The University of Calgary is training the next wave of green energy leaders in Alberta, one of the world’s leading oil and gas hubs. Enrolled in the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) program at the U of C, post-graduate students participate in classes to understand real-world dilemmas in the energy industry, and research projects geared toward creating new and innovative solutions for a green future. Dr. Irene Herremans, Ph.D., is the program’s capstone research course professor. U of C’s article by David Hedley, detailing the program and student project quoted her, saying: “the capstone research course is a microcosm of what we need to do on a larger scale to mobilize the effort and knowledge as we make our way on our sustainability journey.” Companies like Pipestone Energy Corp., who are looking for ways to meet emissions reduction targets, can partner with the program for in-depth research into the viability of solutions like solar integration. SEDV student Nikhitha Gajudhur dove deep into a cost, benefit, and design analysis and concluded a 5-acre solar farm could generate over half of the organization’s annual energy consumption and reduce CO2 output by over 1000 tonnes.

2022 proved to be a fruitful year for European venture capital funds, according to an article by Amy Lewin and Sadia Nowshin of Sifted.eu. Last year, more than €23.3 billion was raised by both established and up-and-coming venture capitalists. Unsurprisingly (but nonetheless encouraging), funds and firms are eyeing climate tech projects and start-ups as promising and politically prioritized investments. The European Union has committed to reducing emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by the end of the decade, and becoming the world’s first net-zero continent by 2050. Other European nations outside the EU have their own climate goals, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Switzerland, and Norway. These commitments spell more than just positive change for the environment. For venture capitalists, they signal the start of a new global industry in need of financing now, with the potential for exponential returns in the future.

Non-profit green energy think-tank Geothermal Rising appointed Bryant Jones as the new Executive Director on Tuesday, February 14th in a press release published on their website. Jones has studied the intersection of science and technology, policy, and energy transition over the last 5 years. His fifteen years of political experience gave him special insight into how advocacy groups influence the creation of industry narratives and boundaries, and subsequently, shape emerging relevant policies and regulations, a topic he explored during his 7 years at Boise State University. “I am excited to be part of a community that has the solutions we need to avert and drawdown the climate crisis while simultaneously transitioning the hydrocarbon workforce, skills and knowledge into the clean energy economy,” said Bryant.

An early January article from German international news outlet Deutsche Welle (DW) theorizes the Golden Age of Geothermal may be upon us. Journalist Gero Rueter’s take on the topic is a well-versed one. Rueter has worked for DW for over 20 years, during which he developed and published a magazine focused on European Environmental reporting and news. With a spotlight on the potential for deep geothermal energy, Rueter notes that China is by far the largest producer of deep geothermal, with an output of 14 GW. Turkey, Japan, and Iceland follow, with 3, 2, and 2 GW of output respectively.

much as 40% of the region’s energy needs can be supplied by geothermal energy stored deep in the earth. echXplore.com recently published a press release detailing the results of the study, commissioned by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, and executed by Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria, a local research association. researchers indicate high levels of geothermal energy stored up to 5km below the earth’s surface in southern Bavaria.

he estimated 23.7GW of geothermal energy potential across 300+ sites spanning the country. eported in early December that a verified hotspot for geothermal energy on the eastern end of the island chain will soon be open for development bids, with more areas to follow.