Fossil Fuels

ChatGPT generated: A hybrid cargo ship at port, clearly labeled with "HYBRID," "BATTERIES," and "BIODIESEL," symbolizing the convergence of pragmatic low-emission technologies in maritime transport
ChatGPT generated: A hybrid cargo ship at port, clearly labeled with "HYBRID," "BATTERIES," and "BIODIESEL," symbolizing the convergence of pragmatic low-emission technologies in maritime transport

Why Shipping’s Low-Carbon Future Relies More on Batteries & Biofuels Than Methanol

12 hours ago Michael Barnard 0 Comments

Maritime shipping, responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, stands at an unprecedented turning point. As we progress toward mid-century, decarbonization is no longer optional but mandatory, driven by stringent international regulations, including the International Maritimate Organization’s recent fuel carbon pricing decision and corporate sustainability commitments. This requirement … [continued]

ChatGPT generated a conceptual image of a high-tech SAF biorefinery adjacent to a sewage treatment facility, illustrating biosolids conversion into jet fuel
ChatGPT generated a conceptual image of a high-tech SAF biorefinery adjacent to a sewage treatment facility, illustrating biosolids conversion into jet fuel

Wizz Air’s Sewage-to-Fuel Deal Helps Blow Up Five Energy Myths

1 day ago Michael Barnard 0 Comments

Wizz Air made headlines recently by signing a major deal to purchase sustainable aviation fuel derived from treated human poop. The optics are amusing, but the implications are profound. This isn’t a fringe experiment or a corporate PR stunt. It’s a signal that the aviation industry is moving toward a … [continued]

Photo by Huang Yingone, via Unsplash

You’re In A New Paradigm! Behave Like It!

2 days ago George Harvey 0 Comments

Almost every day, I come across a number of articles that claim we can’t address climate change without adding nuclear power plants — or even gas plants. I also come to articles that say we have plenty of renewable energy under development, but we need new transmission lines to get … [continued]

ChatGPT generated this panoramic aerial view of the Saskatoon Transit Depot, highlighting the dominance of diesel buses and the emerging presence of electric models amid infrastructure transition challenges
ChatGPT generated this panoramic aerial view of the Saskatoon Transit Depot, highlighting the dominance of diesel buses and the emerging presence of electric models amid infrastructure transition challenges

Saskatoon Transit at Crossroads: Grid Emissions vs. Electric Buses

3 days ago Michael Barnard 0 Comments

Saskatoon recently faced a critical decision regarding its transit strategy, specifically around the adoption of zero-emission buses (ZEBs). This decision arose from an evaluation conducted by the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), aimed at guiding Saskatoon Transit’s 10-year fleet renewal strategy. The evaluation highlighted a challenging dilemma: … [continued]

ChatGPT generated humorous illustration depicting a "Greenwashing Station," satirically highlighting Halifax's hydrogen bus initiative, complete with attendants spraying green paint onto grey hydrogen tanks
ChatGPT generated humorous illustration depicting a "Greenwashing Station," satirically highlighting Halifax's hydrogen bus initiative, complete with attendants spraying green paint onto grey hydrogen tanks

Halifax’s Misguided Hydrogen Bus Effort: The Data Tells the Story

3 days ago Michael Barnard 0 Comments

Halifax’s just announced hydrogen-diesel hybrid bus trial is intended to be an ambitious stride forward in the city’s climate action plan and a trial that transit operators globally will gain insights from. Yet, scratching just below the surface reveals a problematic disconnect between optimistic projections and operational realities. The trial, … [continued]

military excess
"US Army Best Warrior Competition [Image 2 of 47]" by DVIDSHUB is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Why Musk Skipped Over US Military Excess In His DOGE Efficiency Goals

4 days ago Carolyn Fortuna 0 Comments

Over Memorial Day Weekend, 37,000 flags planted on Boston Common were a solemn tribute to Massachusetts’ state war dead through the generations. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Veterans Administration (VA) employees were in shock as they prepared for deep staffing cuts. VA reductions in force clearly will severely damage care … [continued]

ChatGPT generated panoramic image of wind turbines and battery storage integration at a port, with a visible data center and container terminal infrastructure
ChatGPT generated panoramic image of wind turbines and battery storage integration at a port, with a visible data center and container terminal infrastructure

Ports Plugging In: From Ground Vehicles To Ocean Shipping

4 days ago Michael Barnard 0 Comments

Ports around the world face an enormous sustainability challenge. Currently responsible for approximately 3% of global carbon emissions, maritime operations and related logistics are under intense scrutiny to reduce their environmental impact. The 30-year roadmap outlined in my port electrification series provides a detailed, phased strategy to transition ports fully … [continued]

ChatGPT generated this image to contrast the highly modular, automated production of solar panels with the capital-intensive, large-scale infrastructure required for direct air capture—highlighting why DAC cannot follow the same rapid cost-decline path as PV manufacturing
ChatGPT generated this image to contrast the highly modular, automated production of solar panels with the capital-intensive, large-scale infrastructure required for direct air capture—highlighting why DAC cannot follow the same rapid cost-decline path as PV manufacturing

Why Direct Air Capture Won’t Replicate the Solar Revolution

6 days ago Michael Barnard 0 Comments

The remarkable cost declines in solar photovoltaic (PV) and lithium-ion batteries over the past several decades have fueled optimism in the climate policy and investment community, with many hoping direct air capture (DAC) technologies might follow a similar trajectory. Policymakers, investors, and industry proponents frequently draw analogies between DAC and … [continued]