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The team from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) took samples of natural hydrogen gas found in One Pute Jaya Village, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, 23 October 2023.

Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Koloma, a U.S.-based clean fuel startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, says it wants to use expertise that has traditionally served the hydrocarbon industry to power a global gold rush for buried hydrogen.

It comes as buzz continues to build over the clean energy potential of geologic hydrogen, a long-overlooked resource that advocates say could play a pivotal role in the shift away from fossil fuels.

Geologic hydrogen — sometimes known as white, gold or natural hydrogen — refers to hydrogen gas that is found in its natural form beneath Earth’s surface. It is thought to be produced by high-temperature reactions between water and iron-rich minerals.

Pete Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Koloma, told CNBC that geologic hydrogen is fundamentally an exploration and production business.

“We can use expertise and service providers that have traditionally served the oil, gas, and mining industries and quickly put them to work in driving the discovery of carbon free-resources. Leveraging and modifying what already exists will allow us to mature the industry faster,” he said.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Koloma has raised more than $305 million since it was founded just a few years ago, the company told CNBC.

The startup’s backers include U.S. venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, Amazon‘s Climate Pledge Fund, United Airlines and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a climate and technology fund founded by Bill Gates in 2015.

In turn, Breakthrough Energy’s investors include Bridgewater Associates’ Ray Dalio, Virgin Group’s Richard Branson and Alibaba’s Jack Ma.

A potential ‘gamechanger’

A dramatic upswing in the number of companies actively searching for geologic hydrogen deposits in recent years prompted analysts at Rystad Energy to describe the pursuit as a “white gold rush.”

The consulting firm said in a research note published in March that the hype stems from hopes the previously neglected resource could be a “gamechanger” in the energy transition.

Exploratory efforts for the low-carbon energy source are currently underway in the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Colombia, South Korea and others.

As with any exploration business and any new technology, there are still many challenges for us to overcome to unlock geologic hydrogen’s potential.

Pete Johnson

CEO of Koloma

Koloma’s Johnson said that, as the industry has “picked up momentum and attention,” there’s also been a sharper focus on what he described as the “intrinsic benefits” of geologic hydrogen as a primary energy source — rather than a derivative one.

A primary energy source, such as coal, oil, wind or solar, refers to a natural energy source that has not been altered or converted.

“Geologic hydrogen should have a very low carbon impact, but also a tiny land footprint and very low water impact,” Johnson said.

Gauges that are part of the electrolysis plant of the geological hydrogen H2 storage facility.

Alex Halada | Afp | Getty Images

Asked about the outlook for the rapidly emerging industry, Johnson said that untapped geologic hydrogen resources in the U.S. could play a significant role in the country’s decarbonization efforts.

“Russia and Ukraine were both large exporters [of] hydrogen-derived ammonia, the building block of most modern fertilizer products, and since their conflict began the world has become more aware of the importance of a domestic ammonia supply,” Johnson said.

“Geologic hydrogen resources in the U.S. will allow us to scale up our domestic ammonia production and become a net exporter, even as we dramatically drop the carbon footprint of the products,” he added.

Challenges ahead

Hydrogen has long been billed as one of many potential energy sources that could play a significant role in the energy transition, but most of it is produced using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas through a process that generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s within this context that momentum has been growing over the potential of geologic hydrogen.

Geoffrey Ellis, a research geologist at the Energy Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), told CNBC earlier this year that there could be a vast amount of naturally occurring hydrogen buried in underground reservoirs around the world.

Ellis said that just a small percentage of geologic hydrogen recovery might well be enough to supply all the projected demand for 200 years.

The construction site of a plant for the production of hydrogen in Germany. 

Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images

Not everyone’s convinced about it’s clean energy potential.

The Hydrogen Science Coalition, a group of academics, scientists and engineers seeking to bring an evidence-based view to the role of hydrogen in the energy transition, said in a blog post published on March 14 that geologic hydrogen discoveries currently supply the world with less daily energy than does a single wind turbine.

What’s more, the coalition says there are environmental concerns about the extraction process, and transportation and distribution challenges mean geologic hydrogen is not likely to be found where it is most needed.

Koloma’s Johnson said that, while that are still many roadblocks to overcome, the company is “very well capitalized, which allow us to take on these challenges the right way, thoughtfully and patiently.”

“Koloma is fortunate to have backing from diverse investors — some who are more focused on the technology and data advantages [that] Koloma is building, some who see the massive potential returns of large resource discovery, and others who are most enthusiastic about taking positions around cost advantaged low carbon derivate products that can use geologic hydrogen,” Johnson said.

“As with any exploration business and any new technology, there are still many challenges for us to overcome to unlock geologic hydrogen’s potential,” he added.

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For a limited time, save $500 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

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For a limited time, save 0 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.

Table of contents

Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal

Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.

The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.

The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.

By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.

But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.

Buzz Bicycles

The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all

The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.

When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.

You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.

Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.

Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.

The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.

With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:

  • 10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
  • 2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
  • 6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Buzz Bicycles

Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200. That’s a $500 discount in total!

Don’t wait, because this deal only runs through 11:59 PM on December 8, 2024.

We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you. 

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It begins: Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck enters production

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It begins: Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck enters production

With up to 500 km (310 miles) of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for long-haul trucking – and now, it’s officially in production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria.

The electrification of Daimler Truck’s Mercedes line is progressing nicely, with the eActros 300 and 400 models handling drayage and short-haul duties, and the eEconic seeing duty in waste disposal and airport refueling. The addition of the new 600 model expands on that work with a truly capable long-haul solution that will help Mercedes’ customers clean up their operations.

“The start of series production of our eActros 600 is a further proof of our ambition to transform the industry,” offers Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck. “With a range of 500 kilometers on a single battery charge, our eActros 600 is addressing the long-haul segment in Europe which is responsible for two-thirds of CO2 emissions from heavy road freight. Our battery-electric long-haul truck will therefore make a real difference.”

In addition to the 600’s additional range, the newest eActros marks another milestone by becoming the first electric Mercedes semi to be manufactured on a single line (the eActros 300/400 and eEconic leave their standard production lines to have their electric drive components installed at Mercedes’ Future Truck Center in Wörth).

“With the start of series production of the eActros 600, we are expanding our Wörth product portfolio with an important vehicle for the future,” says Andreas Bachhofer, Head of the Wörth site and Production at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Construction of this first battery-electric truck made in Wörth will be fully integrated into the existing assembly hall, flexibly alongside the manufacturing of combustion-engine trucks. This means that we are ideally positioned for the production of larger quantities. Our production team is well prepared for the successive ramp-up over the coming months.”

The new electric semi truck features a 600+ kWh battery (hence, eActros 600) that sends power to a new, highly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, good enough to “be able to travel significantly more than 1,000 kilometers per day. This is made possible by intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks – even without megawatt-charging.”

The company claims the massive, 600 kWh battery in the eActros can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a megawatt charging station, which will soon (?) be available across Europe. First deliveries of the new 600 series Mercedes electric semi trucks are expected to begin Q1 of 2025, with production ramping up to full speed soon after.

Electrek’s Take

Holcim, a global leader in building materials and solutions, has recently made a significant commitment to sustainability by placing a purchase order for 1,000 Mercedes electric semi trucks.
Mercedes eActros 600 long-haul electric semi; via Daimler Trucks.

Electric semi trucks are racking up millions of miles as more and more pilot programs being to pay off, leading to more orders for battery electric trucks and more reductions in both diesel demand and harmful carbon emissions. We can’t wait to see more.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Daimler Trucks.

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Ben Maclean adds second CAT D6XE electric drive dozer to his fleet

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Ben Maclean adds second CAT D6XE electric drive dozer to his fleet

Ben Maclean is the 24-year-old owner of a land reclamation business called Down to Earth Developments that specializes in transforming unusable or degraded land into more productive plots that can be put to residential or agricultural use – and Ben is using these hybrid machines to make reclamation an even more sustainable enterprise.

Maclean is bucking the trend of young people avoiding construction and agriculture and making a name for himself throughout the UK. Soon after becoming the youngest customer to order one of Caterpillar’s first D6XE electric dozers earlier this year. Ben was so impressed with the big electric drive CAT that he ordered another one.

It’s just arrived – and Ben seems pretty excited about it.

“It’s not just the electric drive using less fuel, but the all-round technology package you get with CAT machines that saves costs in quite a few ways,” explains Maclean. “We also have two CAT 323 hydraulic excavators and their grade assist and payload technology help us get the job done that little bit quicker.”

The electric drive CAT machines operate much the same way that range-extended EVs (or “EREVs“) do. Onboard batteries send power to electric motors while an ICE generator works to keep them topped off. The arrangement delivers superior power, torque, and control compared to diesel drive, with a 35% improvement in fuel efficiency and, according to CAT, 20% fewer harmful carbon emissions compared to the conventional 3 speed D6T Tier 4 Final.

Sustainability is quite literally what they do,” says Ryan Trafford, manager at CAT’s UK distributor, Finning. “Customers like Ben are the first generation to have grown up understanding the importance of making responsible decisions, with sustainability being at the heart of that.”

Here’s hoping more young people bring their sustainable priorities to the various trades as they come up.

CAT D6XE electric drive dozer

SOURCE | IMAGES: Down to Earth Developments.

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