drone%20airline%20when%20it%20is%20ready%20for%20use%2C%20beginning%20with%20flights%20over%20water%20and%20in%20the%20Mediterranean%2C%20such%20as%20in%20Greece%20or%20Cyprus.%0A%0AThe%20Black%20Swan%20can%20access%20small%2C%20remote%20settlements%20more%20easily%20than%20other%20drones%20due%20to%20its%20carrying%20capacity%20as%20well%20as%20its%20ability%20to%20land%20on%20short%20runways%2C%20including%20unpaved%20ones%2C%20claims%20the%20company.%20%0A%0AThe%20airplane%2C%20which%20will%20be%20made%20in%20large%20quantities%20in%20Germany%20and%20Australia%2C%20is%20powered%20entirely%20by%20sustainable%20aviation%20fuel.%0A%0AThe%20%22fastest%20and%20greenest%22%20method%20of%20transporting%20freight%20will%20be%20promoted%2C%20and%20the%20resulting%20emissions%20will%20be%2060%25%20lower%2C%20claim%20the%20manufacturers.%20%0A%0A%22Initially%2C%20we%20want%20to%20start%20with%20lower-risk%20routes%2C%22%20Rangelov%20said.%20%22As%20we%20gain%20acceptance%20and%20confidence%2C%20we'll%20fly%20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World's first cargo drone airline aims to fly soon

The%20government%20has%20today%20confirmed%20funding%20for%20plans%20to%20deliver%20the%20'world's%20first'%20full-sized%2C%20self-driving%20bus%20service%20on%20a%20route%20in%20Edinburgh%2C%20as%20part%20of%20a%20new%20%C2%A381m%20programme%20of%20investments%20in%20autonomous%20driving%20projects.%0A%0AThe%20Department%20for%20Transport%20announced%20the%20government%20is%20to%20award%20%C2%A342m%20of%20funding%2C%20which%20will%20be%20matched%20by%20industry%20and%20is%20to%20be%20shared%20by%20seven%20projects%20that%20aim%20to%20demonstrate%20how%20emerging%20self-driving%20public%20transport%20and%20freight%20services%20can%20help%20cut%20emissions%20and%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of%20accidents%2C%20while%20also%20improving%20connectivity%20for%20rural%20communities.%0A%0AThe%20funding%20will%20support%20the%20new%20bus%20project%20in%20Edinburgh%2C%20as%20well%20as%20two%20projects%20to%20introduce%20self-driving%20and%20remotely%20piloted%20HGVs%2C%20initiatives%20to%20trial%20self-driving%20shuttle%20buses%20in%20Sunderland%20and%20Belfast%20Harbour%2C%20plans%20to%20establish%20a%20%C2%A315.2m%20remote%20driving%20control%20hub%20to%20oversee%20self-driving%20vehicles%20in%20Solihull%20and%20Coventry%2C%20and%20a%20%C2%A317.4m%20project%20to%20trial%20on-demand%2C%20self-driving%20taxis%20in%20parts%20of%20Cambridge.%0A%0AThe%20bus%20project%20will%20see%20%C2%A310.4m%20invested%20in%20support%20of%20bus%20operator%20Stagecoach's%20plans%20to%20launch%20what%20is%20believed%20to%20be%20the%20world's%20most%20complex%20full-sized%20automated%20bus%20service%2C%20which%20will%20run%20along%20a%2014%20mile%20route.%20The%20project%20will%20build%20on%20a%20pilot%20that%20is%20nearing%20completion%20and%20will%20test%20and%20refine%20the%20commercial%20service%20model%2C%20moving%20from%20the%20current%20'Captained'%20service%2C%20with%20a%20staff%20member%20onboard%2C%20to%20future%20deployments%20with%20smaller%20vehicles%20which%20could%20operate%20with%20no%20staff%20on%20board.%0A%0A%22In%20just%20a%20few%20years'%20time%2C%20the%20business%20of%20self-driving%20vehicles%20could%20add%20tens%20of%20billions%20to%20our%20economy%20and%20create%20tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20jobs%20across%20the%20UK%2C%22%20said%20Business%20Secretary%20Grant%20Shapps.%20%22This%20is%20a%20massive%20opportunity%20to%20drive%20forward%20our%20priority%20to%20grow%20the%20economy%2C%20which%20we%20are%20determined%20to%20seize.%20The%20support%20we%20are%20providing%20today%20will%20help%20our%20transport%20and%20technology%20pioneers%20steal%20a%20march%20on%20the%20global%20competition%2C%20by%20turning%20their%20bright%20ideas%20into%20market-ready%20products%20sooner%20than%20anyone%20else.%22%0A%0ATransport%20Secretary%20Mark%20Harper%20predicted%20that%20self-driving%20vehicles%20would%20%22positively%20transform%20people's%20everyday%20lives%20-%20making%20it%20easier%20to%20get%20around%2C%20access%20vital%20services%20and%20improve%20regional%20connectivity%22.%0A%0A%22We're%20supporting%20and%20investing%20in%20the%20safe%20rollout%20of%20this%20incredible%20technology%20to%20help%20maximise%20its%20full%20potential%2C%20while%20also%20creating%20skilled%20jobs%20and%20boosting%20growth%20in%20this%20important%20sector%2C%22%20he%20said.%0A%0AThe%20grants%20are%20part%20of%20the%20Centre%20for%20Connected%20and%20Autonomous%20Vehicles%20Connected%20and%20Automated%20Mobility%20programme.%0A%0AThey%20are%20accompanied%20by%20almost%20%C2%A3600%2C000%20which%20is%20being%20awarded%20to%20four%20feasibility%20studies%20that%20will%20look%20into%20how%20self-driving%20technology%20could%20help%20improve%20public%20transport%20and%20reduce%20congestion%20in%20Hertfordshire%20and%20Essex%2C%20parts%20of%20Eastern%20Cambridge%2C%20Birmingham%20and%20Solihull%2C%20and%20Milton%20Keynes.

World's first full-sized, self-driving bus service

Energy-from-waste%20(EfW)%20firm%20enfinium%20has%20this%20week%20signed%20a%20Memorandum%20of%20Understanding%20with%20Navigator%20Terminals%2C%20which%20specialises%20in%20storing%20gas%20in%20liquid%20form.%20The%20agreement%20concerns%20the%20development%20of%20a%20new%20rail%20corridor%20between%20enfinium%E2%80%99s%20Ferrybridge%20EfW%20plant%20in%20West%20Yorkshire%20and%20Navigator%20Terminals%E2%80%99%20storage%20facilities%20in%20Teesside.%0A%0AThe%20corridor%20will%20be%20using%20the%20East%20Coast%20Main%20Line%20and%20then%20linking%20into%20the%20Stockton%20Spur.%20Freight%20will%20be%20scheduled%20around%20passenger%20services%20on%20the%20line%20and%20will%20be%20sent%20at%20quieter%20periods%2C%20such%20as%20night-time.%0A%0Aenfinium%20estimates%20that%20some%20700%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20emissions%20could%20be%20captured%20from%20the%20Ferrybridge%20EfW%20plant%20each%20year%20once%20man-made%20carbon%20capture%20technologies%20are%20fitted%20there%20at%20scale.%C2%A0Tolvik%20estimates%C2%A0that%20the%20average%20annual%20emissions%20footprint%20of%20a%20UK-based%20EfW%20plant%20is%20around%20900%2C000%20tonnes%2C%20for%20context.%20But%20enfinium%20claims%20that%20its%20Ferrybridge%20site%20is%20more%20energy%20and%20carbon%20efficient%20than%20this%20and%20that%20the%20site%20could%20become%20carbon-neutral%2C%20or%20event%20carbon-negative%2C%20with%20CCS.%0A%0Aenfinium%20notably%20became%20a%20member%20of%20the%20Carbon%20Capture%20and%20Storage%20Association%20last%20year.%20It%20will%20build%20its%20new%20EfW%20plant%20in%20Kelvin%2C%20West%20Bromwich%2C%20with%20CCS%20from%20the%20outset%2C%20and%20is%20drawing%20up%20plans%20to%20explore%20CCS%20at%20existing%20plants%20including%20Ferrybridge%20also.%0A%0AIt%20is%20hoped%20that%20the%20new%20rail%20freight%20link%20would%20benefit%20other%20companies%20looking%20to%20capture%20carbon%20and%20store%20it%20permanently%20within%20the%20UK%2C%20as%20well%20as%20enfinium.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20UK%20is%20a%20world%20leader%20in%20decarbonisation%20solutions%2C%20but%20it%20is%20clear%20that%20there%20is%20a%20need%20to%20develop%20alternative%20transportation%20and%20storage%20solutions%20for%20CO2%C2%A0if%20we%20are%20to%20meet%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20net-zero%20ambitions%2C%20Navigator%20Terminals%E2%80%99%20chief%20executive%20Jason%20Hornsby%20said.%0A%0AThe%20Climate%20Change%20Committee%20(CCC)%C2%A0has%20recommended%C2%A0that%20the%20UK%20aims%20to%20host%20at%20least%2022%20million%20tonnes%20of%20annual%20CCS%20capacity%20online%20this%20decade%2C%20in%20order%20to%20support%20its%20legally%20binding%202050%20net-zero%20target.%20This%20should%20be%20used%20not%20as%20an%20excuse%20not%20to%20reduce%20emissions%2C%20the%20CCC%20has%20stated%2C%20but%20as%20a%20means%20to%20align%20hard-to-abate%20sectors%20with%20the%20nation%E2%80%99s%20legally%20binding%20climate%20targets.%0A%0AHornby%20continued%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20have%20worked%20with%20enfinium%20to%20explore%20the%20opportunities%20for%20them%20to%20realise%20their%20decarbonisation%20plans%20by%20harnessing%20the%20rail%20network%20in%20the%20North%20East%20and%20connecting%20with%20our%20Terminal%20on%20Teesside%20before%20permanent%20sequestration%20of%20the%20carbon.%20This%20is%20an%20exciting%20UK%20first%20project%2C%20and%20we%20hope%20it%20can%20prove%20the%20concept%20of%20carbon%20transportation%20by%20rail%20opening%20up%20huge%20potential%20for%20further%20decarbonisaiton%20of%20British%20industry.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ATees%20Valley%20Mayor%20Ben%20Houchen%20added%3A%20%E2%80%9CSeeing%20Navigator%20Terminals%20and%20enfinium%20come%20together%20to%20develop%20net-zero%20infrastructure%20here%20in%20Teesside%20is%20yet%20more%20proof%20that%20our%20region%20is%20the%20best%20place%20in%20the%20UK%20to%20invest%20in%20industries%20of%20the%20future%20like%20carbon%20capture.%20We%20have%20the%20workforce%20with%20world-leading%20industrial%20experience%20to%20make%20net%20zero%20a%20reality.%20Breathing%20new%20life%20into%20our%20regional%20rail%20infrastructure%20to%20deliver%20carbon%20capture%20is%20an%20exciting%20step%20in%20cementing%20our%20status%20as%20a%20pioneer%20in%20clean%20energy%20and%20reinforces%20that%20Teesside%20is%20a%20great%20place%20to%20do%20business.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ALast%20summer%2C%20the%20UK%C2%A0hosted%20its%20first%20licencing%20round%C2%A0for%20projects%20that%20will%20enable%20the%20large-scale%20storage%20of%20captured%20carbon%20under%20the%20North%20Sea.%0A%0AThe%20Government%C2%A0has%20subsequently%20outlined%20a%20vision%C2%A0to%20invest%20an%20unprecedented%20%C2%A320bn%20in%20CCS%20over%20the%20next%2020%20years.%20Further%20details%20on%20exactly%20where%20this%20funding%20will%20come%20from%20and%20how%20it%20will%20be%20allocated%C2%A0are%20due%20shortly.

UK closes in on first carbon capture rail link

Among%20the%20classic%20cars%2C%20mopeds%20and%20rickshaws%20Cubans%20use%20to%20get%20around%20the%20capital%20city%20Havana%2C%20a%20new%20kind%20of%20ride%20is%20hitting%20the%20streets%20-%20bamboo%20bicycles%20made%20by%20a%20local%20workshop.%0A%0AVelo%20Cuba%2C%20a%20bike%20shop%20and%20tour%20company%2C%20produces%20the%20lightweight%2C%20eco-friendly%20options%20as%20part%20of%20a%20program%20funded%20by%20the%20Netherlands'%20embassy%20in%20the%20country.%0A%0AThe%20two-wheelers%20can%20already%20be%20seen%20being%20taken%20for%20a%20spin%20by%20visitors%20to%20the%20city's%20zoo%20and%20along%20the%20coast.%0A%0A%22There%20are%2028%20species%20of%20bamboo%20in%20Cuba%2C%22%20said%20Velo%20Cuba%20founder%20Nayvis%20Diaz.%20%22Fortunately%2C%20here%20we%20have%20the%20two%2C%20three%20species%20needed%20to%20make%20these%20bicycles.%22%0A%0AThe%20workshop%20has%20partnered%20with%20volunteers%20from%20stay-at-home%20mothers%20to%20the%20deaf%20community%20to%20teach%20residents%20how%20to%20make%20the%20bikes%20and%20repair%20them.%0A%0A%22It's%20important%20for%20us%20to%20learn%20a%20profession%2C%22%20said%20Yaquelin%20Gonzalez%2C%20who%20is%20deaf.%20%22This%20will%20help%20us%20in%20the%20future.%22%0A%0ASome%20of%20those%20who%20take%20Velo's%20course%20may%20become%20employed%20by%20the%20bike%20shop%20in%20the%20future%2C%20Diaz%20said%2C%20or%20may%20open%20their%20own%20small%20businesses.%0A%0ATransportation%20and%20steady%20employment%20are%20both%20chronic%20issues%20in%20Cuba%2C%20where%20the%20economy%20was%20hard-hit%20by%20the%20coronavirus%20pandemic.%0A%0ACuba%20largely%20blames%20Cold%20War-era%20sanctions%20from%20the%20United%20States%20as%20holding%20back%20its%20economic%20growth%2C%20and%20the%20embargo%20means%20a%20lack%20of%20imported%20cars%20have%20caused%20residents%20to%20rely%20on%20decades-old%20models%20or%20mopeds%20from%20China%2C%20which%20began%20to%20arrive%20in%20the%201990s.%0A%0AReporting%20by%20Mario%20Fuentes%20for%20Reuters%20TV%3B%20Writing%20by%20Nelson%20Acosta%20and%20Kylie%20Madry%3B%20Editing%20by%20Bill%20Berkrot

Eco-friendly bamboo bicycles appear in Cuba

The%20brainchild%20of%20French%20entrepreneur%20Adrien%20Leli%C3%A8vre%2C%20the%20Pi-Pop%20e-bike%20uses%20a%20supercapacitor%20to%20store%20energy%20rather%20than%20rely%20on%20batteries.%0A%0AIf%20riding%20a%20bike%20on%20a%20daily%20basis%20is%20too%20much%20of%20a%20challenge%20for%20you%2C%20you%20might%20be%20tempted%20to%20opt%20for%20an%20e-bike.%0A%0AThe%20issue%20with%20those%20is%20that%20the%20production%20of%20the%20batteries%20consumes%20a%20lot%20of%20natural%20resources%20such%20as%20lithium%20or%20rare-earth%20elements%20which%20require%20extensive%20and%20often%20environmentally%20impactful%20mining%20procedures.%0A%0AFrench%20entrepreneur%20Adrien%20Leli%C3%A8vre%2C%20however%2C%20has%20engineered%20a%20pioneering%2C%20sustainable%20solution.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFitted%20with%20a%20supercapacitor%3C%2Fh2%3E%0AThe%20inventor%2C%20who%20has%20a%20background%20in%20electronics%2C%20designed%20and%20patented%20an%20e-bike%20called%20Pi-Pop%2C%20one%20that%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20use%20lithium%20batteries%20but%20supercapacitors.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20system%20gets%20charged%20when%20the%20ride%20is%20easy%20and%20when%20the%20bike%20brakes%20-%20thanks%20to%20engine%20braking%20-%20the%20energy%20is%20given%20back%20when%20needed%2C%E2%80%9D%20Leli%C3%A8vre%2C%20the%20director%20of%20STEE%2C%20the%20company%20behind%20the%20bike%2C%20told%20Euronews%20Next.%0A%0ATo%20put%20it%20simply%2C%20a%20supercapacitor%20works%20by%20stocking%20energy%20in%20an%20electrostatic%20way%2C%20or%20by%20way%20of%20a%20slow-moving%20charge.%20In%20contrast%2C%20a%20lithium%20battery%20stocks%20energy%20as%20a%20chemical%20reaction.%20In%20other%20words%2C%20a%20supercapacitor%20can%20stock%20and%20release%20energy%20very%20quickly%20when%20it%20is%20needed.%20In%20the%20case%20of%20its%20bike%2C%20it%20means%20stocking%20energy%20when%20the%20person%20pedals%20or%20brakes%20and%20using%20it%20to%20assist%20more%20difficult%20actions%20like%20restarting%20or%20uphill%20riding.%0A%0ALelievre%20estimates%20that%20the%20assistance%20offered%20to%20the%20rider%20by%20the%20bike%E2%80%99s%20supercapacitors%20is%20enough%20to%20handle%20an%20elevation%20gain%20of%2050%20m%20if%20charged%20on%20a%20flat%20beforehand%2C%20making%20it%20suitable%20for%20around%2080%20per%20cent%20of%20European%20cities.%0A%0AThe%20concept%20of%20a%20supercapacitor%20is%20not%20a%20new%20innovation%20in%20itself%3B%20the%20first%20ones%20were%20manufactured%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%201970s.%20Today%2C%20they%20are%20used%20in%20photovoltaic%20systems%20(such%20as%20solar%20panels)%2C%20digital%20cameras%20and%20some%20hybrid%20or%20electric%20vehicles%20to%20improve%20their%20performance.%0A%0AIt%20made%20sense%20for%20Leli%C3%A8vre%20to%20use%20the%20technology%20in%20bikes.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3E'A%20symbol%20of%20sobriety'%3C%2Fh2%3E%0AAccording%20to%20him%2C%20the%2020%20kg%20Pi-Pop%20%22really%20is%20a%20symbol%20of%20sobriety%22.%0A%0A%22Always%20wanting%20more%2C%20meaning%20wanting%20to%20go%20faster%2C%20adding%20more%20energy%E2%80%A6%20this%20is%20a%20dead-end%2C%22%20he%20said.%0A%0ANo%20rare%20earth%20materials%20are%20used%20in%20the%20bike%E2%80%99s%20production%20as%20supercapacitors%20are%20made%20of%20carbon%2C%20conducting%20polymer%2C%20aluminium%20foils%2C%20and%20pulp%20-%20materials%20for%20which%20recycling%20processes%20already%20exist.%0A%0AThere%20is%20no%20need%20to%20wait%20for%20the%20bike%20to%20charge%20either%2C%20another%20perk%20compared%20to%20the%20classic%20e-bikes.%20The%20company%20also%20claims%20that%20the%20supercapacitor's%20lifetime%20ranges%20from%2010%20to%2015%20years%20compared%20to%20five%20or%20six%20for%20a%20lithium%20battery.%0A%0AThe%20bike%20-%20now%20a%20third-generation%20design%20-%20is%20currently%20assembled%20in%20Orl%C3%A9ans.%20Being%20locally%20produced%20in%20his%20native%20France%20was%20important%20for%20Leli%C3%A8vre%20whose%20career%20was%20built%20in%20the%20French%20electronics%20industry.%0A%0A%22I%20think%20we%20can't%20innovate%20if%20we%20lose%20control%20of%20production%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22When%20we%20talk%20about%20sustainable%20development%2C%20ecological%20transition%2C%20and%20energy%20transition%2C%20we%20need%20to%20provide%20the%20jobs%2C%22%20added%20Lelievre%20whose%20company%20employs%2025%20people.%0A%0ACurrently%2C%20Pi-Pop%20produces%20100%20bikes%20a%20month.%20In%20the%20future%2C%20the%20company%20aims%20to%20to%20produce%20a%20thousand%20bikes%20monthly%20by%202024.%0A%0ALeli%C3%A8vre%20also%20has%20European%20ambitions.%0A%0A%22In%202025%2C%20we%20want%20to%20target%20the%20European%20market%2C%20we%20are%20currently%20discussing%20potential%20fundraising%2C%22%20he%20said.%0A%0ACracking%20this%20nut%20could%20be%20a%20huge%20opportunity%20for%20the%20company%20as%20the%20EU%20imported%201.2%20million%20e-bikes%20and%205.2%20million%20non-electric%20ones%20(five%20times%20the%20amount%20exported)%2C%20according%20to%20EU%20data%20agency%20Eurostat.

The first e-bike that doesn’t need a battery

The%20coastline%20of%20Norway%20is%20composed%20of%20hundreds%20of%20fjords%20%E2%80%94%20long%2C%20narrow%20sea%20inlets%20with%20steep%20cliffs%20created%20by%20glaciers.%20The%20fjords%20attract%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20tourists%20each%20year%2C%20most%20of%20them%20on%20cruise%20ships%20that%20burn%20heavy%20bunker%20oil%2C%20some%20of%20the%20dirtiest%20fuel%20there%20is.%20That%E2%80%99s%20a%20problem.%20Cruise%20ships%20today%20are%20self-contained%20floating%20cities.%20They%20generate%20their%20own%20electricity%2C%20have%20kitchens%20that%20feed%20up%20to%205000%20people%20three%20times%20a%20day%2C%20and%20have%20their%20own%20desalinization%20equipment%20and%20wastewater%20treatment%20systems%20on%20board%20%E2%80%94%20all%20of%20it%20powered%20by%20diesel%20fuel.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Transport%20and%20Environment%2C%20in%202017%2C%20Carnival%2C%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20luxury%20cruise%20operator%2C%20emitted%20nearly%2010%20times%20more%20sulfur%20oxide%20along%20the%20coasts%20of%20Europe%20than%20all%20260%20million%20million%20cars%20on%20the%20Continent.%20Royal%20Caribbean%2C%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20second%20largest%20cruise%20line%2C%20was%20second%20with%20four%20times%20the%20sulfur%20emissions%20of%20the%20European%20car%20fleet.%20SOx%20emissions%20form%20sulphate%20(SO4)%20aerosols%20that%20increase%20human%20health%20risks%20and%20contribute%20to%20acidification%20in%20terrestrial%20and%20aquatic%20environments.%0A%0AFaig%20Abbasov%2C%20shipping%20policy%20manager%20at%20T%26E%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CLuxury%20cruise%20ships%20are%20floating%20cities%20powered%20by%20some%20of%20the%20dirtiest%20fuel%20possible.%20Cities%20are%20rightly%20banning%20dirty%20diesel%20cars%20but%20they%E2%80%99re%20giving%20a%20free%20pass%20to%20cruise%20companies%20that%20spew%20out%20toxic%20fumes%20that%20do%20immeasurable%20harm%20both%20to%20those%20on%20board%20and%20on%20nearby%20shores.%20This%20is%20unacceptable.%20There%20are%20enough%20mature%20technologies%20to%20clean%20up%20cruise%20ships.%20Shore-side%20electricity%20can%20help%20cut%20in-port%20emissions%2C%20batteries%20are%20a%20solution%20for%20shorter%20distances%20and%20hydrogen%20technology%20can%20power%20even%20the%20biggest%20cruise%20ships.%20The%20cruise%20sector%20are%20apparently%20not%20willing%20to%20make%20the%20shift%20voluntarily%2C%20so%20we%20need%20governments%20to%20step%20in%20and%20mandate%20zero%20emission%20standards.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20government%20of%20Norway%20agrees%20that%20the%20emissions%20from%20these%20hulking%20cruise%20ships%20are%20not%20good%20for%20the%20health%20of%20the%20fjords%20and%20the%20people%20who%20live%20near%20them.%20Starting%20in%202026%2C%20only%20ships%20powered%20by%20alternative%20fuels%20will%20be%20allowed%20to%20visit%20Norway%E2%80%99s%20fjords.%20Lawmakers%20want%20to%20protect%20the%20unique%20natural%20environment%20and%20stop%20marine%20diesel%20oil%20and%20mass%20tourism%20from%20damaging%20the%20climate.%20Some%20ships%20are%20now%20powered%20by%20LNG%2C%20but%20that%20will%20no%20longer%20qualify%20as%20an%20acceptable%20fuel%20for%20cruise%20ships%20visiting%20the%20fjords%20of%20Norway.%0A%0AThis%20opens%20up%20major%20opportunities%20for%20sustainable%20cruising%20and%20new%20solutions%2C%20claims%20Business%20Norway.%20In%202023%2C%20nearly%205%20million%20cruise%20ship%20passengers%20visited%20Norway%2C%20which%20has%20made%20a%20major%20environmental%20impact%20on%20the%20country.%20According%20to%20the%20Western%20Norway%20Research%20Institute%2C%20cruise%20ships%20in%20Norway%20consume%20about%20170%20million%20liters%20of%20fuel%20a%20year%2C%20equivalent%20to%20about%203%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20overall%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions.%20Most%20of%20the%20fuel%20is%20burned%20at%20sea%2C%20but%20around%2020%20per%20cent%20%E2%80%94%20or%20nearly%2034%20million%20liters%20%E2%80%94%20is%20burned%20while%20the%20ships%20are%20in%20port%20or%20visiting%20fjords.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EDecarbonizing%20The%20Fjords%20Of%20Norway%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThere%20are%20few%20places%20where%20this%20is%20more%20apparent%20than%20in%20the%20Geirangerfjord.%20The%20fjord%20receives%20around%20800%2C000%20visitors%20a%20year%2C%2040%25%20of%20them%20on%20cruise%20ships.%20Growth%20is%20expected%20to%20continue%20unabated%2C%20despite%20the%20fact%20that%20the%20Norwegian%20Maritime%20Authority%20has%20warned%20that%20air%20quality%20will%20be%20downright%20hazardous%20at%20times%20in%20the%20narrow%20fjord.%0A%0ATo%20tackle%20these%20environmental%20challenges%2C%20the%20Norwegian%20parliament%20has%20introduced%20new%20requirements%20stipulating%20that%20all%20cruise%20ships%20and%20ferries%20in%20World%20Heritage%20fjords%20must%20be%20emission%20free%20from%202026.%20The%20Government%20is%20also%20seeking%20to%20halve%20emissions%20from%20domestic%20shipping%20and%20fisheries%20by%202030.%20Meeting%20these%20requirements%20will%20require%20tr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Norway bans polluting cruise ships

It%20isn%E2%80%99t%20yet%20known%20how%20many%20flights%20will%20actually%20be%20impacted%20by%20restrictions.%0A%0ASpain%20is%20banning%20some%20short-haul%20domestic%20flights%20as%20part%20of%20its%20plan%20to%20reduce%20carbon%20emissions.%0A%0AFlights%20with%20a%20rail%20alternative%20that%20takes%20less%20than%20two%20and%20a%20half%20hours%20will%20no%20longer%20be%20allowed%2C%20%E2%80%9Cexcept%20in%20cases%20of%20connection%20with%20hub%20airports%20that%20link%20with%20international%20routes%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AThe%20restriction%20is%20part%20of%20an%20agreement%20made%20in%20Congress%20by%20Spain%E2%80%99s%20coalition%20government.%20The%20country%20has%20been%20considering%20a%20ban%20since%202021%20as%20part%20of%20its%202050%20climate%20action%20plan.%0A%0AIt%20comes%20after%20the%20French%20government%20officially%20banned%20domestic%20flights%20for%20journeys%20that%20can%20be%20made%20in%20less%20than%20two%20and%20a%20half%20hours%20by%20train%20in%20May%202023.%0A%0AThe%20text%20agreed%20by%20the%20two%20political%20parties%20-%20PSOE%20and%20Sumar%20-%20also%20seeks%20to%20analyse%20the%20potential%20impact%20of%20restricting%20private%20jet%20use%20and%20a%20European%20Union%20directive%20on%20taxing%20energy%20products%2C%20including%20kerosene%20which%20is%20used%20as%20an%20aviation%20fuel.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EWhat%20impact%20will%20the%20short-haul%20flight%20ban%20have%3F%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AInitially%2C%20Sumar%20leader%20Yolanda%20D%C3%ADaz%E2%80%99s%20draft%20proposal%20included%20getting%20rid%20of%20short-haul%20flights%20with%20rail%20alternatives%20of%20less%20than%20four%20hours%20but%20this%20has%20now%20been%20reduced%20to%20two%20and%20a%20half%20hours.%0A%0AThe%20initial%20draft%20proposal%20would%20have%20saved%20up%20to%20300%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20CO2%20and%2050%2C000%20flights%20per%20year%2C%20according%20to%20a%20study%20released%20last%20year%20by%20Ecologistas%20en%20Acci%C3%B3n.%20The%20coalition%20of%20environmental%20groups%20said%20that%2011%20air%20routes%20could%20be%20replaced%20by%20train%20journeys%20under%20four%20hours%2C%20slashing%20Spain%E2%80%99s%20CO2%20emissions%20by%20nearly%2010%20per%20cent.%0A%0AThe%20report%20mainly%20looked%20at%20flights%20to%20and%20from%20Madrid%20-%20many%20of%20which%20are%20unlikely%20to%20be%20included%20in%20the%20current%20ban%20as%20it%20is%20an%20international%20airport.%20%0A%0AAs%20was%20the%20case%20with%20measures%20introduced%20in%20France%2C%20the%20number%20of%20flights%20actually%20impacted%20by%20the%20measures%20could%20be%20minimal.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EShort-haul%20flight%20ban%20criticised%20as%20%E2%80%98ineffective%E2%80%99%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AOpposition%20parties%20PP%20and%20Vox%20are%20against%20a%20ban%20with%20the%20latter%20saying%20it%20would%20make%20Spain%20%E2%80%9Cless%20competitive%E2%80%9D.%0A%0APP%20member%20Guillermo%20Mariscal%20explained%20that%20he%20believes%20the%20initiative%20is%20%E2%80%9Cineffective%E2%80%9D%20because%20it%20would%20only%20result%20in%20a%200.06%20per%20cent%20reduction%20in%20emissions%20according%20to%20data%20from%20the%20College%20of%20Aircraft%20Engineers%20(COIAE).%0A%0ALast%20year%20COIAE%20shared%20a%20statement%20expressing%20its%20disagreement%20with%20a%20plan%20to%20cut%20flights%20of%20under%20three%20hours%2C%20claiming%20it%20would%20have%20almost%20zero%20impact%20on%20carbon%20emissions.%20It%20said%20that%20%E2%80%9Cin%20the%20face%20of%20such%20reduced%20benefits%2C%20the%20damage%20that%20would%20be%20caused%20to%20the%20air%20transport%20industry%20in%20Spain%20will%20be%20considerable%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AIt%20isn%E2%80%99t%20yet%20clear%20when%20measures%20will%20be%20introduced%20or%20which%20routes%20will%20be%20affected.%20The%20ban%20will%20need%20to%20go%20through%20several%20more%20stages%20of%20amendments%20before%20it%20can%20be%20approved%20by%20the%20Senate%20and%20finally%20become%20law.

Spain Banning Some Short-Haul Domestic Flights

A%20train%20powered%20by%20a%20hydrogen%20fuel%20cell%20travelled%20nearly%203%2C000km%20without%20refuelling%2C%20landing%20it%20a%20place%20in%20the%20Guinness%20World%20Records%20database%2C%20the%20manufacturer%20of%20the%20train%20revealed%20.%0A%0AThe%20Flirt%20H2%20model%2C%20made%20by%20Swiss%20trainmaker%20Stadler%2C%20travelled%201%2C741%20miles%20(2%2C803km)%20on%20a%20test%20track%20in%20Colorado%2C%20over%20the%20course%20of%2046%20hours%20on%20the%20evening%20of%2020%20March%20and%20throughout%20the%20night%20and%20following%20day.%0A%0AThe%20train%20started%20the%20test%20with%20a%20full%20tank%20and%20did%20not%20refuel%2C%20with%20drivers%20from%20Stadler%20and%20Ensco%20taking%20it%20in%20turns%20to%20operate%20the%20machine%20throughout%20the%20world%20record%20attempt.%0A%0AGuinness%20World%20Records%20certified%20the%20effort%20as%20the%20longest%20distance%20travelled%20by%20a%20hydrogen-powered%20multi-car%20passenger%20train%20on%20a%20single%20tank.%0A%0AThe%202%2C803km%20distance%20is%20over%20six%20times%20the%20advertised%20range%20of%20460km%20for%20the%20Flirt%20H2%20%E2%80%94%20which%20takes%2030%20minutes%20to%20refuel%20%E2%80%94%20however%20this%20is%20likely%20a%20reflection%20of%20the%20fact%20that%20the%20manufacturer%20was%20able%20to%20optimise%20the%20train%E2%80%99s%20operation%20on%20the%20test%20track%2C%20without%20the%20need%20to%20stop%20and%20start%2C%20or%20travel%20on%20an%20incline.%0A%0AIn%202022%2C%20the%20hydrogen-powered%20Coradia%20iLint%2C%20travelled%201%2C175km%20without%20refuelling%20during%20the%20course%20of%20normal%20operation%20in%20Germany%2C%20manufacturer%20Alstom%20reported%20at%20the%20time.%0A%0AStadler%20did%20not%20reveal%20any%20details%20of%20the%20size%20of%20the%20fuel%20cells%20fitted%20to%20the%20record-breaking%20train%2C%20however%20the%20Flirt%20H2%20model%20supplied%20to%20the%20San%20Bernadino%20County%20Transportation%20Authority%20(SBCTA)%20in%20California%20this%20year%20%E2%80%94%20set%20to%20be%20the%20US%E2%80%99s%20first%20hydrogen%20train%20%E2%80%94%20is%20fitted%20with%2012%20fuel%20cells%20of%20100kW%20each%2C%20implying%20an%20overall%20hydrogen%20powertrain%20of%201.2MW.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20world%20record%20establishes%20the%20ideal%20performance%20range%20of%20our%20hydrogen%20version%20of%20the%20best-selling%20Flirt%20Electric%20Multiple%20Unit%2C%20the%20Flirt%20H2%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ansgar%20Brockmeyer%2C%20executive%20vice-president%20of%20marketing%20and%20sales%20at%20Stadler%20said.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20track%20earmarked%20for%20the%20two-car%20Flirt%20H2%20by%20SBCTA%20is%20not%20long-distance%20%E2%80%94%20the%20train%20will%20instead%20operate%20along%20a%2014km%20route.%0A%0AThe%20train%20is%20currently%20undergoing%20testing%20ahead%20of%20its%20scheduled%20entry-into-service%20this%20year.%0A%0AThe%20state%20of%20California%20has%20since%20ordered%20four%20four-car%20hydrogen%20fuel%20cell%20trains%20from%20Stadler%20for%20the%20California%20State%20Transportation%20Agency%2C%20with%20the%20option%20to%20order%20a%20further%20six%20in%202024.%0A%0AHydrogen%20Insight%20reached%20out%20to%20Stadler%20for%20further%20information%20but%20had%20not%20received%20a%20response%20at%20the%20time%20of%20publication.

Hydrogen train sets world record

European%20Union%20countries%20gave%20their%20final%20approval%20on%20Monday%20to%20a%20law%20to%20cut%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecohubmap.com%2Fstatistics%2Fgreenhouse-gases%2Fcarbon-dioxide-emission%22%3Ecarbon%20dioxide%20emissions%3C%2Fa%3E%20from%20trucks%2C%20which%20will%20require%20most%20new%20heavy-duty%20vehicles%20sold%20in%20the%20EU%20from%202040%20to%20be%20emissions-free.%0A%0AThe%20law%20will%20enforce%20a%2090%25%20cut%20in%20CO2%20emissions%20from%20new%20heavy-duty%20vehicles%20by%202040.%20That%20means%20manufacturers%20will%20have%20to%20sell%20a%20large%20share%20of%20fully%20CO2-free%20trucks%20-%20including%20electric%20vehicles%20and%20those%20running%20on%20hydrogen%20fuel%20-%20to%20offset%20any%20remaining%20sales%20of%20new%20CO2-emitting%20vehicles%20in%202040.%0A%0AMost%20trucks%20on%20Europe's%20roads%20currently%20run%20on%20diesel%2C%20which%20produces%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20and%20air%20pollutants%20linked%20to%20lung%20cancer%20and%20respiratory%20diseases.%20Heavy-duty%20vehicles%20produce%20a%20quarter%20of%20Europe's%20road%20transport%20emissions.%0A%0ATruck%20manufacturers%20will%20also%20have%20to%20reduce%20the%20CO2%20emissions%20of%20their%20fleets%20by%2045%25%20by%202030%20-%20replacing%20an%20existing%2030%25%20target%20-%20and%2065%25%20by%202035.%0A%0AFrom%202030%2C%2090%25%20of%20new%20urban%20buses%20sold%20in%20the%20EU%20will%20be%20required%20to%20have%20zero%20emissions%2C%20rising%20to%20100%25%20in%202035.%0A%0AEuropean%20autos%20group%20ACEA%20has%20described%20the%20EU%20policy%20as%20the%20world's%20most%20ambitious%2C%20and%20said%20the%20targets%20will%20only%20be%20met%20if%20governments%20match%20them%20with%20a%20rapid%20roll-out%20of%2050%2C000%20truck-suitable%20public%20electric%20charging%20points%20by%202030.%0A%0AThe%20EU's%20truck%20CO2%20policy%20has%20now%20won%20approval%20from%20EU%20countries%20and%20the%20EU%20Parliament%2C%20meaning%20it%20can%20pass%20into%20law.%0A%0AThat%20is%20despite%20recent%20complaints%20from%20Germany%20and%20centre-right%20EU%20lawmakers%2C%20who%20had%20wanted%20the%20policy%20to%20allow%20more%20combustion%20engine%20trucks%20to%20be%20sold%20beyond%202040%20if%20they%20ran%20on%20CO2-neutral%20fuels.%0A%0AIn%20Monday's%20vote%2C%20only%20Italy%2C%20Poland%20and%20Slovakia%20opposed%20the%20policy%2C%20while%20the%20Czech%20Republic%20abstained%2C%20an%20EU%20official%20told%20Reuters.%0A%0ATo%20win%20Germany's%20backing%2C%20EU%20countries%20last%20month%20added%20a%20preamble%20to%20the%20law%20which%20said%20the%20European%20Commission%20would%20consider%20developing%20rules%20in%20future%20to%20count%20trucks%20running%20on%20CO2%20neutral%20fuels%20towards%20the%20targets.

EU approve law to slash trucks' CO2 emissions

The%20ferry%20can%20travel%20about%20550%20kilometres%20and%20operate%20for%2016%20hours%20before%20it%20needs%20to%20refuel.%0A%0AThe%20world's%20first%20hydrogen-powered%20commercial%20passenger%20ferry%20will%20start%20operating%20on%20San%20Francisco%20Bay%20as%20part%20of%20plans%20to%20phase%20out%20diesel-powered%20vessels%20and%20reduce%20planet-warming%20carbon%20emissions%2C%20California%20officials%20said%20Friday%2C%20demonstrating%20the%20ship.%0A%0AThe%2021-metre%20catamaran%20called%20the%20MV%20Sea%20Change%20will%20transport%20up%20to%2075%20passengers%20along%20the%20waterfront%20between%20Pier%2041%20and%20the%20downtown%20San%20Francisco%20ferry%20terminal%20starting%2019%20July%2C%20officials%20said.%20The%20service%20will%20be%20free%20for%20six%20months%20while%20it's%20being%20run%20as%20part%20of%20a%20pilot%20program.%0A%0A%22The%20implications%20for%20this%20are%20huge%20because%20this%20isn't%20its%20last%20stop%2C%22%20said%20Jim%20Wunderman%2C%20chair%20of%20the%20San%20Francisco%20Bay%20Area%20Water%20Emergency%20Transportation%20Authority%2C%20which%20runs%20commuter%20ferries%20across%20the%20bay.%20%0A%0A%22If%20we%20can%20operate%20this%20successfully%2C%20there%20are%20going%20to%20be%20more%20of%20these%20vessels%20in%20our%20fleet%20and%20in%20other%20folks'%20fleets%20in%20the%20United%20States%20and%20we%20think%20in%20the%20world.%22%0A%0A%3Cb%3ECould%20this%20technology%20help%20clean%20up%20shipping%3F%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ASea%20Change%20can%20travel%20about%20550%20kilometres%20and%20operate%20for%2016%20hours%20before%20it%20needs%20to%20refuel.%20The%20fuel%20cells%20produce%20electricity%20by%20combining%20oxygen%20and%20hydrogen%20in%20an%20electrochemical%20reaction%20that%20emits%20water%20as%20a%20by-product.%0A%0AThe%20technology%20could%20help%20clean%20up%20the%20shipping%20industry%2C%20which%20produces%20nearly%203%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20world's%20total%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%2C%20officials%20said.%20That's%20less%20than%20from%20cars%2C%20trucks%2C%20rail%20or%20aviation%20but%20still%20a%20lot%20-%20and%20it's%20rising.%0A%0AFrank%20Wolak%2C%20president%20and%20CEO%20of%20the%20Fuel%20Cell%20%26%20Hydrogen%20Energy%20Association%2C%20said%20the%20ferry%20is%20meaningful%20because%20it's%20hard%20to%20reduce%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20from%20vessels.%0A%0A%22The%20real%20value%20of%20this%20is%20when%20you%20multiply%20out%20by%20the%20number%20of%20ferries%20operating%20around%20the%20world%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22There's%20great%20potential%20here.%20This%20is%20how%20you%20can%20start%20chipping%20away%20at%20the%20carbon%20intensity%20of%20your%20ports.%22%0A%0ABackers%20also%20hope%20hydrogen%20fuel%20cells%20could%20eventually%20power%20container%20ships.%0A%0AThe%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%2C%20which%20regulates%20commercial%20shipping%2C%20wants%20to%20halve%20its%20greenhouse%20gas%20releases%20by%20mid-century.%0A%0AAs%20fossil%20fuel%20emissions%20continue%20warming%20Earth's%20atmosphere%2C%20the%20Biden%20administration%20is%20turning%20to%20hydrogen%20as%20an%20energy%20source%20for%20vehicles%2C%20manufacturing%20and%20generating%20electricity.%20It%20has%20been%20offering%20%248%20billion%20(%E2%82%AC7.3%20billion)%20to%20entice%20the%20nation's%20industries%2C%20engineers%20and%20planners%20to%20figure%20out%20how%20to%20produce%20and%20deliver%20clean%20hydrogen.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EHydrogen%20poses%20its%20own%20climate%20risks%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AEnvironmental%20groups%20say%20hydrogen%20presents%20its%20own%20pollution%20and%20climate%20risks.%0A%0AFor%20now%2C%20the%20hydrogen%20that%20is%20produced%20globally%20each%20year%2C%20mainly%20for%20refineries%20and%20fertiliser%20manufacturing%2C%20is%20made%20using%20natural%20gas.%20%0A%0AThat%20process%20warms%20the%20planet%20rather%20than%20saving%20it.%20Indeed%2C%20a%20new%20study%20by%20researchers%20from%20Cornell%20and%20Stanford%20universities%20found%20that%20most%20hydrogen%20production%20emits%20carbon%20dioxide%2C%20which%20means%20that%20hydrogen-fuelled%20transportation%20cannot%20yet%20be%20considered%20clean%20energy.%0A%0AYet%20proponents%20of%20hydrogen-powered%20transportation%20say%20that%20in%20the%20long%20run%2C%20hydrogen%20production%20is%20destined%20to%20become%20more%20environmentally%20safe.%20They%20envision%20a%20growing%20use%20of%20electricity%20from%20wind%20and%20solar%20energy%2C%20which%20can%20separate%20hydrogen%20and%20oxygen%20in%20water.%20As%20such%20renewable%20forms%20of%20energy%20gain%20broader%20use%2C%20hydrogen%20production%20should%20become%20a%20cleaner%20and%20less%20expensive%20process.%0A%0AThe%20Sea%20Change%20project%20was%20financed%20and%20managed%20by%20the%20investment%20firm%20SWITCH%20Maritime.%20The%20vessel%20was%20constructed%20at%20Bay%20Ship%20and%20Yacht%20in%20Alameda%2C%20California%2C%20and%20All-American%20Marine%20in%20Bellingham%2C%20Washington.

First hydrogen ferry sets sail in San Francisco

The%20French%20city%20of%20Bordeaux%20has%20long%20been%20popular%20with%20cruise%20ships.%20The%20number%20of%20liners%20that%20dock%20in%20the%20city%20centre%20has%20doubled%20over%20the%20past%2010%20years.%20%0A%20%0AAuthorities%20have%20been%20seeking%20to%20reduce%20their%20presence%20in%20the%20city%20and%20previously%20managed%20to%20limit%20their%20number%20to%2040%20per%20year.%20%20%0A%20%0AHowever%2C%20mayor%20Pierre%20Hurmic%20has%20now%20said%20he%20wants%20a%20complete%20ban%20on%20cruise%20ships%20in%20the%20city%20centre.%20%20%20%0A%20%0AResidents%20have%20complained%20that%20they%20spoil%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20beauty%20and%20generate%20pollution.%20%0A%0A%3Cb%3EBordeaux%20battles%20against%20eyesore%20cruise%20ships%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%20%0ACruise%20liners%20travel%20inland%20from%20the%20Atlantic%20Ocean%20to%20Bordeaux%20via%20the%20river%20Gironde%20estuary%20and%20are%20currently%20permitted%20to%20dock%20at%20Port%20de%20la%20Lune.%20%20%0A%20%0AGiven%20that%20this%20spot%20is%20in%20the%20heart%20of%20the%20historic%20city%20and%20is%20part%20of%20the%20UNESCO%20World%20Heritage%20Site%2C%20Bordeaux%20authorities%20have%20proposed%20relocating%20the%20mooring%20site%20further%20north%20to%20an%20area%20along%20the%20right%20bank%20of%20the%20Garonne%20instead.%20%20%0A%20%0AThis%20way%2C%20ships%20would%20be%20positioned%20downstream%20from%20the%20Chaban-Delmas%20lifting%20bridge%20and%20away%20from%20the%20historic%20sites%20of%20the%20city%20centre.%20%0A%20%0AThe%20move%20comes%20after%20complaints%20that%20the%20liners%20are%20an%20eyesore%20and%20cause%20environmental%20damage.%20%20%0A%20%0A%22More%20and%20more%20people%20in%20Bordeaux%20are%20being%20disturbed%20by%20the%20arrival%20of%20cruise%20ships%20in%20the%20city%20centre%2C%20and%20it's%20becoming%20increasingly%20unpleasant%2C%22%20mayor%20Hurmic%2C%20from%20the%20Green%20Party%2C%20told%20news%20agency%20AFP.%20%20%0A%20%0AHe%20added%20that%20they%20looked%20like%20%22actual%20floating%20buildings%20in%20some%20of%20the%20most%20aesthetically%20pleasing%20parts%20of%20the%20city.%22%20%0A%20%0AOne%20Bordeaux%20resident%20told%20AFP%20that%20%22visually%2C%20they%20are%20not%20the%20most%20beautiful%2C%E2%80%9D%20while%20another%20called%20the%20ships%20%E2%80%9Cbig%20polluters%E2%80%9D%20with%20%E2%80%9Cno%20place%20in%20the%20city%20centre.%22%20%0A%20%0A%3Cb%3EBordeaux%20cruise%20ship%20ban%20meets%20resistance%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%20%0ACruise%20ship%20passengers%20bring%20income%20to%20the%20city%2C%20which%20means%20the%20proposal%20to%20shift%20the%20mooring%20site%20out%20of%20the%20centre%20has%20been%20controversial.%20%20%0A%20%0ASpeaking%20to%20regional%20newspaper%20Sud%20Ouest%20in%20July%2C%20the%20president%20of%20the%20Bordeaux-Gironde%20Chamber%20of%20Commerce%20and%20Industry%20(CCI)%2C%20Patrick%20Seguin%2C%20said%20that%20moving%20the%20docking%20site%20%22would%20have%20heavy%20consequences%20for%20Bordeaux%20trade.%22%20%0A%20%0APassengers%20flock%20to%20Bordeaux%20for%20its%20wine%20and%20can%20spend%20hundreds%20a%20day%20purchasing%20bottles.%20%20%0A%20%0AGeorges%20Simon%2C%20president%20of%20the%20Bordeaux%20Mon%20Commerce%20association%20of%20traders%20and%20artisans%2C%20told%20AFP%20that%20though%20he%20supports%20the%20environmental%20reasons%20for%20the%20move%2C%20he%20is%20still%20concerned.%20%20%0A%20%0A%22If%20tourists%20stop%20in%20Bordeaux%2C%20it's%20to%20visit%20Bordeaux.%20It's%20not%20to%20visit%20empty%20quays%20a%20few%20kilometres%20before%20the%20city%20centre.%20There%20will%20need%20to%20be%20some%20kind%20of%20solution%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%0A%20%0ALocal%20authorities%20say%20there%20will%20be%20a%20river%20shuttle%20and%20bus%20services%20to%20ferry%20passengers%20to%20the%20city%20centre.

Bordeaux's mayor to ban cruise ships downtown

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ternative%20to%20the%20then%20proposed%20bridge.%20I%20am%20delighted%20that%20this%20vision%20is%20now%20being%20realised%2C%20with%20the%20aid%20of%20Wight%20Shipyard%20building%20the%20vessel%20and%20Aqua%20Superpower%20providing%20the%20shore%20power%20connections.%0A%0A%E2%80%9COrbit%20Clipper%20is%20a%20groundbreaking%20vessel%20in%20many%20respects%2C%20not%20least%20in%20that%20it%20is%20a%20double-ended%2C%20self-docking%2C%20auto-mooring%20ferry.%20This%20has%2C%20in%20turn%2C%20required%20the%20design%20of%20a%20novel%20new%20pier%20for%20Rotherhithe%20and%20a%20pier%20extension%20for%20Canary%20Wharf.%20The%20new%20pier%20is%20designed%20with%20a%20gentle%20gradient%20to%20make%20the%20ferries%20accessible%20for%20cyclists%20and%20people%20with%20restricted%20mobility.%20Improved%20cycle%20access%20supports%20wider%20plans%20for%20e-cargo%20bike%20river%20crossings.%20Beckett%20Rankine%20is%20proud%20to%20have%20been%20responsible%20for%20the%20design%20and%20consenting%20of%20these%20pier%20works%2C%20on%20which%20construction%20is%20due%20to%20commence%20in%20January.%20As%20London%20extends%20eastward%2C%20there%20is%20an%20increasing%20need%20for%20cross-river%20pedestrian%20and%20cycle%20links%20across%20the%20Thames%2C%20so%20Orbit%20Clipper%20couldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20launching%20at%20a%20better%20time.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AMatt%20Holland%2C%20chief%20project%20engineer%2C%20Aqua%20superPower%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CAqua%20superPower%20is%20proud%20to%20contribute%20its%20marine%20fast-charging%20expertise%20to%20this%20pioneering%20project%2C%20which%20sets%20a%20benchmark%20for%20future%20initiatives.%20The%20launch%20of%20Orbit%20Clipper%20marks%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20decarbonising%20diesel%20ferries%20on%20the%20Thames%2C%20playing%20a%20vital%20role%20in%20London%E2%80%99s%20clean%20mobility%20efforts.%20Our%20involvement%20highlights%20Aqua%E2%80%99s%20commitment%20to%20marine%20electrification%20and%20cutting-edge%20infrastructure%2C%20and%20we%20are%20excited%20to%20collaborate%20with%20fellow%20industry%20leaders%20to%20drive%20this%20transformation%20forward.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AOrbit%20Clipper%20will%20replace%20the%20current%20cross-river%20ferry%20service%2C%20continuing%20to%20serve%20the%20DoubleTree%20by%20Hilton%20hotel%20in%20Rotherhithe%20and%20meeting%20the%20demands%20of%20Canary%20Wharf%E2%80%99s%20growing%20employment%20centre%20and%20burgeoning%20residential%20neighbourhoods%20on%20both%20sides%20of%20the%20river.%20A%20new%20step%20free%20pontoon%20is%20being%20built%20on%20the%20south%20side%20as%20part%20of%20the%20project%2C%20and%20the%20existing%20pier%20at%20Canary%20Wharf%20will%20be%20modified%20to%20accommodate%20the%20new%20fully%20electric%20ferry%20berth.%20This%20initiative%20has%20been%20made%20possible%20through%20partial%20sponsorship%20from%20the%20Clean%20Maritime%20Demonstration%20Competition%20Round%203%20(funded%20by%20the%20Department%20for%20Transport%20with%20Innovate%20UK)%2C%20and%20with%20project%20partners%20high-speed%20aluminium%20ship%20builder%2C%20Wight%20Shipyard%20Company%3B%20maritime%20civil%20engineering%20consultants%2C%20Beckett%20Rankine%3B%20and%20electric%20infrastructure%20specialists%2C%20Aqua%20superPower.%0A%0AFor%20over%2025%20years%2C%20Uber%20Boat%20by%20Thames%20Clippers%20has%20spearheaded%20innovations%20in%20the%20marine%20sector%2C%20consistently%20supporting%20the%20Thames%E2%80%99%20role%20in%20Greater%20London%E2%80%99s%20sustainable%20transport%20future.%20As%20part%20of%20this%20mission%2C%20the%20business%20has%20also%20been%20exploring%20advanced%20fuel%20options%2C%20including%20compressed%20hydrogen%20gas%2C%20liquid%20hydrogen%2C%20and%20methanol.

UK first zero-emission cross-river passenger ferry

In%20Barcelona%2C%20energy%20from%20train%20brakes%20that%20could%20otherwise%20be%20wasted%20is%20now%20being%20harvested%20to%20charge%20electric%20vehicles.%0A%0AAs%20part%20of%20Spain%E2%80%99s%20MetroCHARGE%20project%2C%2016%20subway%20stations%20in%20Barcelona%20use%20brake%20energy%20recuperators%20to%20redirect%20energy%20from%20the%20train%20brakes%20to%20EV%20charging%20stations%20on%20the%20streets%2C%20The%20Associated%20Press%20reported.%0A%0ARegenerative%20braking%20is%20not%20a%20new%20concept%2C%20especially%20for%20trains.%20But%20the%20move%20to%20transport%20the%20energy%20from%20the%20brakes%20through%20cables%20to%20electric%20vehicle%20chargers%20is%20an%20innovative%20way%20to%20supply%20power%20to%20charging%20stations.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20Transports%20Metropolitans%20de%20Barcelona%20(TMB)%2C%20the%20main%20transportation%20operator%20in%20Barcelona%2C%20the%20MetroCHARGE%20project%20uses%20a%20combination%20of%20the%20brake%20energy%20recuperators%20on%20select%20trains%20as%20well%20as%20five%20solar%20power%20plants%20and%20a%20combination%20of%20ultra-fast%20and%20semi-fast%20EV%20chargers%20to%20harness%20clean%20energy%20and%20create%20a%20self-sufficient%20EV%20charging%20network.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re%20trying%20to%20take%20advantage%20of%20the%20power%20that%E2%80%99s%20already%20in%20the%20metro%20system%20and%20use%20that%20spare%20energy%20to%20feed%20EV%20chargers%20on%20the%20street%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Marc%20Iglesias%2C%20head%20of%20sustainable%20mobility%20at%20%C3%80rea%20Metropolitana%20de%20Barcelona%2C%20a%20collaborator%20on%20the%20MetroCHARGE%20project%2C%20as%20reported%20by%20Grist.%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20the%20brake%20energy%20going%20to%20EV%20chargers%2C%20it%20also%20helps%20power%20nearby%20lights%20and%20passenger%20escalators%2C%20Grist%20reported.%20In%20total%2C%20the%20MetroCHARGE%20program%20meets%20all%20energy%20needs%20for%2028%20of%20163%20subway%20stations%20in%20Barcelona%2C%20The%20Associated%20Press%20reported.%20The%20project%20cost%207.3%20million%20euros%20(%247.6%20million)%2C%20an%20amount%20that%20the%20program%20is%20estimated%20to%20recover%20in%20energy%20savings%20in%20about%20four%20years.%20The%20regenerative%20braking%20system%20is%20further%20expected%20to%20save%20around%203%2C885%20metric%20tons%20of%20carbon%20dioxide%20per%20year.%0A%0AThe%20regenerative%20braking%20project%20not%20only%20provides%20cleaner%20energy%20to%20EV%20chargers%2C%20but%20it%20could%20also%20lower%20charging%20rates%20for%20users.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CSince%20the%20recharging%20stations%20are%20installed%20nearby%2C%20the%20energy%2C%20instead%20of%20being%20put%20back%20into%20the%20general%20electric%20network%2C%20goes%20directly%20to%20the%20charging%20stations%2C%20and%20that%20allows%20the%20provider%20to%20potentially%20offer%20lower%20prices%2C%E2%80%9D%20Alvaro%20Luna%2C%20a%20professor%20of%20electrical%20engineering%20at%20the%20Polytechnical%20University%20of%20Catalonia%2C%20told%20The%20Associated%20Press.%20%E2%80%9CWe%20can%20say%20that%20the%20innovation%20is%20one%20of%20urban%20planning%2C%20of%20being%20able%20to%20bring%20together%20energy%20uses%20within%20a%20city.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAbout%202.3%20million%20riders%20use%20the%20Barcelona%20metro%20system%20each%20weekday%2C%20The%20Associated%20Press%20reported%2C%20and%20locals%20and%20tourists%20take%20around%20440%20million%20trips%20on%20the%20metro%20system%20per%20year%2C%20according%20to%20Grist.%0A%0AWhile%20the%20MetroCHARGE%20project%20is%20a%20step%20in%20the%20right%20direction%20for%20greener%20transportation%20and%20energy%2C%20there%20is%20more%20work%20to%20be%20done.%20As%20The%20Associated%20Press%20reported%2C%20Spain%20missed%20its%20goal%20of%20installing%20100%2C000%20EV%20charging%20stations%20by%202021%2C%20as%20it%20has%20only%20around%2037%2C000%20now.%20The%20country%20will%20need%20to%20ramp%20up%20installations%20to%20meet%20a%20growing%20demand%20for%20EVs.%20According%20to%20Statista%2C%20demand%20for%20EVs%20in%20Spain%20is%20expected%20to%20reach%20an%20annual%20growth%20rate%20of%2014.94%25%20through%202029.

Barcelona's metro trains charge the city's EVs

The%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20carbon%20fiber%20passenger%20train%2C%20the%20CETROVO%201.0%20Carbon%20Star%20Express%2C%20has%20now%20officially%20entered%20service%20in%20China.%20Operating%20on%20Metro%20Line%201%20in%20Qingdao%2C%20East%20China%E2%80%99s%20Shandong%20Province%2C%20the%20train%20began%20transporting%20passengers%20on%20Friday%20(January%2010).%0A%0AIndependently%20developed%20by%20Chinese%20companies%2C%20the%20CETROVO%201.0%20marks%20a%20groundbreaking%20revolution%20in%20train%20technology.%20Its%20load-bearing%20structures%20(like%20the%20body%20and%20bogie%20frames)%20are%20primarily%20made%20of%20carbon%20fiber%2C%20making%20it%20lighter%20and%20more%20fuel-efficient%20than%20traditional%20all-metal%20trains.%0A%0AThe%20Metro%20Line%201%20is%20a%2037.2-mile%20stretch%20of%20railway%20with%2041%20stations%20and%20serves%20as%20a%20major%20north-south%20backbone%20line%20in%20Qingdao.%20According%20to%20the%20train%E2%80%99s%20developer%20CRRC%20Qingdao%20Sifang%20Co%2C%20CETROVO%201.0%20is%20around%2011%25%20lighter%20than%20traditional%20trains%20of%20the%20same%20size.%0A%0AThe%20train%20can%20operate%20using%207%25%20less%20energy%20due%20to%20its%20leaner%20weight.%20This%20translates%20into%20savings%20in%20carbon%20dioxide%20emissions%20of%20somewhere%20in%20the%20order%20of%20130%20tons%20every%20year.%20According%20to%20Chinese%20media%2C%20that%20is%20about%20the%20same%20as%20planting%206.7%20hectares%20(100%20acres)%20worth%20of%20trees.%0A%0A%3Cb%3ECarbon%20fiber%20trains%3A%20lighter%20and%20stronger%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ACarbon%20fibers%20are%20thin%2C%20strong%20crystalline%20carbon%20filaments.%20These%20filaments%20are%20essential%20chains%20of%20bonded%20carbon%20atoms%20that%20can%20be%20shaped%20into%20various%20forms.%20Their%20durable%20stiffness%20and%20high%20tensile%20strength%20makes%20carbon%20fibers%20ideal%20for%20manufacturing%20vehicular%20bodies%20or%20other%20structural%20elements.%0A%0AThe%20CETROVO%201.0%20Carbon%20Star%20Express%20will%20not%20only%20play%20a%20vital%20role%20in%20meeting%20China%E2%80%99s%20mass%20transportation%20needs%20but%20will%20also%20help%20reduce%20emissions%20associated%20with%20train%20travel%20in%20the%20country.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20train%E2%80%99s%20benefits%20are%20not%20limited%20to%20its%20improved%20efficiency%20and%20long-term%20sustainability.%20Carbon%20fiber%20is%2C%20pound-for-pound%2C%20about%20five%20times%20stronger%20than%20steel.%20It%20only%20weighs%20around%2025%25%20of%20the%20mass%20of%20steel%2C%20making%20it%20an%20excellent%20choice%20for%20lightweight%20rail%20vehicles.%0A%0ACarbon%20fiber%20trains%20are%20relatively%20more%20robust%20than%20steel%20ones%2C%20providing%20excellent%20impact%20resistance%20and%20extended%20structural%20lifespan.%20They%20also%20come%20with%20the%20added%20advantage%20of%20reduced%20vibration%2C%20resulting%20in%20a%20smoother%2C%20quieter%20ride%20for%20passengers.%0A%0A%3Cb%3ELight%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20tunnel%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ADevelopment%20of%20the%20CETROVO%201.0%20Carbon%20Star%20Express%20commenced%20in%202021.%20After%20years%20of%20research%20and%20development%2C%20the%20train%20finally%20underwent%20testing%20between%20July%20and%20December%20of%202024.%20In%20June%20of%202024%2C%20the%20train%20was%20able%20to%20reach%20speeds%20of%2087%20mph%20(140%20kph).%20That%20exceeded%20the%20current%20average%20speed%20of%2049.7%20mph%20(80%20kph)%20for%20Chinese%20metro%20trains.

World's 1st carbon fiber train sets off in China

Solvang%20ASA%2C%20a%20Norwegian%20shipping%20company%2C%20has%20rolled%20out%20Clipper%20Eris%2C%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20ship%20with%20a%20full-scale%20onboard%20carbon%20capture%20and%20storage%20(OCCS)%20system.%20The%20system%20will%20aid%20in%20reducing%20emissions%20by%2070%20percent%20while%20allowing%20repurposing%20of%20stored%20carbon%20in%20the%20food%20processing%20industry%2C%20a%20press%20release%20said.%20%20%0A%20%0AThe%20shipping%20industry%20is%20crucial%20for%20global%20trade%2C%20but%20powered%20by%20fossil%20fuels%20is%20a%20major%20emitter%20of%20carbon.%20Estimates%20suggest%20that%20shipping%20contributes%20to%20three%20percent%20of%20total%20man-made%20carbon%20emissions%2C%20prompting%20efforts%20to%20reduce%20this%20impact%20through%20cleaner%20fuels.%20%0A%20%0AInteresting%20Engineering%20has%20previously%20reported%20how%20battery-powered%20ships%20have%20been%20introduced%20on%20some%20routes%2C%20but%20these%20are%20very%20short%20and%20a%20minuscule%20proportion%20of%20global%20traffic.%20Hydrogen%20is%20a%20potential%20fuel%20alternative%2C%20but%20the%20technology%20still%20needs%20to%20mature%20to%20be%20deployed%20in%20real-world%20scenarios.%20%0A%0AThis%20means%20that%20the%20shipping%20industry%20needs%20to%20take%20steps%20to%20reduce%20onboard%20emissions%20while%20using%20fossil%20fuels%2C%20and%20this%20is%20where%20an%20OCCS%20system%20works.%20%20%0A%20%0A%3Cb%3EDecade%20long%20work%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%20%0AEven%20though%20the%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%20(IMO)%20adopted%20a%20resolution%20to%20reach%20net-zero%20emissions%20from%20operations%20by%202050%20only%20recently%2C%20it%20has%20implemented%20regulations%20to%20reduce%20emissions%20for%20over%20a%20decade%20now.%20%20%0A%20%0ANorwegian%20company%20Solvang%20ASA%20has%20been%20at%20the%20forefront%20of%20these%20efforts.%20In%202011%2C%20the%20company%20began%20a%20program%20to%20make%20more%20energy-efficient%20vessels%20and%20remove%20harmful%20emissions%20using%20gas%20recirculation%20modules%2C%20open-loop%20scrubbers%2C%20and%20other%20system%20improvements.%20%0A%0AIn%202021%2C%20it%20teamed%20up%20with%20CO2%20scrubber%20manufacturer%20W%C3%A4rtsil%C3%A4%20to%20develop%20a%20carbon%20capture%20and%20storage%20system%20and%20tested%20it%20on%20a%201.2%20MW%20system.%20%20%0A%20%0AIn%202023%2C%20the%20company%20received%20funding%20from%20Norwegian%20technology%20incubator%20Enova%20and%20collaborated%20with%20MAN%20Energy%20Solutions%20and%20the%20research%20institute%20SINTEF%20to%20launch%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20full-scale%20OCCS%20system%20on%20ethylene%20carrier%2C%20Clipper%20Eris.%20%0A%0A%3Cb%3EClipper%20Eris%20Pilot%20Project%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%20%0AThe%20vessel%20was%20sent%20to%20a%20dry%20dock%20in%20Singapore%20for%20a%20complete%20retrofit.%20The%20new%20onboard%20OCCS%20technology%20is%20equipped%20to%20meet%20stricter%20emission%20regulations%20that%20will%20be%20applied%20in%20the%20future.%20%0A%0AClipper%20Eris%20has%20a%20seven-megawatt%20main%20engine.%20The%20OCCS%20system%20will%20work%20with%20scrubber%20and%20exhaust%20cleaning%20systems%20to%20isolate%20carbon%20dioxide%2C%20which%20will%20be%20liquified%20for%20onboard%20storage.%20%20%0A%20%0A%E2%80%9COnboard%20carbon%20capture%20combined%20with%20existing%20cleaning%20technology%20is%20a%20significant%20shortcut%20to%20the%20decarbonization%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20deep-sea%20fleet%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Edvin%20Endresen%2C%20CEO%20of%20Solvang%20ASA%2C%20in%20a%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20stands%20out%20as%20one%20of%20the%20more%20promising%20solutions%20for%20future%20vessels.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AClipper%20Eris%20will%20leave%20the%20Singapore%20dock%20early%20in%20February%20for%20a%20two-year-long%20rigorous%20pilot%20test.%20If%20the%20test%20is%20successful%2C%20the%20company%20has%20seven%20new%20ships%20that%20are%20being%20readied%20for%20installation%20of%20the%20OCCS%20system.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CCO2%20can%20be%20recycled%20and%20used%20in%20land-based%20industries%2C%20but%20the%20global%20infrastructure%20for%20discharge%20for%20shipping%20needs%20to%20be%20developed%20fast%2C%E2%80%9D%20added%20Endresen.

World-first full-scale onboard carbon capture

Residents%20and%20visitors%20to%20Valcamonica%2C%20an%20Alpine%20region%20in%20northern%20Italy%2C%20will%20be%20able%20to%20ride%20hydrogen-powered%20trains%20from%20next%20year.%0A%0AThe%20pioneering%20project%2C%20the%20first%20of%20its%20kind%20in%20Italy%20and%20supported%20by%20an%20investment%20of%20367%20million%20euros%20(%24396%20million)%2C%20marks%20a%20significant%20adoption%20of%20hydrogen%20fuel%20for%20a%20rail%20line%2C%20despite%20the%20high%20production%20and%20operational%20costs.%0A%0AThe%20region%20currently%20uses%20polluting%20diesel%20trains%2C%20which%20will%20be%20replaced%20by%2014%20zero-emission%20hydrogen-powered%20trains%20made%20in%20Italy%20by%20a%20unit%20of%20French%20group%20Alstom%20%0A%0AThis%20fits%20with%20the%20European%20Union's%20strategy%20for%20energy%20transition%2C%20where%20green%20hydrogen%2C%20produced%20from%20water%20electrolysis%20using%20renewable%20energy%2C%20is%20set%20to%20replace%20a%20portion%20of%20fossil%20fuels%20currently%20used%20in%20transportation%20and%20power%20generation.%0A%0AAndrea%20Gibelli%2C%20chairman%20of%20transport%20company%20FNM%20(FNMI.MI)%2C%20opens%20new%20tab%2C%20controlled%20by%20the%20Lombardy%20Region%20and%20overseeing%20the%20project%2C%20acknowledges%20the%20high%20costs%20involved.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20he%20stresses%20that%20this%20is%20the%20only%20viable%20option%20for%20the%20110-kilometre%20(70%20mile)%20mountainous%20stretch%20of%20Valcamonica%2C%20which%20lies%20to%20the%20northeast%20of%20regional%20capital%20Milan.%0A%0A%22Electric%20trains%20are%20more%20cost-effective%2C%20but%20they%20require%20a%20different%20infrastructure%20and%20electrifying%20the%20line%20would%20cost%20around%20450%20million%20euros%2C%20in%20addition%20to%20the%20social%20costs%20of%20closing%20the%20line%2C%22%20Gibelli%20told%20Reuters.%0A%0AHalf%20of%20the%20investment%20in%20the%20project%20has%20been%20spent%20on%20acquiring%20the%20Coradia%20Stream%20trains%2C%20each%20of%20which%20has%20four%20carriages.%0A%0AHydrogen-fuelled%20Alstom%20trains%2C%20opens%20new%20tab%20have%20already%20been%20put%20into%20use%20in%20the%20German%20state%20of%20Lower%20Saxony.%0A%0ADespite%20hydrogen%20costing%20around%2010-15%20euros%20per%20kilogram%2C%20making%20it%20less%20competitive%20compared%20to%20other%20fuels%2C%20Gibelli%20argues%20that%20it%20is%20still%20a%20sound%20choice%20when%20considering%20the%20costs%20saved%20from%20not%20having%20to%20shift%20to%20electric%2C%20and%20the%20resulting%20ecological%20benefits.%0A%0AThe%20project%20has%20addressed%20the%20supply%20issue%20associated%20with%20hydrogen%20by%20installing%20electrolysers%20directly%20on-site%20for%20the%20production%20of%20green%20hydrogen%20using%20electricity%20from%20renewable%20sources%2C%20Gibelli%20added.%0A%0ATravellers%20will%20not%20see%20an%20increase%20in%20fares%20as%20the%20project%20costs%20are%20ringfenced.%20Funding%20is%20being%20provided%20by%20the%20regional%20government%20and%20from%20the%20EU-backed%20post-COVID%20Recovery%20and%20Resilience%20Plan%20(PNRR).%20(%241%20%3D%200.9273%20euros)

Northern Italy launches hydrogen trains

Countries%20have%20agreed%20to%20put%20a%20price%20on%20emissions%20from%20international%20shipping%2C%20one%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20biggest%20and%20most%20polluting%20industries.%0A%0AThe%20decision%2C%20made%20at%20the%20United%20Nations'%20shipping%20talks%20in%20London%20on%20Friday%2C%20marks%20the%20first%20time%20an%20entire%20global%20sector%20will%20be%20subjected%20to%20an%20international%20carbon%20pricing%20mechanism.%0A%0AStarting%20in%202028%2C%20ships%20will%20have%20to%20pay%20a%20fee%20if%20their%20emissions%20exceed%20certain%20limits.%20The%20measure%20is%20part%20of%20a%20broader%20plan%20to%20reduce%20shipping%20emissions%20to%20net%20zero%20by%20around%202050.%0A%0AShipping%20accounts%20for%20roughly%203%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20total%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20%E2%80%93%20about%20the%20same%20as%20Germany%20or%20Japan.%20The%20Paris%20climate%20agreement%2C%20which%20lays%20down%20climate%20targets%20for%20the%20entire%20world%2C%20did%20not%20include%20mechanisms%20to%20control%20emissions%20from%20shipping.%0A%0ABecause%20it%20crosses%20borders%20and%20operates%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of%20individual%20nations%2C%20it%20has%20long%20been%20difficult%20to%20regulate.%20So%20the%20agreement%20is%20being%20seen%20as%20a%20historic%20step.%20But%20experts%20and%20climate-vulnerable%20nations%20say%20the%20agreement%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20go%20far%20enough%20to%20deliver%20real%20cuts%20this%20decade%20to%20limit%20global%20heating%20by%201.5C%2C%20or%20provide%20enough%20funding%20for%20a%20fair%20transition.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20the%20first%20global%2C%20industry-wide%20fee%20on%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%2C%E2%80%9D%20Emma%20Fenton%2C%20senior%20director%20of%20climate%20diplomacy%20at%20Opportunity%20Green%2C%20told%20The%20Independent.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CSymbolically%2C%20it%20marks%20a%20shift%20towards%20strong%20global%20climate%20governance%20and%20sets%20a%20crucial%20precedent%20for%20pricing%20emissions%20in%20other%20sectors%2C%20like%20aviation.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AHowever%2C%20Ms%20Fenton%20says%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20weak%20measure%20agreed%20means%20aiming%20for%20a%20low%20bar%20and%20dragging%20our%20feet%20to%20get%20there.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%20will%20neither%20ensure%20sufficient%20emissions%20reductions%2C%20nor%20raise%20the%20revenues%20needed%20for%20a%20just%20and%20equitable%20transition.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20mechanism%20is%20expected%20to%20deliver%20just%20an%208%20per%20cent%20reduction%20in%20absolute%20emissions%20by%202030%2C%20according%20to%20researchers%2C%20well%20below%20the%20IMO%E2%80%99s%20own%20target%20of%2020%20per%20cent.%0A%0AWhat%20has%20been%20agreed%3F%0A%0AThe%20mechanism%20agreed%20at%20the%20IMO%20includes%20two%20emissions%20thresholds.%20Ships%20that%20exceed%20a%20lower%20baseline%20will%20pay%20a%20%24100%20per%20tonne%20fee%20on%20that%20excess.%20For%20emissions%20above%20a%20stricter%20threshold%2C%20the%20fee%20rises%20to%20%24380%20per%20tonne.%20Revenue%20raised%20%E2%80%93%20estimated%20at%20%2430%E2%80%9340%20billion%20by%202030%20%E2%80%93%20is%20expected%20to%20support%20the%20industry%E2%80%99s%20transition%20to%20cleaner%20fuels%2C%20but%20no%20firm%20commitment%20was%20made%20to%20channel%20funds%20toward%20the%20most%20vulnerable%20countries.%0A%0ACampaigners%20had%20pushed%20for%20a%20universal%20levy%20on%20all%20emissions%2C%20with%20a%20portion%20of%20revenues%20directed%20toward%20climate%20adaptation%20and%20mitigation.%20But%20that%20was%20stripped%20out%20during%20the%20negotiations.%0A%0AWhat%20happened%20at%20the%20talks%3F%0A%0AA%20majority%20of%20countries%20%E2%80%93%20over%2060%2C%20led%20by%20Pacific%20island%20nations%20%E2%80%93%20called%20for%20a%20straightforward%20carbon%20tax%2C%20a%20price%20per%20tonne%20of%20emissions.%20Proponents%20say%20this%20would%20have%20offered%20predictability%2C%20fairness%2C%20and%20incentives%20for%20the%20industry%20to%20shift%20away%20from%20fossil%20fuels.%0A%0ABut%20others%2C%20including%20China%2C%20Brazil%2C%20South%20Africa%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia%2C%20pushed%20for%20a%20credit-trading%20system.%20In%20that%20model%2C%20ships%20that%20emit%20less%20than%20a%20set%20amount%20could%20sell%20credits%20to%20more%20polluting%20vessels.%20Critics%20argued%20this%20approach%20could%20allow%20richer%20companies%20to%20simply%20buy%20their%20way%20out%20of%20meaningful%20reductions.%0A%0AEventually%2C%20a%20compromise%20deal%20was%20passed%20by%20nations%20on%20Friday%20with%2063%20countries%20in%20favour%2C%2016%20against%2C%20and%2025%20abstaining.%0A%0AAmong%20the%20abstentions%20were%20many%20of%20the%20small%20island%20nations%20that%20helped%20push%20for%20the%20agreement%20in%20the%20first%20place.%20Countries%20like%20Tuvalu%2C%20Vanuatu%2C%20Fiji%20and%20the%20Marshall%20Islands%20said%20they%20were%20sidelined%20in%20key%20discussions%20and%20expressed%20alarm%20over%20the%20final%20shape%20of%20the%20deal%20%E2%80%93%20particularly%20the%20lack%20of%20guaranteed%20support%20for%20a%20just%20and%20equitable%20transition.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CLet%20us%20be%20clear%20about%20who%20has%20abandoned%201.5C%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Ralph%20Regenvanu%2C%20Vanuatu%E2%80%99s%20climate%20minister.%20%E2%80%9CSaudi%20Arabia%2C%20the%20US%20and%20fossil%20fuel%20allies%20pushed%20down%20the%20numbers%20to%20an%20untenable%20level%20and%20blocked%20progress%20at%20every%20turn.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AWhile%20not%20physically%20present%20at%20the%20negotiations%2C%20the%20United%20States%20was%20still%20widely%20seen%20as%20a%20disruptive%20force.%20Under%20the%20Trump%20administration%2C%20the%20US%20sent%20letters%20to%20member%20states%20urging%20them%20to%20reject%20any%20pricing%20mechanism%20that%20could%20affect%20American%20ships%2C%20warning%20of%20%E2%80%9Creciprocal%20measures%E2%80%9D%20and%20claiming%20the%20fee%20would%20harm%20trade%20and%20fuel%20inflation.%0A%0ACampaigners%20say%20it%E2%80%99s%20not%20just%20the%20US%2C%20but%20rich%20countries%20have%20been%20slowing%20down%20the%20talks.%0A%0AAndreas%20Sieber%2C%20associate%20director%20of%20global%20policy%20and%20campaigns%20at%20350.org%2C%20said%20before%20the%20final%20outcome%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Trump%20administration%E2%80%99s%20threats%20to%20other%20countries%20are%20shameful%2C%20but%20let%E2%80%99s%20be%20clear%3A%20the%20real%20threat%20to%20progress%20is%20the%20EU%E2%80%99s%20low%20ambition.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AFollowing%20the%20talks%2C%20he%20said%20small%20island%20nations%20deserved%20credit%20for%20pushing%20the%20deal%20forward%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThey%20showed%20real%20courage%2C%20vision%2C%20and%20diplomatic%20agility%E2%80%94punching%20far%20above%20their%20weight%20to%20push%20for%20progress%20even%20as%20powerful%20economies%20blocked%20the%20path%20forward.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20carbon%20pricing%2C%20the%20IMO%20designated%20the%20North%20East%20Atlantic%20as%20a%20new%20Emission%20Control%20Area%20to%20reduce%20air%20pollution%20from%20ships.%20It%20also%20took%20steps%20toward%20designating%20marine%20reserves%20in%20Peru%20as%20Particularly%20Sensitive%20Sea%20Areas.%20But%20negotiations%20on%20fuel%20efficiency%20standards%20failed%20to%20deliver%20stronger%20near-term%20targets%2C%20prompting%20concern%20among%20environmental%20groups.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20a%20blow%20to%20climate-vulnerable%20communities%20and%20species%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Sam%20Davin%2C%20WWF%E2%80%99s%20marine%20shipping%20lead.%20%E2%80%9CMore%20efficient%20ships%20burn%20less%20fuel%2C%20produce%20less%20underwater%20noise%2C%20and%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of%20whale%20strikes.%20The%20IMO%20missed%20an%20opportunity%20to%20take%20bold%20action.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWhile%20the%20targets%20agreed%20this%20week%20will%20bring%20some%20positive%20impact%20for%20marine%20protection%2C%20the%20reality%20is%20they%20remain%20far%20too%20modest%20%E2%80%93%20and%20time%20is%20running%20out.

UN approves global emissions fee for shipping

The%20UIM%20E1%20World%20Championship%20presented%20by%20PIF%2C%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20all-electric%20raceboat%20Championship%2C%20announces%20that%20Lagos%20will%20host%20the%20first%20E1%20race%20in%20the%20African%20continent%20later%20this%20year.%0A%0ATo%20be%20held%20over%20the%20weekend%20of%20October%204%20to%205%2C%20the%20Lagos%20race%20will%20mark%20an%20important%20milestone%20for%20the%20Championship%20as%20it%20continues%20to%20expand%20to%20already%20scheduled%20European%2C%20Middle%20Eastern%20and%20North%20American%20races.%0A%0AAs%20Africa%E2%80%99s%20largest%20city%2C%20Lagos%20is%20poised%20to%20join%20other%20iconic%20coastal%20locations%20including%20Monaco%2C%20Doha%20and%20Miami%20as%20a%20destination%20for%20the%20pioneering%20electric%20racing%20series.%0A%0AHome%20to%20an%20estimated%2021%20million%20people%2C%20Lagos%20is%20regarded%20as%20one%20of%20the%20most%20innovative%20and%20forward-thinking%20cities%20in%20Africa%2C%20embracing%20sustainable%20tourism%20and%20technology.%20The%20E1%20RaceBirds%20will%20take%20flight%20for%20the%20first%20time%20on%20African%20waters%20across%20the%20Lagos%20Lagoon.%0A%0ASet%20to%20bring%20a%20touch%20of%20glamour%20to%20the%20Nigerian%20metropolis%20as%20well%20as%20aiming%20to%20boost%20investment%20in%20Africa%2C%20the%20Championship%20features%20nine%20teams%20owned%20by%20a%20series%20of%20high-profile%20talents%20including%20African%20football%20legend%20Didier%20Drogba%2C%20NFL%20icon%20Tom%20Brady%2C%20NBA%20Champion%20Lebron%20James%2C%20Hollywood%20actor%20Will%20Smith%2C%20and%20tennis%20superstar%20Rafael%20Nadal.%20All%20are%20aligned%20with%20E1%E2%80%99s%20purpose%20of%20accelerating%20the%20development%20and%20deployment%20of%20electrified%20marine%20mobility%20and%20supporting%20the%20regeneration%20of%20coastal%20environments.%0A%0AThe%20announcement%20follows%20the%20appointment%20of%20an%20African%20consortium%20to%20promote%20the%20race%20which%20includes%20the%20Didier%20Drogba%20Foundation%2C%20Lilium%20Capital%20Group%20and%20the%20Fund%20for%20Export%20Development%20in%20Africa%20(FEDA)%20-%20the%20impact%20investment%20platform%20of%20African%20Export-Import%20Bank%20Afreximbank.

Nigeria set to host E1 race world championship 

A%20426-foot-long%20electric%20ship%20%E2%80%94%20the%20largest%20of%20its%20kind%20in%20the%20world%20%E2%80%94%20launched%20from%20Tasmania%20this%20week%2C%20marking%20a%20milestone%20in%20the%20clean%20energy%20transition%20for%20maritime%20shipping.%0A%0AThe%20Hull%20096%20boat%2C%20called%20China%20Zorrilla%20after%20the%20famous%20actress%20from%20Uruguay%2C%20was%20made%20by%20Incat%20Tasmania%20for%20operation%20by%20Buquebus.%20According%20to%20Incat%2C%20the%20battery-powered%20ship%20will%20travel%20between%20Buenos%20Aires%2C%20Argentina%20and%20Colonia%2C%20Uruguay%2C%20with%20a%20capacity%20to%20carry%20up%20to%202%2C100%20passengers%20as%20well%20as%20225%20vehicles.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Buquebus%20President%20Juan%20Carlos%20L%C3%B3pez%20Mena%2C%20Hull%20096%20was%20originally%20supposed%20to%20run%20on%20liquified%20natural%20gas%20(LNG)%20for%20fuel%2C%20but%20a%20conversation%20with%20Incat%20Chairman%20Robert%20Clifford%20lead%20to%20a%20shift%20to%20create%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20electric%20ship.%20The%20resulting%20ship%20includes%20more%20than%20250%20metric%20tons%20of%20batteries%20along%20with%2040%20megawatt-hours%20of%20capacity%20in%20the%20Energy%20Storage%20System%20(ESS)%2C%20Incat%20reported.%20Hull%20096%E2%80%99s%20ESS%20is%20four%20times%20larger%20than%20any%20similar%20maritime%20system%20in%20the%20world.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re%20not%20just%20building%20a%20ship%20%E2%80%94%20we%E2%80%99re%20building%20the%20future%2C%E2%80%9D%20Incat%20CEO%20Stephen%20Casey%20said%20in%20a%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CHull%20096%20proves%20that%20large-scale%2C%20low-emission%20transport%20solutions%20are%20not%20only%20possible%2C%20they%20are%20ready%20now.%20This%20is%20a%20proud%20day%20for%20Tasmania%20and%20for%20Australian%20manufacturing.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AFollowing%20the%20launch%2C%20Incat%20and%20its%20partners%20will%20finish%20completing%20the%20interior%20of%20Hull%20096%2C%20and%20finalizations%20will%20occur%20as%20the%20team%20prepares%20the%20boats%20for%20trials%20at%20sea%20later%20in%202025.%0A%0AThe%20International%20Energy%20Agency%20(IEA)%20determined%20that%20as%20of%202022%2C%20shipping%20accounted%20for%20about%202%25%20of%20all%20energy-related%20carbon%20emissions.%20With%20projected%20increases%20in%20shipping%20demand%20globally%2C%20transitioning%20to%20cleaner%20fuel%20sources%20for%20ships%20will%20be%20essential%20to%20minimizing%20emissions.%20%0A%0ALast%20month%2C%20countries%20in%20the%20UN%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%20(IMO)%20Marine%20Environment%20Protection%20Committee%20voted%20to%20reduce%20shipping%20emissions%20and%20aim%20for%20net-zero%20emissions%20in%20the%20shipping%20industry%20by%202050.%20The%20framework%20for%20the%20committee%E2%80%99s%20target%20will%20include%20setting%20a%20fuel%20standard%20to%20lower%20emissions%20related%20to%20marine%20fuels%20over%20time%20and%20set%20a%20fee%20that%20ships%20pay%20if%20they%20exceed%20emissions%20limits.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20Lawrence%20Berkeley%20National%20Laboratory%2C%20electric%20ships%20could%20offer%20significant%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20reductions%20compared%20to%20conventional%20ships%20that%20run%20on%20fossil%20fuels.%20In%20a%202023%20report%2C%20the%20lab%20showed%20that%20electrifying%20U.S.%20ships%20with%201%2C000%20or%20less%20gross%20tonnage%20would%20reduce%20emissions%2034%25%20to%2042%25%20by%202035%20(compared%20to%202022%20levels)%20and%2075%25%20by%202050%20while%20fully%20meeting%20trip%20demand.%0A%0AThe%20launch%20of%20the%20largest%20electric%20ship%20could%20play%20a%20part%20in%20reducing%20emissions%20globally%20if%20more%20fleet%20owners%20transition%20to%20electric-powered%20ships%20in%20the%20future.%0A%0ARoger%20Holm%2C%20president%20of%20W%C3%A4rtsil%C3%A4%20Marine%20and%20executive%20vice%20president%20at%20W%C3%A4rtsil%C3%A4%20Corporation%20that%20collaborated%20on%20Hull%20096%2C%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9CFerries%20play%20a%20vital%20role%20in%20meeting%20the%20growing%20demand%20for%20environmentally%20sustainable%20transport%20options%2C%20with%20ship%20electrification%20a%20key%20solution%20for%20enabling%20the%20sector%20to%20transition%20towards%20net-zero%20emissions.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A

World's largest electric ship launches in Tasmania

A%20groundbreaking%20step%20in%20green%20transport%20is%20set%20to%20reshape%20travel%20across%20the%20Baltic%20Sea.%20Viking%20Line%2C%20the%20well-known%20%C3%85land-based%20shipping%20operator%2C%20has%20unveiled%20Helios%20%E2%80%94%20a%20smart%20electric%20ferry%20that%20will%20become%20the%20largest%20electric%20passenger%20ferry%20in%20the%20world.%20The%20project%20supports%20the%20creation%20of%20a%20green%20corridor%20between%20Finland%20and%20Estonia%2C%20specifically%20connecting%20Helsinki%20and%20Tallinn.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EThe%20EV%20Ferry%20of%20the%20Future%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20EV%20ferry%20will%20be%20195%20meters%20long%20and%2030%20meters%20wide%2C%20designed%20to%20carry%202%2C000%20passengers%2C%20650%20cars%2C%20and%20up%20to%202%20kilometers%20of%20freight.%20Unlike%20conventional%20vessels%2C%20the%20ferry%20will%20run%20entirely%20on%20electricity%2C%20using%20battery%20packs%20with%20a%20massive%2085%E2%80%93100%20MWh%20capacity.%20This%20is%20several%20times%20greater%20than%20what%20any%20electric%20ferries%20currently%20use.%0A%0AThat%20energy%20is%20enough%20to%20cover%20the%2080-kilometer%20ferry%20from%20Finland%20to%20Estonia%20route%20in%20just%20over%20two%20hours%20at%20a%20cruising%20speed%20of%2023%20knots.%20Instead%20of%20burning%20fuel%2C%20the%20vessel%20will%20recharge%20while%20docked%2C%20drawing%20more%20than%2030%20MWh%20of%20electricity%20from%20advanced%20charging%20stations%20at%20the%20Port%20of%20Helsinki.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGreen%20Maritime%20Corridor%20Initiative%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Helios%20project%20is%20part%20of%20the%20FIN-EST%20Green%20Corridor%20initiative%20launched%20by%20Helsinki%20and%20Tallinn.%20It%20aims%20to%20establish%20a%20fully%20emission-free%20maritime%20route%20%E2%80%94%20a%20game-changing%20step%20for%20regional%20and%20European%20sustainability%20goals.%0A%0AThe%20ship%E2%80%99s%20innovative%20design%20eliminates%20the%20need%20for%20a%20traditional%20funnel%2C%20highlighting%20its%20streamlined%20operation.%20For%20passengers%2C%20this%20means%20a%20silent%2C%20emission-free%20journey%20while%20traveling%20on%20the%20electric%20ferry%20across%20the%20Gulf%20of%20Finland.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EElectric%20Ferry%20Cost%20and%20Benefits%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAlthough%20the%20electric%20ferry%20cost%20is%20higher%20than%20that%20of%20traditional%20diesel%20ships%2C%20Viking%20Line%20expects%20long-term%20savings%20thanks%20to%20lower%20fuel%20expenses%20and%20reduced%20EU%20emissions%20trading%20fees.%20With%20fossil%20fuel%20regulations%20tightening%2C%20the%20company%20believes%20that%20smart%20electric%20ferries%20will%20soon%20become%20not%20only%20greener%20but%20also%20more%20economical.%0A%0AViking%20Line%20has%20already%20pioneered%20sustainable%20vessels%20before%3A%20in%202013%20it%20launched%20Viking%20Grace%2C%20the%20first%20passenger%20ship%20powered%20by%20liquefied%20natural%20gas%20and%20biogas%2C%20followed%20by%20Viking%20Glory%20in%202022.%20Helios%20is%20the%20next%20bold%20step%20in%20this%20tradition%20of%20innovation.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFuture%20of%20Travel%20Between%20Finland%20and%20Estonia%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0APassenger%20numbers%20on%20the%20Helsinki%E2%80%93Tallinn%20route%20are%20forecast%20to%20double%20from%205.5%20million%20in%202024%20to%20over%2011%20million%20by%202040%2C%20while%20freight%20volumes%20are%20also%20set%20to%20grow.%20To%20meet%20this%20demand%20sustainably%2C%20Viking%20Line%20plans%20to%20introduce%20at%20least%20two%20electric%20passenger%20ferries%2C%20doubling%20capacity%20while%20maintaining%20zero%20emissions.%0A%0AFor%20travelers%2C%20this%20means%20that%20within%20the%20next%20decade%2C%20boarding%20a%20traghetto%20Estonia%20Finlandia%20could%20look%20very%20different%20%E2%80%94%20cleaner%2C%20quieter%2C%20and%20more%20sustainable%20than%20ever%20before.

Largest electric ferry to link Finland and Estonia

In%20a%20world-first%2C%20Shanghai%20pulled%20off%20the%20first%20ship-to-ship%20transfer%20of%20liquid%20CO%E2%82%82%2C%20marking%20a%20breakthrough%20in%20maritime%20decarbonization%20and%20turning%20ship%20emissions%20from%20waste%20into%20commodity.%0A%0AThe%20operation%20took%20place%20on%20June%2019%20at%20the%20Shengdong%20Terminal%20of%20Yangshan%20Deepwater%20Port%2C%20where%20the%20Panamanian-flagged%20EVER%20TOP%2C%20a%2014%2C000-TEU%20container%20ship%2C%20offloaded%20captured%20carbon%20dioxide%20directly%20onto%20another%20vessel%2C%20the%20Dejin.%0A%0AThe%20container%20ship%20completed%20the%20transfer%20without%20using%20any%20pipes%20or%20port%20infrastructure%E2%80%94just%20open%20water%20and%20a%20direct%20handoff%20of%20captured%20emissions%20from%20one%20vessel%20to%20another.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EEmission%20handoff%20at%20sea%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThis%20follows%20an%20earlier%20milestone%20in%202023%2C%20when%20EVER%20TOP%20completed%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20ship-to-shore%20transfer%20of%20captured%20CO%E2%82%82%20at%20the%20same%20port.%0A%0AThe%20vessel%20is%20equipped%20with%20an%20Onboard%20Carbon%20Capture%20and%20Storage%20(OCCS)%20system%2C%20which%20allows%20it%20to%20trap%20and%20store%20carbon%20dioxide%20from%20its%20own%20exhaust%20gases%20during%20voyages.%0A%0ADeveloped%20by%20the%20Shanghai%20Marine%20Diesel%20Engine%20Research%20Institute%2C%20the%20OCCS%20system%20captures%20over%2080%20percent%20of%20a%20ship%E2%80%99s%20CO%E2%82%82%20emissions%20at%2099.9%20percent%20purity.%0A%0ARetrofitting%20costs%20come%20in%20at%20around%20%2410%20million%2C%20which%20is%20less%20than%20half%20the%20cost%20of%20converting%20the%20same%20vessel%20to%20methanol%20or%20ammonia%20power.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CFor%20scaled%20operations%2C%20ship-to-ship%20transfer%20offers%20clear%20advantages.%20It%20is%20significantly%20cheaper%20than%20land%20transport%20and%20much%20more%20efficient%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Du%20Mingsai%2C%20project%20manager%20for%20the%20transfer%20operation.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CA%20single%20CO2%20carrier%20is%20able%20to%20handle%20dozens%20or%20even%20hundreds%20of%20times%20more%20volume%20than%20a%20tanker%20truck.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A%3Cb%3ECarbon%20becomes%20liquid%20currency%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ACrucially%2C%20the%20captured%20CO%E2%82%82%20can%20be%20sold%20for%20industrial%20use%2C%20with%20the%20potential%20to%20generate%20up%20to%20%248%20million%20per%20year%20for%20a%20single%20ship.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20offloading%20has%20been%20a%20longstanding%20challenge%2C%20as%20many%20buyers%20are%20located%20near%20smaller%20ports%20that%20cannot%20accommodate%20large%20container%20vessels.%20The%20ship-to-ship%20transfer%20offers%20a%20practical%20solution%20to%20this%20limitation.%0A%0A%20Transfers%20can%20now%20take%20place%20mid-voyage%2C%20without%20docking%2C%20using%20anchorages%20or%20sheltered%20sea%20lanes.%20The%20CO%E2%82%82%20can%20then%20be%20routed%20via%20smaller%20carriers%20to%20specialized%20terminals%2C%20closing%20the%20logistical%20loop.%0A%0AFrom%20onboard%20storage%20to%20mobile%20transfer%20and%20reuse%2C%20the%20milestone%20gives%20Shanghai%20a%20full-chain%20ecosystem%20for%20maritime%20carbon%20capture.%0A%0AIt%20also%20positions%20the%20city%20as%20a%20global%20model%20for%20cutting%20shipping%20emissions%20and%20sets%20a%20new%20benchmark%20for%20the%20industry%E2%80%99s%20green%20transition.%0A%0AWith%20stricter%20emissions%20regulations%20from%20the%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%2C%20shipowners%20often%20face%20costly%20choices%E2%80%94either%20retrofitting%20vessels%20to%20run%20on%20methanol%20or%20investing%20in%20entirely%20new%20ammonia-fueled%20ships.%0A%0AThe%20OCCS%20system%20developed%20in%20Shanghai%20offers%20a%20more%20cost-effective%20alternative%2C%20cutting%20retrofitting%20expenses%20by%20half%20while%20extending%20vessel%20lifespan%20and%20turning%20captured%20emissions%20into%20a%20potential%20source%20of%20revenue.%0A%0AThe%20global%20shipping%20industry%20emits%20around%201%20billion%20tons%20of%20CO%E2%82%82%20annually%2C%20making%20up%20nearly%203%25%20of%20total%20global%20emissions%2C%20according%20to%20the%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%20(IMO).%0A%0AExperts%20behind%20the%20project%20are%20already%20participating%20in%20a%20new%20IMO%20working%20group%20to%20help%20define%20carbon%20capture%20protocols%20for%20the%20entire%20shipping%20industry.

Ship-to-ship CO2 transfer makes debut in China

Dutch%20solar%20innovator%20Wattlab%20and%20German%20inland%20shipping%20giant%20HGK%20Shipping%20have%20teamed%20up%20to%20launch%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20hybrid%20solar-powered%20inland%20vessel%20as%20part%20of%20an%20ambitious%20initiative%20to%20decarbonize%20inland%20waterway%20transport.%0A%0ANamed%20the%20Blue%20Marlin%2C%20the%20dry%20cargo%20vessel%20will%20predominantly%20transport%20bulk%20goods%20for%20Salzgitter%20AG%2C%20one%20of%20Europe%E2%80%99s%20leading%20steel%20producers%20in%20the%20north-west%20German%20canal%20network.%0A%0AIt%20was%20officially%20christened%20during%20a%20ceremony%20that%20took%20place%20in%20the%20city%20of%20Hamburg%20in%20Germany%20on%20July%203.%0A%0AThe%20vessel%20combines%20a%20powerful%20diesel-electric%20%E2%80%98Future%20Fuel%20Ready%E2%80%99%20propulsion%20system%2C%20low-water%20optimization%2C%20and%20SEAFAR%20technology%20for%20remote-controlled%20navigation.%0A%0AMoreover%2C%20its%20solar%20module%20system%2C%20which%20consists%20of%20192%20panels%20generating%20up%20to%2037%2C500%20kilowatt-hours%20(kWh)%20of%20electricity%20per%20year%2C%20took%20place%20at%20the%20De%20Gerlien%20van%20Tiem%20shipyard%20in%20the%20Netherlands.%0A%0AThe%20panels%20will%20supply%20energy%20to%20the%20onboard%20and%20propulsion%20systems%2C%20making%20the%20Blue%20Marlin%20the%20first%20inland%20shipping%20vessel%20to%20rely%20directly%20on%20solar%20power%20for%20sailing%20operations.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EPowering%20progress%20through%20partnership%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AMeasuring%20282%20feet%20(86%20meters)%20in%20length%20and%2031%20feet%20(9.5%20meters)%20in%20width%2C%20Blue%20Marlin%20is%20specifically%20built%20for%20shallow-water%20operations%2C%20with%20a%20draft%20of%20only%203.61%20feet%20(1.10%20meters).%0A%0ATwin%20Veth%20rudder%20propellers%20and%20a%20bow%20thruster%20further%20boost%20its%20maneuverability.%20At%20the%20same%20time%2C%20its%20modular%20design%20allows%20it%20to%20connect%20with%20push%20barges%20to%20handle%20cargo%20loads%20of%20up%20to%203%2C110%20tons.%0A%0AFlorian%20Bleikamp%2C%20HGK%20Dry%20Shipping%20managing%20director%2C%20was%20pleased%20that%20the%20company%E2%80%99s%20close%20collaboration%20with%20Salzgitter%20AG%20paved%20the%20way%20for%20innovative%2C%20forward-looking%20developments%20in%20inland%20shipping.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CTogether%2C%20we%20are%20putting%20innovative%20ideas%20into%20practice%3A%20from%20emission-free%20solar%20technology%20and%20remote-controlled%20navigation%20of%20the%20ships%20to%20resource-saving%20propulsion%20systems%20in%20our%20fleet%2C%E2%80%9D%20Bleikamp%20said.%20%E2%80%9CThe%20%E2%80%98Blue%20Marlin%E2%80%99%20is%20a%20powerful%20symbol%20of%20what%20industry%20and%20logistics%20can%20achieve%20together.%0A%0AThe%20ship%E2%80%99s%20solar%20setup%20works%20in%20conjunction%20with%20four%20diesel%20generators.%20It%20also%20enables%20%E2%80%98peak%20shaving%E2%80%99%2C%20a%20technique%20used%20to%20reduce%20electrical%20power%20consumption%20during%20periods%20of%20maximum%20demand%20on%20the%20power%20utility.%0A%0A%3Cb%3ECleaner%2C%20smarter%20cargo%20transport%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AWattlab%20explained%20that%20the%20automated%20energy%20management%20system%20distributes%20power%20precisely%20where%20and%20when%20needed%2C%20improving%20overall%20efficiency%20and%20reducing%20fuel%20consumption.%20It%20is%20also%20expected%20to%20cut%20CO2%20emissions%20significantly%20by%20up%20to%2079%2C366%20pounds%20(36%2C000%20kilograms)%20per%20year.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWith%20this%20innovative%20ship%2C%20we%20are%20continuing%20our%20endeavors%20to%20reduce%20CO2%20emissions%20and%20improve%20the%20efficiency%20and%20resilience%20of%20our%20supply%20chains%2C%E2%80%9D%20Fabian%20Gerdes%2C%20Salzgitter%20Flachstahl%E2%80%99s%20head%20of%20customer%20logistics%2C%20said%20in%20a%20press%20release.%0A%0AGerdes%20emphasized%20that%20the%20Blue%20Marlin%20is%20crucial%20to%20supporting%20climate-friendly%20transport%20of%20the%20company%E2%80%99s%20steel%20products%20and%20bulk%20materials.%20%E2%80%9CIt%20contributes%20to%20a%20significant%20improvement%20of%20our%20carbon%20footprint%20in%20logistics%20and%20therefore%20fits%20in%20perfectly%20with%20the%20path%20we%20have%20taken%20towards%20greater%20sustainability.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20hybrid%20solar%20setup%20builds%20on%20the%20earlier%20success%20of%20MS%20Helios%2C%20another%20HGK%20vessel%20equipped%20with%20Wattlab%20solar%20panels.%20However%2C%20while%20Helios%20uses%20solar%20only%20for%20low-voltage%20onboard%20systems%2C%20Blue%20Marlin%20raises%20the%20bar%20with%20full%20propulsion%20integration%2C%20earning%20it%20the%20prestigious%20Gold%20Green%20Award%20for%20sustainable%20vessel%20design.

 World’s first hybrid solar inland vessel

A%20majority%20of%20nations%20at%20the%20United%20Nations%E2%80%99%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%20(IMO)%20voted%20on%20Friday%20to%20delay%20by%20one%20year%20a%20crucial%20decision%20on%20implementing%20a%20global%20carbon%20pricing%20mechanism%20for%20international%20shipping.%20The%20move%20came%20after%20member%20states%20failed%20to%20reach%20a%20consensus%20on%20how%20to%20reduce%20emissions%2C%20with%20strong%20pressure%20from%20the%20United%20States%20to%20postpone%20the%20plan.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EDelay%20frustrates%20push%20for%20maritime%20decarbonization%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20postponement%20marks%20a%20setback%20for%20the%20European%20Union%2C%20Brazil%2C%20and%20several%20other%20countries%20advocating%20for%20a%20faster%20transition%20toward%20greener%20maritime%20operations.%20These%20nations%20have%20been%20calling%20for%20a%20concrete%20carbon%20price%20on%20shipping%20to%20fund%20and%20accelerate%20the%20industry%E2%80%99s%20decarbonization%20efforts.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20United%20States%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia%E2%80%94the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20oil%20producers%E2%80%94firmly%20opposed%20the%20measure%20during%20negotiations%20in%20London.%20On%20Friday%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%20proposed%20a%20motion%20to%20defer%20talks%20for%20another%20year%2C%20which%20passed%20narrowly%20with%2057%20votes%20in%20favor%20and%2049%20against.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EDivided%20support%20among%20key%20maritime%20nations%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AEarlier%20in%20April%2C%20countries%20such%20as%20China%2C%20Greece%2C%20Cyprus%2C%20Japan%2C%20and%20South%20Korea%20expressed%20support%20for%20a%20global%20carbon%20pricing%20system.%20Yet%20when%20the%20vote%20came%2C%20China%20supported%20the%20delay%2C%20while%20the%20others%20chose%20to%20abstain.%20Even%20if%20an%20agreement%20is%20reached%20in%202026%2C%20the%20IMO%E2%80%99s%20current%20roadmap%20suggests%20that%20carbon%20payments%20from%20ships%20would%20not%20begin%20until%202028.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EU.S.%20opposition%20and%20political%20pressure%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AFormer%20U.S.%20President%20Donald%20Trump%20urged%20IMO%20member%20states%20to%20reject%20the%20carbon%20levy%2C%20labeling%20it%20a%20%E2%80%9Cglobal%20green%20scam%20tax%E2%80%9D%20on%20his%20Truth%20Social%20platform.%20Trump%E2%80%99s%20administration%20has%20signaled%20a%20renewed%20interest%20in%20exerting%20influence%20over%20international%20maritime%20policy%2C%20using%20trade%20tariffs%20in%20the%20past%20to%20secure%20better%20terms%20for%20U.S.%20interests.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EIndustry%20reaction%3A%20uncertainty%20for%20green%20shipping%20investments%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20maritime%20sector%20had%20anticipated%20that%20a%20global%20framework%20would%20help%20de-risk%20investments%20in%20low-carbon%20fuels%20and%20modern%20ship%20technologies.%20Industry%20leaders%20expressed%20frustration%20over%20the%20delay.%0A%0AMaersk%2C%20one%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20shipping%20companies%2C%20described%20the%20IMO%E2%80%99s%20decision%20as%20a%20setback%20to%20decarbonization%20momentum%2C%20saying%20it%20will%20wait%20to%20see%20how%20the%20organization%20plans%20to%20move%20forward.%20Environmental%20group%20Transport%20%26%20Environment%20echoed%20this%20concern%2C%20warning%20that%20the%20postponement%20%E2%80%9Cleaves%20the%20shipping%20sector%20adrift%20in%20uncertainty%2C%E2%80%9D%20according%20to%20Faig%20Abbasov%2C%20the%20group%E2%80%99s%20Director%20of%20Shipping.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EThe%20stakes%3A%20shipping%E2%80%99s%20climate%20impact%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20International%20Maritime%20Organization%2C%20which%20includes%20176%20member%20states%2C%20oversees%20global%20maritime%20safety%2C%20security%2C%20and%20pollution%20prevention.%20Shipping%20is%20responsible%20for%20nearly%203%25%20of%20global%20CO%E2%82%82%20emissions%2C%20with%20about%2090%25%20of%20world%20trade%20transported%20by%20sea.%20Without%20a%20clear%20emissions%20pricing%20mechanism%2C%20analysts%20warn%20that%20the%20sector%E2%80%99s%20carbon%20footprint%20could%20rise%20sharply%20in%20the%20coming%20decade.

IMO delays global shipping carbon price plan

Mazda%2C%20one%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20leading%20innovators%20in%20automotive%20engineering%2C%20has%20introduced%20a%20groundbreaking%20device%20that%20could%20dramatically%20reduce%20vehicle%20emissions%20beyond%20previous%20expectations.%20The%20new%20Mazda%20Mobile%20Carbon%20Capture%20system%20is%20powered%20by%20carbon-neutral%20fuel%20derived%20from%20microalgae%2C%20marking%20a%20bold%20step%20toward%20low-emission%20transportation.%0A%0ADebuting%20at%20the%20Japan%20Mobility%20Show%2C%20Mazda%20showcased%20the%20Vision%20X-Coupe%20concept%E2%80%94a%20model%20embodying%20the%20brand%E2%80%99s%20signature%20Kodo%3A%20Soul%20of%20Motion%20design%20philosophy.%20The%20X-Coupe%20supports%20Mazda%E2%80%99s%20multi-solution%20emissions-reduction%20strategy%2C%20featuring%20a%20plug-in%20hybrid%20powertrain%20capable%20of%20an%20impressive%20160km%20of%20electric-only%20driving%20range.%0A%0AUnlike%20other%20global%20automakers%20focusing%20primarily%20on%20atmospheric%20CO%E2%82%82%20extraction%2C%20Mazda%E2%80%99s%20technology%20targets%20emissions%20at%20the%20source.%20The%20company%20highlights%20that%20captured%20CO%E2%82%82%20can%20be%20repurposed%20for%20agricultural%20growth%20stimulation%20or%20transformed%20into%20high-performance%20carbon-based%20materials%2C%20promoting%20sustainable%20resource%20circulation.%0A%0AMazda%E2%80%99s%20commitment%20to%20environmental%20responsibility%20is%20long-term%20and%20ambitious.%20In%202022%2C%20the%20brand%20announced%20plans%20to%20achieve%20carbon-neutral%20production%20across%20all%20global%20manufacturing%20plants%20by%202035%2C%20with%20a%20broader%20vision%20of%20complete%20supply-chain%20carbon%20neutrality%20by%202050.%20This%20aligns%20with%20Mazda%E2%80%99s%20pledge%20to%20meet%20European%20emission%20benchmarks%20for%202030%20and%202035%20through%20advanced%20electrification%20and%20diverse%20propulsion%20solutions.%0A%0AMazda%E2%80%99s%20President%20and%20CEO%2C%20Masahiro%20Moro%2C%20celebrated%20the%20breakthrough%2C%20reinforcing%20Mazda%E2%80%99s%20future-focused%20sustainability%20goals.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20joy%20of%20driving%20fuels%20a%20sustainable%20tomorrow%E2%80%9D%20reflects%20not%20only%20Mazda%E2%80%99s%20heritage%20but%20its%20commitment%20to%20future%20innovation.%0A%0AThe%20carbon-capture%20system%20is%20still%20undergoing%20technical%20evaluation%2C%20and%20Mazda%20has%20yet%20to%20announce%20a%20consumer%20rollout%20timeline.%20Early%20tests%20reveal%20promising%20results%E2%80%94using%20porous%20mineral%20zeolite%2C%20CO%E2%82%82%20can%20be%20successfully%20separated%20from%20vehicle%20exhaust%20emissions.%20The%20technology%20has%20already%20been%20trialed%20in%20real%20racing%20conditions%2C%20fitted%20to%20a%20biodiesel-powered%20Mazda%20Spirit%20Racing%20Mazda3%20during%20Japan%E2%80%99s%20Super%20Taikyu%20Endurance%20Series.%20Over%20a%20rigorous%20four-hour%20session%2C%20the%20device%20effectively%20captured%20exhaust-produced%20CO%E2%82%82%20under%20competitive%20motorsport%20pressure.%0A%0AMazda%20plans%20to%20continue%20refining%20the%20system%20through%20the%202026%20Super%20Taikyu%20Series%2C%20aiming%20to%20significantly%20increase%20CO%E2%82%82%20absorption%20efficiency.%20Alongside%20carbon%20capture%20development%2C%20Mazda%20remains%20committed%20to%20expanding%20its%20electrified%20lineup%2C%20including%20new%20mild%20hybrids%2C%20full%20hybrids%2C%20and%20fully%20electric%20models.%0A%0AA%20major%20milestone%20in%20this%20transition%20arrives%20in%202026%20with%20the%20debut%20of%20the%20Mazda6e%20all-electric%20vehicle%2C%20offering%20a%20projected%20345-mile%20range%20and%20ultra-fast%20charging%20capabilities%20of%20up%20to%20146%20miles%20in%20just%2015%20minutes.

Mazda unveils carbon capture vision x-coupe tech

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