the research consultancy for energy technologies

Search results for: “recycling”

  • Paper production: energy economics?

    Paper production: energy economics?

    Costs of paper production are estimated at $700/ton, at a $2,000/Tpa paper mill, requiring 5,000 kWh/ton of useful energy, and emitting 2.6 tons/ton of CO2, of which 2.2 tons/ton is likely sourced from burning organic material such as waste wood and black liquor. This data-file captures the energy economics of paper production.

    Read more

  • TSE Patent Assessments: a summary?

    TSE Patent Assessments: a summary?

    This data-file aggregates all of our patent assessments into a single reference file, so different companies’ scores can be compared and contrasted. Our average score is 3.5 out of 5.0. Skew is to the downside. Intelligibility is the biggest challenge. Scores correlate with TRL and revenues.

    Read more

  • Copper: the economics?

    Copper: the economics?

    The economic cost of copper production is build up from first princples in this model, from mine, to concentrator, to smelter to 99.99% pure copper cathodes. Our base case is $7.5/kg copper cathode, with 4 tons/ton CO2 intensity, after starting from an 0.57% ore grade. Numbers vary sharply and can be stress-tested in the data-file.

    Read more

  • CO2 electrolysis: the economics?

    CO2 electrolysis: the economics?

    Carbon monoxide is an important chemical input for metals, materials and fuels. Could it be produced by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere or using the amine process, then electrolysing the CO2 into CO and oxygen? We find 10% IRRs could be achievable at $800/ton, competitive with conventional syngas.

    Read more

  • Nickel, manganese, cobalt: sufficient reserves for the rise of EVs?

    Nickel, manganese, cobalt: sufficient reserves for the rise of EVs?

    This data-file models whether there will be enough nickel, manganese and cobalt, to build the batteries behind the vast rise of electric vehicles embedded in our oil demand forecasts. Strong reserve replacement makes nickel and manganese unconcerning. But cobalt may be a challenge.

    Read more

  • Lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles: what challenges?

    Lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles: what challenges?

    This data-file tabulates the greatest challenges for lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles, which have been cited in 2020’s patent literature. Conclusions are spelled out in detail, covering energy density, “million mile” longevity and electric semi-trucks. Companies profiled include Tesla, CATL, LG, Sumitomo, et al.

    Read more

  • Global CO2 emissions breakdown?

    Global CO2 emissions breakdown?

    Global CO2 emissions rose from 32GTpa of CO2-equivalents in 1990 to 54GTpa in 2024, and are seen optimistically declining to 30GTpa by 2050, on a gross basis. This global CO2 emisisons breakdown covers 33 sources that each explain over 0.5% of global CO2e emissions, as a way of tracking emissions by source, by year, and…

    Read more

  • Landfill costs: by country and over time?

    Landfill costs: by country and over time?

    This data-file tabulates the most likely costs of placing waste-material (e.g., plastic) into landfill, country by country, and over time. Landfill taxes have risen at an 8% CAGR on average, clearly reduce landfilling rates, and promote recycling. This short note spells out our top five conclusions on landfill taxes by country and over time.

    Read more

  • Plastic pyrolysis delivers strong economics?

    Plastic pyrolysis delivers strong economics?

    >30% IRRs should be attainable converting waste-plastic back into oil, based on disclosures from technology-leaders in the sector. This economic model allows for stress-testing of product prices, input costs, gate fees, capex, opex, utilisation and fiscal regimes.

    Read more

Content by Category