LONDON – In the countryside of Cambridgeshire, a British semiconductor start-up was ready to expand beyond its lab and open a manufacturing base.
But the company’s ambitions came with unexpected costs to bring enough electricity to the new site. The potential bill? £1 million (S$1.7 million).
The company, Paragraf, makes chips using graphene, or ultra-thin carbon. Its devices can be used to check for defects in electric vehicle (EV) batteries to prevent fires, or work in quantum computers.
After acquiring the site in 2023, Paragraf made plans to ramp up its weekly manufacturing capabilities from tens of thousands of devices to millions.
But the cost of increasing the power supply to the location, a result of years of underinvestment in Britain’s electricity grid, is diverting money – and time – from hiring and equipment purchases, said Dr Simon Thomas, Paragraf’s chief executive officer.
“Our biggest kind of advantage when you’re a company like ours is the pace you can move,” he said.
Delays are not just affecting what can be done now, they are also “affecting how successful you’re going to be in the future”, he added. “It’s extremely frustrating.”
Up and down the country, complaints about the lack of investment in Britain are reaching a crescendo after more than a decade of low economic growth and wage stagnation.
Harvard Scientists Achieve Quantum Computing Milestone with First Logical Quantum Circuit
In a significant leap for quantum computing, a group of scientists from Harvard University has developed the world’s first quantum circuit using logical quantum bits or qubits. This groundbreaking research was conducted under the aegis of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Optimization with Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (ONISQ) program. Initiated in 2020, the program’s goal is to create quantum devices capable of outperforming classical supercomputers in tackling combinatorial optimization problems.
The ONISQ Team and Their Focus
The ONISQ team, led by Dr. Mikhail Lukin from Harvard and comprising researchers from MIT, QuEra Computing, Caltech, and Princeton, concentrated their efforts on Rydberg qubits. They successfully developed error-correcting logical qubits from these – a crucial step towards achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing. Despite errors, logical qubits are able to sustain their quantum state.
Building the Largest Assembly of Logical Qubits
The team at the Harvard laboratory constructed quantum circuits with around 48 Rydberg logical qubits, signifying the most substantial assembly of logical qubits to date. The uniformity of Rydberg qubits allows for quick scaling and straightforward manipulation, giving them a significant edge over other types of qubits.
The Transformative Potential of the Discovery
Dr. Mukund Vengalattore, the ONISQ program manager, noted that the transformative potential of this breakthrough lies within the dynamic reconfigurability and transportability of Rydberg qubits. DARPA’s exploratory approach has been instrumental in this development, challenging the conventional belief that millions of physical qubits are required for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
The discovery, meticulously detailed in a publication in Nature, suggests that fewer logical qubits might be enough to solve specific problems, thus propelling the field towards large-scale logical processors. DARPA’s continued commitment to quantum research has significantly contributed to this progress by harnessing knowledge from several DARPA programs.
The advancement in quantum computing promises to revolutionize various industries and has the potential to reshape society on a scale analogous to the internet.
ERC Investigates Power Plant Operators Following Massive Blackout
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in the Philippines is in the midst of an investigation into power plant operators following an extensive electrical blackout in Western Visayas. The probe, announced by ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta, aims to identify the cause of the power shortage and determine responsibility. Power plants found to have breached standards could face sanctions, with penalties reaching up to P50 million per violation.
Impact of the Blackout
The blackout had a significant impact on the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros, primarily due to trip-offs from the Panay Energy Development Corp. and the Palm Concepcion Power Corp. However, normal operations have since been resumed in the area following the restoration of the power supply.
Denial from the National Grid Corp.
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), responsible for operating the power grid, has staunchly denied any involvement in the incident. The corporation asserted that it followed all procedures and the grid system was functioning normally prior to the power plants tripping. Despite mounting criticism from government figures and agencies, the NGCP maintained that there was no need for load dropping as the voltage and frequency remained stable.
Investigation and Accountability
Aiming to collect more information and shed light on the incident, the ERC plans to conclude the investigation within six to eight weeks. This comprehensive review will determine the cause of the blackout and identify any violations of standards, potentially leading to hefty fines for the offending power plants. In the wake of the power crisis, the possibility of a refund to consumers reflected in lower transmission rates on power consumers’ electricity bills is also being examined. The ERC is also exploring partnerships with local government units and Landbank of the Philippines to provide financial aid and expedite permits for solar home systems to counter the impact of the El Niño drought and encourage more households to have their solar home systems.
During the first week of 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has codified and put into operation nearly a dozen new models of domestically produced weaponry and military equipment. Among them are robotic systems, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), engineering equipment, and an upgraded ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) with new missiles.
Deputy Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, provided this information.
The codification process grants permission for entrepreneurs to enter into agreements with the Ministry of Defense. It is emphasized that testing of new developments is conducted before codification.
Among the new robotic systems are a ground-based robotic platform for remote mine clearance with a function for remote self-propulsion and a ground-based robotic logistics support complex.
In the UAV domain, the Ukrainian military will receive a new modification of the "Leleka' UAV and two types of FPV (First Person View) drones with different payload capacities. Special attention has been given to drone protection against Russian EW (Electronic Warfare).
Additionally, a semi-trailer mine-clearing trawl for combat armored vehicles on an automotive chassis has undergone codification. Furthermore, the Armed Forces will be equipped with a two-seater quad bike with a payload capacity of 800 kg and a separate tactical trailer.
The state trials have been completed, and the mobile anti-tank missile system 'Shturm-SM' based on one of the combat armored vehicles has been codified. Ukrainian missiles with various types of warheads have been developed for this ATGM.
Fugro has reached a binding agreement for the acquisition of the remaining shares in Sea-Kit International, a long-standing partner in the development of hi-tech uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for low carbon emission maritime operations and research.
For several years, Fugro and Sea-Kit have collaborated closely to push the boundaries of USV technology, achieving numerous breakthroughs and milestones along the way, including:
Delivery of the first commercially available remotely operated USV and electric powered remotely operated vehicle (ROV) combi solution to the offshore asset inspection and monitoring market;
Approvals from various authorities in Europe, Middle East and Australia to operate the jointly developed USV and ROV combi solution through a global network of remote operations centres;
Delivery of five Fugro Blue Essence 12 metre USVs spread across all key regions;
Completing the world’s first fully remote inspection of offshore wind farm assets carried out by an USV and integrated ROV;
Winning multiple awards globally for our innovations contributing to safer, faster and more sustainable offshore operations.
Ben Simpson, CEO and founder of Sea-Kit International, has been a key leader in the partnership, playing a fundamental role in reshaping the maritime industry. His entrepreneurialism was instrumental in the growth and success of the Sea-Kit business.
Under Simpson’s leadership, Sea-Kit fostered a culture of innovation, excellence and adaptability, propelling the company to the forefront of the autonomous maritime industry.
Henk van Dalen, director Fugro Blue Robotics, says: “We are excited to welcome the talented Sea-Kit team into the Fugro family.
“We look forward to leveraging their knowledge and growing the Sea-Kit product offering to the maritime industry as we continue to drive innovation in this space.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth integration process and will work closely with our new team members to maximise the value delivered to our combined customer base.”
The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. SEA-KIT will continue to provide clients with high-quality USV products for cost-effective operations with enhanced safety and significantly reduced carbon emissions.
New advancements to look forward to in the wake of this acquisition includes the launch of the next generation of USVs, the Blue Eclipse 18 metre USV specially designed for fast pipeline and deep-water asset inspection activities, as well as a zero-emissions hydrogen-powered USV.
When the Cassini spacecraft returned radar scans of the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan, the results were mindblowing. It revealed giant lakes or seas of liquid methane, a complete absence of waves and what seemed to be islands in the giant bodies of water. Now a team of scientists think they may be blobs of organic molecules that form in the atmosphere, collect in the lakes and float around!
The bus sized space probe Cassini was launched in October of 1997. The journey took the craft 3.5 billion km using gravitational slingshots following launch from Venus (twice), Earth and Jupiter before arriving in July 2004. The mission at Saturn lasted for 14 years when Cassini dived into the atmosphere of Saturn on 15 September 2017. While it was there it orbited Saturn a total of 290 times, explored many of its moons and discovered seven more.
A particularly interesting part of the mission was the Huygens probe that hitched a ride aboard Cassini with Titan as its destination. Titan is Saturn’s largest moon, the second largest moon in our Solar System and larger even than our own Moon and the planet Mercury. It’s also the only moon known to have a dense atmosphere and large, stable bodies of water on its surface.
Natural color image of Titan taken by Cassini in January 2012. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute)
The atmosphere of Titan has a neat trick, it transforms gasses like methane and nitrogen (of which there is plenty in the atmosphere) into organic compounds. The team, led by Xinting Yu from the University of Texas studied what happens to those compounds when they reach the surface of the Moon.
Surpisingly, they found that the compounds reach the surface as solids, even on the lakes. Just what happens then was what the team were interested to explore. If they were structured like a sponge, mostly full of empty space then they would simply float. If on the other hand they were solids, they may still float depending on their composition, otherwise they will just sink to the lake bed.
One mysterious feature of the Titanian (if that’s even a word) lakes that was picked up ws temporary bright spots seen by radar. They were dubbed ‘magic islands’ because they seemed to be only temporary features. The team found that the only plausible explanation for the observations was that the solid material landing on the surface.. and by chance, in the lakes, must be porous in nature giving it the ability to float.
Source : The Fate of Simple Organics on Titan’s Surface: A Theoretical Perspective
https://www.universetoday.com/165108/titans-magic-islands-could-be-floating-blobs-of-organic-solids/
The Resurgence of the Ring of Bells: A Beacon of Local, Organic Fare in Dartmoor
Steeped in history and tradition, the Ring of Bells at North Bovey, a charming country inn with roots reaching back to the 13th century, has always been the beating heart of the Dartmoor community. Its journey, however, has been far from smooth. In January 2016, a devastating fire ravaged the inn, causing significant damage and forcing a closure that would last nearly two years.
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
Resilience, it seems, is woven into the very fabric of the Ring of Bells. Following extensive renovations that cost £1.5 million, the inn reopened its doors on December 10, 2017. The restoration work was carried out with meticulous attention to detail, preserving the inn’s original charm and character while ensuring it was equipped to serve the needs of a modern clientele.
A New Chapter
In 2022, the inn was put up for sale with a £1.2 million price tag. It experienced a brief spell of closure when the previous owners ceased trading. This, however, was not the end of the inn’s journey. Eversfield Organic, a Devon-based family business renowned for its farm shops, delis, cafes, and the award-winning Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale, stepped in to breathe new life into the establishment.
Embracing Local, Organic Produce
Today, the Ring of Bells is celebrated for its commitment to serving 100% locally-sourced, organic food. High-quality offerings, including organic steak and vegetables from Eversfield Organic’s own farm, grace the inn’s menu. The bar showcases drinks from local breweries, reflecting the inn’s dedication to supporting local businesses.
Award-Winning Hospitality
Five guest bedrooms offer bed and breakfast accommodation, blending comfort with the inn’s historic ambiance. Shortly after its reopening, the Ring of Bells earned recognition as one of the best restaurants in Devon, according to Opentable’s Diner’s Choice Awards 2023. The inn has also amassed an impressive collection of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, with customers lauding its friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food. Its location near Dartmoor’s walking trails adds to its appeal, making it a sought-after spot for both locals and visitors alike.
SINGAPORE, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia on Sunday cut the February price of its flagship Arab Light crude to Asian customers to the lowest level in 27 months, a company statement showed, amid competition from rival suppliers and concerns about supply overhang.
Saudi Aramco slashed the official selling price (OSP) for February-loading Arab Light to Asia by $2 a barrel from January to $1.50 a barrel over Oman/Dubai quotes.
The price cut is in line with market expectations, as refiners called for competitive prices from Saudi Arabia comparing to crude oil supplied from other Middle Eastern producers and the arbitrage cargoes from the Atlantic Basin.
The Asian physical oil market softened over the past month, reflecting expectations of less supply tightness in the near term and weaker demand as some Asian refineries are scheduled to shut down for maintenance in the spring season of the northern hemisphere. (Reporting by Muyu Xu Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Mark Potter)
GMB union warned that a ban would make the UK more reliant on imports.
Britain risks losing 200,000 jobs to overseas rivals if it refuses to make the most of its own oil and gas reserves, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has warned. Landmark legislation will go before MPs this week to ensure these sources of energy will be tapped in the decades ahead. Labour opposes granting new oil and gas licences. But the powerful GMB union warned that a ban would make the UK more reliant on imports and could endanger energy security.
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Ms Coutinho, a rising star in the Conservative party and one of the Prime Minister’s closest allies, said: “We’ll still need oil and gas for decades to come, even when we reach net zero in 2050, as data from the independent Climate Change Committee shows." “It’s just common sense to make the most of what we can produce here, rather than shipping in more fuels from foreign regimes with higher emissions." “Sir Keir Starmer’s reckless plans to turn off the taps too soon would send 200,000 good jobs abroad, along with billions of pounds in tax revenue which we can use to support people with the cost of living."
“It’s irresponsible to put British energy security at risk for the sake of ideology.” Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB union, also warned against damaging operations in the North Sea, saying: “The UK will still need oil and gas in 2050 and beyond, so the unavoidable question is, where is it going to come from?" “Banning new exploration and development will only accelerate the decline of production in the North Sea, leaving the UK even more dependent on energy imports to heat homes and power industry in future. That’s bad for our national security and prosperity."
“We need domestic oil and gas supply alongside the investments of companies and skills of workers to get low-carbon technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen into our energy mix too. The GMB is clear. In an increasingly volatile world the UK needs plans and not bans for the future of our energy sector and the transition to net zero.” Industry body Offshore Energies UK says the sector supports more than “200,000 good, skilled jobs across the UK”. It expected it would add more than £20billion to the UK economy in 2022-23. Ed Miliband, Labour’s Shadow Energy Secretary, fired back at the Tories, saying that “every family in the country is paying the price for 13 years of failed Conservative policy in record energy bills”.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1852853/must-use-own-oil-and-gas-to-save-jobs
Abstract
This paper summarizes the latest research results on materials for the treatment of methane, an important greenhouse gas, and toluene, a volatile organic compound gas, as well as the utilization of these resources over the past two years. These materials include adsorption materials, catalytic oxidation materials, hydrogen-reforming catalytic materials and non-oxidative coupling catalytic materials for methane, and adsorption materials, catalytic oxidation materials, chemical cycle reforming catalytic materials, and degradation catalytic materials for toluene. This paper provides a comprehensive review of these research results from a general point of view and provides an outlook on the treatment of these two gases and materials for resource utilization.
Bankers said the only realistic suitor for BP would be Shell, but an approach isn’t likely
The oil giant’s struggles since Bernard Looney departed under a cloud have reignited rumours that a buyer could swoop as it searches for a permanent replacement
Murray Auchincloss is the ultimate battlefield promotion. The Canadian was catapulted into the hot seat at BP following the resignation in September of chief executive Bernard Looney after it emerged he’d failed to disclose romantic relationships with staff.
Since then, BP’s share price has sunk, but Auchincloss, previously the chief financial officer, is trying to prove he can handle the job on a permanent basis. He has declared he will continue his disgraced predecessor’s stated strategy “to transition BP from an international oil company to an integrated energy company”.
Sponsored
But as BP toys with external candidates and the process drags on, could its interim CEO find himself dealing with the ultimate challenge — a takeover bid?
Murray Auchincloss was appointed interim chief executive at BP after Bernard Looney resigned in disgrace last year RYAN LIM/AFP
BP has been touted as a perennial target ever
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-bp-wont-be-taken-over-any-time-soon-3npmkl88x
Logo of National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC)
National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC) received a notice from Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) regarding an adjustment in the prices of fuel products used in its operations and distributions, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
In a Tadawul statement, NADEC noted that the change will lead to an increase in production and distribution costs. However, the company will work on minimizing the impact through implementing operational efficiency measures and exploring alternative energy sources to mitigate cost increases.
In addition, the firm will invest in innovation through undertaking research and development in sustainable agriculture technologies to enhance productivity and reduce reliance on traditional fuels.
NADEC will also adopt a collaborative approach through working closely with partners and suppliers to identify mutually beneficial solutions to address the challenges posed by the fuel price increase.
The company is currently studying the financial impact of price changes on its production cost, the statement said, adding that the relevant financial impact will be reflected in Q1 2024 results.
Australia’s 3.5 million rooftop solar installations are pumping out so much energy on sunny days that they’re sending wholesale electricity prices into negative territory, forcing large-scale wind and solar farms, as well as coal plants, to reduce generation.
Over the past 30 days, rooftops contributed 14.6 per cent to the grid. Bundled together with other renewables such as solar farms, wind and hydro, they generated 42 per cent of the country’s energy over the same period, according to OpenNEM.org.au.
Australia could do more to capitalise on rooftop solar, experts say.
In South Australia’s electricity market last year, 24 per cent of all five-minute spot-price trading intervals had negative prices, energy economics consultant and Victorian Energy Policy Centre director Bruce Mountain said.
On the last day of the year in Victoria, electricity spot prices between 6.20am and 5.35pm were less than minus $50 per megawatt hour. Wind and grid-scale solar scaled back in response.
May the first week of the year 2024 be full of news, both happy and unhappy. The French cycle industry has indeed experienced a new bankruptcy, Xiaomi has given a strong indication on the price of its first electric car, and above all, car manufacturers have made significant price reductions on their range.
Larrun is in liquidation
Larrun, a French brand of electric bicycles founded in 2021, is now in liquidation. Despite high ambitions and interesting innovations, the company encountered financial difficulties, particularly due to bicycles being returned to after-sales service and production delays. These problems scared off investors and led to a shortage of funds. Three potential buyers are in the running for the takeover of Larrun.
Xiaomi SU7: a first idea of its price
Xiaomi recently unveiled the SU7, its first electric car. Its CEO even gave a first idea of its price, which should hover around 65,000 euros… in China. The SU7 stands out for its performance, including a 299 hp engine, a 73.6 kWh battery offering up to 668 km of autonomy by Chinese standards, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.28 seconds. It positions itself favorably against competitors like Tesla and Porsche, offering excellent value for money.
Electric cars: price cuts galore
The year 2024 is off to a flying start. With a modification of the French ecological bonus, certain manufacturers have adjusted their approach by lowering the prices of their ranges, in order to remain competitive. Like a domino effect, many manufacturers imitated them. Here is a summary of all the significant drops to be aware of:
SK Ecoplant to showcase net-zero solutions at CES
SK Group's exhibition pavilion at next week's CES 2024 (SK Ecoplant)
South Korean energy and environmental solutions provider SK Ecoplant said Thursday that the company would take part in CES 2024, the world's largest consumer electronics and technology trade show, to showcase its net-zero solutions with other SK companies.
SK Group plans to operate a 1,850-square-meter exhibition booth during the CES in Las Vegas next week, with seven affiliates joining.
SK Ecoplant will introduce its low-carbon construction materials, including glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars, dubbed “KEco-bar.” The reinforcing bars are made from recycled PET resin and glass fiber and can potentially substitute steel bars in construction. The company has used the GFRP bars for the fences installed along the railway that goes around the SK booth.
The other low-carbon construction material that will be shown is “KEco-binder,” a low-carbon substitute for cement. The company used the construction material in the booth's flooring, it said.
SK Ecoplant will also highlight its core battery-recycling technologies that are used to recover nickel and cobalt from used batteries.
SK Ecoplant said currently operates 50 battery recycling plants in 23 countries, including the United States, Singapore, China, Germany, and the Netherlands. The company stressed that the battery-recycling business will become one of its major businesses in the future.
The energy company will explain its recent efforts in renewable energy transition, particularly involving its wind power and hydrogen businesses.
SK Ecoplant is the parent company of SK Oceanplant, the No. 1 manufacturer of offshore wind power substructures in Asia, which specializes in jacket foundations for offshore wind farms.
SK Ecoplant is expanding its hydrogen business by entering the first phase of Project Nujio’qonik, a large-scale green hydrogen commercialization project taking place in Canada.
“We will continue to see solid growth this year, driven by businesses that utilize all of our innovative capabilities, such as low-carbon energy solutions, high-value-added recycling technologies, and digital solutions,” SK Ecoplant CEO Park Kyung-il said.
By Shim Woo-hyun (ws@heraldcorp.com)
A new electricity connection will be built between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For the first time, a Dutch offshore wind farm will be directly linked to this project.
The LionLink submarine cable is approximately 250 kilometers long. This will be able to supply electricity to two million households by around 2030, predicts Minister Rob Gittin (Climate and Energy).
Gitten and fellow Briton Grant Shapps will demonstrate the power cable on Monday afternoon at the North Sea Summit in Ostend, Belgium.
Network operator TenneT and its British counterpart National Grid are developing the cable. “The North Sea will become the largest supplier of green electricity to the Netherlands and large parts of Europe,” says Minister Gitten. “Close offshore wind cooperation and connectivity between North Sea countries is essential.”
The new connection not only saves electricity, but can also reduce carbon dioxide emissions. “If there is a surplus of wind energy, it can be immediately shared with energy-deficient countries and vice versa,” says Jetten.
Connecting the wind farms via the first cross-border power cable of this size is a new step towards creating an integrated network in the North Sea.
The Netherlands will continue to focus on offshore wind energy in the coming years. Physical space and environmental impact are also taken into account.
A deadly explosion at a Chinese-owned facility in Indonesia has highlighted the hidden costs of Jakarta’s ambitious bet on battery metal processing to accelerate industrial development, a signature policy of outgoing leader Joko Widodo.
The 21 fatalities at Tsingshan Holding Group’s plant at Morowali on the island of Sulawesi, just weeks ahead of a presidential election, have triggered worker protests, anger on social media, and calls for tighter regulation of a sector that has underpinned the president’s plan to shift Indonesia from ore exporter to electric vehicle hub. The disaster has also prompted the government to demand action from China to improve its smelting operations in the country.
The Southeast Asian nation has become a giant of the global battery material industry in the last decade, thanks to billions of dollars of Chinese investment and a surge in processing plants turning low-grade nickel ore into a key ingredient to power EVs. Seen as a stepping stone toward more sophisticated manufacturing, the policy has created jobs and export revenue, but last week’s tragedy is the worst yet in a series of accidents that have struck an industry expanding at breakneck speed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced up to $3 million is available for cooperative agreements to educate underserved, small-scale and organic producers on risk management and climate-smart practices. RMA’s Risk Management Education Partnerships provide funding for organizations, such as nonprofits and land grant universities, to develop training and resources for producers about risk management options like crop insurance.
“This funding is integral to our outreach efforts in communities that historically have not had access to training about risk management options. Our Risk Management Education partnerships are part of USDA’s broader efforts to ensure equity and access to programs,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “As a farmer, I know first-hand that agriculture is a risky business. We want to work with growers and livestock producers to provide them training and resources about risk management options and how to apply them to their farming businesses.”
In 2023, RMA helped provide the largest farm safety net in history, a record $207 billion in protection for American agriculture. At the same time, the agency continued to introduce new programs to better support a broader range of producers, including specialty crop, livestock, controlled environment and shellfish producers. Risk Management Education partnerships are critical to making sure the farm safety net and new programs are effectively delivered to agricultural producers who need them.
This $3 million Risk Management Education investment builds on the $13 million that RMA has already provided in partnerships since 2021. Previous recipients, which include universities, county cooperative extension offices and nonprofit organizations, developed education tools that assist and train producers on how to effectively manage long-term risks and challenges in agriculture production.
Interested organizations may apply for funding by submitting documentation required as part of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for funding consideration, including training on crop insurance options, record keeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools, natural disaster preparedness and securing local food systems through risk management.
Interested entities should apply through grants.gov by March 4.
Regarding the proposed solar farm in Antioch, the issue is that Illinois needs new energy generation. Our energy portfolio is dominated by over 40-year-old nuclear power plants with Exelon having their finger on the Off/On switch.
Recently they got a few hundred million dollar handout (which is on everyone’s bill called Zero Emission Standard Fee). We get nothing in return. So we need to develop alternatives.
While I would rather see the over 500 homes this solar farm will power put the panels on their own roofs and save the land for another purpose, people are not moving on this fast enough. So solar farms are needed. Also clean solar-generated electricity saves rate payers money because the costs as opposed to nuclear or coal keep coming down and the fuel is free.
Existing solar farms prove this. We can’t live without electricity, we can’t afford bailing out the nukes much longer, so we have to seriously consider any and all alternatives and be smart and responsible in approving them.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20240106/letters-to-the-editor/consider-the-merits-of-solar-farms
Florida has the potential to become a leader in the use of clean, renewable energy sources. With its abundance of sunshine and access to wind resources, the state can take advantage of these natural advantages to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure not only benefits the environment but also creates jobs and promotes economic growth. By harnessing the possibilities of solar and wind energy, Florida can set an example for the rest of the country and pave the way to a greener, more sustainable future.
Florida’s potential:
Florida is often referred to as the “Sunshine State” as it receives an average of 230 days of sunshine per year. This makes it an ideal location for solar energy generation. Implementing solar panel installations on rooftops, solar farms, and placing solar panels in open spaces such as parking lots and roads can significantly increase the state’s solar energy capacity. Additionally, Florida’s coastal regions have access to consistent wind patterns, making them suitable for offshore wind farms.
Economic benefits:
Investing in clean, renewable energy sources not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also stimulates the economy. The renewable energy sector has the potential to create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, construction and maintenance. Additionally, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports will help keep energy costs stable and reduce the risk of price fluctuations.
Environmental impact:
The transition to clean, renewable energy sources is essential to mitigate climate change and protect Florida’s unique ecosystem. By reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, the state can ensure cleaner air and water for its residents. Embracing renewable energy will also help Florida adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters related to climate change, such as hurricanes and rising sea levels.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
What are some clean, renewable energy sources that Florida can use?
Florida has significant potential for solar and wind energy. Solar panels and solar farms can be installed throughout the state, and offshore wind farms can take advantage of wind resources along the coast. How will investing in renewable energy benefit Florida’s economy?
By investing in clean energy infrastructure, Florida can create new jobs in manufacturing, construction and maintenance. Additionally, reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports can stabilize energy costs and provide long-term economic growth. What is the environmental impact of the transition to clean energy?
The transition to clean, renewable energy sources will significantly reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, improving air and water quality. It will also help mitigate climate change and protect Florida’s diverse ecosystem.
Howard Rhodes
Harvesting the Future: AI-Powered Innovations Transforming Agriculture and Beyond
AI Powered Innovation
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the fusion of artificial intelligence and agriculture has opened new frontiers. Two research papers, delving into precision agriculture and real-time object detection, not only showcase the current state of innovation but also hint at the transformative impact these advancements may have on various industries.
Revolutionizing Greenhouse Cultivation: Advancements in Strawberry Seedling Monitoring
As agriculture adapts to the digital age, cultivating strawberry seedlings faces unique challenges, from the delicate size of blooms to the complexity of overlapping occlusion. The "Improved YOLO" algorithm, a brainchild of this research, introduces a real-time recognition system that not only identifies but elevates the precision of monitoring. By integrating a Swin Transformer prediction head onto the high-resolution feature map of YOLO v7, this algorithm promises to streamline automated processes in greenhouse cultivation, fostering efficiency and cost reduction.
Algorithm Breakdown:
The Improved YOLO algorithm’s prowess lies in its sophisticated design, incorporating a Swin Transformer prediction head onto YOLO v7’s feature map. This integration enhances the ability to discern intricate details in strawberry seedling flowers and fruits, enabling a more accurate and real-time monitoring system.
Practical Implications:
Beyond the realm of academia, the Improved YOLO algorithm holds immense practical implications. The accurate identification of flowers and fruits in strawberry seedlings has the potential to revolutionize not just greenhouse cultivation but also the broader agricultural landscape. Automated flower and fruit thinning, made possible by this algorithm, can lead to increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, and sustainable farming practices.
Elevating Real-time Object Detection: Decoding the Power of YOLO Algorithm
Object detection, a linchpin in various domains like video surveillance, autonomous driving, and robotics, witnesses a game-changing solution in the You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm. This research article acts as a beacon, unraveling the…
The city of San Marcos will return to Stage 2 drought restrictions effective Sunday, January 7. The change is in response to rising water source levels at the Edwards Aquifer and Canyon Lake, along with increased water flows in the Comal and San Marcos rivers.
“We have received needed rain and improvement in the drought, which enables us to announce the move to Stage 2 drought restrictions,” says Director of SMTX Utilities Tyler J. Hjorth. “We still encourage our water customers to conserve where possible so that we can make the best use of our water resources.”
Stage 2 drought rules limit the use of sprinklers to one day per week on the designated weekday determined by address. Irrigation using hose-end sprinklers is allowed on the designated weekday before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Irrigation with automatic irrigation systems is allowed on the designated weekday beginning at 8 p.m. and ending the following morning at 8 a.m.
Using soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed any day, but must be done before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Hand watering is still allowed on any day and at any time.
Filling new decorative water features such as fountains is prohibited during Stage 2.
At-home car washing, washing of impervious surfaces and foundation watering is limited to one day per week.
https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/san-marcos-returns-stage-2-drought-restrictions
Lamb has staged a comeback onto the menus of pubs, clubs and fine dining restaurants as a record volume of the red meat hits the market, driving down prices for diners and grocery shoppers.
An oversupply of sheep livestock led to lamb slaughter figures of nearly 647,000 nationally in the week before Christmas, significantly higher than the typical numbers of 300,000 to 475,000 a week. Lamb prices per kilogram in the final quarter of 2023 were 17 per cent lower than the same period the year before.
Lamb has made a comeback thanks to a record of the volume of the meat nationally. Credit: Nagi Maehashi
“One of the things we know that during COVID was that a lot of foodservice outlets really reduced their menu items. One of the victims of that, in a lot of cases, was lamb,” said Meat & Livestock Australia domestic market manager Graeme Yardy.
Meanwhile, many hospitality operators retained beef steak and chicken parmigiana as core offerings. “What we’ve really seen, as availability has come back over the last 12 months, is a lot more lamb coming back onto menus,” Yardy said.
During the past week, we completed our annual organic inspection. This coincided with our Farm Assured Welsh Livestock inspection.
The timing was ideal, as it’s a quieter period of the year. It is often conducted during springtime, which is much busier.
See also: Why farmers should prepare for growing polled bull choice
About the author Dafydd Parry Jones Dafydd Parry Jones and wife Glenys, Machynlleth, Powys, run a closed flock of 750 Texel and Aberfield cross ewes and 70 Hereford cross sucklers cows on 180ha. Their upland organic system uses Hereford bulls, Charollais terminal sires and red clover silage, multispecies leys and rotational grazing. Read more articles by Dafydd Parry Jones
It also gave the inspectors an opportunity to view the cattle in their winter housing.
We’ve been fortunate to receive supporting payments from the Welsh government for organic production for more than 20 years.
Unfortunately, along with many other environmental payments, these are coming to an end before long.
As we approach the end of the year, it is a time to reflect on the year that has passed.
We often find ourselves talking about the weather, and certainly the highlight was that gloriously sunny weather throughout May, and on into June. That was our summer.
Opportunities to leave the farm for days out always bring fond memories.
One of them was experiencing a fantastic day climbing up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) with my daughter, and basking in the sunshine on the summit, eating our picnic, and appreciating the spectacular views.
Over the past two years, I’ve been part of the organising team for the British Grassland Society. The summer meeting was held at Bangor, North Wales, at the end of June.
The three-day event was a very enjoyable experience, visiting excellent family farms and experimental college farms. It was a chance to catch up with old friends, and make new ones, and we had an excellent time.
The low point of the year was going to the cattle shed one morning in May, only to find that our main bull, a Hereford, had jumped a gate. He was lying on the floor, with his leg still trapped between the bars.
With some quick action using a grinder on the gate, we got his leg free. My initial thought was that we’d have to put him down. But, after pain relief injections and two months’ rest, he was turned out to the cows, with our other bull.
We scanned the cows in the autumn and only two were empty. Therefore, a sad story did have a happy ending.
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd (a prosperous new year to you all) for 2024.
https://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/livestock-farmer-focus/farmer-focus-bull-mishap-had-us-worried
The Naini Central Jail, Prayagraj has decided to include millets (coarse grains) in food served to prison inmates. The prison authorities are also serving organic vegetables to the prison inmates, jail officials said. What’s more, the millets and organic vegetables are being grown by inmates themselves within the prison, the officials said. Naini Central jail in Prayagraj (file)
Naini Central Jail has 3,110 inmates at present, much more than the its capacity of 2060 inmates.
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Senior jail superintendent of Naini Central Jail, Rang Bahadur said millets also referred to as ‘Shri Ann’ is being grown in the jail premises by the jail inmates. “Millet production was started on 2 acres land in the jail. In this way, Central Naini Jail has become the first jail to include Shri Ann in the diet of inmates. It has been given a place in the food menu of jail inmates. In this way, Central Naini Jail has become the first jail to include Shri Ann in the diet of inmates,” he said.
“The food will have a positive impact on the health of the inmates as Shri Ann is also believed to be effective in fighting diseases,” Rang Bahadur said. Chemical and pesticide free organic vegetables are also being grown in the jail premises.
“After getting proper training from an NGO, the inmates are growing organic vegetables. Cow dung available from the prison cow shed is being used as fertiliser to grow organic vegetables,” he said.
Omkar Nath Dubey, in-charge of the NGO Hans Foundation, that trained inmates said that green vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, beans, carrots, spinach etc are being grown on more than 5 acres of land within the jail campus. The inmates have been trained by us,” he said.
The jail administration has also planted chemical fertiliser and pesticide-free potatoes in 15-acres inside the jail premises. “These potatoes, produced by the inmates, are being sent to other jails of the Prayagraj division as well,” he added.
Notwithstanding the wide range of benefits that millets provide, they were largely been missing from the staple crops due to inadequate knowledge of their benefits compounded by changing dietary habits, officials said.
“ln recent years, a lot of efforts have been taken by the government, and non-government organizations to promote millet as an important dietary choice, especially to ensure food security for all. India’s proposal to the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ was supported by 72 countries,” officials said.
PUNE: A report by Maharashtra government ’s Agricultural Technology Management Agency ( ATMA ) revealed that farmers, including women farmers , in the Pune district are increasingly shifting towards organic farming .In 2023, 6,756 farmers in Pune district, including 594 women farmers, started organic farming in 210 villages of 13 tehsils. The primary reason for the shift is high demand and better prices for organic crops, as per the officials.The officials related to the study said that the aim is to increase areas for organic farming to 8,000 hectares from the existing 6,800 hectares in the district in coming months.“People have become health conscious and demanding more organic produce. Farmers can profit from this market scenario,” Vijay Hiremath, the project director of ATMA, told TOI on Saturday.Junnar, Ambegaon and Khed tehsils have conducive weather because of hilly terrain for organic farming, added Hiremath. The organic farming, however, is time-consuming and tedious because farmers need to give atleast three years to turn their lands ‘chemical free’.As per the officials, the agency has shortlisted individuals for inspecting farms and analyse soil before certifying a particular farm chemical free. It’s a three-year cycle. Organic farming is affordable as farmers use environment friendly methods and spray, added officials.“Some pockets of lands where farmers have minimized use of chemicals over the years, we get positive results quickly than other places. Such places were found in Junnar, Khed and Ambegaon tehsils,” said another official from ATMA. “We focus on training and awareness since it is not an easy task for a farmer to leave traditional farming and instantly switch to organic method. Once they understand and develop techniques and practices, difficulties alleviate. For this, we formed a group to work with farmers in order to developing their techniques and methods of organic farming,” Hirenath explained.
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MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Bohol earned over P40 million in mining income in 2023, the provincial government reported.
The amount was “record high” for the provincial government that only earned P16.8 million in 2022.
In an advisory, the provincial government said that Bohol’s mining income increased by 190 percent from only P13.8 million in 2020, when Government Erico Aris Aumentado assumed office, to P40,138,748.40 in 2023.
Aumentado said the increase in the province’s mining income and the consequent increase in the LGU share “are testaments to the effective campaign against corruption.”
“The landmark accomplishment in mineral income forms part of the environmental sustainability pillar of the strategic governance roadmap under the leadership of Aumentado,” the provincial government said.
The Capitol earns a share of 30 percent of the total income derived from sand and gravel and quarry operations. A bigger share of 40 percent goes to the barangay where quarry operations are being done. The remaining 30 percent goes to the municipality where the barangay is located.
The Bohol Mineral Resources Regulatory Office (BMinRRO) said that currently, there are 58 active permits in their province. Of these, 46 are for quarry and 12 are for sand and gravel extraction.
Aumentado said that having an increased income translates to a bigger share for the province and the concerned barangays and towns.
Last January 3, he visited and handed checks of at least P1.4 to Baclayon town and P840,000 to Barangay Cambanac; P240,000 to San Juan Buenaventura; and P1,220,332.80 to Barangay San Roque.
The local governments of Tubigon, Maribojoc and Balilihan also received their share of the mining income on the same day.
Meanwhile, the Bohol Environmental Protection Task Force reported making a total of 85 apprehensions for unauthorized quarry and sand and gravel extraction in 156 areas that they monitor three times a week.
It added that three ‘mined-out areas’ are also undergoing rehabilitation in Trinidad, Talibon and Alicia towns.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/549504/bohols-mining-income-reaches-p40m-in-2023
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By Darlington Gatsi
GOVERNMENT has ordered the suspension of mining operations at Redwing Mine in Penhalonga following the collapse of a shaft Thursday due to suspected earth tremors.
Redwing Mine collapsed trapping at least 15 artisanal miners with rescue operations now underway after earlier efforts were hampered due to unstable ground.
In a statement acting Local Government Minister July Moyo ordered for the halting of mining operations at the mine.
“Government would like to assure the nation and anxious families of the miners, in particular that search and rescue operations will continue into the coming days. In the meantime, Government will render support to these families during this difficult time. For the avoidance of doubt and contrary to some unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media platforms, the trapped miners are employees of Metallon Gold.
“As the rescue efforts are underway, the Honourable Minister of Mines and Mining Development has since directed Metallon Gold to suspend operations at the mine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we call upon all miners to heed His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s call for responsible mining in order to lessen the occurrence of such accidents and loss of precious life,” said Moyo.
The Redwing Mine disaster is the latest incident in recent months after the Bayhorse mine collapse in Chegutu in October last year.
Driven by economic hardship and attracted by potential riches, informal miners have flocked to Redwing, scraping a living in the mine.
Government has since activated the emergency response system at Redwing Mine which is owned by Zanu PF Member of Parliament (MP) Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
Added Moyo: “In responding to this unfortunate accident, Government has immediately activated Civil Protection structures to deal with the critical matter of search and rescue at the mine. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is leading a team of experts, including from Metallon Gold and Freda Rebecca Gold Mine of Bindura.”
Truong Hai Auto Corporation (Thaco), a Vietnamese automaker, has unveiled plans for a circular economic complex valued at over VND100 trillion (US$4.1 billion) in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.
The proposed complex integrates bauxite exploitation, alumina and aluminum production, agricultural plant cultivation, the establishment of an agricultural product processing factory, and the promotion of eco-tourism.
Thaco has submitted the research findings for the bauxite factory project to the Lam Dong People's Committee.
These results include data collection, surveys, site selection, and the formulation of a comprehensive plan to execute the project.
The firm affirmed that the bauxite exploration and exploitation is in line with the government’s mining development plans.
In particular, Thaco suggested developing the Lam Dong 2 alumina factory in Bao Lam District, Da Huoai District, Da Teh District, and Bao Loc City with a capacity of four million metric tons per year.
The factory will be developed until 2033 over three phases.
Of the total investment, Thaco will source more than VND30.9 trillion ($1.3 billion) from its budget and borrow loans totaling VND72 trillion ($2.9 billion).
The firm expects to operate the project for 50 years, including 20 years of mining bauxite ores, submit some VND4.8 trillion ($197 million) to the state budget per year, and employ 4,000 laborers.
Workers exploit bauxite at the Tan Rai Bauxite Complex in Bao Lam District, Lam Dong Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Photo: M.V. / Tuoi Tre
The provincial government has tasked the Department of Planning and Investment with coordinating efforts alongside the Department of Industry and Trade, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Construction, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Department of Transport.
Collaboration with the administrations of Bao Lam District, Da Huoai District, Da Teh District, and Bao Loc City is also mandated to review Thaco's plans and offer essential guidance to the company.
There is currently a bauxite exploitation and alumina production project in the area surveyed for Thaco’s project, which is the Tan Rai Bauxite Complex of Lam Dong Aluminum Company under Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin).
The complex annually produces around 600,000 metric tons of alumina.
Vinacomin also operates another bauxite exploitation and alumina production project in Dak Nong Province, Lam Dong’s neighbor, named Nhan Co alumina factory.