Why Wasted Energy Is Our Biggest Opportunity Yet 🌍💡

In partnership with

Hi everyone, welcome back to FutureProof - my Tech and Sustainability Digest.

We all know there is a lot of bad news out there about climate and sustainability. That’s why I curate this newsletter, to surface the good news stories in the CleanTech space that often don’t make the headlines. Especially in these days where the press’ mantra is “if it bleeds, it leads”

Before we kick off though, I’d be remiss not to mention that today, October 31st is Halloween - the modern incarnation of the old Irish pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-An). So this seemed appropriate:

The tech world, particularly AI, hasn't slowed down at all, nor has the progress in sustainability. So, without further ado, let's catch up on what's been happening, and dive into the latest insights and stories I've come across.

In the News:

Artificial Intelligence

New AI Model Developed by Harvard Detects Cancer With 96% Accuracy - Harvard's new AI model, CHIEF, has achieved 96% accuracy in detecting multiple cancer types by analysing detailed pathology images. This breakthrough in medical AI leverages vast datasets to identify cancer cells and predict treatment outcomes more effectively than previous models. The potential here for early and accurate diagnosis could be a game-changer for personalised healthcare and cancer prognosis.

Scientists Just Discovered Over 70,000 Bizarre New Viruses With AI - Scientists have used AI to identify over 70,000 new RNA viruses from environmental samples worldwide. Leveraging a unique AI model, they could map previously unknown viral biodiversity, particularly in remote or extreme environments. This breakthrough not only expands our understanding of viral evolution but could also influence future pandemic preparedness.

Electromobility

New commercial vehicle registrations: vans +8.5%, trucks -7.5%, buses +16% in the first three quarters of 2024 - In the first three quarters of 2024, new EU commercial vehicle registrations have seen encouraging results: vans rose by 8.5%, and buses climbed a notable 16%. These shifts highlight varied demand patterns across vehicle types and hint at broader market trends in response to economic and logistical dynamics

FAA finalizes pilot training, certification rules for air taxis - The FAA has just finalised the pilot training and certification rules for air taxis, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle for introducing eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) to U.S. skies. This new “powered-lift” category allows pilots to train with simulators and simplifies controls to speed up readiness. With major industry players like Joby and Archer on board, the FAA’s rules are a historic step towards urban air mobility, setting the stage for air taxis as early as 2025

UPS Tests eBike Deliveries In Paris - UPS has launched a six-month eBike delivery test in Paris’ dense 2nd arrondissement, aiming to reduce congestion and emissions in urban logistics. Working with the City of Paris and Urban Lab, UPS uses eBikes with battery-assisted power for efficient, eco-friendly deliveries. This initiative is a win for the citizens of Paris with lower noise and air pollution, for the delivery agents who are becoming more fit while delivering, and for increasing demand for the Renewable Energy which will power the bikes.

Clean Energy

First stage of Australia’s biggest battery project switched on, well ahead of schedule - Australia's largest battery project, Neoen’s Collie Battery, has just been activated, ahead of schedule, marking a major step forward in the country’s clean energy transition. Located in Western Australia, this first stage already provides 219 MW/877 MWh of storage, helping to manage daytime solar surpluses and support the evening grid demand. When completed next year, this massive 560MW/2,240MWh (4 hours of energy storage) installation will aid in phasing out coal and fortifying the grid against supply fluctuations

SOLARCYCLE’s new plant will recycle 25% of all US end-of-life solar panels by 2030 - SOLARCYCLE is opening a major solar panel recycling plant in Cedartown, Georgia, which aims to recycle 25% of all end-of-life U.S. solar panels by 2030. The facility, set to launch in 2025, will recycle 2 million panels annually initially, with plans to expand as demand grows. Adjacent to a solar glass factory, the site will employ over 1,250 people and improve the U.S. solar supply chain by reclaiming up to 99% of panel materials - next time someone says to you “but what happens to all the solar panels at end-of-life?”, now you have your answer!

These are just a small selection of the fascinating stories I have come across in the recent weeks. I post most of the stories I come across on Threads and/or on LinkedIn (I’m using Twitter less and less), so if you want to see more stories like this, follow me on those platforms (if you’re not already).

Blog posts

Some of my latest thoughts on where things are in the energy and sustainability spaces

How the Energy Transition Will Reshape Business: Opportunities, Risks, and Regulations - The International Energy Agency released its (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2024 last week so I took a look through it to see what the energy transition means for businesses. Basically it said the energy transition, accelerated by climate pressures and geopolitical shifts, is reshaping business risks, opportunities, and regulations. This shift towards clean energy impacts everything from supply chains to cost structures, with renewables and electrification creating resilience. Increasing regulations, especially in the EU, push companies to adopt sustainability measures proactively, offering competitive advantages for those who adapt early. With clean energy investment booming globally, businesses that leverage these changes are better positioned for future stability and growth.

Why Sports Stars Are the Perfect Advocates for Climate Change Solutions - Sports stars are emerging as powerful climate advocates due to their wide influence and trusted public image. By partnering with organisations like EcoAthletes, they’re helping raise climate awareness and inspire meaningful action. Athletes resonate across diverse audiences, transcending typical divides, making them uniquely positioned to mobilise communities for climate solutions. Figures like Coco Gauff and Megan Rapinoe show how athletes’ influence can shift attitudes and engage fans in climate action, turning sports into a platform for the “biggest comeback” in history—combating climate change.

Latest Podcast Episodes

Climate Confident

Reducing AI, and Tech’s Environmental Impact: A Deep Dive with SustainableIT.org’s Ralph Loura - In this episode of Climate Confident, I talked to Ralph Loura from SustainableIT.org and we discussed the tech industry’s role in sustainability, particularly around AI and e-waste. Ralph explains how SustainableIT.org aims to set standards and frameworks for responsible tech use, encouraging IT leaders to manage energy consumption and environmental impacts proactively. He highlights "sustainable AI" initiatives that minimise resource strain and suggests balancing AI's potential with its environmental costs. Practical strategies, like reuse of equipment and governance around AI deployment, are essential for tech's greener future.

Sustainable Supply Chain

Data-Driven Cold Chains: Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Waste, and Meeting Sustainability Goals - In this Sustainable Supply Chain episode, Karl McDermott from DeltaTrak and I discuss the transformative role of data in cold chain logistics. By adopting real-time temperature monitoring, DeltaTrak enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and supports sustainability goals amidst climate challenges. Innovations like carbon emission tracking, predictive shelf-life algorithms, and flexible insurance terms highlight how data-driven insights are reshaping cold chain management to maintain food quality, cut energy costs, and improve regulatory compliance across global supply chains.


In upcoming episodes of the podcasts I will be talking to Joanne Flinn from the ESG Institute, Ganesh Gandhieswaran from ConverSight, Viktor Meier from Glice, and David Nicholson from Mercy Corps.

Follow the podcasts in your podcast app of choice to ensure you don’t miss any episodes.

Featured Charts

If you’ve never seen this chart, it is eye-opening. This chart highlights a staggering reality: over two-thirds of the energy generated in our current system is wasted, labelled here as “rejected energy.” As we shift towards electrification, especially with renewables, our energy needs could drop dramatically because electric systems are far more efficient than fossil-fuel-based ones. This means we can do more with less, potentially cutting down our energy demand and making a significant impact on carbon emissions.

This one is self-explanatory - if you use gas for cooking, stop and switch to electricity. Apart from being better for the planet, it is also far healthier for you and your family.

And finally, as this is the final week before the US presidential election, it seems like a good time to highlight this chart - climate, which is inherently apolitical, has been politicised, to the detriment of us all leading to the kinds of disasters we witnessed here in Spain over the last 24 hours.

Misc stuff

I came across this and thought it was interesting - I may need to rethink where I get my gym wear from!

And here’s a handy AI prompt cheat sheet

Engage

• If you made it this far, well done! If you liked this newsletter, or learned something new, feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. Encourage folks to sign up for it.
  
  Do please get in touch with me with your thoughts and suggestions on how I can improve the newsletter, or with any other suggestions you may have.
  

• Finally, since being impacted by the tech layoffs, I'm currently on the market for a new role. If you know someone who could benefit from my tech savvy, sustainability, and strong social media expertise, I'd be grateful for a referral.

Here’s the zinger from Tim Walz

Remember, if you are in the US, next Tuesday is the election not just for president, but also for senate and congressional seats. Whatever you do, go out and exercise your right to vote, if you haven’t already!

Someone told me after receiving the last edition of this newsletter that I needed to lose the bullet points, and use “I” less (you know who you are). I’ve attempted to take that feedback on board for this edition.

If you have any comments or suggestions for how I can improve this newsletter, don’t hesitate to let me know. Thanks.

*** Be aware that any typos you find in this newsletter are tests to see who is paying attention! ***

Stay up-to-date with AI

The Rundown is the most trusted AI newsletter in the world, with 800,000+ readers and exclusive interviews with AI leaders like Mark Zuckerberg.

Their expert research team spends all day learning what’s new in AI and talking with industry experts, then distills the most important developments into one free email every morning.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.