See the companion article on new research to promote renewable power. Research is going on in other GHG reduction technologies. After all, there are two ways we can reduce GHG emissions drastically to forestall the effects of Climate Change, for which scientists now predict there is a 90% chance of major deleterious effects. One is a worldwide cultural change and doing actions that will reduce such emissions to meet goals, spurred on by government rules and incentives. That, honestly, is not working, as is the nature of governments and politicians. The other is with new technologies that will reduce GHG emissions, yet are affordable and will fit people’s lifestyles. This article details a few that are in the research phase that have the potential to be effective.
Carbon Capture & Sequestration (CCS)
CCS is a technology that would take CO2 out of a power plant exhaust and insert it deep in a rock formation, returning the carbon to underground. The USEPA is interested in this technology but is concerned about the long-term fate of the CO2 (it may still exit into the atmosphere in time, negating the effort). This summer, a bill was proposed in the House of Representatives, identical to one in the Senate, which would authorize a new type of exempt facility bond to be issued for qualified CCS facilities. The Senate has already passed an act nicknamed “USE IT”, which would support CCS technology through technology prizes, R&D programs to promote the technology, permitting guidance, a mechanism for tax-exempt bonds, and a regional permitting task force. The chances for long-term legislative encouragement seem to be growing stronger.
Nuclear Energy With Less Risk
A company, General Fusion, is working on a new commercially viable nuclear fusion energy power plant. It would produce no GHG emissions, emitting only helium as exhaust, requiring less land than other renewable technologies currently, with no chance of a meltdown scenario and no long-term hazardous waste.
Alternative to Battery Storage
It has been estimated that 20-25% of global GHG emissions derive from the transportation sector. One of the biggest issues holding back the electric cars is the limitations of riding due to current batteries. Researchers have discovered new materials offering an alternative to battery power and proven to be thousands of times more powerful than a supercapacitor. In theory, the new technology could have the potential for electric cars to travel to longer distances, as long as gasoline-fired cars before a recharge is needed, which could take just minutes to achieve. If this can be achieved affordably, then polluting cars can be replaced in large quantities.
Meat Substitutes
It has been estimated that as much as 30% of global GHG emissions derive from the growing desire for meat and dairy in our diets and the methane emissions of over a billion cows used to produce this. One alternative is lab-grown meat and substitutes that look and taste like the real thing. Two companies, Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, have created plant-based meat burgers from vegetable protein found in plants that appear to fool many people in taste tests. If demand for cow-based meat declines, that would certainly reduce GHG emissions.
Taken together, these technologies would offer people alternatives that are acceptable and affordable and, at the same time, reduce GHG emissions.
CCES has the experts to help your company use existing technologies to be more efficient, use less energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and benefit in other ways. Contact us today at karell@CCESworld.com or at 914-584-6720.