Stijn Stevens’ Post

👁️🗨️Another great episode in the eye-opener series by professor Cornelia Welte (Radboud University) Transforming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into electricity is a game-changer. By feeding methane to microbes in a battery, the gas is broken down and its electrons are harnessed, turning waste into clean energy. This innovative approach addresses both climate change and sustainable energy production in one solution. 🎤Cornelia enlightens this in one minut, and in clear language. #ScienceIn60seconds #GreenEnergy #ClimateAction

A successful energy transition starts with "less is more"...

Yesterday, Dutch national news NOS covered an interesting item on using satellite imagery to detect methane leaks globally with Tropomi. The article is in Dutch, and it's explained well how it works. Here is the summary in English with the link to the item, which you can translate in your browser if you're interested in reading the entire article! https://lnkd.in/eZCeg5Ua Methane leaks are a significant contributor to global warming, and the detection and closure of large methane leaks are considered the easiest way to combat climate change. Dutch researchers are working with the UN to investigate and close these leaks. The UN has reported 230 major methane leaks so far, and one of the biggest methane leaks ever occurred on the vast plains of Kazakhstan. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can retain much more heat than CO2, causing 28 times more global warming over a hundred years. Dutch measuring instrument Tropomi is used to identify large methane leaks from space, and researchers use close-up cameras on board other satellites to locate the precise source of high-concentration methane pixels. Closing methane leaks is challenging, but 156 countries are now participating in the pledge to close leaks more quickly, and the UN is involved in ensuring detected leaks are addressed. Msdurden Project #tropomi #nos #methane #eo #earthobservation #satelliteimagery #spacemarketing #nso #marketingforspace #startup #freelancer #webdesign #marketing #socialmedia #launchyourbrand #branding

Who profits from the rush to green resources (for the transition to climate neutrality)? The title of a special issue of MO* magazine, which is dedicated to the debate about the extraction, processing, refining and recycling of #criticalmetals. The main article of the issue, written by John Vandaele, is available here (in Dutch). I was happy to contribute to this analysis with my views on #responsiblemining in Europe and #responsiblesourcing from other (like-minded) countries in the world. This article will also take centre stage for two upcoming debates: 📣 24 March, Gent (Industriemuseum): "MO*talks". Panel: Thijs Van de Graaf, Peter Tom Jones, Wies Willems, Jan Franco - moderated by John Vandaele [More info: https://lnkd.in/e7uJQjX4] 📣 27 March, Leuven (DOCVILLE, Aula Vesalius): Premiere "Europe's Mining Renaissance: A Catalyst for Climate Neutrality) + panel debate with Ia Modin, Julia Poliscanova (she/her), Nick Meynen, Peter Tom Jones - moderated by John Vandaele [More info: https://lnkd.in/exUHvaur] 🎬 "Europe's Mining Renaissance" - Synopsis. The #CriticalRawMaterialsAct sets benchmarks for diversifying Europe’s critical raw materials supply chains, making Europe less dependent on China, Russia et al. By 2030 Europe needs to achieve at least 10% of domestic #extraction of #lithium, #cobalt, #nickel, #copper and #rareearths. Hence, Europe will need no less than a Mining Renaissance. Not the dirty #coalmining of old, which fuels the global heating problem, but future-oriented, #responsiblemining of the metals that are needed to catalyse Europe’s climate change strategy. 🎞 Trailer of documentary: https://lnkd.in/eJfJ6Jzs 🙏 The team: Stijn van Baarle (STORYRUNNER) Peter Tom Jones Michael Van de Velde Jerome De Meyere Casimir De Kimpe Marius Acke Jasper Vander Elst 🙏 Featuring: Jan Moström (LKAB, Euromines), Ulrika Huhtaniska (LKAB), Stefan Mikaelsson, Anders Sand & Mohammad Khoshkhoo (Boliden), Matthew Congleton (Valmet Automotive), Maroš Šefčovič (EC), Liesbeth Horckmans (VITO), Anne-Gwénaëlle Guezennec (BRGM), Thomas Lapauw (ResourceFull) 🙏 Acknowledgements: Co-funded by the EU (Horizon Europe ENICON & Horizon Europe EXCEED projects). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) and CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Co-funded by SOLVOMET R&I Centre & SIM2 KU Leuven. Public outreach (non-financial) support from PROMETIA & Horizon Europe AVANTIS, CICERO Project & Horizon Europe LITHOS. BATTERY 2030+ Ewelina Rathje Susana XARÁ Jan Buelinckx https://lnkd.in/egQGBxia

Have a look at this eyeopener clip that I recorded for our research on #methane #electricity #microbiology!

It is far from enough to electrify step by step and hope that sustainable energy will automatically replace fossil energy. Rich countries need another 220 years at the current rate of decoupling to reduce their CO2 emissions by 95 percent. Text Tim de Jong Vrij Nederland Professor of system transitions and climate change Heleen de Coninck explains why sustainability is counterproductive with small steps. https://lnkd.in/eCZv8_Gx

The importance of the #Baltics and #Nordics for the #Dutch and #German energy transition is highlighted in the research report "The Current and Potential Energy Exchange Relations between the Northern Flank of Europe and Northwest Europe", which was presented to the Dutch Government at the annual #WindMeetsGas24 event in #Groningen. Comprehending and acknowledging the significance of the #Baltic #Sea region for the #North #Sea region, and conversely, is vital for initiating successful private and public collaborations aimed at attaining #carbon #neutrality in #Europe. New Energy Coalition, ENTRANCE - Centre of Expertise Energy, Hanze Groningen Seaports, Groningen Airport Eelde Klaipeda Free Economic Zone, Klaipeda University, KN Energies, Ignitis Group, Amber Grid, Klaipėdos uostas/Port of Klaipėda, Lithuanian Airports, Inovacijų agentūra, Lietuvos Respublikos energetikos ministerija, Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU

The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) released a report assessing whether the Netherlands could technically achieve climate neutrality WITHOUT changing lifestyles and our orientation towards economic growth ❓ (https://lnkd.in/esvMk3iY). ✅ Their answer: Yes, this is narrowly technically feasible, but only if we make consistent policy in this direction and take quick action across virtually all possible areas.   After an assessment it seems like a natural question to ask: Does this assessment mean that we can make a plan to achieve climate neutrality without changing lifestyles and our orientation towards economic growth ❓   ❌ My answer: No, we can’t.   This study re-emphasizes why we need to let go of economic growth as a policy goal and change our collective lifestyle to respect planetary boundaries. It does so primarily for three reasons: 1.    Political reality: When has our political system ever delivered consistent, timely policy in a given direction for twenty years in a row? Even if technically feasible, it seems implausible that we would practically manage to implement these possibilities. So, let’s not make it a plan. 2.    Carbon tunnel vision: the study shows climate neutrality can be achieved, but there are many more planetary boundaries to be considered. A technical transition towards climate neutrality might exacerbate problems for other planetary boundaries, as these scenario’s rely on rapid scaling up of both biofuels (requiring land) and renewable energy sources (requiring rare earth metals). We can’t afford to have our plan to limit climate change include exacerbating biodiversity loss. 3.    Responsibility: The study mentions that these pathways – which target only 2050 – reduce emissions by about 80% in 2040, thereby not meeting the 90% reduction in 2040 that will likely become an EU-wide target. Even that EU-wide target falls short of what would be internationally just. We previously explained this here: https://lnkd.in/e_QVxw2i. The PBL, too, has examined what fair climate goals for The Netherlands might be: https://lnkd.in/eyHyn6Xw. Depending on the principle chosen, the reduction in 2040 would need to be between 90 and well over a 100 %. So, both I and the PBL conclude: It is not possible to achieve climate neutrality without changing lifestyles and our orientation towards economic growth in 2050 in an internationally fair way.  🌄 I would really like to see a follow-up study from the PBL on the question: what is the lowest emission budget necessary for the Netherlands to achieve a decent quality of life for all its citizens ❓

A MEDIA COLUMN - ENERGY The world wants to use less coal but uses more. The only solution? LOCAL SOURCES and small interconnected grids. Electronics (48V DC) and changing the transformations to other places than we do now. We lose to much energy. We store to much energy. We don't do as nature would do. Local sources? In NL, we already applied heat exchangers in sheet pile walls of harbour and canals (company Crux). We also applied heat exchangers from earth water in further mining area (company Mijnwater). DIY, on our off-grid farms Peppelhof, Eykelenbosch and Hermanushoeve, we applied solar and wood gassing from our abundance food and resource forest (39 ha for 39 self-sustaining families). Rocket stoves and more. In Belgium, Blue Earth Innovation (biomimicry engineering company) is applying Nikola Tesla's patents for Free Energy on a heritage-listed estate. In Spain (canary island El Hierro), they have solar roads directly connected to the cars. In theory, you can outphase batteries and lithium mining this way. What are the biggest hurdles? 1. You have to use energy when you produce it. No storage. 2. Laws are hindering progress. Off-grid is forbidden in NL and it is still a huge fight with the law. Laws are just made for big companies and set in stone. Not for citizens wanting to live cheap with what nature provides. 3. Nothing is agile in our man made world. Everyone is just protecting their cashcows. 4. Low voltage DC appliances (fridge, freezer, hairdryer, cooking equipment, computers, etc) are hard to get in normal stores. You have to shop in boating or caravan stores... And when you do...? Life opens up to new possibilities and immense innovations. Free for all. Because nature does the work for us... You can become a nomad, like Mike and me. Simple life with one suitcase... 🌏😂❤️🤸🏽♀️ #restoring #planet #basicneeds

⚡ Is your organization facing hurdles in transitioning away from #fossilfuels? Many companies are embracing the challenge of realizing their climate goals by integrating electrical alternatives like green heat pumps. However, policy constraints are still impeding progress. 💡 How can we make sure that companies can quickly shift to #greenheat? Come find out during the seminar 'How can companies make the transition to green heat?'! 👉 Network with policy makers and industry leaders driving sustainable change 👉 Discover concrete projects and solutions presented by experts in Flemish industry 👉 Explore opportunities to overcome current bottlenecks in adopting green energy technologies 📅 May 7th, 13:00 - 17:00 📍 Les Ateliers des Tanneurs, Brussels 🔗 have a look at the program and secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/dQBByX98 Hosted by Bond Beter Leefmilieu, in collaboration with Energy Saving Pioneers and The Shift vzw/asbl. #committedtoact #climatechange #greenheat