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CICE Invests in the Future of Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal

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2 years ago

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Coastal Carbon and Planetary Technologies to advance ocean-based solutions
 with the potential for gigatonne-scale carbon dioxide removal

VANCOUVER, BC, June 7, 2024 /CNW/ – The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is harnessing British Columbia’s vast coastline and ocean science expertise to invest in pilots and field trials aimed at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through ocean-based methods. These projects, led by Planetary Technologies and Coastal Carbon, will evaluate the effectiveness of ocean carbon dioxide removal, and measure the impact on coastal communities and marine environments.

To meet 2050 net-zero targets, achieving breakthroughs in large-scale carbon removal is essential. Oceans, which have the capacity to store about 50 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere, are the world’s largest carbon dioxide sink. Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods enhance the ocean’s natural ability to remove and store carbon dioxide (CO2).  However, to scale these methods safely, further research, pilot projects, and innovation are necessary.

“Scientists estimate that we need to remove at least 10 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2050, which is more than the annual production of oil and gas combined,” said Sarah Goodman, President and CEO of CICE. “Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal methods hold enormous potential, but their impact on coastal communities and marine ecosystems must be carefully studied. By investing in early-stage innovation and leveraging British Columbia’s leading research expertise, we aim to support the development of safe, effective, and responsible carbon removal methods.”  

CICE’s investment into ocean-based CDR was underpinned by a techno-economic analysis completed for the “Catalyzing Carbon Dioxide Removal at Scale” report released in February 2024. The report identified that ocean alkalinity enhancement has 10 gigatonnes of global CDR absorption potential per year, more than any other existing CDR method. Based on the report findings, other focus areas for CICE include marine sensing technology, measurement, modeling, and data science.

Coastal Carbon has partnered with Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative and Ocean Wise to develop and pilot a remote seaweed biomass monitoring solution critical to the restoration and expansion of seaweed carbon sequestration projects along British Columbia’s 26,000 km of coastline. AI and remote satellite data will be used to scale a cost-effective model to measure where seaweed is and how much of it is there for better management and protection of these ecosystems, as well as carbon offset verification. CICE has allocated $856,000 in non-dilutive investment to this $3,006,930 project.

“This project is the first step in enabling Canada’s coastline, which happens to be the world’s largest, as a nature positive carbon sink – helping offset our emissions and restore our natural coastal ecosystems,” said Thomas Storwick, Co-founder and CEO of Coastal Carbon. “Effective, scalable, remote monitoring is key to enabling carbon financing for this restoration. CICE is helping us take the very first step in BC, enabling us to build and expand our technology in one of the most productive and diverse coastlines in Canada.”

“Satellite monitoring technology has the potential to revolutionize seaweed restoration projects by providing highly accurate measurements and comprehensive mapping of biomass and canopy coverage,” said Scott Bohachyk, Director of Seaforestation at Ocean Wise. “This advancement promises to significantly lower monitoring costs and enhance the precision of ecological assessments, facilitating more effective restoration efforts and improving ocean health.”

Planetary Technologies is combining expertise from Metro Vancouver, Ocean Networks Canada, the University of British Columbia, and other community stakeholders to develop a safe, small-scale ocean alkalinity enhancement field trial in Burrard Inlet. This project will measure the carbon removal and biological changes associated with a novel carbon dioxide removal system that employs ocean outfalls from Metro Vancouver’s Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant to clean up acidic CO2 in the ocean, restoring its natural ability to draw carbon out of the air. Baseline data collection and consultations with British Columbia’s top ocean scientists, academia, the public, the government, and Indigenous rights holders is underway, with the small-scale field trial projected to start in Spring 2025. Data analysis will be published for access by all interested parties. CICE has allocated $1,901,060 in non-dilutive investment to this $3,896,572 project.

“To meet the world’s climate goals, on top of reducing emissions, we must remove massive quantities of carbon from the atmosphere,” said Mike Kelland, CEO at Planetary Technologies. “Our project aims to enhance the ocean’s ability to capture CO2. CICE has assembled a consortium of partners to further Canada’s leadership in safely developing the critically important practice of ocean carbon removal. If successful, we will restore our acidified ocean, draw down CO2 from the air, and create new jobs and opportunities in this emerging trillion-dollar industry.”

About CICE

The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that provides early-stage investment to fast-track the commercialization of British Columbia’s most impactful clean energy solutions – from Canada to the world. We match the urgency and efficiency of the companies we fund, driving innovation like the planet depends on it. Because it does. Together with our climate-first community of innovators, industry leaders, academia, government, and Indigenous partners, we advance future pathways to net-zero – leveraging B.C.’s clean energy advantages to attract investment, create good jobs and build sustainable economic prosperity for decades to come. www.cice.ca

SOURCE B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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22 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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22 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-electrical-expert-sean-mcgahy-breaks-down-how-a-whole-home-surge-protector-works-302919589.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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22 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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