Electrification

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Here is Issue 08 of Affirmative’s Newsletter — What Sustainability Really Means — focusing on ELECTRIFICATION View this email in your browser ELECTRIFICATION TRENDING: Heavy Industry Under Climate Scrutiny HAVE YOU HEARD OF? EV vs. ZE SDG SPOTLIGHT: Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities IMPACT TIP: Know Your Grid WHAT’S IT MATTER? Electrification AFFIRMATIVE SUSTAINABILITY INC. p. 250-814-4657 e. info@affirmativesustainability.com a. PO Box 1734 Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0 w. affirmativesustainability.com TRENDING: HEAVY INDUSTRY UNDER CLIMATE SCRUTINY “We express our deep concern regarding the triple global crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, recognizing that these challenges are inextricably interlinked and mutually reinforcing, and that they are driven largely by human activity and by unsustainable patterns of consumption and production.” - G7 Ministers of Climate, Energy & Environment (May '22). Recent meetings of the G7 in Germany, resulted in increased attention to reducing the emissions footprint of heavy industry, namely through “suitable policies and financing mechanisms”. To thrive in a global low-carbon transition industry must consider the uncertainty regarding timing of new technology, insufficient market transparency, weak incentives through carbon pricing and the implications of financial & tax support for demand-decline sectors. Heavy industry is responsible for more than 15% of coal use and about 10% of oil and gas use in G7 members. Extremely high temperature (>1000°C) industrial heat requirements account for 32% of the sector’s total estimated fuel consumption. Presently, 50% of industrial fuel could be replaced by available electrical technologies. Engineers from the University of Cambridge have filed a patent for the world’s first carbon-neutral cement production. Unlocking the technological advances that will decarbonize heavy industry remains an important focus for a net-zero global economy. HAVE YOU HEARD OF? Electric Vehicles (EV’s) vs. Zero Emission (ZE) Vehicles Electric Vehicles (EV’s) generally refer to fully battery-electric vehicle (sometimes called B-EV’s). They may also refer to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PH-EV’s). There are also the less widely (yet) available hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FC-EV’s). Incidentally, Zero Emission (ZE) vehicles refer to EV’s that produce zero emissions directly at the tailpipe. Though for a vehicle to truly be considered ZE, we must not only calculate tailpipe emissions, but also, how many emissions are being created to produce & deliver the electricity, fuel cell or petroleum resource used to power the vehicle. In short, no matter which electrical grid in the world provides your power; B-EV’s create the fewest emissions, then hybrid vehicles and then traditional combustion vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles create the highest number of emissions (due to the energy required to produce the fuel cells). Learn more about vehicle emissions➙ SDG SPOTLIGHT: GOAL 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES TARGET 2: provide access to safe, affordable, accessible & sustainable transport systems for all; notably by expanding public transport and improving road safety. Have you considered how you use transport systems (for travel & for shipping)? Public Transit: - When possible, are you utilizing public transit travel options? Do you optimize ride share options or carpooling? Alternative Vehicles: - Is it possible to walk, skateboard, ride a bike or find other alternative forms of transportation to your destination? Accessibility: - Can you help to improve the accessibility of present transportation systems? Are appropriate lanes assigned or trail systems & paths in place to encourage alternative vehicle usage? Road Safety: - Are you cognizant of various types of vehicles using the road systems safely? Are you able to decrease your transit use during peak hours (limiting the hazard of crowding on roadways)? Decrease Use: - Are you aware of the energy footprint involved in your transport? Are there times you might opt out of travel or wait to distribute multiple orders at once? Create a transportation strategy ➙ IMPACT TIP: KNOW YOUR GRID: Do you know where your local power utility comes from? What does it means for your emissions footprint? Understand the carbon intensity of your grid: Ask your provider - what mix of resources do they use? Some American providers have a “green power” option. GHG emissions intensities of electrical grids in 2020 (per kWh): In the USA: 386 grams of CO2e In Canada: 110 grams of CO2e For more information: Carbon Brief: How the US Generates Electricity Canada Energy Regulator: Exploring Canada’s Energy Future Learn more about renewable energy ➙ WHAT’S IT MATTER? electrification Why focus on Electrification? Climate modelling & energy systems assessment studies show that net-zero electricity is pivotal for a carbon neutral world. Attaining a net-zero electrical grid is becoming more attainable. The cost of low-emissions technology has decreased dramatically in the past decade, making it an interesting investment for energy producers & utility providers. Electricity is a widely versatile form of energy that can be used across various sectors. In Canada, about 82% of electricity already is produced through non-emitting forms of energy. Renewable, low-emissions energy sources have not yet been realized to their full potential — creating plenty of growth opportunity in the energy market. Almost 80% of new electricity installed in the United States in 2021 comes from non-emitting sources. How are we using Electricity right now? Energy is distributed differently whether it is used in industry, transportation or within the built environment (residential & commercial). Industry uses the most energy of any sector, and only 21% of that energy is sourced by electricity — which has its own emissions footprint depending on location. Electrification of the transportation sector will certainly create increased demand on utility grids. The built environment accounts for 17% of Canada’s GHG emissions as it is presently powered largely by natural gas. Electric heat pumps produce up to 4x more efficient space & water heating than electric baseboards, making them more affordable and an important technological advancement in reducing emissions in the built environment. What about batteries and storage? Because most renewable energy resources must be stored (either for later use or for distribution), battery technology is evolving. With an increase in renewable production and electrification, raw mineral development is necessary as well as advancements in battery manufacturing & recycling. Increased lithium-ion battery production has led to an 85% decline in price since 2010. Though battery technology has come a long way, advancements in storage capacity will allow for even more practical electrification. Innovative solutions to battery recycling are resulting in increased access to important minerals, as well as a decrease in physical wastes left behind. Set a strategy for electrification ➙ Check back next time: GLOBALIZATION on JUNE 22ND, 2022: Have you heard of?: the IPCC SDG Spotlight: No Poverty Impact tip: Localization What’s it matter?: Globalization Our Newsletter is released every second Wednesday. CONTACT US with questions & suggestions! Copyright (C) *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*. All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|**|LIST:DESCRIPTION|**|END:IF|* Our mailing address is: *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|**|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|**|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe