Artigos
Artificial Intelligence Act: Landmark Deal Reached for World's First AI Rules
The landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act agreement reached between the Council presidency and the European Parliament sets a precedent for integrating AI into the European market while protecting fundamental rights and fostering innovation. The AI Act outlines a risk-based regulatory framework, particularly imposing stringent rules on high-risk AI systems. The agreement's revised governance structure allows for EU-level enforcement and dictates a fundamental rights impact assessment for high-risk AI deployments. AI systems have been categorically defined, excluding uses in national security, military purposes, and other non-professional applications, following the OECD approach. High-risk systems now face strict EU market access requirements, with specific prohibitions on practices like manipulative or predictive policing techniques. Nevertheless, law enforcement can employ remote biometric identification with appropriate safeguards. Newly introduced are provisions for general-purpose AI systems, focusing on transparency and systemic risk management. A centralized AI Office will manage these systems, with the AI Board and an advisory forum supporting execution and providing expertise. Penalties for non-compliance are based on global annual turnover, adjusted appropriately for SMEs and startups. The agreement also aims to stimulate innovation by modifying support measures and establishing AI regulatory sandboxes. The AI Act is set to be enforced two years post-enactment, with certain provisions subject to specific timelines. This proposal, initiated in April 2021, is part of the EU's effort to harmonize AI development with fundamental rights considerations, mirroring the General Data Protection Regulation's influence on data protection.
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Empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Energy Transition: The DEESME Project
The DEESME project, under EU's Horizon 2020, aids SMEs in energy efficiency endeavours, countering technical, financial, and awareness barriers. It provides a multi-layered approach to align SMEs with EU goals, offering policy recommendations and strategies to effectively implement Article 11 of the Energy Efficiency Directive.
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Revolutionizing Ammonia: The Quest for Sustainability and Efficiency in Fertilizer Production
The article discusses the environmental impact and need for innovation in the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. It explores greener alternatives, including the use of renewable energy and nitrogen-fixing enzymes, and the development of flexible reactors and advanced electrocatalysis methods for sustainable synthesis.
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EU Policies for Advancing Green Hydrogen
The European Union is intensifying efforts to foster green hydrogen as a key component of its energy and climate strategy. Policies are being developed to support the production, distribution, and use of green hydrogen, aligning with the EU's broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable economic growth.
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Summary of the IEA Electricity Market Report 2023
The IEA Electricity Market Report 2023 paints a picture of a world grappling with the dual challenges of meeting growing energy demands and transitioning to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy future. Low-emission power sources are poised to meet nearly all the global electricity demand growth by 2025.
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Getting to grips with the complexities of industrial decarbonisation using soft systems
The article discusses the application of the soft systems model to industrial decarbonisation, emphasizing 'contextual evaluation'. This approach examines how decarbonisation measures align with an organization's broader policies and strategies. It involves assessing technical, financial, and contextual aspects to generate new ideas and requires thinking beyond conventional energy management boundaries.
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Innovative financial solutions to fight energy poverty
How social housing associations and EU projects are using innovative financial and solidarity mechanisms to combat energy poverty, emphasizing the dual benefit of social welfare and environmental sustainability through the refurbishment of buildings for energy efficiency.
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Water & energy reuse: from waste to resource
Alufluor collaborated with the EU's iWAYS project to optimize resource recovery, focusing on reducing emissions and recycling. The initiative introduced technologies to conserve water and energy. The partnership aims to enhance sustainability in European industries without compromising economic progress.
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What are innovations along the hydrogen value chain?
The "Hydrogen Patents for a Clean Energy Future" report highlights hydrogen's role in sustainable energy. It details its growing importance, especially in Spain's renewable energy sector. The study covers increased hydrogen-related patent activities from 2011-2020, advancements in production technologies, and its diverse end-use applications. The report concludes with hydrogen's potential in the global energy transition.
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Stimulating Consumer Demand for Energy Efficiency Investments
The Energy Efficiency Financial Institutions Group (EEFIG) will soon publish its final report from an expert working group on accelerating consumer demand.
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