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Search results for: “climate model”

  • Lithium mining and upgrading: the economics?

    Lithium mining and upgrading: the economics?

    This data-file quantifies the economics of producing lithium carbonate from spodumene in mined pegmatites. We estimate a price of $12,500/ton lithium carbonate price is likely needed for a 10% IRR in today’s China-heavy value chain, which emits 50kg of CO2 per kg of lithium.

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  • Lithium producers: leading companies?

    Lithium producers: leading companies?

    This data-file captures c20 lithium producers, their output (in kTpa), their size and their recent progress. Eight companies effectively control 90% of global supply. 3 out of 12 earlier-stage companies underwent restructurings in 2020, illustrating risks, but also potential future supply shortages.

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  • Carbon fiber: energy economics?

    Carbon fiber: energy economics?

    Carbon fiber production costs are estimated at $25/kg in this data-file, in order to generate a 10% IRR at a new world-scale carbon fiber plant. Energy economics are broken down across the value chain. The production process will likely emit 30 tons of CO2 per ton of carbon fiber if powered by a mixture of…

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  • Container freight: shipping economics?

    Container freight: shipping economics?

    This data-file models the total costs of shipping a container c10,000 nautical miles from China to the West, in a 20,000 TEU vessel. Emerging fuels can lower the CO2 intensity of shipping from their baseline of 0.15kg/TEU-mile, by 60-90%, but freight costs inflate by 30%-3x.

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  • Commercial aviation: air travel economics?

    Commercial aviation: air travel economics?

    This data-file estimates the economics of a passenger jet, over the course of its life: i.e., what ticket price must be charged to earn a 10% IRR after covering the capex costs of the plane, fuel costs, crew, maintenance and airport and air traffic charges. Decarbonization is challenging.

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  • Copper companies: a screen of leading producers?

    Copper companies: a screen of leading producers?

    This data-file is a screen of the world’s largest copper miners and producers, covering 16 companies that produce half of all global output. The average company produces around 0.8MTpa, has a 30-year reserve life, and derives 30% of its EBITDA from copper.

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  • Mine trucks: transport economics?

    Mine trucks: transport economics?

    There are around 50,000 giant mining trucks in operation globally. The largest examples are 15m long, 10m wide, 8m high, can carry around 350-450 tons and reach top speeds of 40mph. This data-file captures the economics, costs and inflationary impacts of decarbonization.

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  • Synchronous condensers: the economics?

    Synchronous condensers: the economics?

    This data-file captures the costs of installing a synchronous condenser, downstream of a renewable power facility, to emulate the inertia, reactive power and short circuit power from conventional generators. 1.0 – 2.5 c/kWh of costs may be added to the power supplies flowing out of the SC.

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  • Carbon neutral investing: hedge funds, forest funds?

    Carbon neutral investing: hedge funds, forest funds?

    This 11-page note considers a new model of โ€˜carbon neutralโ€™ investing. Look-through emissions of a portfolio are quantified (Scope 1 & 2 basis). Then accordingly, an allocation is made to high-quality, nature-based CO2 removals. Advantages and practicalities are discussed.

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  • Variable frequency drives: the economics?

    Variable frequency drives: the economics?

    Variable frequency drives optimize the operating speeds of electric motors. Average energy saving are 34% and average costs are $250/kW. Hence our modelling calculates >15% IRRs installing a VFD at a typical industrial motor. This data-file captures the economics.

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