Tag: Green Energy

Organic thermoelectric device harvests energy at room temp
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Researchers at Kyushu University have introduced an innovative organic thermoelectric device that efficiently converts room temperature heat into electrical energy.

Unlike a traditional thermoelectric device, this system harvests energy without the need for cooling units. It uses copper phthalocyanine and copper hexadecafluoro phthalocyanine layers.

This development not only makes the system more compact but also addresses issues of high production costs and environmental hazards typical of conventional devices.

The breakthrough underscores the promising future of energy harvesting technologies, which have potential applications in everything from wearables to industrial processes.

A huge breakthrough in energy harvesting

The new thermoelectric device represents a significant leap in energy harvesting.

Unlike traditional thermoelectric systems that require a substantial temperature gradient, this new device operates efficiently at room temperature. Its framework eliminates the necessity for cooling units, making it a compact and effective solution for energy generation.

This pioneering work underscores the untapped potential of organic materials in transforming ambient heat into usable electrical energy, thereby opening new avenues for sustainable and efficient energy harvesting technologies.

Challenges of traditional thermoelectric devices

Despite the promising advancements in organic thermoelectric devices, traditional thermoelectric systems have long faced significant obstacles that hinder their widespread adoption.

One of the primary challenges is energy efficiency. Conventional devices typically operate at peak performance at high temperatures, which limits their practical applications.

This inefficiency stems from the reliance on a substantial temperature gradient to generate electrical power.

Additionally, the production and use of these traditional devices often involve hazardous materials, which pose environmental and health risks. Such materials can complicate manufacturing processes and disposal methods, further deterring their use.

High production costs also contribute to their limited adoption. These issues collectively highlight the necessity for alternative solutions, such as the newly developed organic thermoelectric devices, which offer safer and more efficient energy harvesting capabilities.

Achieving peak performance

The newly developed thermoelectric device utilises advanced organic materials and incorporates a carefully engineered composition to optimise energy harvesting at room temperature.

Key components include copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and copper hexadecafluoro phthalocyanine (FCuPc), which form the core layers. Fullerenes and BCP complement these materials, which is essential for efficient electron transport.

The device’s layer composition—180 nm CuPc, 320 nm FCuPc, 20 nm fullerene, and 20 nm BCP—has been meticulously optimised for performance.

This combination achieved an open-circuit voltage of 384 mV and a short-circuit current density of 1.1 A/cm², resulting in a maximum output of 94 nW/cm² at room temperature. Such innovation underscores the potential of new materials in enhancing thermoelectric efficiency.

Enhancing energy efficiency across key sectors

The innovative composition of the organic thermoelectric device not only highlights the potential of new materials but also paves the way for a multitude of practical applications.

This breakthrough efficiently harvests energy from ambient temperature, offering a compact solution without the need for cooling units, enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors.

Potential applications include:
- Wearable electronics: Lightweight, flexible power sources for health monitors and smart clothing.
- Remote sensors: Self-sustaining sensors for environmental monitoring and IoT devices.
- Consumer electronics: Increased battery life for smartphones and laptops by recycling waste heat.
- Industrial processes: Energy recovery systems that improve overall process efficiency.
The device’s capacity to function at room temperature reveals untapped avenues for sustainable energy generation, which would benefit both industry and consumer applications.
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September 26, 2024
Aberdeen becomes home of UK clean energy drive

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Aberdeen has been named the new home of Great British Energy, drawing on the city’s world-leading engineering expertise to kickstart a UK clean energy revolution.

As the location of the new headquarters, Aberdeen will be at the heart of the company’s plans to scale up clean homegrown power to boost UK clean energy independence, create skilled jobs and support economic growth.

Two additional sites will open in Edinburgh and Glasgow once Great British Energy is up and running to benefit from local skills and expertise.

The company will initially be located in government buildings across the cities, while permanent bases will be established.

Kickstarting Great British Energy

This marks the next step in kickstarting Great British Energy’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

An interim Chief Executive will soon be appointed to take the lead on launching the new company and building its Aberdeen base – along with the start-up Chair Juergen Maier, former CEO of Siemens UK.

Within the first weeks of the new government, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband immediately introduced the Great British Energy Bill to Parliament and—along with the Prime Minister—confirmed a new partnership with The Crown Estate to help accelerate new offshore wind farms.

The company—owned by the British people, for the British people—will attract private investment in the UK’s clean, homegrown power, backed by £8.3bn in government funding this Parliament.

Huge investments in offshore wind

The move forms part of the government’s plans to support clean energy in the North Sea, ensuring Aberdeen continues to thrive as Scotland’s clean energy capital.

The government recently announced the biggest-ever investment in offshore wind and continues to progress technologies like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.

The investment also ensures that oil and gas will be used for decades to come as part of a fair and balanced transition away from fossil fuels.

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September 25, 2024
Net zero aviation is possible if action is taken, experts say
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Cambridge University has released a groundbreaking report outlining a five-year roadmap to help achieve net zero aviation by 2050.

Despite ambitious pledges from governments and industry, net zero aviation is set to be significantly off course by 2050.

The report, ‘Five Years to Chart a New Future for Aviation’, outlines four 2030 Sustainable Aviation Goals—specific, actionable steps that must be initiated immediately and completed within five years if the aviation sector is to be on track.

Actions needed to achieve net zero aviation goals

The 2030 goals for net zero aviation outlined in the report are:
- Accelerating the deployment of a global contrail avoidance system, which could reduce aviation’s climate impact by up to 40%. This would involve the immediate creation of experiments at the scale of whole airspace regions to learn in real environments.
- Implementing a new wave of policies aimed at unlocking system-wide efficiency gains across the existing aviation sector. This has the potential to halve fuel burn by 2050 by tapping into efficiency gains that individual companies can’t address.
- Reforming sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policies to account for global biomass limits across all sectors while driving renewable electricity production. This would provide the market with the confidence needed to rapidly scale up SAF production and ensure its sustainability.
- Launching several moonshot technology demonstration programmes designed to rapidly assess the viability and scalability of transformative technologies, bringing forward the timeline for their deployment.
Professor Rob Miller, Director of Whittle Lab, explained: “Aviation stands at a pivotal moment, much like the automotive industry in the late 2000s.

“Back then, discussions centred around biofuels as the replacement for petrol and diesel – until Tesla revolutionised the future with electric vehicles.

“Our five-year plan is designed to accelerate this decision point, setting us on a path to achieve net zero aviation by 2050.”

Achievable goals to get back on track

The report stresses that if these actions are initiated immediately and completed within five years, net zero aviation by 2050 can be achieved.

Eliot Whittington, Executive Director at Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership said: “Too often the discussions about how to achieve sustainable aviation lurch between overly optimistic thinking about current industry efforts and doom-laden cataloguing of the sector’s environmental evils.

“The Aviation Impact Accelerator modelling has drawn on the best available evidence to show that there are major challenges to be navigated if we’re to achieve net zero flying at scale, but that it is possible.

“With focus and a step change in ambition from governments and business we can address the hurdles, unlock sustainable flying and in doing so build new industries and support wider economic change.”

The report was developed by the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), a project led by the University of Cambridge and hosted by the University’s Whittle Laboratory and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL).

It will be presented to industry leaders at events hosted by the Sustainable Markets Initiative during New York Climate Week.
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September 23, 2024
US battery manufacturing boosted with $3bn DOE funding

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant $3bn investment in battery manufacturing and materials production to bolster the domestic supply chain.

Spanning across 14 states, the 25 projects selected under this initiative aim to create thousands of jobs while positioning the US as a global leader in clean energy and battery technology.

$3bn for US battery manufacturing growth

The DOE’s multi-billion dollar investment package will be allocated to expand the domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials, supporting over 8,000 construction jobs and more than 4,000 permanent positions.

These projects will focus on enhancing US battery manufacturing capacity, refining critical minerals, and recycling existing battery components, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.

The portfolio of projects will be managed by the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC).

Their objective is to upgrade existing facilities and build new ones for battery-grade minerals, components, and recycling, which are crucial to supporting America’s energy independence and security.

Strengthening energy independence and competitiveness

Batteries are a cornerstone of the US energy grid and are critical for powering homes, businesses, and electric vehicles (EVs).

The US has prioritised the development of a robust domestic supply chain to ensure that the nation is less reliant on foreign imports.

This effort is part of a broader clean energy strategy aimed at making the nation more competitive in global markets while supporting a transition to cleaner energy.

“By positioning the US at the forefront of advanced battery manufacturing, we are creating high-paying jobs and strengthening our global economic leadership and domestic energy security, all while supporting the clean energy transition,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.

Driving investment in EV supply chains

The US Government has encouraged over $120bn in private sector investments in the EV supply chain.

The DOE’s battery manufacturing initiative is a critical component of this effort, helping the US onshore and ‘friend-shore’ key technologies with the help of international allies and partners.

Comprehensive projects across the battery supply chain

The 25 selected projects cover all aspects of the battery supply chain, from raw material extraction to manufacturing and recycling.

This initiative aims to build and expand facilities to process critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, and manganese, all of which are essential components in battery production.

The projects will also explore next-generation battery technologies, ensuring the US stays ahead in the global market.

The investments aim to foster a diversified battery portfolio, enhancing the nation’s ability to process and manufacture various battery chemistries.

This diversity ensures the US has a reliable and adaptable energy supply chain capable of meeting future demand for batteries across a range of industries.

Employment opportunities and economic benefits

In addition to advancing battery technology, this investment will have a substantial impact on the US workforce.

More than half of the selected projects have signed Project Labor Agreements, ensuring that the jobs created are well-paying, union positions.

Partnerships with labour organisations, such as the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), underscore the US’ commitment to improving job quality and providing strong economic support to local communities.

By driving the growth of US battery manufacturing, these projects will not only bolster the clean energy sector but also provide long-term economic benefits by fostering innovation and job creation across the nation.

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September 23, 2024
European Green Deal will cause rising emissions outside the EU

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The EU aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050 as part of the comprehensive European Green Deal that was agreed upon four years ago.

However, an analysis of the policy documents outlining the practical measures of the European Green Deal shows that it will decrease carbon emissions in Europe but also increase carbon emissions outside of the EU.

This increase is more than double the amount of carbon emissions saved by the deal.

This conclusion was reached by an international team of scientists led by Klaus Hubacek, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Groningen.

A comprehensive analysis of the European Green Deal

The European Green Deal is a set of policies intended to fully decarbonise Europe by 2050. It also includes measures for clean energy production and ecological restoration.

Hubacek and colleagues from the United States and China carried out full supply chain analyses of the policy documents underlying the Green Deal.

They concluded that the Green Deal, in its current form, will increase emissions in countries outside the EU by 244.8% compared to its carbon reduction goal in the land, land use change, and forestry sector within EU borders.

Rising emissions in other countries

One example is the measure to increase biodiversity in Europe by planting three billion trees.

“However, trees require a lot of land that cannot be used to produce food. That means that food must be produced elsewhere, and to do this, land must be converted into cropland,” explained Hubacek.

“This increases the carbon dioxide emission and reduces biodiversity.”

In this way, the EU would reduce carbon emissions within its borders but ‘export’ them to the countries that produce our food, such as Africa or South America.

The European Green Deal does contain a paragraph forbidding the import of products (such as meat or animal feed) for which woodland is converted to farmland. However, Hubacek is sceptical.

He said: “Nothing stops these other countries from growing products for Europe on existing farmland and felling forests to produce for the local market. There are simply too many uncertainties in these types of regulations.”

The Green Deal also calls for an increase in organic farming, but this requires more farmland in Europe.

The role of plant-based diets in carbon reduction

However, the scientists did not just reveal the negative impacts of the Green Deal on the rest of the world. They also looked at different scenarios to see if overall carbon reductions could be enhanced.

By adopting a more plant-based diet, it is possible to save an enormous amount of carbon emissions.

Another measure is to phase out food-based biofuels within the EU, which would reduce the amount of farmland needed, thus saving carbon emissions and preventing biodiversity loss. The EU could also assist developing regions in increasing their agricultural efficiency, which would also reduce land use.

Although the research shows that the European Green Deal in its present form could result in a net loss for the global environment, the scientists conclude that it can be remedied.

Hubacek said: “The programme is driven by techno-optimism, but our analysis underlines that there is no free lunch.

“I very much doubt that ‘green growth’ is possible, as everything you produce requires an input of resources. So we really need to consume less.”

There is a strong sense of urgency now that global warming seems set to surpass the 1.5 degrees from the 1995 Paris Agreement, and many other planetary boundaries are also being overstepped.

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September 20, 2024
ROAD2X project to extend lifespan of electrolysis plants

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The ROAD2X research project, with an investment of DKK 18 million from the Innovation Fund, is working on a breakthrough to improve the operation of high-temperature electrolysis plants.

The goal is to extend the lifespan of these electrolysis plants to over ten years, a significant improvement from the current two-year average.

Power2X: A key to a sustainable future

Power2X refers to the use of renewable electricity, such as from wind turbines and solar panels, to produce synthetic fuels.

This technology is seen as crucial in the transition to greener energy systems, enabling the production of sustainable fuels like methanol.

High-temperature electrolysis plays a key role in this process, converting electricity into fuel. However, these electrolysis plants currently have a limited operational life, primarily due to technical challenges like impurities and temperature fluctuations that damage the units over time.

Addressing technical issues with AC:DC operation

The ROAD2X project aims to solve these problems by developing a new operating method called AC:DC operation.

This innovative technique, patented by Dynelectro’s founder, Søren Højgaard Jensen, is designed to combat the two main issues that shorten the lifespan of electrolysis plants—temperature fluctuations and contamination by impurities.

By stabilising the conditions within the electrolysis units, AC:DC operation could extend their life well beyond the current average of two years.

Søren Højgaard Jensen highlights the potential of this new method, stating: “The ROAD2X project is of great importance for making AC:DC operation and high-temperature electrolysis ready for commercialisation.

“When the project is completed, it will open up new possibilities for electrolysing CO2 and producing, for example, green methanol.”

Collaboration for innovation

The ROAD2X project brings together five key partners: Dynelectro, Finnish-Estonian electrolysis company Elcogen, Ålborg University, the Technical University of Denmark, and European Energy.

Each partner plays a crucial role, from advanced testing to analysing the business potential of high-temperature electrolysis for producing green methanol.

With a total budget of DKK 24 million and a timeline of three years, the ROAD2X project could pave the way for more reliable and longer-lasting electrolysis plants, advancing the Power2X technology and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.

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September 11, 2024
Delivering green hydrogen solutions
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Dynelectro, a pioneering company in sustainable energy solutions, announces its first commercial-scale Dynamic Electrolyser Unit (DEU), after exceeding two years performance testing with low degradation.

Co-founders Søren Højgaard Jensen (left) and Samantha Phillips (right). Photo credit: @andreasmikkel.dk

Demonstration of the first dynamic electrolysis unit reaches initial investment decision at European Energy’s green methanol facility in Denmark:
- FID reached to develop and deploy the commercial-scale fully modular 1-MW Dynamic Electrolyser Unit (DEU) at European Energy’s Danish renewable energy facility.
- Technology maturation funding reaches €20m, with nearly 50% from innovation funds.
- Performance testing exceeds two years and shows very low degradation rates of 3µΩcm²/hour.
About Dynelectro

Founded in 2018, Dynelectro is at the forefront of developing advanced, sustainable energy solutions. Utilising cutting-edge solid-oxide electrolysis technology, Dynelectro achieves unprecedented system performance and lifespan. Co-founders Søren Højgaard Jensen and Samantha Phillips bring more than 50 years of combined experience, respectively, within high-temperature electrolysis and resource deployment focused on innovation and technology.

Their innovations enable operators to seamlessly adjust production based on the availability of cost-effective renewable energy. The company commercialises MW-scale Dynamic Electrolyser Units (DEUs), delivering clean hydrogen to unlock syngas and e-fuel production.

Dynelectro green hydrogen technology

Dynelectro’s technology focuses on next-generation solid-oxide electrolysis (SOE) and offers unparalleled system performance and longevity. SOE aids decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors by efficiently producing hydrogen and utilising industrial waste heat. It supports heavy industries and chemical production by providing on-site hydrogen, reducing emissions, generating synthetic fuels, and enabling the green energy transition in these sectors. SOE is poised to revolutionise the energy sector by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and facilitating broader renewable integration.

Dynelectro’s journey, thus far, has culminated in over €20m, which has been solely directed to technology and innovation development. Comprised of €11m in equity funding with early-stage investors, including Export & Import Fund of Denmark (EIFO), Yara Growth Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, PSV Deeptech, The Footprint Firm and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund. Furthermore, €9m in grant funding has been achieved from the European Innovation Council, Shell Gamechanger, the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP) and other innovation programmes.

According to the European Innovation Council technical evaluation: “The technology may significantly transform and strongly accelerate a major new market. It, therefore, justifies a breakthrough characterisation. It supports the adoption of hydrogen as a major clean energy carrier and strongly contributes to the EU’s Green Deal.” The European Investment Bank’s involvement in this round marks a step change in our maturity, transitioning our investor profile toward industrial investors.

Performance testing

After surpassing 16,000 hours of operation, the performance has shown a degradation of less than 3µΩ · cm² per hour, with downtime remaining below 2%. The load factor has consistently exceeded 92%, even with 6% of the time allocated for standby during performance measurements. It’s worth noting that the typical degradation rate for alkaline systems falls within the range of 2-5µΩ · cm² per hour, highlighting the efficiency and stability of the system in comparison, as seen in the following image.

Benefit of SOE

Current electrolysis technologies waste 25-50% of input electricity, limiting their commercial and sustainability potential. Solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) offers the highest conversion efficiency but has been hindered by its short lifespan, making it cost-prohibitive. Dynelectro’s innovative AC:DC technology addresses this issue, extending SOE lifespan from two years to ten years, thereby aligning it with other electrolyser technologies. This advancement reduces costs and enables quick production adjustments, aiding in grid balancing through ancillary services. Consequently, Dynelectro becomes a crucial partner for Power-to-X developers striving to lower green hydrogen costs.

The completion of the first 1-MW unit installation at European Energy’s renewable energy facility in Denmark is scheduled for the first half of 2025, demonstrating the practical applications and benefits of this advanced energy solution.

Learn more at dynelectro.dk

Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.
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September 4, 2024
UK secures record pipeline of clean energy projects
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The UK’s sixth renewables auction has delivered a record number of clean energy projects powering the equivalent of 11 million homes.

The latest auction round delivered 133 new clean energy projects, a key milestone toward delivering clean power by 2030.

This makes it the biggest round ever, with significant numbers for onshore wind, solar and tidal energy.

The results are a marked improvement on the previous auction round in 2023, which saw zero offshore wind projects agreed upon.

Increasing the budget for clean energy

These successful results came after the government moved quickly last month to increase the renewables auction budget by 50% – a record funding uplift that was seven times bigger than the previous round’s pot.

As a result, offshore wind is back for business in UK waters, with nine contracts awarded, including securing both what will be Europe’s largest and second largest windfarm projects, Hornsea 3 and Hornsea 4, off the Yorkshire coast.

A new rollout of low-carbon electricity is a key step for UK energy independence and energy security, helping protect families and businesses from spiking global fossil fuel prices.

Projects have been agreed at well below the upper limit on the price set for the auction – meaning the government has bought a record amount of clean power at a much lower cost to consumers than the maximum price – providing value for money and cheap power.

Supporting green jobs and growing the economy

The funding awarded today will also help support new green jobs across the country, increase prosperity in industrial heartlands and rural communities, and unlock green economic growth from the Scottish Highlands to the Suffolk coast.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Today we have now achieved a record-setting round for enough renewable power for 11 million homes, essential to give energy security to families across the country.

“It is another significant step forward in our mission for clean power by 2030 – bringing Britain energy independence and lower bills for good.”

He added: “As we accelerate our plan for clean power by 2030, the government will work with the industry to build on this success and ensure we can go even further and faster to deliver the power we need.”

Expanding policies to deliver clean energy quickly

On the back of this successful auction, the Energy Secretary is working with the industry to accelerate ways that the Contracts for Difference system and other energy policies can be expanded so that more renewable energy, including offshore wind, can be connected to the grid quicker.

The 133 projects this year are the biggest auction to date, exceeding the 92 projects delivered in the last auction round.

These include:
- The largest offshore wind farm project in Europe – the Hornsea 3 project off the Yorkshire coast.
- The largest floating offshore wind project in the world to reach the market, Green Volt, which is double the size of Europe’s total installed floating offshore wind capacity.
- Six new tidal projects are being built on the UK’s world-leading position, with just under half of the world’s operational tidal stream capacity being situated in UK waters.
- A combined 115 solar and onshore wind projects, which is more than the total number of projects delivered in the last auction round.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks concluded: “Securing new wind turbines, solar panels and cutting-edge technologies such as tidal will boost growth, catalyse investment and support good jobs across Great Britain.

“We’ve done this while ensuring value for money for billpayers, delivering the biggest auction round to date at competitive prices, helping turbocharge our mission for energy independence and clean power by 2030.”
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September 3, 2024
Transforming conventional oil barrels into ‘blue barrels’

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Using its oxy-fuel combustion technology, TriGen Energy is on a mission to produce ‘blue barrels’ to help oil and gas producers transition towards net-zero emissions.

In the oil industry, a barrel of oil is denoted by the unit ‘BBL’, representing 42 gallons or roughly 159 litres. The term BBL dates back to the 1860s when oil was transported in various containers, including beer, fish, and molasses barrels. By the 1870s, the 42-gallon wooden barrel became the standard, allowing for evaporation and leakage during transport. Standard Oil further solidified this standard by producing blue 42-gallon barrels for petroleum, giving rise to the term BBL.

Just as ‘blue hydrogen’ refers to hydrogen produced via steam reforming of natural gas with CO2 capture, we might envision ‘blue barrels’ of oil – oil whose equivalent CO2 emissions are ‘pre-captured’ during production. This concept could eliminate the need for additional, distributed CO2 capture in downstream processes, enabling zero-emission products for consumers.

TriGen Energy’s oxy-fuel combustion technology makes producing ‘blue barrels’ technically and commercially viable. This approach offers a transitional pathway for oil and gas producers to move towards net-zero emissions.

How TriGen Energy’s technology works

In oxy-fuel combustion, fuel – typically natural gas – is burned with pure oxygen, generating CO2, water, and heat. The heat can be converted into power, while the CO2 can be sequestered in gas fields or utilised in CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR). In CO2-EOR, most of the CO2 is stored in the oil reservoir, with the remaining CO2 either used in other EOR schemes or injected back into the original gas reservoir.

This process allows companies to assign captured CO2 to various products, effectively rendering them ‘clean’. Options include selling carbon credits, producing and selling ‘clean power’, or assigning certified CO2 volumes to oil production, thus creating ‘blue barrels’.

Benefits for oil and gas companies

The TriGen oxy-fuel solution offers oil and gas companies flexibility in navigating the transition to net zero, providing cost-effective options for their mid- and downstream clients. Critical to this approach is the independent verification and certification of CO2 volumes, enabling tokenisation and product assignment from source to end-customer.

Reducing scope 3 emissions, which account for over 80% of total emissions, is a significant challenge for oil and gas companies. The oxy-fuel route helps manage this by ensuring that CO2 produced from oil or gas is stored in the original reservoirs, allowing companies to monetise their reserves through clean power.

Aligning with emerging regulations

Another advantage of the oxy-fuel pathway is its alignment with the Carbon Take-Back Obligation (CTBO). This regulatory concept requires fossil fuel producers to offset carbon emissions by storing an equivalent amount of CO2 underground. Oxy-fuel solutions allow oil companies to meet these requirements more effectively, capturing greater value in the energy chain.

For oil and gas companies looking to decarbonise production and conversion, TriGen Energy offers the expertise and technology needed to make ‘blue barrels’ a reality.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.

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September 3, 2024
Leading sustainable development through education
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College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is committed to integrating sustainability into its academic environment and promoting cutting-edge green technologies and research.

College of the North Atlantic is at the forefront of sustainable development in Newfoundland and Labrador, leading the charge with cutting-edge green technologies and a new School for Sustainable Development. This bold initiative spans CNA’s 17 campuses, reinforcing its commitment to the green transition.

To delve deeper, The Innovation Platform spoke with Dr Gary Thompson, Dean of the School of Sustainable Development, and Dr Michael Long, Dean of Applied Research and Innovation.

What’s driving CNA’s Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development and Growth?

Dr Thompson: CNA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is laser-focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, innovative teaching, and sustainable growth. We’re embedding sustainability into everything we do – from operations to curriculum – aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This isn’t just about going green; it’s about equipping our students with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving, eco-conscious economy.

Opportunities abound in Newfoundland and Labrador, from wind energy to green construction. CNA is positioning itself as a leader in these sectors, offering a curriculum that prepares students for the booming green energy workforce.

As green energy technologies develop, there is a strong demand for skilled workers who possess the knowledge and expertise required in the sector. CNA is poised to develop expertise in this sector to support local employment opportunities for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Sustainability will further diversify CNA’s curriculum, educational programming, and operations in the coming years.

Can you tell us about the new School of Sustainable Development?

Dr Thompson: The School of Sustainable Development is already in full swing, launching programmes that tackle climate change and green building. We’re partnering with industry and government to address Atlantic Canada’s green labour needs. Here’s how we’re making an impact:
- Curriculum Development: New programmes are focused on sustainable practices and green tech, and existing courses are being revamped to include sustainability principles.
- Community Engagement: We’re working hand-in-hand with local communities to promote sustainability projects, educating and engaging the broader public.
- Campus Operations: From reducing energy use to ramping up recycling, we’re making our campuses greener. Think campus-wide sustainability challenges and green certifications.
- Workforce Development: We’re prepping students for green careers with training programmes and certifications in renewable energy and sustainable resource management.
This approach ensures CNA graduates are not just knowledgeable but passionate about driving positive environmental change. Our sustainable operations are setting a new standard for institutions everywhere.

What new programmes does the School of Sustainable Development offer?

Dr Thompson: In 2023, we launched two key programmes: A one-year Wind Turbine Technician certificate and a two-year Hydrogen Technician diploma –the first of its kind in Canada. These programmes are designed to meet the demands of the renewable energy sector, providing hands-on experience and critical theoretical knowledge. Our first Wind Turbine Technician cohort graduated in June 2024, and they’re already in high demand. We’re also gearing up to launch a new solar programme in 2025, further solidifying our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

This plan is not the first example of CNA’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technologies. How is the Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI) advancing sustainability?

Dr Long: At OARI, technology is one tool in the matrix of sustainability. We’re using advanced technologies like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and 3D modelling to give businesses and communities detailed, accurate representations of their environments and operations. This helps them to do things better, lighter, cheaper, faster or smarter.

How does collaboration fuel innovation at CNA?

Dr Long: Collaboration is at the core of our work. We don’t start research without a partner who has a specific challenge, problem, or bottleneck that needs addressing. This means constant outreach and site visits to understand their needs. We also love showing potential partners our labs and projects to demonstrate how we can make a real impact together.

How is CNA equipped to facilitate cutting-edge research?

Dr Long: Applied research is a complex undertaking requiring many systems. Most people think about technology or labs when they think about research, but the truth is your team is the core. That team is comprised of researchers, technologists, technicians, interns, students, faculty, and administrative personnel – the full gamut.

CNA and its 17 campuses are also key. Having such proximity to rural businesses and communities is incredibly important to support innovation services.

What is the Reality Capture and Digitisation Access Centre (RCD TAC)?

Dr Long: The RCD TAC is our latest innovation hub, one of 64 specialised applied research centres in Canada. We use cutting-edge reality capture technology – like handheld LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry – to create 3D models that are transforming industries.

In mining, we don’t just map the precise location of minerals; we redefine the possibilities of resource extraction with unparalleled accuracy. Our expert team has also helped them monitor ventilation underground. We’ve even revitalised abandoned mines by updating their physical and mineralogical maps.

In the construction sector, our 3D models are game changers. They guarantee precise measurements and integrate with industry-standard software like CAD and GIS. Our clients say even their cost estimates are now more accurate.

Our clients in the automotive and aerospace industries leverage our cutting-edge models to simplify complex processes, enhancing precision and productivity.

Heritage preservation is another area where we shine. We’re creating a comprehensive digital database of historic properties throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Our detailed 3D models capture every architectural nuance, ensuring these treasures are preserved and maintained for future generations.

Our centre was deeply honoured to contribute to the commemoration of Newfoundland and Labrador’s sacrifice during the First World War. Our 3D model played a significant role in the completion of the final statue of the Trail of the Caribou in Gallipoli, Turkey.

These achievements are just the beginning. Our goal is to make advanced tech accessible to all businesses, level the playing field, and drive innovation across the board.

Can you elaborate on some of the technologies on offer at RCD TAC and provide some examples of successes facilitated by the Centre?

Dr Long: One of the hallmarks of the suite of technologies at the RCD TAC is portability. This is how we bring technology out of the lab into real-world environments. Our teams are constantly in the field. Our reality capture technologies can be handheld, such as a metrology scanner, which can create a 3D model of an object down 0.025 of a millimetre in accuracy. We also like to use drones as vehicles to capture data in larger areas.

We have topo-bathymetric LIDAR systems that can give you a very accurate 3D model of both underwater and on land; we have hyperspectral systems that can see what the human eye cannot; we have autonomous LiDAR drones that literally fly themselves on data collection missions to help us model environments and structures; and there are robust inspection drones such as Elios 3 for harsher environments.

All these technologies are data collection engines that help us see our world better so we can plan and decide more accurately.

How does CNA plan to stay ahead in reality capture and digitisation?

Dr Long: Technology evolves rapidly, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront. This means linking technology to business needs, ensuring that every tool we invest in has a clear application that benefits our partners. With support from industry and government, we’re positioning ourselves to be major players in the wind and hydrogen sectors, all while advancing our sustainability goals.

What’s the long-term vision for the School of Sustainable Development?

Dr Thompson: Our vision is to make CNA the leader in sustainability education and innovation in Atlantic Canada. We’re expanding our curriculum to include new programmes in renewable energy, sustainable resource management, green building, and environmental conservation. Sustainability will be woven into every discipline, ensuring all graduates are well-versed in sustainable practices.

Beyond academics, we’re establishing research centres focused on green technologies and environmental protection. These will be innovation hubs where we partner with industry, government, and other institutions to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.

Community engagement is key. We’re working with local communities on sustainable projects and building global partnerships to share knowledge and best practices. On campus, we’re implementing green initiatives like energy efficiency and waste reduction, aiming to be a model for other institutions.

We’re also committed to workforce development, offering training and certifications in emerging green technologies. Our expanded career services will connect students with job opportunities in the green economy, both locally and internationally.

In the coming years, we’ll scale up our efforts with new degree programmes, increased research funding, and stronger community outreach. Our goal is to drive sustainable innovation and prepare the next generation of leaders in the green economy.

Through these strategic initiatives, the School of Sustainable Development at CNA aims to significantly enhance its impact, contributing to a more sustainable future by educating the next generation of leaders in the green economy and fostering innovation in sustainable practices.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.
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September 3, 2024