China has sent a strong signal that it will ramp up efforts to curb carbon emissions with a vow to include climate impact in the nation's environmental impact assessment.
January 15, 2021
Multiconsult and Argeo have entered into a strategic cooperation to significantly improve the quality of marine surveys and increase construction insight of the seabed conditions for large coastal development projects and offshore structures. The two parties have also invested in a Hugin autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
The objective for the cooperation is to deliver a digital 3D model that can follow the life cycle of any ocean space project. This applies from early-stage development, through operation to decommissioning and removal, and will result in a significant cost and environmental impact reduction.
The largest benefits will be for the construction of offshore wind installations, the aquaculture industry and major coastal infrastructure, as well as oil & gas facilities and equipment. A Hugin AUV and associated systems developed by Kongsberg Maritime Robotics have been purchased to help achieve these goals. This is a small autonomous submarine (robot)
Energy Department and Federal Partners Announce up to $14.5 Million for Offshore Wind Environmental Research
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $14.5 million for environmental research to support U.S. offshore wind development. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will support regionally-focused, coordinated research efforts to increase understanding of the environmental impacts of offshore wind, as well as projects that advance and validate tools to monitor and minimize impacts. This research will help address challenges to offshore wind development on both the east and west coasts of the United States, said Daniel R Simmons, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. These projects will develop the knowledge and tools we need to support environmentally sound development of this valuable energy resource.
Friday, January 15, 2021
After what felt like one of the longest election seasons in history, Washington is preparing to welcome the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Capitol Hill adjusts to a dramatic shift in power as Democrats achieved an election night stunner by winning both Senate run-off elections in Georgia on January 5, sending Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff to Washington and giving Democrats a 50-seat majority with the new incoming vice president casting any tie votes. In the House of Representatives, Republicans narrowed the Democrats’ majority in November but are still in the minority and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has been reelected to serve as Speaker of the House.