Global warming is rarely synonymous with good news. The increase in climate-related disasters is a case in point.
So when good news happens, it's important to share it.
Traace's main mission is to enable companies to reduce their emissions and take concrete action for the climate. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of some of the most promising innovative solutions being developed by researchers and entrepreneurs around the world, based on scientific knowledge, in an attempt to solve the major problem of our century.
So, of course, this doesn't change the fact that the number 1 priority remains setting up a carbon trajectory that will drastically reduce our emissions. But it's encouraging to see the proliferation of climate technology projects in all sectors of activity.
In any case, you can see that human beings are not lacking in creativity!
Climeworks: Filtering air to capture CO2
Among the technologies that are the focus of most research efforts is the so-called "CCS" technique, i.e. "Carbon Capture and Storage".
As the name suggests, it consists of extracting carbon from the air. This technology can be applied to various applications:
- For example, it can be implemented in a coal-fired power plant, where the CO2 generated by its combustion is captured before it is extracted. This is known as "post-combustion" PSC.
- The ambient air can also be "filtered" to recover CO2. This is called "direct air filter" technology. This is what the Swiss company Climeworks does.
Climeworks has developed a technology (which can be used in the open air as well as in factories) that can extract CO2 by blowing ambient air through a "filter" and then heating it. The captured CO2 can then be sold to 'fertilise' greenhouse plants, produce agrofuels or carbonate drinks.
Carbfix: Turning CO2 into stone
A project launched by a team of Icelandic scientists in 2007, Carbfix consists of sequestering CO2 by reaction with basaltic rocks.
Initially developed to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions from the Hellisheidi power plant in Iceland, the project has since gained international renown as a true breakthrough technology for carbon sequestration. Scientists from Iceland, France and the United States are now working together on this new technology, which is largely subsidized by the European Union.
How does it work?
The technology involves recovering carbon dioxide from the Hengill volcano, where the plant is located.
Pipelines transport the CO2, reduced to vapour, to the famous domed buildings. It is in these domes that the carbon dioxide is dissolved in large quantities of water.
The result is a mixture of water and carbon dioxide that is injected into the basalt rock below. When mixed with water, the carbon dioxide becomes embedded in the very porous structure of the basalt. Finally, under the effect of a chemical reaction, the CO2 freezes in the form of white crystals.
The main drawback to the deployment of this technology is the high water demand of the process. Therefore, the Carbfix team is now working on a water recycling process, which could allow the technology to be deployed in countries with more limited water resources than Iceland.
Mootral : Food supplements... for cows
In talking so much about carbon dioxide, we tend to forget that a second gas is strongly implicated in climate change: methane. Reducing its emissions is a major challenge for climate action.
Despite its short life span in the atmosphere (10 years), methane has a significant impact because its global warming "potential" is 28 times higher than that of CO2. Today, it is mainly emitted by agriculture and waste.
And it is precisely to reduce these methane emissions that Mootral, a Swiss company, has developed a feed supplement for ruminants.
A product that can reduce cattle emissions by up to 30%, paving the way for a sustainable agri-food industry.
Mootral has been voted as one of the 12 most impactful climate startups, and has raised nearly €8m to deploy its solution.
CarbonCure: The company that injects CO2 into concrete
CarbonCure is a UK company that recovers carbon dioxide emissions as an environmentally friendly reinforcing agent for concrete.
The process involves injecting liquefied CO2 into a concrete mixture and reacting it with calcium ions and water to produce limestone.
Even better: the reinforcing agent gives the concrete a longer lifespan, thus offsetting the additional costs associated with carbon injection. A first towards a sustainable building sector.
Good news for them: they have just won the Carbon XPrize Competition, with a nice prize of $20m to invest in their company...
PS : You notice that the headline of their website is quite close to Mootral... Who copied who? We'll never know.
GHGSat: the satellite that monitors methane emissions
For this latest innovation, we return to the subject of methane, but with a less mundane subject than Mootral.
GHGSat is a Quebec-based company that develops a satellite capable of detecting methane emissions. Their technology is used by industrial companies (Oil & Gas, Waste Management, etc...) to understand and measure the methane emissions linked to their activity.
They are also developing a sensor for aircraft, which will be able to detect methane emission with an accuracy of one metre!
BONUS: 5 solutions you can apply at home to combat global warming
While the vast majority of GHG emissions are due to business activity, in the face of the climate emergency, every gesture counts, and certain individual actions can have a considerable impact. Here are five concrete solutions and actions to combat global warming that you can implement today to reduce your carbon footprint while inspiring those around you.
Use more renewable energies
Adopting renewable energies at home is more accessible than ever. Installing solar panels or subscribing to a green energy supplier can help you reduce your use of fossil fuel-based energy. Even if you can't produce your own electricity, many suppliers offer certified 100% renewable energy. A simple administrative step can turn your energy consumption into a lever for the climate.
Start renovating your home for energy efficiency
Reducing energy loss in your home is a sustainable and cost-effective action. Good thermal insulation, replacing windows or installing more efficient heating, such as a heat pump, can considerably reduce your bills and emissions by making your home a low-energy home. Numerous financial aids are available for this work, making the transition more affordable. Every degree gained without over-consumption is a victory for the planet.
Make your mobility more sustainable
As part of our lifestyles, travel accounts for a significant proportion of our carbon footprint, and emissions have been rising sharply for several years now. Adopt less polluting modes of transport: give preference to cycling, walking or public transport for short journeys. If you must drive, consider an electric or hybrid car. Finally, reduce your air travel, which has a high carbon impact, and opt for the train, a much more environmentally-friendly alternative.
Recycle, reuse and reduce
The circular economy starts at home. Sort your waste to maximize recycling, and limit single-use products in favor of sustainable alternatives (water bottles, reusable bags, etc.). Adopt the reflex of repairing before throwing away: clothes with holes in them and faulty electronic equipment can often be saved. Reducing your consumption by buying less, but better, is both an ecological and economic approach.
Switch to a more plant-based diet
Intensive livestock farming and meat production are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing your consumption of meat, especially beef and lamb, is a powerful gesture for the climate. Introduce more vegetarian meals into your week, and explore protein-rich alternatives such as legumes, tofu or nuts. Not only is this diet good for the planet, it's also better for your health.
That's it! And if you'd like to discover another promising carbon innovation, feel free to browse our site 🙂 Traace offers a solution enabling companies to accurately measure their GHG emissions, identify the best decarbonization levers, set up a solid carbon trajectory and finally estimate the costs and benefits. A concrete solution to the climate crisis.
Do you have any innovations in mind that you would like to share? Do not hesitate to share them with us at contact@traace.co
