Latest news with #BreakthroughEnergyVentures
Sustainability Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'They Want to Rewrite Nature With Cement': CO₂-Eating Buildings Backed by Elites While Workers and Architects Call It a Dangerous Scam
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Construction is evolving towards sustainability by embracing buildings that can absorb their own CO2 emissions. is evolving towards sustainability by embracing buildings that can absorb their own CO2 emissions. 🚧 The industry faces challenges such as high costs and lack of regulatory push, but eco-friendly materials and technologies are emerging. 🏗️ Graphyte's carbon casting technology utilizes waste biomass to create carbon-rich blocks, making construction projects carbon neutral or negative. carbon casting technology utilizes waste biomass to create carbon-rich blocks, making construction projects carbon neutral or negative. 🏢 These innovations promise a future of self-sustaining cities, transforming construction from an environmental liability to an asset. The landscape of construction is on the brink of a monumental shift. As society and government bodies increasingly acknowledge the urgent need for decarbonization, new technologies are emerging to reshape the industry. One transformative idea comes from a well-known American tycoon who has introduced a groundbreaking concept: buildings that not only reduce but actively absorb their own CO2 emissions. This innovation promises to revolutionize urban environments by mitigating pollution and fostering a sustainable future. The journey towards this vision is filled with challenges and opportunities, as the construction industry grapples with its environmental impact and the path to net-zero emissions. Construction's Journey Toward Net Zero: The Road Ahead Construction activities have long been recognized as significant contributors to environmental pollution. From particulate emissions and water pollution incidents to noise complaints, the industry faces numerous challenges. Dust from land clearing and the operation of diesel engines contribute to air pollution, while demolition activities and toxic substances exacerbate these issues. These emissions not only pose health risks but also fuel climate change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to reduce environmental harm. The transition toward net-zero emissions in construction is fraught with difficulties. Despite growing awareness of environmental issues, the implementation of green technologies is progressing slowly. High costs, industry inertia, and a lack of regulatory impetus for sustainability pose significant barriers. However, the tide is turning. The emergence of eco-friendly construction materials and innovations in technology, coupled with increasing stakeholder pressure, are driving change. As regulations improve and awareness spreads, the construction industry is gradually adopting practices that will reduce its carbon footprint and pave the way for a greener future. Revolutionizing Construction: Buildings That Absorb Their Own CO2 Enter Graphyte, a startup funded by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, co-founded by Bill Gates, which is at the forefront of a revolutionary technology. By utilizing waste biomass such as wood residue and rice hulls, Graphyte's carbon casting process produces carbon-rich blocks capable of absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. This innovative approach aligns with international efforts to combat climate change and represents a significant shift in the construction industry's role in environmental sustainability. Graphyte's carbon-storing materials enable construction projects to achieve carbon neutrality or even become carbon negative, effectively offsetting their emissions. This paradigm shift transforms construction from an environmental liability into a valuable asset in the fight against climate change. With buildings that can absorb their own CO2, the industry is poised to make a substantial contribution to global sustainability efforts. The Advantages of Graphite: A Game-Changer for Construction Carbon removal is a crucial component of achieving global decarbonization, and Graphyte's carbon casting technology offers a cost-effective solution for large-scale carbon storage. Unlike other methods such as direct air capture, Graphyte's approach leverages waste plant matter, eliminating competition with food production and land use. This makes it a sustainable and scalable solution for carbon removal. Beyond carbon sequestration, Graphyte's carbon-storing materials offer additional benefits. The carbon-dense blocks enhance structural strength and insulation, improving building durability and efficiency. By using waste biomass as feedstock, Graphyte mitigates fossil fuel dependency and addresses waste management issues related to organic materials. The flexibility of these materials allows for their use in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, significantly reducing their environmental impact and advancing the construction industry's role in combating climate change. The Future of Self-Sustaining Cities Graphyte's innovation heralds a new era for urban environments, where buildings actively contribute to reducing pollution. By absorbing their own CO2, these structures exemplify the potential for self-sustaining cities of the future. This concept underscores the transformative power of construction in addressing environmental challenges. As the industry evolves, it has the potential to automatically eliminate pollution, paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable cities. As we look to the future, the question remains: How will the construction industry continue to innovate and redefine its role in the fight against climate change? The possibilities are vast, and the journey is just beginning. With continued advancements in technology and a commitment to sustainability, the construction industry can lead the charge toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible world. What steps will be taken next to ensure buildings become allies in the battle against climate change? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
National Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Terra CO2 Announces Additional Series B Funding to Scale Sustainable Cement Production
Article content GOLDEN, Colo. — Terra CO2 (Terra), a leading US-based low-carbon building materials company, today announced their series B funding, securing US$124.5M in new equity capital. In addition to the Series B co-leads Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Eagle Materials, GenZero, and Just Climate, the round included major investment from Barclays Climate Ventures. Additional strategic investors to join the round include Prologis, the global logistics leader, Cemex, an international leader in construction materials, and Siemens Financial Services, the financing arm of global technology company Siemens. In addition to the equity raise, Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, and Stifel Bank co-led the provision of a credit facility furnishing Terra additional financial flexibility. Article content As government funding and subsidies for climate initiatives decrease in the US, it's imperative that these solutions provide cost competitive advantages that can work within existing industries and infrastructures. Terra's SCM provides a commercial deployment ready solution that is not dependent on subsidies, providing both investors and partners with the certainty they need. Article content With the new capital, Terra will be rapidly moving forward with its first 240,000 TPY commercial advanced-processing facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The funding will also support expanding Terra's offices and industrial facilities, significantly growing the team, developing more shovel ready commercial projects, and further advancing new generations of cementitious products. Article content 'Terra's mandate is to deliver cementitious material solutions that the market would purchase solely based on cost and performance, even if there was no carbon benefit. The fact that Terra's cementitious materials also offer significant carbon mitigation is an additional advantage for the built environment,' says Terra CEO Bill Yearsley. Article content 'Terra's technology offers a combination of commercial readiness and cost competitiveness. Its ability to support the decarbonization of a heavy industry such as cement aligns with our commitment to support scalable, near-term solutions in hard-to-abate sectors,' says Steven Poulter, Head of Barclays Climate Ventures. Terra's patented Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) process produces a high-performing, low-cost alternative to Portland Cement and depleted traditional resources such as fly ash. And unlike other low-carbon SCMs, Terra's OPUS products utilize inexpensive, abundant, and local feedstocks from existing aggregate mines, and work within existing industry infrastructure. This approach enables immediate deployment at scale, delivering cementitious materials that perform equal to or better than historical SCM while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Terra's second product, OPUS Zero, is currently in active concrete trials and would serve as a full Portland cement replacement. Article content About Terra CO2 (Terra) Article content Terra enables our partners to unlock low-carbon cement from source to deployment. As the critical component in creating concrete, the foundation of modern infrastructure, cement is responsible for 8% of the world's CO 2 emissions. The CO 2 and NO x emissions associated with cement make finding an alternative to current solutions a climate imperative. Article content Unique to Terra is their capability to work across a diverse range of silicate rock mineralogy, not constrained by feedstock availability. Terra's technology allows the company to create sustainable construction materials with the most abundant and accessible raw materials on earth from already approved and open mines. Article content Terra's first product, OPUS SCM (Supplementary Cementitious Material), is ready for commercial deployment, capable of replacing up to 50% OPC (Original Portland Cement) and addressing the industry's carbon emissions and dwindling feedstock challenges. Terra's OPUS ZERO™, a potential 100% replacement of OPC, is in full concrete trials. Both leverage Terra's 'drop-in' reactor solution, which seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure and sets the foundation for the transition to real zero cement. Article content Validated by third parties, Terra's materials perform equal to or better than traditional cementitious products. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Terra CO2 Announces Additional Series B Funding to Scale Sustainable Cement Production
Investment will facilitate the rapid build out of commercial facilities across North America and Europe for Terra's leading SCM solutions GOLDEN, Colo., July 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Terra CO2 (Terra), a leading US-based low-carbon building materials company, today announced their series B funding, securing US$124.5M in new equity capital. In addition to the Series B co-leads Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Eagle Materials, GenZero, and Just Climate, the round included major investment from Barclays Climate Ventures. Additional strategic investors to join the round include Prologis, the global logistics leader, Cemex, an international leader in construction materials, and Siemens Financial Services, the financing arm of global technology company Siemens. In addition to the equity raise, Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, and Stifel Bank co-led the provision of a credit facility furnishing Terra additional financial flexibility. As government funding and subsidies for climate initiatives decrease in the US, it's imperative that these solutions provide cost competitive advantages that can work within existing industries and infrastructures. Terra's SCM provides a commercial deployment ready solution that is not dependent on subsidies, providing both investors and partners with the certainty they need. With the new capital, Terra will be rapidly moving forward with its first 240,000 TPY commercial advanced-processing facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The funding will also support expanding Terra's offices and industrial facilities, significantly growing the team, developing more shovel ready commercial projects, and further advancing new generations of cementitious products. "Terra's mandate is to deliver cementitious material solutions that the market would purchase solely based on cost and performance, even if there was no carbon benefit. The fact that Terra's cementitious materials also offer significant carbon mitigation is an additional advantage for the built environment," says Terra CEO Bill Yearsley. "Terra's technology offers a combination of commercial readiness and cost competitiveness. Its ability to support the decarbonization of a heavy industry such as cement aligns with our commitment to support scalable, near-term solutions in hard-to-abate sectors," says Steven Poulter, Head of Barclays Climate Ventures. Terra's patented Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) process produces a high-performing, low-cost alternative to Portland Cement and depleted traditional resources such as fly ash. And unlike other low-carbon SCMs, Terra's OPUS products utilize inexpensive, abundant, and local feedstocks from existing aggregate mines, and work within existing industry infrastructure. This approach enables immediate deployment at scale, delivering cementitious materials that perform equal to or better than historical SCM while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Terra's second product, OPUS Zero, is currently in active concrete trials and would serve as a full Portland cement replacement. About Terra CO2 (Terra) Terra enables our partners to unlock low-carbon cement from source to deployment. As the critical component in creating concrete, the foundation of modern infrastructure, cement is responsible for 8% of the world's CO2 emissions. The CO2 and NOx emissions associated with cement make finding an alternative to current solutions a climate imperative. Unique to Terra is their capability to work across a diverse range of silicate rock mineralogy, not constrained by feedstock availability. Terra's technology allows the company to create sustainable construction materials with the most abundant and accessible raw materials on earth from already approved and open mines. Terra's first product, OPUS SCM (Supplementary Cementitious Material), is ready for commercial deployment, capable of replacing up to 50% OPC (Original Portland Cement) and addressing the industry's carbon emissions and dwindling feedstock challenges. Terra's OPUS ZERO™, a potential 100% replacement of OPC, is in full concrete trials. Both leverage Terra's "drop-in" reactor solution, which seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure and sets the foundation for the transition to real zero cement. Validated by third parties, Terra's materials perform equal to or better than traditional cementitious products. Terra is headquartered in Golden, Colorado, and is led by a team of industry experts. For more information, please visit: View source version on Contacts For media queries, please contact:Doug FreemanJDI for Terra CO2 Technologydoug@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Sustainability Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Gates-Backed ‘Flying Blades' Begin Spinning': This Radical U.S. Wind Tech Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before
IN A NUTSHELL 🌬️ Airloom Energy , backed by Bill Gates, is pioneering new wind turbine technology in the U.S. , backed by Bill Gates, is pioneering new wind turbine technology in the U.S. 🚀 The company's compact and modular turbines promise more energy at a lower cost with rapid deployment. promise more energy at a lower cost with rapid deployment. 📈 Addressing energy shortfalls, Airloom's innovation offers solutions for diverse environments and future demands. 🔍 Commercial demonstrations are scheduled for 2027, aiming to transform the landscape of utility-scale wind energy. The landscape of wind energy is on the verge of a transformative shift, thanks to the innovative endeavors of Airloom Energy. This Wyoming-based startup is pioneering a new era of utility-scale wind energy with its groundbreaking turbine technology. Backed by Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Airloom Energy is constructing its first pilot site in Rock River, Wyoming. With substantial funding of $13.75 million, the company is poised to redefine the future of wind energy by offering a solution that promises more energy at a lower cost and with enhanced efficiency. This evolution is not just about technology; it's about ensuring energy security and independence for the United States. Reshaping Wind Technology The introduction of Airloom Energy's unique turbines comes at a pivotal moment in the energy sector. According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the United States faces a significant energy shortfall risk, with projections indicating potential challenges by 2035. Furthermore, Gartner's forecasts highlight a global struggle for data centers to secure adequate power as AI and digital infrastructure demands surge. In this context, Airloom Energy's compact, modular turbine design stands out as a beacon of innovation. CEO Neal Rickner underscores the need for energy solutions that are both affordable and efficient, capable of meeting the growing demands of the next decade. He emphasizes that current energy technologies are inadequate for future complexities, necessitating more adaptable systems that can be rapidly deployed on a large scale. Unlike traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs), which are becoming less competitive, Airloom's proprietary design offers significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. By replacing bulky models with compact, low-cost alternatives, Airloom Energy is setting a new standard in wind technology. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Wind Energy Made Practical One of the standout features of Airloom Energy's turbines is their mass-manufacturable design, developed entirely in the United States. These turbines can be deployed in less than a year, a stark contrast to the five-year timeline often required for conventional models. This rapid deployment capability makes them suitable for diverse environments, including low-wind areas, remote islands, mountainous regions, and restricted zones such as military bases or airports. The turbines' design addresses the stagnation in wind's levelized cost of energy (LCOE), a challenge exacerbated by supply chain issues, land-use regulations, and scalability limits of traditional turbines. Airloom Energy's approach, using compact and modular components, simplifies transportation, installation, and maintenance, reducing logistical and financial obstacles. This innovation could lead to broader adoption of wind energy across the United States. The construction of the test site is progressing, with expectations of full buildout before commercial demonstrations in 2027. The facility will validate the turbines' power curve, optimize deployment costs, and refine operations and maintenance protocols. 'They Cut Through Rock Like Butter': New Remote-Controlled Giant Robotic Saw Unleashed With Terrifying Precision and Power Exploring New Frontiers Airloom Energy is not stopping at terrestrial applications. The company is exploring potential uses in offshore wind, defense operations, and disaster relief. Such diversification could open new avenues for wind energy, addressing specific needs in various sectors. The groundbreaking of the pilot site is a significant milestone, marking a step forward in validating the power curve of these innovative turbines and achieving crucial cost efficiencies. The company's vision extends beyond mere energy generation; it aims to revolutionize how wind energy is perceived and utilized globally. Neal Rickner's optimism is evident in his statements about the company's future. He envisions a world where Airloom's turbines contribute significantly to energy security and environmental sustainability. As the company moves toward its commercial demonstrations set for 2027, the energy sector watches closely, anticipating the potential impacts of this technology. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport The Future of Wind Energy With the pilot site underway and commercial demos planned for 2027, Airloom Energy is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wind energy. Their compact turbines offer a promising alternative to traditional energy solutions, addressing both current limitations and future demands. This innovation is crucial as the world grapples with increasing energy needs and the push for sustainable solutions. Airloom Energy's vision aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. As we look to the future, the question remains: How will Airloom Energy's innovations influence the broader energy landscape, and what new possibilities will emerge as a result of their pioneering efforts? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (24)
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill Gates comes to Utah to help Sen. Curtis in his efforts to preserve clean energy
WASHINGTON — As Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, pushes to preserve clean energy tax credits and boost domestic energy production, the junior Utah senator is getting an assist from a well-known figure: Bill Gates. Curtis met with Gates in the Beehive State last week as the pair toured Cape Station, a newly developed geothermal site run by energy company Fervo Energy in southwest Utah. The visit came at a crucial time: While Republicans look to enhance energy production, many federal tax credits incentivizing alternative resources are on the chopping block in President Donald Trump's tax bill. 'Utah is at the forefront of energy innovation, and the Cape Station Geothermal project in Beaver is a powerful example of that progress,' Curtis said in a statement. 'I believe America's energy future can be affordable, reliable, and clean—and geothermal will be a critical part of making that vision a reality." Fervo Energy, a green energy supplier based in Houston, is pouring more than $2 billion into the rural Utah site for what is expected to become the world's largest enhanced geothermal project. The undertaking is being backed by Breakthrough Energy, which was founded by Gates in 2015 to boost sustainable energy production. 'Enhanced geothermal is one of the most promising solutions for delivering reliable, low-carbon power, especially as demand for affordable energy grows,' Gates said in a press release. 'Breakthrough Energy Ventures invested in Fervo early because we believed in this vision, and it's exciting to see that potential becoming reality here in Utah.' The geothermal site is expected to become fully operational by 2028 — although that timeline could be delayed if Republicans in Congress vote to repeal clean energy tax credits established by the Biden administration. Without those subsidies, which incentivize clean energy production, completing the geothermal project could be punted to the next decade. 'The difference is, will we bring gigawatts on the grid this decade or will it be next decade?' Tim Lattimer, CEO and co-founder of Fervo Energy, told the Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report on the trip. 'And that's what the tax credits mean.' Gates has long pushed for deeper investments in geothermal energy, arguing federal support is necessary to keep production costs affordable to produce the alternative energy source. Much of that support comes from credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, former President Joe Biden's signature clean energy bill. The IRA created significant tax credits for renewable energy projects such as solar, wind and geothermal. These Investment Tax Credits are meant to incentivize households and businesses to install renewable energy systems by allowing them to deduct a percentage of the cost from federal taxes. Cape Station has benefited from those tax credits, lowering its operational costs over the last two years since its inception. However, some Republicans and conservative organizations argue the federal subsidies actually raise prices while reducing the reliability of power systems. As a result, several Republicans are pushing to repeal the law in full as part of Trump's massive tax reconciliation package making its way through Congress. Curtis is among those pushing to preserve some of those policies, particularly those dealing with nuclear energy, net-zero emissions, battery storage and geothermal. The first-term senator has long centered his climate policies on clean energy solutions, suggesting last week he will push for those changes as the Senate considers the bill. Geothermal energy is a rare renewable energy source that has garnered bipartisan support over the last several years. Unlike wind and solar energy, which Republicans have often criticized as being unreliable, geothermal energy can generate constant power. Most of the resources necessary to produce geothermal energy are located on federal land, prompting Republicans and Democrats to team up on legislation expanding access to those resources. The Senate is set to vote on the reconciliation package in the coming weeks, with Republican leaders pushing to get the bill to Trump's desk before the Fourth of July.
