The University of Missouri launched the new Center for Rural Energy Security, which will examine the economic and social impacts of energy infrastructure on rural places. Center leadership anticipates studies to begin in the next few months.
In December 2024, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center unveiled a cutting-edge, hydrogen-powered nanogrid at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The nanogrid provides power to a surveillance camera system and meteorological weather equipment.
Texas A&M University has offered land near the university’s RELLIS campus in Bryan-College Station to four nuclear reactor companies—Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomics—to build small modular reactors. The reactor builds and tests are part of a new project that aims to look at the future of energy delivery in the U.S.
Saint-Gobain Glass France produced flat glass using a bioliquid during a three-day trial at its Aniche plant. The bioliquid, from the wood industry, was used as an alternative energy source in the manufacture of architectural glass. The substitution of 30% bioliquid led to a reduction of more than 80% in CO₂ emissions (Scopes 1 and 3) compared to natural gas.
CarbonBuilt acquired Jolley Concrete and Block, a family-owned concrete producer that provides masonry, retaining wall, and paver products, as well as ready-mix concrete. CarbonBuilt will upgrade the existing concrete block plant with its decarbonization technology to become the first commercial producer of ultralow-carbon concrete products in New England.
OpenAI announced a collaboration with the U.S. National Laboratories to apply its cutting-edge AI models in a variety of crucial sectors, including scientific research, national security, and healthcare.
This month’s Egypt-Tanzania Business Conference marks the beginning of an Egyptian trade mission to Tanzania. Currently there is no free trade agreement between Tanzania and Egypt because Tanzania is not part of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. But efforts are underway to facilitate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Tim Evans has joined Mantec Technical Ceramics as the new sales director. As sales director, Evans will have global responsibility for Mantec’s internationally renowned brands, such as Bullers Rings, Ultralite, Puremet, and Star-Sep ceramic membranes.
President Donald Trump indicated that he wants to reach an agreement with Ukraine to gain access to the country’s rare earth materials as a condition for continuing U.S. support for its war against Russia.
The Portland Cement Association, representing U.S. cement manufacturers, has expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s proposed 25% tariffs on cement imports from Canada and Mexico.
A new paper identifies “zombie energy systems” (ZES) as a critical barrier to Africa’s energy transition. ZES are outdated, inefficient, and environmentally harmful energy systems, including aging coal and natural gas power plants, obsolete hydro-electric dams, and poorly maintained transmission grids, as well as second-hand appliances and vehicles.
As companies inch toward the commercialization of supersonic planes, experts warn that such efforts may come with a hefty climate price tag, reports MIT Technology Review. Supersonic planes burn significantly more fuel than current aircraft, and supersonic jets fly higher than current commercial planes do, which could introduce unexpected atmospheric effects.
Georgia Power announced a long-term energy plan that requests state regulators approve major investments in fossil fuels, transmission lines, and other energy resources to meet the projected rapid growth of data centers. This plan would reverse course on the company’s push to make progress on its clean energy goals.
The American Concrete Institute released the 2025 edition of its flagship document, “ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code for Structural Concrete—Code Requirements and Commentary.” It includes a new sustainability appendix that reflects modern construction practices, revised requirements for post-installed reinforcing bars, and enhanced provisions for shear friction.
