Climate Tech Conference 2023 – three key takeaways

Last week, Make Honey was at the Climate Tech Show at ExCel, London. CTS23 is a celebration of climate tech innovation, with EnergyTech, carbon offsetting, fashion innovation and cloud companies all showcasing the latest developments in climate tech. 

With Make Honey dedicated to helping the United Nations achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, we were excited to see what innovations are coming. And we weren’t disappointed. 

Weren’t able to attend? Here are our three key takeaways:

1. Novel solutions solve clean energy challenges

Goal Seven: Affordable and Clean Energy

A major challenge facing the clean energy industry is the variability renewables provide to the grid. A consistent energy supply is key for National Grid networks, making the inconsistent nature of wind and solar problematic. Coupled with the fact that not many people want a wind turbine in their back garden, and it’s a perfect storm. Pun intended.

This is why Alpha 311’s vertical wind turbine is so exciting. The turbine can be used on roadsides, bridges, towers and buildings to create energy, and can use this energy to power the things it’s connected to. For example, an Alpha 311 wind turbine can be installed on a  motorway light in the central reservation, powering the light from wind created by passing cars. Excess energy can then be sent to the grid, with the whole process being far more consistent than natural wind.

Another great innovation we saw was Peasoup Cloud’s data centre cooling system. Data centres and cloud infrastructure get very hot. Infact, most data centres have to use huge fans to stop them from overheating. As you would imagine, this is not hugely sustainable. Peasoup Cloud uses a mineral based liquid to keep cloud infrastructure cool without the energy drain. Plus, the company is piloting how to turn the excess heat created into a heat source for local buildings, supplying radiators without using excess energy. 

2. Uncontrollable forest fires prevented by IoT

Goal Fifteen: Life on Land

With forests absorbing twice as much carbon as they emit, these carbon sinks are vital for the future of our planet. And while de forestation is a major threat, so are uncontrolled forest fires. 

Dryad is using sensor technology to stop fires before they get out of control. Its Silvanet Wildfire Sensors are designed to detect fires in the “smouldering” stage of breakout. This is usually within the first hour, and is significantly faster than other methods of detection like cameras. 

This early detection has been shown to dramatically reduce the chance of fires spreading, and is being adopted in the UK by major forestry bodies like the National Trust. They’re also solar powered, of course. 

3. Local carbon offsetting could be the answer to global concerns

Goal Fifteen: Life on Land

Many businesses lean on carbon offsetting to improve their overall footprint, particularly in industries that don’t have easy routes to sustainability, like aviation. However, carbon offsetting programmes have their issues, with potential threats to indigenous people and concerns of their effectiveness.  

Local, more controlled initiatives like Carbon Store UK provide a solution. Partnering with farmers and businesses in the UK only, Carbon Store is a transparent option for businesses who want to know where their money is going. Part of Tilhill, the UK’s leading forestry management organisation, Carbon Store is an expert in protecting UK forests and peatland, in turn helping businesses support the process. 

• Check out Fibe – the company making textiles from potato waste

Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption

Special mention goes to Fibe, who makes sustainable textiles from potato waste. The company is in the early stages of production, but aim to be able to develop a swatch in the near future. Here’s to seeing sustainable fashion getting a potato flavoured boost. 

Make Honey is an award-winning communications agency that creates impact for brands. Our clients grab attention and secure sales through PR, content and social-first campaigns. We are an agency fuelled by purpose, driving change with every campaign. Our team is committed to actions that support achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which is why we were so inspired to see all the new innovations at CTS23. 

If you are interested in learning more about the team and services that we will deliver for you, email impact@makehoney.com.