Although electric vehicle (EV) sales are slowing, they have surpassed expectations in the past few years. While an average EV still remains more expensive than an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle today, prices have fallen significantly in recent years. As shown in exhibit 1, the decline in lithium-ion battery pack prices since 2015 is particularly […]
Growth drivers for smart grids
Electricity demand is rapidly growing across the globe. We see that global investment in electric utilities is increasing with almost 7% annual growth to ~$1,500 billion in 2030. These investments in electricity sector worldwide, particularly the push for greener energy, stands out as a crucial driver behind the demand for smart grid infrastructure. Green power […]
Navigating the seas with green methanol: A low-carbon marine fuel
Methanol is a versatile chemical traditionally used to produce a wide range of other commodity chemicals like formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE. Formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE are the three primary chemicals that make up around 85% of methanol’s use in chemical applications. Formaldehyde is used to make urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are widely […]
How large can the AI market grow?
Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and other technologies are leading to rapid implementation in various industries around the world. These developments have only been possible due to recent increases in computing power and availability of vast datasets needed to train AI programs. This along with improved algorithms for training […]
Key drivers for SCR systems for NOx removal
Traditional power plants produce a mix of toxic gases as they burn fuels such as coal and natural gas for power. These emissions include greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and acid rain-forming oxides of sulfur (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx). NOx can cause severe respiratory problems, stimulate algae growth in waterways decreasing water […]
2024 Chemicals Outlook: Flat expectations
The global chemical industry struggled in 2023. The year was marked by rising inflation rates and low demand from major markets. With China still in recovery, the growth the industry was hoping for never came to fruition. In 2024 we expect things to stay the course and see no drastic changes up or down in […]
Cementing a greener future
Cement, a fundamental building block of modern construction, has long been integral to the development of infrastructure worldwide. Today, concrete made from cement is the most consumed material after water. However, its vital role comes at a significant environmental cost. The production of traditional cement, also known as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is highly energy […]
Companies are looking to monetize GHG emissions
In line with the Paris Agreement’s targets of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050, companies across the world are looking for ways to reduce their emissions. There are some seeing this trend as an emerging market and are working to monetize other companies’ carbon emissions. […]
The future of SAF in Brazil
The aviation industry’s increasing adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) seems promising. However, this transition also highlights challenges related to the availability of feedstock and presents obstacles to meeting production targets. The ongoing expansion of the SAF market, along with various policy initiatives, has garnered the interest of other nations, including Brazil. Given its substantial […]
The rising tide of capital investments in U.S. utilities
The U.S. energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation leading to an impressive increase in capital expenditure (capex) in the utility sector. This upsurge in investment is fundamentally changing how energy is generated, transmitted, and consumed throughout the country. Several tailwinds are propelling the growth of capital investments in the utility sector in the U.S.: […]