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Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- General
- Bangkok Post
Faced with US heat waves, the Navajo push for power -- and A/C
TONALEA (UNITED STATES) - Workmen plant electricity poles in the rust-orange earth of the Navajo Nation and run cables to Christine Shorty's house -- finally giving her power against the searing Arizona desert heat. It will be a luxury in the vast Native American reservation, the largest in the United States, where more than 10,000 families are still without electricity and therefore air conditioning. "It's climate change. It's getting hotter," Shorty tells AFP. "This would be easier for us with the fan and maybe air conditioning. And we look forward to that." In her 70 years, Shorty has seen her isolated, tiny hamlet of Tonalea, a dot in the enormous area of the reservation, change dramatically. Summer monsoon rains are rarer, and temperatures can touch 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in July and August -- previously unthinkable in the hamlet, located on a plateau at an altitude of 5,700 feet (1,730 metres). The area's seasonal lakes are drying up, and in some years the livestock are dying of thirst. Like many others, Shorty has a generator and small solar panels that allow her to power a gas fridge, cook and watch television. But their power is limited, and she often has to choose which appliance to plug in. Being hooked up to the electrical grid is "a big change. It's going to make my life a lot easier," she tells AFP. - 'Survival mode' - Most of the United States was electrified in the 1930s under president Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives. But in the Navajo Nation, which stretches across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, the first efforts only began in the 1960s, and there are still not enough power lines. "This area was looked over," says Deenise Becenti of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA), the agency that manages the reservation's infrastructure. "That surprises many people. They're saying, you know, why are there third world conditions that exist here in the United States, the greatest country in the world?" To catch up, the semi-autonomous government of the reservation launched the "Light Up Navajo" project in 2019. The humanitarian initiative sees electricity companies from all over the country send their employees to work in the reservation for around a dozen weeks a year. Since 2019, electricity has been supplied to 5,000 families in the reservation, including 1,000 thanks to "Light Up Navajo," Becenti said. But as climate change drives temperatures higher, families still without power in the reservation -- where many live below the poverty rate and unemployment is high -- are in "survival mode," she said. - 'Angry' - Elbert Yazzie's mobile home turns into a furnace in the summer, and he has already lost one member of his extended family to heat stroke. "I used to like the heat," the 54-year-old, who lives in nearby Tuba City, tells AFP. "But when you get older I guess your body can't take it no more." His home was finally connected to electricity just weeks ago. Since then, he has rigged up an evaporative air cooler, also known as a "swamp cooler", by salvaging three broken appliances from a garbage dump. "Now we can turn on the A/C anytime we want, so we don't have to worry about the heat, and the generator and the gas, and all that stuff," he says. "Now we don't have to go to (other) people's houses to cool down, we can just stay home, relax, watch TV, things like that." He and Shorty are the fortunate ones. Without more funding, connecting the remaining 10,000 Navajo families without electricity could take another two decades, Becenti says. That is far too long for Gilberta Cortes, who no longer dares let her children play outside in the summer, for fear of getting heat-exacerbated nosebleeds. An electricity pole has just been erected in front of the 42-year-old's house and a line is due to be extended to her in a few months' time. But she has endured too much false hope to be serene. "My mom and dad were in their 20s, they were promised power," but it never materialised, she says.
Int'l Business Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Faced With US Heat Waves, The Navajo Push For Power -- And A/C
Workmen plant electricity poles in the rust-orange earth of the Navajo Nation and run cables to Christine Shorty's house -- finally giving her power against the searing Arizona desert heat. It will be a luxury in the vast Native American reservation, the largest in the United States, where more than 10,000 families are still without electricity and therefore air conditioning. "It's climate change. It's getting hotter," Shorty tells AFP. "This would be easier for us with the fan and maybe air conditioning. And we look forward to that." In her 70 years, Shorty has seen her isolated, tiny hamlet of Tonalea, a dot in the enormous area of the reservation, change dramatically. Summer monsoon rains are rarer, and temperatures can touch 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in July and August -- previously unthinkable in the hamlet, located on a plateau at an altitude of 5,700 feet (1,730 meters). The area's seasonal lakes are drying up, and in some years the livestock are dying of thirst. Like many others, Shorty has a generator and small solar panels that allow her to power a gas fridge, cook and watch television. But their power is limited, and she often has to choose which appliance to plug in. Being hooked up to the electrical grid is "a big change. It's going to make my life a lot easier," she tells AFP. Most of the United States was electrified in the 1930s under president Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives. But in the Navajo Nation, which stretches across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, the first efforts only began in the 1960s, and there are still not enough power lines. "This area was looked over," says Deenise Becenti of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA), the agency that manages the reservation's infrastructure. "That surprises many people. They're saying, you know, why are there third world conditions that exist here in the United States, the greatest country in the world?" To catch up, the semi-autonomous government of the reservation launched the "Light Up Navajo" project in 2019. The humanitarian initiative sees electricity companies from all over the country send their employees to work in the reservation for around a dozen weeks a year. Since 2019, electricity has been supplied to 5,000 families in the reservation, including 1,000 thanks to "Light Up Navajo," Becenti said. But as climate change drives temperatures higher, families still without power in the reservation -- where many live below the poverty rate and unemployment is high -- are in "survival mode," she said. Elbert Yazzie's mobile home turns into a furnace in the summer, and he has already lost one member of his extended family to heat stroke. "I used to like the heat," the 54-year-old, who lives in nearby Tuba City, tells AFP. "But when you get older I guess your body can't take it no more." His home was finally connected to electricity just weeks ago. Since then, he has rigged up an evaporative air cooler, also known as a "swamp cooler," by salvaging three broken appliances from a garbage dump. "Now we can turn on the A/C anytime we want, so we don't have to worry about the heat, and the generator and the gas, and all that stuff," he says. "Now we don't have to go to (other) people's houses to cool down, we can just stay home, relax, watch TV, things like that." He and Shorty are the fortunate ones. Without more funding, connecting the remaining 10,000 Navajo families without electricity could take another two decades, Becenti says. That is far too long for Gilberta Cortes, who no longer dares let her children play outside in the summer, for fear of getting heat-exacerbated nosebleeds. An electricity pole has just been erected in front of the 42-year-old's house and a line is due to be extended to her in a few months' time. But she has endured too much false hope to be serene. "My mom and dad were in their 20s, they were promised power," but it never materialized, she says. "I'm still angry." Most of the United States was electrified in the 1930s, but efforts in the Navajo Nation only began in the 1960s, and there are still not enough power lines AFP New utility poles bringing electricity to the Navajo Nation are seen in Cameron, Arizona AFP Elbert Yazzie's mobile home turns into a furnace in the summer, and he has already lost one member of his extended family to heat stroke AFP Navajo Nation resident Gilberta Cortes, 42, who uses a generator for electricity, carries her child outside her home in Cameron, Arizona on July 9, 2025, as she waits for electricity from the power grid to reach her residence AFP 'Light up Navajo' sees electricity companies from all over the country send their employees to work in the reservation AFP
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Evacuations underway for Navajo community members living near Oak Ridge Fire
Evacuations were ordered for people living in the Navajo communities of Hunters Point and Oak Springs area late June 29 as the Oak Ridge Fire ravaged the area for the second night, burning over 6,292 acres and having no containment. On the morning of June 30, the BIA Complex Incident Management Team — a coordinated group of federal and state wildfire agencies — assumed command of the Oak Ridge Fire and the incident command center. They confirmed the fire grew to 6,292 acres from 1,800 the previous day. The Oak Ridge Fire, which Navajo Nation police say was sparked by wood haulers on June 28, quickly grew in size, threatening nearby homes, utility lines and gas infrastructure. During a June 29 evening briefing, Rex Kontz, deputy general manager of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, informed officials that a 115kV power line running through the fire zone had to be shut down. He said Navajo communities, including Burnside, Klagetoh, Chinle and Ganado, are being powered through rerouted sources, which has created additional challenges for maintaining stable electricity. NTUA, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, is the only utility company that services a majority, if not all, of the Navajo Nation. "We are asking everyone to conserve power," Kontz warned, adding the backup power source is at risk of overloading. If that happens, power to nonessential business services may need to be shut off until the fire is under control. "What we are worried about is, it's summertime and air conditioners use a lot of power." Since the fire began, a major concern has been the safety of the El Paso Natural Gas plant, located near the evacuated communities of Hunters Point and Oak Springs. In his latest update, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren stated that in Oak Springs, the "go" evacuation order applies to residents living west of mile marker 12 on Navajo Route 12 up to the El Paso gas station. Residents north of the station remain in a 'set' evacuation status. "There is significant danger in this area, and residents need to begin relocating to a shelter or with family and friends outside the affected zone," Nygren stated. On the second day of the fire, the Commission on Emergency Management declared a state of emergency due to the Oak Ridge Fire, requesting additional Navajo Nation resources to address both current and potential wildfire impacts. Fire restrictions were also increased from stage 1 to stage 2, with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signing off on the declarations. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit all open flames, including campfires and charcoal use, even in designated recreation areas. Smoking is only allowed inside enclosed vehicles or buildings. The use of firearms, air rifles and exploding targets is banned outside of lawful hunting. Additionally, under stage 2 fire restrictions, operating chainsaws or other internal combustion engines between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., as well as welding or using open-flame torches, is strictly prohibited. During the briefing, the Apache County Sheriff's Office stated that if deputies or officers spot anyone transporting wood during these restricted hours, they are authorized to stop the individual, seize the wood, and deliver it to the St. Michaels Chapter House for distribution to elders during the winter. The state of emergency addresses the severity of the Oak Ridge Fire, ongoing regional drought conditions, and the existing Navajo Nation Fire Restriction. According to the declaration, Navajo Nation will activate available emergency resources, including funding for personnel, equipment and other necessary support to restore and sustain critical community infrastructure. All Navajo Nation divisions, departments, programs, and chapters are directed to initiate emergency response coordination, allocate resources, and implement response measures in collaboration with federal, state, and tribal partners to meet the needs of affected communities. 'The Commission on Emergency Management, in unified coordination with our Nation's emergency response agencies and local leadership, has declared this emergency to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities impacted by the Oak Ridge Fire. This declaration enables critical resources and operational support to be activated immediately,' said CEM Chair Marcarlo Roanhorse. 'We express deep appreciation to the firefighters, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers working on the front lines. As a Commission, we stand ready to support our Nation through this challenging time with diligence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.' For the past two days, the official evacuation shelter was available at the Bee Hółdzil (meaning 'stronghold') Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance, home to Window Rock High School and Tsehootsoi Medical Center. As of noon on June 29, 15 families were staying at the shelter. It remains unclear how many more sought refuge there after evacuation orders were elevated to 'go' later that evening. The event center is also serving as a donation drop-off site. Items requested during the briefing included children's pull-ups (sizes 4T & 5T), kids' shoes (sizes 8, 10, 11), men's shirts (XL & 2X), pillows, baby wipes, toiletries, personal hygiene products, towels, nonperishable food items and washcloths. Also requested were clean kennels. Another concern was the safety of animals and pets. To help, the Division of Diné Education in Window Rock offered space for evacuees to stay with their pets, but some individuals chose to remain in their vehicles with their animals rather than shelter inside the events center. Animal control will also be housed there in the facility, and free vaccination for cats and dogs will be provided for evacuees' pets. The owner and pet must remain on site. Cots and dog and cat food are available. Navajo Nation Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez, who represents the communities of Ft Defiance, Sawmill, Crystal and Red Lake, said during the briefing that he was contacted by veterinarians who volunteered to assist evacuees' pets experiencing smoke inhalation and other related health issues, and they are located at the Division of Diné Education. Nygren urged the public to be cautious of GoFundMe pages claiming to raise money for the fire, noting that the Navajo Nation does not have an official fundraiser for it. The call center for services and information related to the Oak Ridge Fire is 505-422-7382. The Navajo Nation Fairgrounds is available for evacuated livestock. Contact 928-270-8062 or 928-270-2254 to coordinate drop off. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Evacuations underway as Oak Ridge Fire burns 2,000+ acres on Navajo Nation
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
China, Greece deepen tech cooperation at Athens innovation forum
ATHENS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- New agreements focusing on innovation were signed Tuesday between Chinese and Greek universities and institutes at a conference held in Athens, aiming to boost scientific and industrial cooperation. The Greece-Jiangsu Innovation and Industrial Cooperation Conference held at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) brought together more than 160 officials, academics, and industry experts from both countries. The forum focused on advancing joint research and commercialization in high-tech fields. NTUA Rector Ioannis K. Chatjigeorgiou noted his university's strong ties with Chinese universities, saying, "We expect meaningful outcomes for science, education, and bilateral relations." NTUA signed two partnership agreements: one with the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT), and another jointly with the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) and the Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute. The agreement between NTUA and CUMT builds on longstanding collaboration between their electrical engineering departments, said CUMT President Liu Bo. During the conference, experts from China and Greece exchanged views on cutting-edge topics, including RISC-V processor architecture, sustainable maritime technologies, and energy innovation. Researchers from both countries discussed ongoing projects and held talks to explore future collaboration opportunities during panel discussions and roundtables.
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
First European Funding after getting recognition as a 'Strategic Project' - Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials
EIT RawMaterials, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union has selected Rock Tech for funding to commercialize novel lithium processing technologies in Germany. Rock Tech will collaborate with leading research partners, including Advanced Minerals and Recycling Industrial Solutions (AdMiRIS), National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek NV (VITO). The project has been allocated a total funding of EUR 2.5 million of which Rock Tech will be receiving up to EUR 1 million to drive innovation and optimization work of its lithium conversion processes. TORONTO, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FSE: RJIB) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") is pleased to announce that it has been selected for funding under the prestigious KAVA (Knowledge and Innovation Activities) grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the most active network in the raw materials sector in Europe. This recognition supports Rock Tech's ongoing commitment to advancing innovative lithium refining solutions in Europe and is the first funding awarded after Rock Tech's Lithium Hydroxide Convertor Guben (LHCG) project has been recognized as a strategic project under Critical Raw Materials Project by the European Commission. Rock Tech will receive EUR 800,000 to improve and innovate its lithium conversion process to be applied to its Guben Converter in the future. Under the KAVA Call-funding program, Rock Tech's Lithium subsidiary company Rock Tech Guben GmbH will collaborate with leading research and industry partners, including NTUA (Greece), VITO (Belgium), and Admiris (Greece), to optimize lithium extraction processes and enhance lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production from spodumene. Rock Tech believes this optimization work will create substantial future operational and cost benefits for the Guben Converter. "We are honored to be selected for the KAVA Call funding and to work jointly with partners to commercialize innovative, potentially game-changing lithium processing technologies", comments Mirco Wojnarowicz, Rock Tech's CEO. The selected project, named OLiVer (Hard rock Lithium Extraction and Purified Value Products for Energy Applications) will demonstrate innovative processes at pilot scale, significantly improving lithium recovery efficiency and reducing environmental impact in line with EU green transition goals. The OLiVer project will focus on four main objectives: Optimizing pyro-hydro-metallurgical processing to enhance lithium extraction efficiency from spodumene. Developing a novel secondary lithium sulfate recovery process, enabling improved lithium recovery rates. Integrating primary and secondary lithium sulfate streams to boost overall LHM production yield. Conducting pilot-scale demonstrations to establish commercial viability for the enhanced lithium extraction process. With this project, Rock Tech aims to drive forward the EU's critical raw materials strategy and sustainability goals by producing high-purity LHM for electric vehicle batteries regionally. ABOUT ROCK TECH Rock Tech's vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced Lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build Lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company's proposed Lithium-Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech's goal is to create a closed-loop Lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further. CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the Guben Converter, including the design and features of the Guben Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company's future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the Guben Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof; Rock Tech's potential financing arrangements; the expected funding under the KAVA grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the expected economic performance of the Guben Converter and anticipated production of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and related processing methods and innovation employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the Guben Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the Guben Converter; statements regarding the Company's sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Germany and the European Union; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
