3 December 2021

Wallenius and Alfa Laval proceed with wind propulsion ships

Wallenius and Alfa Laval have completed the terms of their previously announced JV, AlfaWall, to develop wind propulsion technology for commercial vessels. The technology is claimed to be viable for any vessel type, but to be initially implemented on Wallenius’ 656-feet long transatlantic car carrier with the ability to carry 7,000 cars. It will cross the Atlantic in 12 days if sailing at an average speed of 10 knots. The two partners, who previously collaborated on ballast water treatment solutions will now explore the opportunities of wind power. They will target wind propulsion based on telescopic wing sails from Wallenius’ designs of a wind-power vehicle carrier. Wind power will play a key role in decarbonising the marine industry according to Peter Nielsen, Business Unit President at Alfa Laval Marine Division (The Maritime Executive).

European Energy buys into heat pump company

A year after entering the heat pump market, European Energy announces a new investment in the sector through its subsidiary, European Energy Heating, by buying into Soft & Teknik A/S in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Soft & Teknik is a leading company in developing software and control systems for larger heat pump systems in the megawatt-class for the district heating sector and Power-to-X systems, which European Energy will use to accelerate the development of its heat pump technology, Power-to-X, and battery storage according to Knud Erik Andersen, CEO of European Energy. Today, European Energy Heating is currently a part of heat pump projects in Denmark and the United Kingdom and has long-term ambitions to enter other markets where European Energy develops and operates renewable energy facilities (Jern Industri).

Equinor: CCS services could break even in next 10 years

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) services for large industrial emitters could break even in the next 10 years, according to Torbjørg Fossum, Vice President for Global CCS Solutions at Equinor – if the cost of carbon emission is traded at €100 per tonne of carbon. Currently, pollution permits are traded at circa €76 per tonne of carbon emitted on the EU’s Emissions Trading System. Until the break-even price is reached, government funding is imperative to help early movers, Fossum continues, alluding to projects such as Northern Lights in Norway and Britain's East Coast Clusters. According to her, the transition will require both CCS and the more expensive Direct Air Capture (DAC) solutions. However, DAC can be located wherever there is access to very cheap and clean energy (Reuters).

News from our sponsors

• BASF launches global carbon farming program (Successful Farming)

What we’re reading

• UK 'nowhere near' meeting targets agreed at Glasgow climate summit (BBC)
• China-Africa Cooperation Declaration on Climate Change (news.cn)

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