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Planned shift from gas to electric heat required to avoid high costs and emissions: report

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7 months ago

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First-of-its-kind analysis finds provinces should stop expanding gas infrastructure and invest in electrification to ensure building heating remains reliable and affordable in the transition to clean energy.

OTTAWA, ON, June 13, 2024 /CNW/ – New research published today by the Canadian Climate Institute finds that a system-wide shift from gas to electric heat is the lowest-cost path through the clean energy transition. The report, Heat Exchange: How today’s policy choices will drive or delay Canada’s transition to clean, reliable heat, concludes that provincial government action will be  necessary to protect reliability and avoid high costs for consumers as the energy transition accelerates.

Expanding gas infrastructure to heat buildings today is like investing in a chain of video rental stores 15 years ago

The report finds that changing the energy mix for building heat in both homes and businesses—and changing energy infrastructure to support the shift from gas to electricity—will be necessary to reduce emissions from buildings and meet Canada’s climate goals while also minimizing costs. If investment in the gas network continues to grow and gas connections continue to be the default for new buildings, then governments, shareholders, and remaining gas consumers could find themselves on the hook for the costs of overbuilt and underused gas infrastructure, as more people switch to cleaner options.

Heat Exchange presents a case for provinces taking a new approach in planning  and regulating electric and gas utility infrastructure to better protect the public interest, now and in the future.

FACTS FROM HEAT EXCHANGE

In all provinces and scenarios the Climate Institute examined, the lowest-cost pathway to net zero by 2050 for the economy results in electricity becoming the dominant energy supply for building heat.Reaching net zero emissions in residential, commercial and institutional buildings means substantial declines in gas use in every province—in places like Ontario, gas usage drops between 89 to 98 per cent from today’s levels. In Alberta, demand drops between 70 and 87 per cent.Today, more than five million homes in Canada (34 per cent) already heat with electricity, mostly baseboards. To meet net zero, 99 per cent of home heating in 2050 is projected to be entirely or mostly powered by electricity, including, in some cases, heat pumps backed up by gas in a hybrid system.Our research found that a cost-effective energy transition in buildings will mean heat pumps are used to heat the vast majority of homes by 2050. While scarce low-carbon gases like biomethane and hydrogen will likely see some use in industrial buildings,they are expected to play only a marginal role in heating commercial and residential buildings.

QUOTES

“Protecting consumers in the energy transition means making electricity the default in new buildings in most cases, instead of gas. While the infrastructure we’re building today will be with us for 40 to 60 years, this research shows that achieving climate goals will mean a shrinking role for gas well before then. A manageable transition that protects affordable and reliable building heating requires provinces to stop expanding gas networks now, and start planning for the future.”
— SACHI GIBSON, RESEARCH DIRECTOR, MITIGATION

“Expanding gas infrastructure to heat buildings today would be like investing heavily in a chain of video rental stores 15 years ago. Energy systems need to plan for the reality that is arriving on our doorstep. The smart approach to protect consumers and ensure affordable, reliable energy in the future is to grow the electricity system—not lock in more dependence on gas.”
— JASON DION, SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR

“Right now, regulators make choices about infrastructure that will affect ratepayers’ costs for decades—but those decisions are not required to factor in climate goals, including reaching net zero emissions. That big disconnect could drive up energy bills in the decades ahead. Provinces need to make forward-looking decisions about energy system investments, and they need to make plans and policies today to protect consumers in the economy-wide energy transition that’s underway.”
— KATE HARLAND, RESEARCH LEAD, MITIGATION

RESOURCES

Report│Heat Exchange: How today’s policy choices will drive or delay Canada’s transition to clean, reliable heat

Report│Heat Pumps Pay Off: Unlocking lower cost heating and cooling in Canada (September 2023)

Case studies│ Heat Pumps Are Hot in the Maritimes (April 2023), Hybrid Heat in Quebec (April 2023), St Laurent Denied (April 2023)

Blog│Change is in the pipeline: will expanding gas networks leave ratepayers on the hook? (March 2024)

SOURCE Canadian Climate Institute

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Pollo AI Releases Multi-Model Support, Offering All-in-One Video Generation Capabilities

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38 minutes ago

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January 13, 2025

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo AI, an innovative leader in AI-powered video generation, today announced the launch of a new feature that allows users to select from a range of well-known AI video models, making it an all-in-one AI video generation platform.

With the introduction of multi-model support, users can now choose from popular AI video models on Pollo AI, including Kling AI, Hailuo AI, Runway, Vidu AI, Luma AI, and PixVerse. The multi-model support is available on Pollo AI’s text to video and image to video generators. These model options enhance the versatility and customization of the Pollo AI platform, empowering creators to experience different technologies to produce their videos.

Camille Sawyer, CEO of HIX.AI, the parent company of Pollo AI, expressed her enthusiasm for the new feature, stating, “At Pollo AI, we believe in fostering creativity without limits. By integrating multiple AI models, Pollo AI has become an all-in-one platform enabling our users to explore diverse cutting-edge video generation technologies at one place.”

Each model offers distinct customization options that cater to various creative needs, such as output video style, video length, resolution, motion range, aspect ratio, and camera movement. This feature is designed to provide users with the flexibility to bring their visions to life in ways that best suit their projects on Pollo A.

It is seamless and intuitive to access and use the different models offered in this all-in-one AI video generator. After log in to your Pollo AI account, on the UI of the generators, you’ll find the option to select from the various available AI models. After choosing your preferred model, you can customize the settings it comes with and start your generation.

“We believe the multi-model support will ultimately enhance their storytelling capabilities,” Camille added. “This update is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our dedication to supporting creators in their artistic journeys.”

This multi-model support feature is now available to all users. For more information about this feature and to start creating with any of the models, visit https://pollo.ai/text-to-video or https://pollo.ai/image-to-video.

MEDIA CONTACT
Camille Sawyer
CEO, HIX.AI
support@pollo.ai 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollo-ai-releases-multi-model-support-offering-all-in-one-video-generation-capabilities-302348811.html

SOURCE Pollo AI

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SUS ENVIRONMENT, Global Leading WtE Corporation, Launches New Brand Identity

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January 13, 2025

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the world’s population grows and industrialization accelerates, the conflict between energy and the environment is intensifying. The search for a balance between energy supply and environmental protection has become a crucial issue for global sustainable development.

In January 2025, SUS ENVIRONMENT launches new global brand identity. This renewal improves the brand image and enriches the brand connotation, bolstering its commitment to global sustainable development.

PART 1: Logo Renewal

The abbreviation “SUS”,” which is derived from “sustainable”,” emphasizes the company’s mission to create a cleaner and more friendly living environment through waste-to-energy solutions. Inspired by the traditional Chinese Tai Chi diagram, the graphic incorporates the concept of cyclic generation, shows the characteristics of energy recycling and expresses the brand endless vitality.

PART 2: Mission Connotation Expansion  

The refreshed brand highlights SUS ENVIRONMENT’S unwavering focus on stakeholder benefits:

Environmental Impact: Solving waste disposal challenges to create cleaner environments.Employee Well-Being: Promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness to enhance employee satisfaction.Community Engagement: Building supportive environments to improve community living standards.Business Integrity: Establishing fair and transparent practices to strengthen partnerships.

PART 3: Brand Colors

The primary colors of SUS ENVIRONMENT are blue and green to symbolize technological innovation and environmental protection. They are complemented by metallic gold and technical silver to convey high quality and stability. Together, these colors embody the core values of the brand: Professionalism, Innovation, Vitality, and Trustworthiness.

The new global brand identity heralds the next chapter for SUS ENVIRONMENT. In the future, SUS ENVIRONMENT will leverage its strength to make the world a better place.

About SUS ENVIRONMENT

SUS ENVIRONMENT is the world’s largest provider of waste incineration equipment and technology, as well as one of the top three investors and operators of waste-to-energy projects (low-carbon Eco-industrial parks) globally. 

As of June 2024, SUS ENVIRONMENT has established 10 management centers worldwide, providing environmental and energy services to over 100 million people. It has invested in and constructed 84 waste-to-energy projects (low-carbon Eco-industrial parks), with a daily processing capacity 110,000 tons of municipal solid waste and annual green power generation of approximately 18,000 GWh. Its equipment and technology are applied in 277 waste-to-energy plants across the world, comprising 518 incineration lines, with a daily capacity 290,000 tons of municipal solid waste. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sus-environment-global-leading-wte-corporation-launches-new-brand-identity-302348819.html

SOURCE Shanghai SUS ENVIRONMENT Co.,Ltd.

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MitrEarth, a knowledge platform, identifies risk points, provides disaster warning, reduces losses

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39 minutes ago

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January 13, 2025

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BANGKOK, Thailand, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MitrEarth, an innovative online platform developed by Chulalongkorn University lecturers, simplifies geological knowledge and provides cutting-edge topographic data for each Thai province. It identifies risk points, delivers disaster warnings, and enhances community preparedness. The platform gained prominence when heavy rains and muddy water devastated Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, raising urgent questions: Where will the water flow? Will it reach our homes? Should we prepare to relocate?

Created by Prof. Dr. Santi Phailobli from Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Geology, MitrEarth addresses these concerns. Since its launch in 2019, it has become a trusted source for disaster-related information, gaining over 200,000 followers. Its topographic maps, developed using GIS tools and satellite data, enable users to understand their local terrain and assess disaster risks. These maps have been utilized by local authorities and public pages for disaster warnings and response planning.

During recent floods in Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Sukhothai, MitrEarth’s maps provided actionable insights. Pages like Chiang Rai Conversation and Ramrome Weather cited MitrEarth to warn residents in vulnerable areas. As Dr. Santi emphasizes, “Disasters, whether rare or frequent, can cause immense damage. Understanding geology helps us communicate and prepare effectively, reducing impacts.”

Dr. Santi’s platform also serves as an educational tool, offering free access to maps and resources for both teaching and disaster management. He advocates integrating disaster education into school curriculums, ensuring everyone understands local risks such as floods, mudslides, and tsunamis. Notably, he highlights the severe 2001 Phetchabun mudslide, which claimed 136 lives, as a reminder of the need for vigilance.

MitrEarth’s GIS maps play a crucial role in disaster management, offering detailed, real-time data tailored to various scenarios. The platform also collaborates with Chulalongkorn University’s Digital War Room, integrating predictive tools for floods and landslides. While Dr. Santi acknowledges AI’s potential in disaster forecasting, he believes Thailand lacks sufficient data for reliable implementation.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Santi remains committed to expanding MitrEarth’s capabilities. He continues to refine data sets, improve map accessibility, and engage directly with communities to enhance disaster preparedness. For those seeking to understand and mitigate natural disasters, MitrEarth offers a vital resource.

Explore more at the Facebook page mitrearth or mitrearth.org.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/207225/

Media Contact:        

Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th     

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/mitrearth-a-knowledge-platform-identifies-risk-points-provides-disaster-warning-reduces-losses-302348829.html

SOURCE Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

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