Manas Pathak

The missing experiment Surprisingly, I had to learn that the central hypothesis of all ‘#decarbonization’ efforts is not (yet) evidenced experimentally. I.e., no #experiment has been published that conclusively demonstrates that an increase in atmospheric #CO2 concentration from approximately 0.03% to more than 0.04% (or similar values at this magnitude) causes a measurable increase in temperature. Yet, science relies on empirical evidence, i.e., experiments or observations. Thus, despite the existence of a ‘scientific consensus’ on the relationship between increased CO2 concentration and #globalwarming, science is not a democratic process. Consequently, it becomes increasingly imperative to furnish robust experimental evidence of the central hypothesis of ‘decarbonization’ efforts. Neglect this and science’s principles falter, leaving room for skepticism and refutation. I published this topic in the ‘International Journal of Environment and Climate Change’ and welcome an open discussion on this network. https://lnkd.in/dZP7WxeA   #ClimateChange

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Stanford works on a new liquid battery to help out struggling RE. Stanford chemists are aiming to stabilize renewable energy on the electrical grid by developing a liquid battery for long-term storage. This liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) battery is designed to store energy and smooth out the fluctuations of renewable power production without negative side effects. The team's work was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. “We are developing a new strategy for selectively converting and long-term storing of electrical energy in liquid fuels,” said Robert Waymouth, a Stanford chemistry professor, in a university news release. “We also discovered a novel, selective catalytic system for storing electrical energy in a liquid fuel without generating gaseous hydrogen.” Addressing Renewable Energy Variability Our current electrical grid consumes energy as it is generated, which works well with consistent energy sources. However, renewable energy sources like solar and wind produce energy unevenly. Therefore, we need efficient ways to store excess energy produced during high-energy-production periods for use during low-energy-production times. The Potential of LOHCs The Stanford team believes LOHCs can act as “liquid batteries,” storing energy and releasing it as fuel or electricity when needed. They propose converting the excess energy into stable ingredients such as acetone and isopropanol (rubbing alcohol), which can be stored as high-density liquid forms of hydrogen. “When you have excess energy and there’s no demand on the grid, you store it as isopropanol,” Waymouth explained. “When you need the energy, you can convert it back into electricity.” Overcoming Efficiency Challenges Current methods to produce isopropanol with electricity are inefficient. “We need a way to make isopropanol directly from protons and electrons without producing hydrogen gas,” Waymouth said. This study introduces a solution using acetone, iridium, and a surprising additive: cobaltocene, a cobalt-based compound. “The researchers found that cobaltocene is unusually efficient when used as a co-catalyst in this reaction,” the news release stated. “It directly delivers protons and electrons to the iridium catalyst rather than liberating hydrogen gas, as previously expected.” A Non-Toxic Energy Storage Solution The team’s approach uses accessible, non-toxic ingredients for long-term energy storage. They plan to explore various catalysts, such as iron, to make the liquid battery system more affordable and scalable. “This is basic fundamental science,” Waymouth said, “but we think we have a new strategy for more selectively storing electrical energy in liquid fuels.”

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Chemists from University of California, Berkeley have developed a MOF (metal-organic framework) decorated with zinc hydride sites that effectively captures #carbon at temperatures between 200°C (400ºF) and 400°C (750ºF). If you subscribe to Science Magazine read "High-temperature carbon dioxide capture in a porous material with terminal zinc hydride sites" here: https://lnkd.in/ej-wziHR #energytransition #emissions #carbonemissions #IRA #CO2 #decarbonization #decarbonisation #carboncapture #ccs #ccus #carbonremoval Kurtis Carsch Rachel Rohde

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A good explanation that speaks to our nopal cactus approach.

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Many of you have asked about the step-by-step process for implementing the RothC model, both for baseline assessments and post-implementation analysis. Here are some streamlined tips to simplify the methodologies published by various standards. #CarbonCredits #Sustainability #ClimateAction #sustainablebusiness #EnvironmentalIntegrity #CorporateResponsibility #sustainabledevelopment #sustainablefinance #eco #Agroecology #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction

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Going #electric at home may appear daunting and costly. However, with state and federal incentives, this shift becomes more feasible. DSIRE's (screenshot below) platform simplifies identifying available state incentives for renewable energy and efficiency initiatives. Companies like Rock Rabbit, EnergySage, Encentiv Energy, Opower, Rebate Bus, Sense, Enervee, Powerley, and others are demystifying these incentives, making them more accessible to homeowners. Learn more in Climate People's latest #1MinuteClimateSnippet: https://buff.ly/3KyG3Nz .

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Energy Transition Finance is helping a number of companies pursue funding through Round 2 of Inflation Reduction Act 48C funding. With $6 billion available in this round to cover 30% of qualified expenses, this initiative not only promotes job creation in communities that need it most but also drives down the cost of carbon-free energy. Your project will need to be permitted within two years and then operational within two years after that. Key dates to remember: • Concept papers are due within 30 days of the application portal opening on May 22. So the due date is 6/21/2024. • After review, letters of encouragement or discouragement will be sent out. • Teams will then have 50 days to submit their full applications. Whether you need a lot of help or just a little guidance at any stage, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to seize this opportunity and make a significant impact. #48C #IRA #AdvancedEnergy #EnergyTransition #TaxCredits #AdvancedManufacturing #IndustrialDecarbonization #CleanEnergy

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I would not say it is a quick fix yet reducing methane emissions is generally a relatively lower cost option versus other GHG emissions reduction options. A few points on the article, which is generally balanced. 1. Negative cost for methane abatement generally means you have a market to sell the captured methane to. If you are far away from a market it becomes more difficult. 2. Good to see the author recognize the amount of methane released from agriculture in addition to the oil and gas industry this gets lost in most articles. 3. The number quoted by how much more potent of a gas methane is versus CO2 depends on the how many years in the atmosphere you consider so you see different number all the time.

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🔎 CO2 storage and geothermal in the same room - a crossover episode? Captured carbon dioxide could be used in geothermal systems as the heat extraction fluid. There're lots of uncertainties and multiple technical and economic challenges, and pilot projects are yet to come. However, policies, regulations and public support are likely to be equally critical to integrating CO2 storage with geothermal power generation at a commercial scale Andy Wood Rosana Galindo Tiago Jacques #carboncapture #carbonstorage #geothermal #policy #regulation #publicacceptance #publicawareness #impactassessment #taxcredits #research #pilotprojects https://lnkd.in/eHbsvjnx

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#U.A.E. and #Oman-based climate tech startup 44.01 has secured $37 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Equinor Ventures and Shorooq Partners. Founded in 2020 by Karan Khimji, Talal Hasan, and Ehab Tasfai, 44.01 eliminates carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by converting it into rock through a process known as CO2 mineralization. #CO2_mineralization is the process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes a solid mineral. It is a chemical reaction that happens when certain rocks are exposed to carbon dioxide. The new funding will be used to refine the technology, develop commercial-scale projects, and expand international deployment. Check the full story on Forbes Middle East #startups #Forbes #funding #climate_tech #investment #Forbesmiddleeas.

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#Carbonremoval startups in direct air capture (#DAC), bioenergy carbon capture and storage (#BECCS), enhanced weathering, #afforestation/ #reforestation and soil carbon sequestration may find this data useful for your strategic planning. #sustainability #energytransition #IRA #CO2 #carbon #decarbonization #decarbonisation #carboncapture #ccs #ccus #directaircapture #carbonsequestration #carbonstorage

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On Trump's energy policy: - Balanced approach and support for extraction of all sources of energy in the US. - US electricity demand is significantly surging due to #AI & data centers. The current EV mandate, is unrealistic considering the need for significant power supplies & adequate infrastructure. - Strategic minerals & battery sourcing for EVs need consideration. - Trump's election will significantly shift US energy strategy. - COP28's Paragraph 28 allows countries to a pursue energy transition path that aligns with their energy security strategy. #Trump #EnergyTransition #USEnergyPolicy

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‼️A HUGE NONSENSE ‼️ Maybe it is not clear yet how frustrating is have a huge resource available and not being able to deploy it… Because after decades of support and #money spent to incentivize new sources of electricity ⚡️, have made those competitive and not being capable to unleash the potential is quite a non-sense. But maybe it is also a lesson that when it comes to #energy, there are no shortcuts and easy solutions and complex systems need to be treated as they are: re- complex and with the need to consider all parts… And - maybe (again) - the lesson will be learnt soon #sustainability #innovation #technology #future

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I don’t know if people noticed, but there were some 𝗵𝘂𝗴𝗲 wins for the industry 𝗮𝗻𝗱 the environment in the EPA’s final rulemaking of Subpart W that was released early last week. Don’t take this as legal/regulatory advice, but in the final version, our team found that the EPA: 1. 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (contributions to “Methane Fee”) that are based any detections 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 for super-emitters (>100 kg/hr), and 2. 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 the max assumed 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for those remaining super-emitter penalties from 182 days to 𝟵𝟭 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀. Why were these such huge wins for everyone? The removal of penalties was a win for everyone because the penalties could be triggered by “any credible information”, including by 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 scans by the industry members themselves. We want to encourage more measurements, not discourage them. The removal of these penalties also largely removed a strong incentive to use the least effective and least auditable tech for regulatory compliance scans. The reduction of the max duration for super-emitters was a win because those of us who measure them know super-emitters are most often short-lived on regulated facilities. Generally, people tend to notice super-emitters, so they get fixed quickly. At Bridger, we've established credibility and built a reputation for following the data and science, and I hope the EPA is open to shortening the 91 day "backstop" further if justified by emerging data and statistics. It’s now clear that the EPA is focusing regulatory penalties squarely on super-emitters. Fortunately, this was a central focus of our recent webinar on “Navigating the New EPA Methane Regulations” a few weeks back. The core theme of the webinar highlights the advantages of stepping back, taking a deep breath, and letting comprehensive data and thoughtful strategy, rather than fear and panic, guide your decision making on how to beat super-emitters. Check out the full webinar here if you missed it: https://lnkd.in/g59RRdWk #methane #oilandgas #emissionsreduction API - American Petroleum Institute US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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Then, AI can help in strategic decision making process.

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📢 Exciting Publication Announcement! 📢 on our latest research publication in the Journal of Cleaner Production! 🔍 Title: The dual role of low-carbon ammonia in climate-smart farming and energy transition 🙏Acknowledgments: I am grateful for the invaluable contributions of my coauthors Haoying Wang, Lorena G Moscardelli and Mark Shuster. A heartfelt thank you to my additional contributing team members Mariam Arzumanyan, PhD., Edna Rodriguez Calzado, GIT. 📄 Summary: This paper explores the critical intersection of agriculture and energy systems, focusing on low-carbon intensity ammonia (LCIA) as a pivotal element in reducing the carbon footprint of US agricultural production, especially in fertilizer use. 💡 We provide a comprehensive analysis of the ammonia market, production methods, and environmental implications, highlighting LCIA's potential to decarbonize fertilizers and serve as a clean energy source. 🗺 A case study in the Permian Basin and Southern High Plains illustrates regional synergies, proposing a framework for integrating LCIA into US agriculture. Our findings emphasize strategic investments and policy recommendations to develop a sustainable LCIA value chain. 📚 Read the Full Article Here https://lnkd.in/gUSCjQ9i #Research #Sustainability #LowCarbon #Ammonia #CleanEnergy #hydrogen #energy #energyeconomics #ClimateSmart #Agriculture #EnergyTransition #energyeconomics I am grateful to a supportive community of colleagues Crystal Chiang, Ammonia Energy Association Ruth Sharpe Erika Taugher Rietze Keshni Sritharan Matilda Wall Gary Matteson Michael Lewis Amogy Gancheng Sun Dongmei Chen David T. Dalle Molle

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