Carbon Removal Roundup - February 6
France ratifies UN marine biodiversity agreement; UK Net-Zero Council relaunched; UK Defra wildlife habitat funding; Novel electrolyte regeneration device for CO2 transformation; Drax CC + bioenergy
Top stories of the day:
France ratifies UN agreement on marine biodiversity
UK Net Zero Council focuses on clean energy initiatives
UK Defra's £25 Million Initiative for Wildlife-Rich Habitat Restoration
Investment in Port Talbot for Industrial Decarbonisation
India’s IICA and CMAI collaboration for carbon market capacity building
16 signatories call for Clean Industrial Deal to deliver Joint Decarbonisation and Competitiveness Roadmap
France ratifies UN agreement on marine biodiversity
(February 05)
France deposited its ratification instrument for the BBNJ Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on 5 February. This action follows the unanimous adoption by Parliament of the bill presented by Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on 5 November 2024. France is aiming to achieve the necessary 60 ratifications for the agreement to become effective by the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025, to be held in Nice.
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France
UK Net Zero Council focuses on clean energy initiatives
(February 05)
The UK government relaunched the Net Zero Council on February 5, co-chaired by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq. This initiative aims to accelerate various sectors towards net zero emissions while creating thousands of jobs. The Council includes key industry players like Siemens, Nestle, and HSBC, with a focus on clean energy growth and the development of green skills. The first meeting established priorities for 2025/26, emphasizing an inclusive approach to engage diverse voices in net zero delivery.
Defra's £25 Million Initiative for Wildlife-Rich Habitat Restoration
(February 05)
England's Defra awarded a share of £25 million to 20 projects under the Species Survival Fund in March 2024. This Fund, administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund on Defra’s behalf, focuses on creating and restoring wildlife-rich habitats such as heathland, grassland, and wetlands. One project, 'Wetter for Waders: Enhancing Somerset’s Coastal Wetlands', aims to enhance local biodiversity while also providing community engagement activities.
Investment in Port Talbot for Industrial Decarbonisation
(February 06)
The UK Government announced £8.2 million funding for the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH) project in Port Talbot, creating and supporting over 100 jobs. This project will redevelop a four-acre site at Harbourside, focusing on reducing carbon emissions in the steel and metal industry, with an expected local economic benefit of £87 million. This funding is a part of the UK Government's broader £80 million transition program for Tata Steel and aims to stimulate regional growth and regeneration.
IICA and CMAI collaboration for carbon market capacity building
(February 05)
India's Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance capacity for decarbonisation. The collaboration includes training programmes, joint research, conferences, and policy advocacy focused on carbon markets, low-carbon industrial solutions, and sustainable finance. Initiatives will support India's ambition to transition to a low-carbon economy and enhance understanding of carbon trading mechanisms.
16 signatories call for Clean Industrial Deal to deliver Joint Decarbonisation and Competitiveness Roadmap
(February 05)
The EU, alongside 15 think tanks and civil organizations, has called for the Clean Industrial Deal to be turned into a Joint Decarbonisation and Competitiveness Roadmap. This initiative aims to integrate cleantech in industrial processes, promoting a decarbonised and innovative business model. The letter proposes a strategy focused on access to clean energy, a comprehensive Cleantech strategy for sectoral decarbonisation, and unlocking private investment through a Cleantech Investment Plan with clear incentives, necessary to create robust markets for clean technologies.
More in this newsletter
RemePhy uses plants for soil contamination remediation
Overview of Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies - MIT & APS
Drax proposes carbon capture at Selby bioenergy plant
Using ancestral knowledge and yerba mate trees to accelerate climate action
UP Catalyst develops novel Electrolyte Regeneration Device for COâ‚‚ transformation
Algae for a Cleaner Future: An In-Depth Look at Phycoremediation
Transparency changes for the ACCU Scheme | Clean Energy Regulator
PyroGenesis Increases Contract for Varennes Carbon Recycling Plant
Local Nature Recovery Strategies being implemented in England
RemePhy uses plants for soil contamination remediation
(February 03)
RemePhy was founded by PhD graduates Dr Franklin Keck and Dr Ion Ioannou at Imperial College London. The startup aims to address heavy metal pollution in soils through innovative phytoremediation technology, restoring contaminated land for agriculture and other uses. Their technology can extract valuable minerals such as nickel and cobalt, supporting the clean energy transition.
Overview of Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies
(February 06)
A new report by the American Physical Society led by MIT physicist Washington Taylor evaluated various carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods and their physical limitations. The report suggests that while CDR is not a magic bullet for climate change, substantial CDR efforts are needed alongside aggressive emissions reductions. It emphasizes the development of an economic and policy framework that incentivizes both emissions reductions and CDR methods.
Drax proposes carbon capture at Selby bioenergy plant
(February 05)
UK-based Drax Power Ltd has applied for modifications to its environmental permit to incorporate carbon capture technology at its bioenergy plant near Selby. The Environment Agency is currently reviewing the application following a public consultation. Drax aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions from its electricity generation process and transport it for permanent storage under the North Sea.
Using ancestral knowledge and yerba mate trees to accelerate climate action
(February 05)
Paraguay's Ava Guaranà Indigenous community has embarked on the PROEZA project, which involves planting over 1,500 yerba mate seedlings alongside other native tree species. This initiative is financed by the Green Climate Fund with a total budget of USD 90.3 million and aims to promote forest planting, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience in local communities through sustainable agroforestry practices. Community members receive supplies, machinery, and technical assistance for tree planting and crop management.
UP Catalyst develops novel Electrolyte Regeneration Device for COâ‚‚ transformation
(February 03)
Estonian company UP Catalyst has developed an innovative Electrolyte Regeneration Device to maximize resource efficiency in transforming COâ‚‚ emissions into solid carbon materials. This system allows for the electrochemical transformation of COâ‚‚ and the reuse of electrolytes, achieving up to 95% resource reduction and improved energy efficiency. The project was conducted in collaboration with Universitat de Lleida, STUBA, and INEGI.
Algae for a Cleaner Future: An In-Depth Look at Phycoremediation
(February 02)
AgroMorph Technosolutions focuses on leveraging phycoremediation to address the challenges of wastewater treatment caused by the dairy industry, utilizing the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in open pond systems. This initiative has led to significant reductions in pollutants, achieving an 87% decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and a 96% reduction in biological oxygen demand (BOD) over a 16-day treatment period. Such methods underscore the potential for utilizing algal solutions in various industries for environmental sustainability.
Transparency changes for the ACCU Scheme | Clean Energy Regulator
(February 03)
Australia has amended the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015 to enhance transparency in the ACCU Scheme. The project register will now include detailed project activities, estimation methods, and authorized agents. Updates will be completed by June 2025, supported by modernized online systems.
PyroGenesis Increases Contract for Varennes Carbon Recycling Plant
(February 03)
Canada-based PyroGenesis Inc. has expanded its involvement in the Varennes Carbon Recycling (VCR) project with a new contract worth $1.1 million, raising the total contract value to $3.6 million. The VCR project aims to produce biofuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 170,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing 50,000 vehicles from the road. It is backed by major corporate partners like Shell and Suncor, and the Quebec and Canadian governments.
Local Nature Recovery Strategies being implemented in England
(February 04)
Authorities across England, including Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council, have produced Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) under the Environment Act (2021). These strategies are aimed at setting priorities and actions for nature recovery, ensuring they influence planning and decision-making. The Isle of Wight LNRS is open for public consultation until February 14th, offering an opportunity to align the strategy with successful outcomes for nature by 2030.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust | UK
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