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Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Carbon Dot Technology opens up endless potential for agriculture — Ahmad Ibrahim
JUNE 28 — Agriculture, though taking a back seat to manufacturing, remains a significant contributor to the economy. Agriculture contributes more than just food for the world. Much of the world's demand for raw materials look to agriculture for supply. In Malaysia, natural rubber has been the key raw material for tyres. As the world continues embracing netzero to mitigate climate change, renewable materials from agriculture are preferred. The oil palm, now dominating the global supply of edible oil, is increasingly supplying the world with renewable oleochemicals. Much of the petrochemical-based detergents have been replaced by the more environmentally-friendly oleochemicals. Now attention is also paid to the economic potential of oil palm biomass. Though renewable in nature, agriculture is not spared from a share of the environmental challenges. The overuse of chemical fertilisers is one concern. The other relates to the handling of wastes from agriculture. New technologies in agriculture are evolving. Precision agriculture is one. Nanotechnology has stirred up much interest thanks to its potential to ramp up agricultural productivity. Interest in carbon dot technology, for example, has created new possibilities. Carbon dots (CDs) are a class of carbon-based nanoparticles, typically less than 10 nanometers in size, known for their fluorescent properties, biocompatibility, and eco-friendly nature. They are sometimes referred to as carbon quantum dots due to their quantum-scale effects. Carbon dots have some key features. Fluorescence is one. CDs can absorb light and emit it in different colours. This property makes them valuable in imaging, sensing, and optoelectronics. Their biocompatibility renders CDs non-toxic and safe for biological systems, unlike many traditional nanoparticles. Next is what is termed as surface functionalisation. Their surface can be easily modified with various chemical groups, allowing them to carry other molecules like drugs, nutrients, or pesticides. CDs can be synthesised from organic waste materials such as fruit peels, agricultural byproducts (e.g., oil palm biomass), and sugars, making the process sustainable and cost-effective. They can be synthesised through top-down and bottom-up methods. Top-down involves breaking down larger carbon structures (e.g., graphite, carbon soot). Whilst bottom-up involves carbonising small organic molecules or biomass under heat or pressure. These methods produce tiny, highly stable carbon nanoparticles with useful optical and chemical properties. Apart from agriculture, CDs are also being explored in biomedical imaging and drug delivery, environmental sensors, photocatalysis and energy (e.g., solar cells), and even LEDs and display technologies. The oil palm, now dominating the global supply of edible oil, is increasingly supplying the world with renewable oleochemicals. — AFP pic It is a cutting-edge nanotechnology focused on producing ultra-small, fluorescent, carbon-based nanoparticles that are safe, sustainable, and versatile. Its applications are vast, ranging from precision agriculture to advanced healthcare and it's especially promising in creating green solutions for a more sustainable future. Carbon dot technology is an exciting frontier in nanotechnology, and its potential in agriculture is gaining increasing attention. Studies have shown that carbon dots can stimulate plant growth by promoting photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. CDs can act as light converters, absorbing UV and blue light and re-emitting it in red regions—optimal for photosynthesis. CDs may also facilitate more efficient transport and assimilation of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The impact is seen in improved biomass, chlorophyll content, and overall plant productivity. CDs can serve as carriers for the controlled release of nutrients or micronutrients. Their high surface area and functional groups enable binding to fertilizers or growth regulators. Benefits include reduced fertilizer loss through leaching or volatilization. Also site-specific and time-controlled nutrient release. CDs can be functionalised with antimicrobial agents or pesticides for targeted delivery. The intrinsic antimicrobial activity of some CDs can help combat bacterial or fungal pathogens. The positive outcome includes reduced chemical usage and lower environmental toxicity. Not to mention potential resistance management due to targeted action. Use in soil health monitoring and remediation has been shown. CDs exhibit strong fluorescence, making them suitable for real-time monitoring of soil pH, moisture, or heavy metal contamination. On remediation CDs can help in adsorbing or breaking down pollutants in soil. CDs can be synthesised from agricultural waste (e.g., coconut husk, rice husk, or palm biomass), supporting circular economy principles. Their use can help reduce dependence on synthetic agrochemicals. There are challenges. Future directions are shaped by toxicological studies where long-term environmental and ecological effects are still under-researched. Their economical large-scale synthesis and integration into farming systems need optimisation. Regulatory frameworks which involve guidelines for nanomaterials in agriculture are still developing in many countries. Carbon dot technology undoubtedly offers a promising, eco-friendly, and multifunctional platform to revolutionise modern agriculture, from improving crop productivity to enabling precision farming and sustainability. As research progresses, it could become a key enabler in smart and sustainable agri-tech solutions. Good to know that Malaysia is actively funding research in carbon dots. *Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at [email protected]. **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Repsol sells stake in an Indonesian gas operation for $425 million
June 26 (Reuters) - Spanish energy company Repsol ( opens new tab said on Thursday it has agreed to sell a 24% stake in Indonesia's Corridor Block gas operation to Jakarta-listed Medco Energi ( opens new tab for $425 million. The deal is part of Repsol's strategy to dispose assets to raise cash to fund investments in renewable energy. According to its own calculations, the sale will have a positive impact of about $70 million on its full-year income and it will help reduce its net debt by about $350 million, Repsol said. The company expects the transaction to be closed in the third quarter of 2025.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Meet the Wessa interns driving South Africa's green energy sector
Young people are leading the charge in the growing green energy sector in South Africa. Internship programmes – like the Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP), a flagship initiative run by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) and supported by the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea) – are designed to build green career pathways by placing graduates in renewable energy and sustainability roles. Malixole Buthlezi. Image supplied. Sithabile Majavu. Image supplied. WIIP interns Malixole Buthelezi and Sithabile Majavu let us in on their uniqueness in the green energy space, challenges they've faced and how the green energy sector can alleviate SA's unemployment crisis. In your opinion, what do you do differently that helps you succeed in the green energy space? Malixole Buthelezi: As an environmental educator intern at Wessa, I bring a passion for community engagement and youth empowerment, which allows me to connect sustainability principles with real-life action in schools and communities. I also integrate creativity and storytelling into environmental awareness campaigns, making the message more relatable and inspiring to young audiences. Sithabile Majavu: A strength I'm proud of is my ability to adapt and lead in diverse environments. I've worked across NGOs, corporate spaces, and grassroots campaigns, which has taught me the value of listening, learning, and tailoring my approach to meet people where they are. My passion lies in environmental justice, making sure everyone, especially vulnerable communities, is part of the conversation and the solution. I believe real change happens when people feel seen, heard, and empowered. That's the difference I bring. I turn environmental awareness into environmental action, starting with the people around me. What sort of challenges, if any, are there for young people in the green energy sector? How have you overcome them? Buthelezi: One major challenge is the lack of access to practical training and mentorship opportunities for young people in this space. I've been fortunate to gain hands-on experience through Wessa's programmes, which have provided mentorship and exposure to real environmental projects, thus bridging the gap between theory and practice. Majavu: Gaining access, whether it's access to practical experience, mentorship, or entry-level opportunities, I've experienced to be a recurring challenge for graduates. My peers are passionate and educated, but the require hands-on exposure, because without it, it's difficult to break into the sector. My current internship with Wessa has helped bridge that gap by giving me the opportunity to work directly with schools, communities, and local environmental initiatives. Another challenge is being seen as capable and credible in professional spaces, especially when you're still early in your career. I've overcome this by remaining consistent, open to learning, and fully committed to every project I take on, from facilitating clean-ups to coordinating awareness workshops. Young people bring fresh ideas, tech-savviness, and a powerful sense of urgency when it comes to climate and sustainability. With the right support structures in place, we can play a powerful role in shaping a greener, more inclusive future. What kind of impact do you hope to leave for future generations in the industry? Buthelezi: I hope to leave a legacy of active environmental citizenship, where future generations are not only aware of sustainability issues but feel empowered and equipped to lead solutions in their own communities. Through education and grassroots initiatives, I aim to nurture a culture of responsibility and resilience. Majavu: I hope to leave a legacy of accessible, inclusive environmental education that empowers everyday people. I want youth and those living in underserved communities, to see themselves as part of the solution. I want future generations to inherit an industry that values grassroots involvement just as much as policy, and where young professionals are supported, mentored, and given real opportunities to lead. Through my work with Wessa and my studies in environmental sciences, I've seen how awareness can shift mindsets, and how small actions can ripple into long-term change. My goal is to continue building spaces where communities are not only educated about environmental issues but are also equipped and inspired to act on them. If I can help make sustainability feel local, personal, and possible for the next generation, then I'll know I've made a meaningful contribution to the green sector. How can the industry help to alleviate the growing unemployment rate? Buthelezi: The green sector can create new opportunities by investing in youth-led eco-enterprises, skills development in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. By linking environmental solutions to economic empowerment, the sector can become a catalyst for inclusive growth and job creation. Majavu: Green industries can help by expanding internships, learnerships, and skills development programmes that offer real experience and mentorship. We also need to focus on community-based projects that create local jobs while solving environmental problems. For example, clean-up campaigns, eco-tourism, composting, and food gardening are all initiatives I've been part of that not only benefit the environment but also build capacity and create income-generating opportunities. To make a significant impact, the sector must prioritise inclusivity and open doors for youth who are often overlooked. With the right support, the green economy can become a key driver of both environmental sustainability and social upliftment. Finally, what can the youth of 2025 learn from the youth of 1976? Buthelezi: The youth of 1976 taught us the power of collective action and standing firm for a just cause. In 2025, we can carry that spirit forward by standing up for climate justice, advocating for sustainable policies, and using our voices and innovation to shape a better future for all. Majavu: The 1976 generation showed us just how powerful young voices can be when they stand together for what's right. They proved that courage and unity can challenge even the toughest systems, and they remind us, the youth of today, that their voices and actions really do matter. I'm reminded of how their bravery inspires us today, to stand up to injustice in all its forms, and their sacrifices remind me that real change takes resilience and a willingness to put the greater good first.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trinasolar and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Strengthen Partnership with Inauguration of Demo Center
A new space to foster collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning in solar energy — part of Trinasolar's growing global network of university-linked Demo Centers. MADRID, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trinasolar, a global leader in smart solar and storage solutions, and the Instituto de Energía Solar at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have officially inaugurated their joint Demo Center, located on the university's campus in the Spanish capital. The opening of this Demo Center marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership launched in early 2024 between Trinasolar and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. More than just a technology showcase, the center underscores the shared values of innovation, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration that define this alliance. It is designed to serve as both a real-world testbed for emerging solar technologies and a collaborative space for joint R&D, training, and open innovation in the renewable energy sector. Visitors to the Demo Center will have the opportunity to explore the performance of Trinasolar's proprietary Vertex N series photovoltaic modules, as well as its complete range of solar mounting solutions, including the Vanguard 1P and 2P trackers, and the FixOrigin fixed-tilt structure. "This Demo Center represents a bridge between innovation and collaboration," said Gonzalo de la Viña, President of Trinasolar Europe. "It allows us to demonstrate the quality and performance of our latest technologies to our European partners while deepening our joint work with one of Europe's leading solar research institutions." From the Instituto de Energía Solar, Ignacio Antón Hernandez, Director at Instituto Solar, added: "Having access to such advanced technologies on campus opens up great opportunities for our students, researchers and collaborative projects. It's a living lab, and also a space for connection with the industry." The inauguration, held on June 18th, brought together representatives from academia, industry, and the renewable energy sector, reinforcing Trinasolar's broader commitment to supporting the global energy transition through local partnerships. In addition to the Madrid facility, Trinasolar recently opened another Demo Center in São Paulo, Brazil, in collaboration with Facens University. This initiative is part of a growing global network of collaborations with academic institutions, designed to foster talent development, research, and innovation in solar energy around the world. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Trinasolar 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
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is International Paper Stock Underperforming the Dow?
With a market cap of $24.2 billion, International Paper Company (IP) is a global leader in the production of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products. Operating through its Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers segments, the company manufactures corrugated packaging for global commerce and pulp used in personal care products. Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as 'large-cap' stocks, and International Paper fits this criterion perfectly. With manufacturing operations across North America, Latin America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and North Africa, International Paper serves a broad customer base through direct sales and a network of agents, resellers, and distributors. Robotaxis, Powell and Other Key Things to Watch this Week Make Over a 2.4% One-Month Yield Shorting Nvidia Out-of-the-Money Puts Is Quantum Computing (QUBT) Stock a Buy on This Bold Technological Breakthrough? Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Shares of the Memphis, Tennessee-based company have declined 24.1% from its 52-week high of $60.36. Over the past three months, its shares have decreased 12.4%, underperforming the broader Dow Jones Industrials Average's ($DOWI) marginal rise during the same period. Longer term, IP stock is down 14.9% on a YTD basis, a steeper drop than DOWI's marginal decline. Moreover, shares of the global paper and packaging company have dipped 1.6% over the past 52 weeks, compared to DOWI's 7.9% increase over the same time frame. Despite a few fluctuations, the stock has fallen below its 50-day moving average since March. Also, it has slipped below its 200-day moving averages since April. Shares of International Paper fell 4.1% on Apr. 30 after the company reported Q1 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.23 and revenue of $5.9 billion, missing forecasts. The disappointing results were driven by weaker-than-expected demand for corrugated cardboard and fiber packaging in North America and Europe, amid inflationary pressures and recession fears. In comparison, rival Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) has outpaced IP stock over the past 52 weeks, though rising only marginally. However, YTD, PKG shares have declined 17%, a steeper drop than IP's performance. Despite the stock's weak performance, analysts remain moderately optimistic about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy' from 12 analysts in coverage, and as of writing, IP is trading below the mean price target of $56.14. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
