Global Climate News

US-based The Nuclear Company has issued a solicitation of interest to contractors for engineering, procurement, and construction to support its first fleet of 6 gigawatts of nuclear power. The company aims to achieve significant cost reductions and shortened project timelines by adopting a design-once, build-many approach and utilizing advanced digital technologies. This initiative is driven by the surging energy demand and the need for around-the-clock, zero-carbon power.

New Zealand has reopened State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge after extensive repairs following severe weather-related damage that closed the route in August 2022. The 13-kilometer highway between Mangamuka and Kaitaia has been reinforced to improve resilience against future weather events, benefiting approximately 1,300 vehicles per day.

New Zealand's Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council have confirmed funding for a second Ashburton Bridge, with construction expected to begin in 2026. The project aims to improve infrastructure resilience against flooding events and enhance supply chain connectivity in Canterbury region. The bridge, which will serve 24,000 vehicles daily, has been included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill to expedite its development.

US-based Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is co-leading research with other national laboratories to develop thermal energy storage (TES) solutions through the Department of Energy's Stor4Build Consortium. The team has developed a novel heat pump prototype that can reduce electric demand for heating at peak times by up to three times compared to current commercial heat pumps. The program aims to demonstrate 50-100 kilowatt peak demand reduction across 20-50 homes by 2028, with individual homes achieving 50% reduction in power consumption for thermal loads.

UK's Mining Remediation Authority has completed safety works in Wigan to address ground collapses caused by a historical coal mine shaft. The project involved pouring 120 cubic metres of concrete to create a 0.5-metre thick reinforced cap with a 16-metre diameter over the shaft. The works were necessary after multiple ground collapses between 2018 and 2023, addressing safety concerns from a coal mine dating back to 1840.

The UK government has extended its Home Building Fund for SMEs beyond March 2024, offering up to £700 million in financial support for small and medium-sized housebuilders. The extension aims to deliver 12,000 additional homes, including energy-efficient housing projects. A £25 million deal with Muse Places Limited and Pension Insurance Corporation has been announced to deliver 3,000 energy-efficient new homes.

UK's Environment Agency and Jackson's Civil Engineering have completed placement of 90,000 tonnes of rock armour protecting a 3km length of coastal revetment, with additional refurbishment works on 1.5km of southeastern frontage. The sustainable flood protection scheme protects 2,400 properties, industrial areas, and critical infrastructure, designed to reduce flood risk for 25 years considering climate change predictions. Further improvements are planned for Spring 2025 at Oldfleet Drain and New Cut Drain near Grimsby.

South Africa and Angola have strengthened bilateral cooperation with South African development finance institutions extending coverage to Angola for infrastructure projects including renewable energy, water and sanitation. The Development Bank of Southern Africa and Industrial Development Corporation are among the institutions financing these projects. The cooperation includes pipeline construction and port development initiatives.

The UK government has launched a design competition for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial to be located in St James's Park, London. The project emphasizes sustainable design principles and includes landscaping enhancements, with a provisional construction budget of £23m-46m. The competition opens December 2024 with the final design to be announced in 2026.