
At the Yacht Club de Monaco the Energy Observer laboratory is ready for a new adventure
Since 2017, this floating laboratory has travelled over 68,000 nautical miles, visited more than 50 countries and proved the reliability of zero-emission technologies in a variety of conditions. 'The Energy Observer, it's a really special boat because we are like a laboratory. We have tested all around the world many technology bricks, like solar panels. We also have a special sail: it's an ocean wing, it's really like a wing of a plane but in a vertical position, and hydrogen tank,' explained Jean Baptiste Sanchez, captain of the Observer. And now it's time for a new adventure: 'We're going to start a new journey, nine years around the world to explore carbon neutrality and we are going to build a new vessel by 2027. So that means we are looking for new talents, new engineers to get on board with us,' added Benedicte Gallon, deputy CEO of the Observer. On Friday, June 6, at the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Energy Observer unveiled EO3, its new expedition laboratory vessel, designed to explore future solutions for maritime and energy decarbonization.
This pioneering ocean-going catamaran, authentic floating innovation hub, marks the beginning of a new global adventure titled 'A journey to Carbon Neutrality' (2025–2033). The presence of the Energy Observer in Monaco embodies the tangible link between research and the energy transition.
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b3d1f95b-ae68-4501-9559-53fc53655cb5
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Globe and Mail
4 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
4 Oil Giants Invest Billions to Lead the Low-Carbon Energy Shift
The energy world is changing fast, and for oil and energy companies, the message couldn't be clearer: low-carbon solutions aren't just a nice-to-have anymore — they're essential. With record-breaking heat, stricter regulations and growing pressure from customers, cutting carbon isn't just about doing the right thing — it's opening up real business opportunities. It's pushing companies to innovate, explore new markets, and rethink what it means to lead in this space. For oils-energy companies and investors, this shift isn't just about keeping up with regulations. It's about staying competitive, finding new paths to grow, and making sure their investments are built to last. In today's fast-changing energy world, integrated oil and gas companies are in a great position to lead the way. These big players handle everything — from finding and extracting oil and gas to refining it and getting it to customers, which gives them the know-how and resources to try new ideas and technologies. Companies like Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM, Shell plc SHEL, TotalEnergies SE TTE, and Chevron Corporation CVX aren't just sticking to traditional oil and gas anymore — they're upgrading their whole systems to include low-carbon solutions like carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable energy. By combining what they've done for years with these new, cleaner options, they're finding smart ways to stay competitive and make real progress toward a greener future. Because they cover the entire process, they can move quickly, make smart investments, and lead the industry through one of its biggest transformations yet. Why Low-Carbon Solutions Matter for Oil and Energy Low-carbon solutions — from carbon capture to hydrogen and renewables — are vital for several reasons: Regulatory Pressure and Market Demand: Governments worldwide are tightening emissions standards and setting legally binding climate commitments. This means companies that can't show real progress on decarbonization risk losing their license to operate, facing higher costs, or missing lucrative contracts. Massive Market Opportunity: Hard-to-decarbonize sectors like industry, power, and transportation account for about 80% of global CO2 emissions. The market for emission-reduction technologies in these sectors could be worth up to $6 trillion by 2050. For oil and energy companies, this is a huge opportunity to capture new value pools and diversify revenue streams. Investor and Consumer Expectations: Investors are increasingly channeling capital toward businesses with strong sustainability credentials, while consumers are demanding cleaner products. Companies that lead in low-carbon innovation can enhance their brand, attract investment, and build long-term customer loyalty. Cost Savings and Efficiency: Advanced carbon management technologies and smart energy systems can help businesses slash energy waste, cut costs, and increase operational efficiency—all while reducing their environmental impact. Future-Proofing: As the energy transition accelerates, companies that invest early in low-carbon solutions will be better positioned to adapt to changing policies, technologies, and market dynamics. How the Energy Giants are Responding Let's explore how the largest energy companies — ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Chevron — are evolving to lead in the low-carbon future: ExxonMobil: Scaling Up Hydrogen and Carbon Capture ExxonMobil, a Spring, TX-based integrated oil and gas company, is placing big bets on carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen. In its first-quarter 2025 results, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company reported earnings of $7.7 billion and highlighted ongoing transformation efforts to ensure resilience in uncertain markets. Notably, ExxonMobil has pledged up to $30 billion between 2025 and 2030 for lower-emission initiatives, with about 65% of this investment aimed at reducing emissions across the broader industry, not just its operations. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Baytown low-carbon hydrogen project, poised to be one of the world's largest blue hydrogen facilities, serves as a key pillar of this strategy. Using CCS technology, Baytown will capture up to 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually, enabling both ExxonMobil and third-party emitters to cut emissions at scale. ExxonMobil's deep infrastructure and engineering expertise give it a strong advantage in commercializing these solutions efficiently. The company is also advancing biofuels and lithium extraction, aiming to support both the decarbonization of its operations and those of other industries. Furthermore, ExxonMobil is deploying advanced methane detection and reduction technologies, underlining its commitment to tackling all major greenhouse gases as part of its broader emissions-reduction strategy. Shell: Portfolio Reshaping and Renewables Expansion Shell's first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings were $5.6 billion, but the real story is its portfolio transformation. The company sold its Nigerian onshore operations for $2.4 billion, exiting a legacy region with significant operational risks. Simultaneously, Shell acquired Pavilion Energy, strengthening its LNG trading capabilities and positioning itself for long-term growth in cleaner fuels. The Zacks Rank #3 company is also ramping up investments in renewable power and hydrogen. While specific hydrogen projects weren't disclosed in the first quarter, the London-based integrated oil and gas company has a clear capital expenditure (CapEx) outlook of $20-$22 billion, much of it directed at transition technologies, including renewables, energy storage, and distributed energy platforms. Shell is accelerating its energy transition strategy by investing $10-$15 billion in low-carbon solutions between 2023 and 2025, with a strong focus on hydrogen, renewables, and carbon capture. A key milestone in Shell's sustainability initiatives is the construction of Holland Hydrogen I in Rotterdam, poised to become Europe's largest renewable hydrogen plant when it begins operations in 2025. This facility will use offshore wind power to produce green hydrogen, which will help decarbonize Shell's refineries and support clean transportation. Beyond hydrogen, Shell is rapidly expanding its EV charging infrastructure and renewable energy generation, particularly in wind and solar. The company's carbon capture initiatives, such as the Polaris CCS project in Canada, are designed to capture significant volumes of CO2 and support Shell's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Shell's progress is evident in its achievement of over 60% of its targeted reduction in operational emissions by 2030, even as it adapts its long-term plans to the evolving energy landscape. TotalEnergies: Accelerating Green Hydrogen and Renewables Among the most aggressive movers, TotalEnergies, a France-based integrated oil and gas company, is rapidly expanding its renewable electricity and green hydrogen assets. In first-quarter 2025, the Zacks Rank #3 company posted strong results driven by an 18% year-over-year rise in electricity production, largely powered by renewables. TotalEnergies also acquired VSB Group, a German renewables developer, further cementing its role in Europe's green energy ecosystem. A landmark initiative is its partnership with Air Liquide to build two green hydrogen facilities in the Netherlands, targeting 45,000 tons of annual production. These projects aim to reduce up to 450,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, primarily by decarbonizing TotalEnergies' refining operations, while supporting broader EU climate targets. TotalEnergies' integrated approach combines renewable generation, storage, and distribution, positioning the company as a key player in Europe's evolving green energy ecosystem and enhancing its resilience in a rapidly changing market. Chevron: Piloting Solar-to-Hydrogen and Clean Tech Investments Chevron, a Houston, TX-based Integrated Oil and Gas company, is taking a more measured yet innovative path. The first-quarter 2025 earnings were $3.5 billion, with highlights including the start-up of the Ballymore field in the Gulf of America. On the decarbonization front, the Zacks Rank #3 company launched a 5-megawatt solar-to-hydrogen project in California's Central Valley, its first such initiative. The facility uses solar energy to produce hydrogen for industrial and transport applications, showcasing Chevron's intent to blend renewables with traditional energy. In addition, Chevron is supporting more than 140 clean-tech startups through its Chevron Technology Ventures, investing in lithium production, recently acquired lithium-rich acreage as part of a strategic expansion and intelligent fracking technologies to boost efficiency while reducing emissions. The Bottom Line for Smart Investors The shift to low-carbon energy is no longer a distant ideal — it's a critical business transformation already underway. Leading oil and energy companies are evolving from fossil fuel producers into diversified energy innovators. For investors, this means opportunities to back companies with bold decarbonization strategies that promise growth, resilience, and competitive advantage. In the race to net zero, those who invest early and think beyond traditional oil and gas will define the energy leaders of tomorrow — and reap the rewards today. 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops." Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.5% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. See them now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report TotalEnergies SE Sponsored ADR (TTE): Free Stock Analysis Report Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (


Globe and Mail
7 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
At the Yacht Club de Monaco the Energy Observer laboratory is ready for a new adventure
MONACO, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A floating laboratory to test and demonstrate the feasibility of renewable energy solutions for maritime transport and beyond. In Monaco, during the days of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, the event dedicated to the future of yachting organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, the catamaran Energy Observer is moored at the YCM Marina. It is the first self-sufficient vessel powered by a mix of solar, wind, hydro and hydrogen produced on board and produces zero emissions. While planning a nine-year long new journey, this year the Energy Observer plays an even more central role in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC), serving as a direct link between research, innovation, and the younger generation. A real transmission is happening between the young engineers participating in the event and the professionals of Energy Observer. What students develop and test in the paddocks finds a concrete application aboard this unique vessel. The students also had the opportunity to visit the Energy Observer, discovering its technologies up close. For many, it was a first encounter with such an emblematic ambassador of sustainable maritime innovation. 'Seeing the Energy Observer up close, understanding how everything we've been working on during the Challenge connects to real-life technology — it's honestly inspiring. It makes you realise that what we do here isn't just theoretical, it's shaping the future,' shared Enguerrand from the team Néréides - UTT. Since 2017, this floating laboratory has travelled over 68,000 nautical miles, visited more than 50 countries and proved the reliability of zero-emission technologies in a variety of conditions. 'The Energy Observer, it's a really special boat because we are like a laboratory. We have tested all around the world many technology bricks, like solar panels. We also have a special sail: it's an ocean wing, it's really like a wing of a plane but in a vertical position, and hydrogen tank,' explained Jean Baptiste Sanchez, captain of the Observer. And now it's time for a new adventure: 'We're going to start a new journey, nine years around the world to explore carbon neutrality and we are going to build a new vessel by 2027. So that means we are looking for new talents, new engineers to get on board with us,' added Benedicte Gallon, deputy CEO of the Observer. On Friday, June 6, at the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Energy Observer unveiled EO3, its new expedition laboratory vessel, designed to explore future solutions for maritime and energy decarbonization. This pioneering ocean-going catamaran, authentic floating innovation hub, marks the beginning of a new global adventure titled 'A journey to Carbon Neutrality' (2025–2033). The presence of the Energy Observer in Monaco embodies the tangible link between research and the energy transition. A video accompanying this announcement is available at


CBC
11 hours ago
- CBC
Meet the U.S. climate resistance
Hello, Earthlings! This is our weekly newsletter on all things environmental, where we highlight trends and solutions that are moving us to a more sustainable world. Keep up with the latest news on our Climate and Environment page. Meet the U.S. climate resistance U.S. climate advocates have faced a dizzying number of environmental policy rollbacks and funding cuts in the almost six months since Donald Trump took office. Now, activists, academics and lobbyists across American society are gearing up to once again galvanize public opinion in favour of climate action, ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in 2026. The academic resistance Brandon Jones is the president of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) who worked as a federal scientist in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 12 years. Jones says he was initially overwhelmed by the "surreal" barrage of changes. But now, Jones says, his organization is finding ways to push back. "You get to a point where yes, you are going to have emotions about the decisions, but you also need to start thinking clearly about how to stand up against what you know is not right," he said. In April, the U.S. president dismissed hundreds of scientists working to compile the country's flagship report on global warming and its impacts. The National Climate Assessment, which is released every four years, informs everything from agricultural policy that impacts food security to disaster mitigation that saves lives. These dismissals prompted the AGU to create a special collection of journals that would house all the important climate research that was suddenly left homeless. Jones says it's important for U.S. scientists today to find new ways to keep climate science alive in the face of federal funding cuts and shifting political priorities. Equally, he says, it's important to continue to get climate data out to decision makers and the general public, and he says many researchers in his circle feel the same. "They are so impassioned about continuing their work and doing the right thing in the face of what they see as an infringement on science … that they're just ready to do it with no pay. It's about ethics and morality now and humanity." The street-level resistance Youth organizations are putting their energy into more visible forms of resistance, like street protests and direct action. One example is the Sunrise Movement. Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay says they are currently forming a "youth army to combat the climate crisis." Sunrise's strategy is to carry out social media campaigns and hold rallies to draw attention to Donald Trump's support of fossil fuel industries ahead of the midterms. "Environment is the issue where Trump is least trusted," she said. "I think because of that, there's a real role to make climate a more urgent political priority for everyday people, and [it] actually can result in big shifts in the electorate." Peaceful protesters, however, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal punishment in the U.S. Since January, an expanding list of bills have been introduced aimed at banning political demonstrations, according to The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, a civic freedoms watchdog based in the U.S. capital. Shiney-Ajay says she's thought a lot about the consequences of organizing protests, but she hopes taking to the streets can inspire others to take smaller actions, like voicing support for climate policy in their workplaces, schools or online. "The question of whether or not we will be able to get out of this political situation really relies on how many people we can inspire to take everyday acts of courage, over and over and over again." Resistance by lobbying Climate organizations are also working to lobby Republican politicians on policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industry. Glen Brand, director of policy and advocacy at the non-profit Solar United Neighbours, says the best way to do that is to focus on the economic benefits of renewable energy, rather than try to bring climate change into the conversation. The U.S. has recently experienced a boom in solar and wind energy uptake, especially in Republican leaning states. Brand attributes this boom to the rising cost of fossil fuel energy sources as well as tax credits brought in under former President Joe Biden that incentivize renewable energy infrastructure. While the Trump administration plans to phase those tax credits out, Brand hopes to convince Republicans to fight for the future of solar in their constituencies. "I think it makes total common sense, considering the state of the Republican Party and climate protection, to focus on pocketbook issues," he said. Dominque Browning, co-founder of the advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force, says her organization plans to lobby in favour of The Endangerment Finding. That's a 2009 decision by the EPA that acknowledges the public health dangers of greenhouse gas emissions and its responsibility to protect Americans from climate change. The current head of the EPA says he will consider reversing the finding altogether. Browning says she thinks about her grandson's future when preparing to push back against a reversal of the finding, and that parents across the U.S. are engaging with lawmakers to pressure the government to uphold the principles of the Endangerment Finding. "We will continue to fight on all fronts. In fact, we find that our work actually helps give us hope and solace, because at least we're trying to do something." Check out our podcast and radio show. In one of our newest episodes: If Canada wants to be net-zero by 2050, more than a million small businesses will have to make the green transition. And while some intrepid business owners are already trying their best to navigate a more eco-friendly path, others say it's a big ask, especially when many are already struggling to balance the needs of price-wary shoppers with a thin bottom line. We'll dive into their journey, and learn more about the supports that could change the game. What On Earth drops new podcast episodes every Wednesday and Saturday. You can find them on your favourite podcast app or on demand at CBC Listen. The radio show airs Sundays at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador. Reader Feedback We got another response to our request for photos of your native plant gardens! Amanda Blain wrote: "I have naturalized over five acres into trees, wetlands and native flowers and grasses BUT this is what I call my 'Landscaped Area.' I chose this to show even on a small scale you can make an impact. Instead of planting non-native plants as most landscapers do, I decided to take it into my own hands. I am located in Chatham-Kent, [Ont.,] where tree cover and natural areas are less than five per cent of the total land area. Here I planted: black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), smooth oxeye or false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolate) amongst others. I truly believe there is no reason to plant non-native flowers since there are so many beautiful native options." We also heard back from Boston's Office of Green Infrastructure about Sara Scharf's comment about the impact of road salt on Boston's roadside bioswales. Rachel Luna, the office's interim director and principal engineer, responds: "For our roadside bioswales, we select plant species tolerant of higher salt conditions. The first flush of runoff usually has the highest concentration of salt, but as additional ice and snow melts, it flushes the salt through the soil. We use well draining bioretention soil that helps the salt flush through easier." Feel free to send more photos of your native plant gardens — when you send them in, please include your location and what plants are included in the photo so other readers know what works in their region. The Big Picture: What your summer will feel like in 2100 By 2100, with a medium emissions scenario (similar to the trajectory we're on), Montreal summers could feel like ones already experienced in Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, or Queens, N.Y. CBC News published a new interactive analysis in which you can pick your city and see what cities have a present-day climate similar to the one your city will experience at the end of the century. These kinds of comparisons, called spatial analogues by scientists, are a useful way to transform sometimes abstract projections into concrete examples. — Nael Shiab British singer Ed Sheeran can afford a private jet. But he recently explained in an online interview why he doesn't own one, and prefers to travel by train (hint: it has to do with his views on the environment), The Cool Down reports. Hotels have stringent hygiene protocols that require toiletries, even if they're unopened, to be thrown out at the end of a guest's stay, reports Reasons to be Cheerful. But a number of organizations now collect hotel soap, reprocessing it if necessary, and redistribute it to those in need, including Canada-based Soap for Hope. Artificial light is extending the growing season in cities. On average, it's more than 12 days earlier and 11 days later, according to a new study looking at 428 cities across the northern hemisphere, compared to surrounding rural locations. The extra time for trees and plants means they could potentially absorb more CO2, but the extended season means that they are also susceptible to frost damage and could disrupt pollinator patterns. Find out more in Nature Cities. The town of Adjuntas has Puerto Rico's first community-owned solar microgrid, putting an end to high electricity costs and regular blackouts. The Guardian takes us on a photo tour of the town. China is already the global leader in electric car production. could boost China's dominance even more. (Paywalled) Sask. company using flax waste to create sustainable cat litter The Regina Humane Society is partnering with Prairie Clean Energy (PCE) to introduce a locally made, environmentally friendly kitty litter made from flax straw. Prairie Clean Cat Litter is made entirely from flax straw, a waste product left over when flax is harvested. "It is completely biodegradable, completely natural, and it eliminates the cat pee smell," said Mark Cooper, CEO of PCE in Regina. "Your houses are going to smell cleaner, your cats are gonna be happier, you're gonna have less ammonia in your home, and it is all Saskatchewan-made flax." Cooper said the company was looking for innovative ways to recycle flax straw. "We really focus on stopping the burning of flax straw, creating new revenue streams for farmers processing that straw, and creating multiple product streams that we sell around the world, only one of which is cat litter, but it's an important one," he said. Its other products include flax fibre for making pulp and paper, biomass fuel pellets and animal bedding. Cooper said PCE has been working with the Humane Society for a year testing out the litter and received positive feedback. "Once they were satisfied that we had a good product on our hands," he said. "We started putting together a partnership that would make sense for them to help reduce their operational costs, and would connect the cats and cat people with a great litter option." Now when people adopt a cat from the humane society, they can also take some of the Prairie Clean Cat Litter home. It's not yet available in stores. "So we've really structured a partnership to benefit cats and the people that love their cats," Cooper said. Dr. Catherine Ball, director of veterinary care at the Regina Humane Society, said it used the litter for 40 cats. "We observed what happened with those cats, as well as with a similar group of cats that had clay litter, and we were able to find out that this product from PCE performed very well," she said. Traditional clay litters can get stuck onto the bottom of cats' paws. Ball said that happened less using the flax straw litter. According to the company's website, the flax absorbs liquids rather than clumps like clay litter. Cooper said the humane society adopts out 1,500 cats per year. "We know that those cats will be using our litter and that every single person who adopts a cat from the Humane Society will leave with a free bag," he said. "Our intention is to roll out this partnership to humane societies everywhere." — Darla Ponace