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The receiving dock at the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project, controlled by Equinor ASA, Shell Plc and TotalEnergies SE, at Blomoyna, Norway, on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

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Norway’s government wants to show the world it is possible to safely inject and store carbon waste under the seabed, saying the North Sea could soon become a “central storage camp” for polluting industries across Europe.

Offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a range of technologies that seek to capture carbon from high-emitting activities, transport it to a storage site and lock it away indefinitely under the seabed.

The oil and gas industry has long touted CCS as an effective tool in the fight against climate change and polluting industries are increasingly looking to offshore carbon storage as a way to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

Critics, however, have warned about the long-term risks associated with permanently storing carbon beneath the seabed, while campaigners argue the technology represents “a new threat to the world’s oceans and a dangerous distraction from real progress on climate change.”

Norway’s Energy Minister Terje Aasland was bullish on the prospects of his country’s so-called Longship project, which he says will create a full, large-scale CCS value chain.

“I think it will prove to the world that this technology is important and available,” Aasland said via videoconference, referring to Longship’s CCS facility in the small coastal town of Brevik.

“I think the North Sea, where we can store CO2 permanently and safely, may be a central storage camp for several industries and countries and Europe,” he added.

Storage tanks at the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project, controlled by Equinor ASA, Shell Plc and TotalEnergies SE, at Blomoyna, Norway, on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

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Norway has a long history of carbon management. For nearly 30 years, it has captured and reinjected carbon from gas production into seabed formations on the Norwegian continental shelf.

It’s Sleipner and Snøhvit carbon management projects have been in operation since 1996 and 2008, respectively, and are often held up as proof of the technology’s viability. These facilities separate carbon from their respective produced gas, then compress and pipe the carbon and reinject it underground.

“We can see the increased interest in carbon capture storage as a solution and those who are skeptical to that kind of solution can come to Norway and see how we have done in at Sleipner and Snøhvit,” Norway’s Aasland said. “It’s several thousand meters under the seabed, it’s safe, it’s permanent and it’s a good way to tackle the climate emissions.”

Both Sleipner and Snøhvit projects incurred some teething problems, however, including interruptions during carbon injection.

Citing these issues in a research note last year, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a U.S.-based think tank, said that rather than serving as entirely successful models to be emulated and expanded, the problems “call into question the long-term technical and financial viability of the concept of reliable underground carbon storage.”

‘Overwhelming’ interest

Norway plans to develop the $2.6 billion Longship project in two phases. The first is designed to have an estimated storage capacity of 1.5 million metric tons of carbon annually over an operating period of 25 years — and carbon injections could start as early as next year. A possible second phase is predicted to have a capacity of 5 million tons of carbon.

Campaigners say that even with the planned second phase increasing the amount of carbon stored under the seabed by a substantial margin, “it remains a drop in the proverbial bucket.” Indeed, it is estimated that the carbon injected would amount to less than one-tenth of 1% of Europe’s carbon emissions from fossil fuels in 2021.

The government says Longship’s construction is “progressing well,” although Aasland conceded the project has been expensive.

“Every time we are bringing new technologies to the table and want to introduce it to the market, it is having high costs. So, this is the first of its kind, the next one will be cheaper and easier. We have learned a lot from the project and the development,” Aasland said.

“I think this will be quite a good project and we can show the world that it is possible to do it,” he added.

Workers at an entrance to the CO2 pipeline access tunnel at the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project, controlled by Equinor ASA, Shell Plc and TotalEnergies SE, at Blomoyna, Norway, on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

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A key component of Longship is the Northern Lights joint venture, a partnership between Norway’s state-backed oil and gas giant Equinor, Britain’s Shell and France’s TotalEnergies. The Northern Lights collaboration will manage the transport and storage part of Longship.

Børre Jacobsen, managing director for the Northern Lights Joint Venture, said it had received “overwhelming” interest in the project.

“There’s a long history of trying to get CCS going in one way or another in Norway and I think this culminated a few years ago in an attempt to learn from past successes — and not-so-big successes — to try and see how we can actually get CCS going,” Jacobsen told CNBC via videoconference.

Jacobsen said the North Sea was a typical example of a “huge basin” where there is a lot of storage potential, noting that offshore CCS has an advantage because no people live there.

A pier walkway at the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project, controlled by Equinor ASA, Shell Plc and TotalEnergies SE, at Blomoyna, Norway, on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

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“There is definitely a public acceptance risk to storing CO2 onshore. The technical solutions are very solid so any risk of leakage from these reservoirs is very small and can be managed but I think public perception is making it challenging to do this onshore,” Jacobsen said.

“And I think that is going to be the case to be honest which is why we are developing offshore storage,” he continued.

“Given the amount of CO2 that’s out there, I think it is very important that we recognize all potential storage. It shouldn’t actually matter, I think, where we store it. If the companies and the state that controls the area are OK with CO2 being stored on their continental shelves … it shouldn’t matter so much.”

Offshore carbon risks

A report published late last year by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), a Washington-based non-profit, found that offshore CCS is currently being pursued on an unprecedented scale.

As of mid-2023, companies and governments around the world had announced plans to construct more than 50 new offshore CCS projects, according to CIEL.

If built and operated as proposed, these projects would represent a 200-fold increase in the amount of carbon injected under the seafloor each year.

Nikki Reisch, director of the climate and energy program at CIEL, struck a somewhat cynical tone on the Norway proposition.

“Norway’s interpretation of the concept of a circular economy seems to say ‘we can both produce your problem, with fossil fuels, and solve it for you, with CCS,'” Reisch said.

“If you look closely under the hood at those projects, they’ve faced serious technical problems with the CO2 behaving in unanticipated ways. While they may not have had any reported leaks yet, there’s nothing to ensure that unpredictable behavior of the CO2 in a different location might not result in a rupture of the caprock or other release of the injected CO2.”

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This $15,000 Toyota EV is selling faster than expected

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July 8, 2025

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This ,000 Toyota EV is selling faster than expected

$15,000-Toyota-EV

Toyota’s new electric SUV is a surprise hit in China. Starting at just $15,000, the Toyota bZ3X is already the top-selling joint venture brand EV.

The $15,000 Toyota bZ3X is the top-selling foreign EV

After launching the bZ3X in March, Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, claimed that orders were “so popular that the server crashed.” It apparently secured over 10,000 orders in the first hour.

In its second month on the market, the bZ3X was the top-selling foreign-owned vehicle in China, beating out the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 Crozz, Nissan N7, and BMW i3.

According to the latest update, the electric SUV retained the title once again in June. Peng Baolin, General Manager of Sales at GAC-Toyota, revealed on social media that the “delivery volume of Bozhi 3X in June reached 6,030 units.”

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GAC Toyota announced on Weibo that cumulative deliveries have now exceeded 20,000 units, setting a new record for the fastest joint venture electric SUV sales to achieve the feat.

$15,000-toyota-EV
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC Toyota)

The company also claimed that the bZ3X “has the highest sales of new energy vehicles” among joint venture brands right now.

The bZ3X is Toyota’s “first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV.” It’s available in seven different trims, starting at 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000.

$15,000-Toyota-EV
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC-Toyota)

Two variants have an added LiDAR, making Toyota the first joint venture brand to offer it in China. The smart driving version starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500). For 159,800 yuan ($22,000), you can upgrade to the range-topping “610 Max” trim.

Powered by a 67.92 kWh battery, the long-range model is rated with a CLTC range of up to 610 km (379 miles). The base “Air” trim features a 50.03 kWh battery, good for a 430 km (267 miles) range.

Toyota-bZ3X-EV-interior
,000-Toyota-EV

The bZ3X measures 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, or about the size of BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (sold overseas as the Atto 3).

Inside is a significant upgrade from most Toyota models we are used to seeing. It features a tech-focused interior with a 12.3″ infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display.

$15,000-Toyota-EV
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV interior (Source: GAC-Toyota)

Toyota markets it as an affordable family SUV with “a mobile space that is as comfortable as home.” With all the seats folded, the interior offers nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.

It’s also powered by Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, offering advanced smart driving features such as Level 2 assisted driving, remote parking, and more.

Electrek’s Take

Although it may not seem like much with Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi securing nearly 300,000 orders for the YU7 SUV in an hour, the bZ3X is selling surprisingly well for a foreign brand vehicle.

Global automakers are struggling to keep pace in China with an influx of new low-cost domestic EVs and an intensifying price war. However, Japanese automakers, including Toyota, have been some of the hardest hit.

During GAC Toyota’s Tech Day event last month, the company announced partnerships with China’s leading tech companies, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, as it seeks to regain market share.

Ahead of the event, the company posted on Weibo that “god-level allies are coming to help,” adding “car industry bigwigs are coming.

Through May, Toyota’s sales in China are up 7.7% from the same period last year, with 530,000 vehicles sold. Will Toyota continue gaining traction in the world’s largest EV market? With the bZ5 now rolling out and several new models on the way, Toyota is looking for a comeback.

Source: Sohu, GAC-Toyota

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BLUETTI’s Prime Day deals are up to 65% off with the launch of the Elite 100 V2 

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July 8, 2025

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BLUETTI's Prime Day deals are up to 65% off with the launch of the Elite 100 V2 

If you’re planning a summer camping trip or backyard cookout, or just want to be prepared for future blackouts, BLUETTI has you covered this Prime Day with up to 65% off portable power stations. And two standout models are turning heads: the all-new Elite 100 V2 and the powerhouse Elite 200 V2.

Electrek readers get an exclusive extra 5% off sitewide with the promo code ELECTREK5OFF, but act fast! These fantastic Prime Day deals only run until July 11.

Compact powerhouse: Elite 100 V2 (now in pre-order!)

Meet the newly launched Elite 100 V2 – BLUETTI’s latest iteration of the AC180 portable power station that packs serious performance in a smaller frame. It’s about 30% smaller than the AC180 yet still delivers a mighty 1,800W output and 3,600W surge capacity. That’s more than enough to handle your coffee maker, induction cooktop, and even a portable AC unit.

With 11 versatile outlets and 1,000W solar input, this little powerhouse is perfect for camping trips, picnics, tailgates, or short-term home backup. It recharges in as little as 70 minutes, making it ideal for quick outdoor stops or unexpected power cuts.

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The Elite 100 V2 is available now for pre-order at the early-bird price of $399 plus an extra 5% off on Amazon and at Bluetti’s official store.

The backyard hero: Elite 200 V2 for just $699 (52% off!)

This one’s a total game-changer. With a massive 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W output (3,900W surge), the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 powers everything from electric grills and coffee makers to portable fridges and full camping kitchens. It’s great for family cookouts, rooftop movie nights, or camping with serious gear.

The best part? It runs at just 16dB, which is whisper quiet. And inside is a true EV-grade battery with a whopping 17-year lifespan. That’s power you can count on for the long haul.

The Elite 200 V2 is down to just $699 for Prime Day – that’s 59% off and the lowest price ever(!) on Amazon and at BLUETTI’s official store.

More Prime Day BLUETTI power deals until July 11

BLUETTI is going big this year with deep discounts across the board. Here are some more hot picks:

Whether you need portable power for camping (Elite 100 V2) or a versatile 2kWh powerhouse for multiple uses (Elite 200 V2), or serious home battery backup (AC300 or AC500), there’s a perfect BLUETTI deal for you.

Price protection and bonus savings

Worried about buying early? Don’t be. BLUETTI is offering price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, they’ll refund the difference. And don’t forget to use promo code ELECTREK5OFF for an extra 5% off sitewide.

Summer adventures, blackouts, or weekend tailgates – whatever power solution you need, BLUETTI has a product to match. But act fast: these Prime Day deals end July 11.

About BLUETTI

BLUETTI is a committed advocate for sustainability, embedding ESG principles into product design and corporate initiatives. Through programs like LAAF (Light An African Family), it delivers affordable, sustainable energy to African communities. Partnering with Leave No Trace and the Footprint Project (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), BLUETTI supports responsible outdoor recreation and disaster relief with clean energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. This blend of quality, reliability, and practical focus has earned trust in over 110 countries and regions.

Follow BLUETTI on Twitter/X here and on Facebook here.

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Elon Musk tells Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street to ‘shut up’ , here’s why

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July 8, 2025

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Elon Musk tells Tesla's biggest cheerleader on Wall Street to 'shut up' , here's why

Elon Musk told Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, to ‘shut up’ and the reason why is absolutely ridiculous.

Dan Ives is one of the biggest pushers of Tesla’s stock on Wall Street. The Wedbush analyst can often bee seen on CNBC praising Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.

He has one of the highest price targets on Tesla on Wall Street with $500 price per share.

After Tesla’s deliveries came way under his expectations and down 13% year-over-year in the first quarter, he reiterated his price target, which would value Tesla at over $1.5 trillion.

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That’s even though Tesla’s net earnings have steadily declined over the last 2 years, and it is on track to start losing money within the next year.

Ives’ faith in Tesla stock is solely based on Musk and his promises of self-driving vehicles and robots. Just last month, he said that “Musk is the best asset of Tesla. We see him as CEO until 2030.”

You would think that Musk would like this guy, but no.

Ives took to X today to suggest that Tesla’s board should give Musk a new pay package giving him 25% control over the company.

If that were to be given through more stock options, it would virtually double his stake in Tesla and represent a $200 billion payday for Musk. In exchange, Ives is only suggesting that Musk, who runs several other companies and projects, should commit to spending a certain amount of time at Tesla and that the board has oversight on his involvement in politics.

In response to the analyst, who is one of Musk’s biggest fans and is suggesting Tesla gives him $200 billion, Musk told him to “shut up”:

Musk is seen as having complete control over Tesla’s board, which led to the rescinding of his 2018 CEO compensation package. One of the points that the judge brought up was that Tesla never even negotiated with Musk about committing his time at Tesla as part of the compensation package despite knowing the CEO already had roles at several other companies.

Now, Musk is also launching his own political party, in addition to his roles at SpaceX, X, xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.

Electrek’s Take

Even Dan, who is a complete Musk sycophant, is not a big enough sycophant for Musk.

How do you tell a guy suggesting Tesla give you $200 billion to “shut up” just because he added some very mild conditions? What’s his thinking here? How dare he ask the board to do its job and supervise me? Doesn’t he know that I own the board?

The remarkable thing is that you know Musk could easily circumvent any conditions imposed by the board, and the mere fact that those conditions would have been in the contract could have helped it avoid being rescinded in the first place.

Musk’s behavior makes no sense. Honestly, he appears to be increasingly disconnected from reality.

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