Did China sever undersea communications cables yet again? Are ships hauling crude oil leaking their cargo along the way? Are animal transport ships dumping feed bags overboard and causing unseen turtle and wildlife deaths? Are port authorities deliberately destroying underwater archaeology so projects can move ahead?

Getting away with bad business at sea may soon be harder with Mirai Robotics on patrol.

While security is a giant concern, Luciano Belviso, Mirai’s co-founder told Green Prophet: “Mirai’s autonomy can also support environmental monitoring, enabling continuous observation of marine ecosystems, pollution, and offshore infrastructure with persistent, autonomous operations, regardless of weather conditions.”

The company just raised $4.2 million in a seed round to continue development of its AI-driven autonomous marine vehicles. According to the company, the sea is one of the most critical infrastructures on the planet: more than 80% of global trade moves by sea, over 90% of Europe’s foreign trade depends on maritime routes, and roughly 95% of international internet traffic flows through subsea cables.

“The sea is one of the last major physical infrastructures not yet governed by software,” says Luciano Belviso, CEO of Mirai Robotics. “Autonomy is the key to finally making the oceans safe and usable, unlocking enormous resources and addressing critical security challenges. But it must be implemented through systems capable of operating continuously and safely in extreme environments. This is a technological and industrial challenge that requires a true robotics-lab approach.”

Mirai Robotics has already developed two autonomous vehicles designed for different operational needs, targeting ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and patrolling scenarios in both coastal and offshore environments.

The vehicles integrate advanced perception systems, autonomous navigation, remote control, and safety features. They are designed to operate either as standalone units or as part of distributed monitoring systems.

Alongside its proprietary platforms, Mirai Robotics also develops autonomy, navigation, and control systems that can be integrated into third-party vessels. This allows industrial and institutional operators to adopt autonomous technology without fully redesigning existing fleets.

The decision to start in Italy is deliberate. The country is historically a global leader in shipbuilding and maritime engineering, with strong expertise in defense, yachting, offshore infrastructure, and marine technology.

The company was founded by Luciano Belviso (CEO), Luca Mascaro, and Davide Dattoli. Belviso previously built and led complex industrial companies including Blackshape, an aircraft design and manufacturing company later acquired by Angel Holding.

Luciano Belviso (left) and Luca Mascaro (right). Supplied by Mirai

Mirai Robotics has closed a $4.2 million pre-seed equity round, one of the largest in Italy in the robotics and deep-tech sector, led by Primo Capital, Techshop and 40Jemz Ventures, with participation from Italian and international angel investors. The capital will accelerate technology development, strengthen the team, and launch new pilot projects with industrial and institutional partners.

We love that the company can catch polluters in real time and take risks to rescue those at sea where other seafarers may not dare or have the expertise.

Mirai (未来) is a Japanese word that means “future.”

They aren’t alone. Mirai Robotics enters a rapidly growing field of autonomous maritime technology that can support defense and environmental missions. Competitors include firms such as Maritime Robotics, Saildrone, whose wind- and solar-powered robotic vessels collect environmental and security data across vast ocean areas. Defense and dual-use companies like L3Harris Technologies and Thales Group are also developing autonomous patrol boats and surveillance platforms for naval and infrastructure protection. In Europe, look to startups such as Ocean Infinity and Sea Machines Robotics.

::Mirai

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‘The Middle East must stay stable or else the world will face impending economic and ecological doom’ – debunking the myth

My day job requires I read a lot on the Middle East and the environment – from the perspective of economists, environmentalists, political leaders, civil society and also a lot of commentary coming the rest of the world on the Middle East. One strand of thought that has really got me riled up recently is the notion that the Middle East by dreaming of democracy is causing instability which will not only threaten the economy but also the environment. A little dramatic right? Since when was the fate of the entire world in the hands of the Middle East? It short, it’s not. In fact, it’s completely in the hands of everyone else and the real threat is the economic model we live by which equate success with constant growth.

Writing in Alternet, Marshall Auerback states that the heated conflict after the Arab Spring will likely give way to high gas prices and more pollution. “The situation has the feel of Iran, circa-1979. We don’t have a crystal ball, but oil supply is always a concern when conflict arises in oil-rich countires(sic), which may well trigger high gas prices and increased environmental dangers,” he adds. The instability in the Middle East, he reasons, will change the political calculus in favour of more production domestically in countries such as Canada and the US.

Right. So, why is that the Middle East’s fault? The countries who are choosing to dig for dirty fuels instead of investing in renewable projects are the ones making the big mistakes. If the Middle East can’t or won’t provide them with their fossil fuels and they choose to look for more fossil fuels that’s their bad decisions and can’t be blamed on anyone by the countries themselves. Secondly, I completely disagree with his statement that the alternative would be to rely on “unreliable OPEC-based supplied in countries full of Islamic extremists.” Nothing like a bit of casual prejudice and discrimination I guess.

What I really dislike about this stream of thought is that it places blames squarely on the Middle East rather that stating that 1) all countries are locked into growth obsessed economies 2) all countries have choices and if they make the wrong ones then they alone are accountable and 3) the Middle East doesn’t owe ANYONE stability. If the people want change and take to the streets to protest and get rid of their dictators then we should be supporting them. Not saying, “oh actually, we’d prefer it if you didn’t do that – think of the economy!” For years, the West supported its chosen strongmen dictators to keep its oil supply flowing and everyone understood that. But pretending that the Middle East has the power to save or destroy the environment – and bringing in that moral argument – is just simply preposterous.

: Image via ЯAFIK ♋ BERLIN/flickr.

For more on the Arab Spring and the economy see:

Was The Arab Spring Good for Renewable Energy?

#Occupy Climate Change: The Arab Spring and Occupy Wall St

Arab Spring May Boost Chance for Desertec Solar Power

The post The Middle East and the Unending Quest for Stability (Op-Ed) appeared first on Green Prophet.

According to a 150-page report by Citigroup, Saudi Arabian oil could dry up as early as 2030 which is a lot sooner than previously thought

The high consumption of oil in the Gulf nations for air-conditioning and desalination means that oil wells are likely to run dry a lot sooner than expected. That’s the news coming from a report by Citigroup which states that Saudi Arabia could be an oil importer by 2030. Local Saudi consumption is skyrocketing with residential use making up 50 percent of demand and over two thirds of that goes to air-conditioning. Saudis are also consuming 250 litres of water per person per day – that makes them (rather shockingly) the world’s third largest water consumer – and most of that water is from energy intensive desalination plants.

Lavish fuel subsidies in the Gulf nation is also make matters worse as they discourage conservation or efficiency by keeping the prices artificially low at all times. Heidy Rehman from Citi summarises: “Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil producer (11.1mbpd) & exporter (7.7mbpd). It also consumes 25% of its production. Energy consumption per capita exceeds that of most industrial nations. Oil & its derivatives account for ~50% of Saudi’s electricity production, used mostly (>50%) for residential use. Peak power demand is growing by ~8%/yr. Our analysis shows that if nothing changes Saudi may have no available oil for export by 2030.”

According to the Daily Telegraph, the report should make for sober reading for those who think that shale oil and gas have solved our global energy crunch. As it stands, Saudi consumes all of its gas production domestically and the report adds that “Saudi Arabia will need to find new sources to meet residential and industrial demand.” Saudi Arabia is currently planning a 80GW nuclear plant and details have also emerged of its $109 billion solar plan. The first signs of what an energy shortfall could lead to came this Ramadan when there were protests following power outages in Jeddah.

: Image of old oil drill head via David C Foster/Flickr.

:: Daily Telegraph

For more on Saudi and oil see:

Are Renewables Just Freeing Up Oil For Export?

Saudi Peak Oil Could Affect World in 2012

Subsidies Jeopardise Renewable Energy Projects In The Middle East

The post Saudi Oil Wells May Run Dry By 2030 appeared first on Green Prophet.

Gulf States have been drilling oil for decades now. Can we really get them to co-operate at the upcoming climate summit in Durban and re-think oil?

Climate negotiations to get world leaders to agree to a fair and binding agreement that will keep climate change in check have been ticking away in the background for a while now. Around six months ago, climate negotiations continued in Bonn and sadly, the Middle East wasn’t exactly making a positive contribution. Saudi Arabia was criticized for its attempts to delay progress and Kuwait, Oman and Qatar were awarded the ‘Fossil of the Day’ title for holding up the talks. So will this year be any different?

Well, not really. According to Gustav Boethius, a researcher at the Middle East Institute who is interested in energy security and climate change in the Gulf nations, unless oil-rich countries are presented with an alternative route to continue their economic development they will struggle to support a climate deal.

Saudi Arabia Has A Lot (Of Money) To Lose From Climate Deal

However, that doesn’t mean the Gulf nations are one monolith with the same agenda- rather they have slightly different economies which mean they have different stances. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on oil and so any attempt to limit its use (to cut carbon emissions) is seen as a threat to its economy.

In the past, representatives have tried to delay a climate agreement and demanded compensation for any lost oil revenue caused by a climate deal. Boethius argues that Saudis fear being singled out as an environmental culprit and see a climate deal as a greater threat than competition from oil rivals. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman share the same concerns about the economic impact of a climate deal.

Qatar’s Bid To Host Future Climate Summit

Qatar plays a more complex role.  Boethius states that although the country hasn’t been outspoken on the issue, behind the scenes they are playing a constructive role and are one of two bidders hoping to host the next climate summit. “Qatar’s willingness to play this role [host for climate summit], and to accept such a political risk, should be seen as a genuine effort to bridge the gap between the talks’ opposing camps in order to achieve a positive outcome,” argues Boethius.

Taking a more progressive stance is the United Arab Emirates. They are a lot more open about their level of commitment and their limitations; as such they are playing a more constructive role at the talks.

Providing Alternative Economic Options To Oil

However, Boethius states that the UAE can afford to take this stance, as unlike Saudi Arabia, its economy doesn’t rely so heavily on hydrocarbons. And Qatar’s cleaner gas reserves are a greener alternative to oil. In sum, “when it comes to the GCC, the level of unwillingness to curb global greenhouse gas emission appears to be directly related to the degree of fiscal dependence on fossil fuel exports.”

Consequently, the climate talks will only get oil-rich countries on board with cutting carbon if they provide the hydrocarbon exporting countries with other economic options. Until then, we aren’t likely to see the Gulf nations of the Middle East embracing a climate deal.

::  Gustav Boethius at Eco-Business.com

: Image via David C. Foster/flickr.

For more on the climate talks see:

Faith Leader Prepare For Upcoming Climate Summit In South Africa

Bonn: The Latest Climate Talks and The Middle East

Cancun Ends On Slightly Better Note Than Copenhagen

The Middle Eastern View Of Copenhagen

The post Guide To Durban Climate Talks and The Oil-Rich Middle East appeared first on Green Prophet.

Almost a hundred years ago, somewhere between 1900-1930, the tribes and sheikhdoms of the Arabian Peninsula were consolidated into the modern-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And on the 23rd of September, Saudi Arabia takes this National Day as a great reason to decorate their streets in a renewable green.

Eighty one years later, the Unification of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an annual celebration for Saudis. People living in Saudi agree that ‘green’ is king of all the colours as even though the festivities are over, we still see children dressed in green t-shirts, cars painted green, and green lights illuminating buildings at night.

But why go green? Saudi Arabia, rich in oil has upped its environmental policies in efforts to prevent depletion of the liquid gold. The country introduced solar power as an alternative energy generator, and in 2009 opened the world’s largest desalination plant. Yesterday we reported that Saudi gave women their right to vote and fight climate change.

From a psychological perspective, however, the question remains. What does the colour green mean?

Why green?
Green has historically symbolised growth, new life and peace. It represents spring, youth and determination. The Saudi flag is green with the white Arabic testimony of Muslim faith, “there is no god worthy of worship except the One God, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

As a species of attachment, we seek to find green in nature to bring us back to our roots, to bring tranquility. In major world religions including Islam and Judaism, the first man and woman are believed to have resided in a garden of lush greenery and ample fruits. In contemporary urbanised societies, we long for that simpler, stuff-free origin.

Basic colour theory tells us green is the most gentle of all colors on the eyes and working environments opt for hues of green and blue interior decor to promote calmer thinking spaces.

Our connection to green as environmentalists stems from the abundant green colour on Earth and our campaigns to protect our planet from the greys of pollution and mucky water.

The green in Islam
Green has a spiritual connotation to Islam, although all the colours resonate in the Islamic faith. Green foliage decorates the minarets of mosques and green is commonly used as the color of mosque domes throughout the world.

Muslim activists don green fashion sense and it’s told that Prophet Muhammad of Islam wore a green turban, his favorite color was green and with a passion for preserving nature he publicly hugged trees. Most notably, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is topped with the iconic green dome – homage to his love for nature.

As an eco-Muslim myself, the colour is a visual emblem of what I’m protecting – a hope for friendlier neighbourhoods that are free from litter and a healthier Ramallah in Palestine.

Just as Saudi celebrate a day of unity, green is the colour that represents giving and spreading good among people. In the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, we are told the dwellers of Paradise will be dressed in green, “…Beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining on adorned couches.” (Quran, 18:31).

Green psychology
Each colour has certain psychological and physiological effects on people. Psychologists note that that including more green can improve one’s reading ability. More and more hospitals are designing green gardens and green roofs to promote healing among patients and to help reduce their perception of pain.

From the Muslim Green Sheikh to a Biblical Eco-Rabbi, Green Prophet has advocated the spiritual side of the environment ecology.

Perhaps the poet Robert Frost, sums up our love for the colour best: “Nature’s first green is gold.” And that, is what we call a paradox.

Image:: flickr

More green enlightenment:
On the Way to Sulha: Where Religion and Ecology Meet
Could Saudi Arabia Become the Saudi Arabia of Solar?
Middle East Leaders To Launch Green Hajj Guide At House Of
Hezbollah Chief Compares Environment To Freedom of Speech
Eco Rabbi: The Green of Blessings

The post Saudi Arabia Goes “Green” To Celebrate National Day appeared first on Green Prophet.

Long considered leaders of R&D and Clean Technology, particularly in the fields of water desalination and solar energy technology, Israel has now set firm sights on leading the shift away from oil dependence. Between now and 2020, the tiny country intends to spend NIS 14 billion (US $ 3.82 billion) to help innovators and researchers test viable alternatives to oil. And while often slow to implement their own technology, cooperation with Europe may change that.

Two crucial conferences will help foster a greater technological exchange between Europe and Israel – the chair of Eureka High Level Group (HLG), Europe’s R&D program with which 40 countries are involved.

The first, where 500 European parliamentarians are expected to make an appearance, is the European Friends of Israel in Jerusalem this week. In addition to the conference, attendees will visit Israel’s leading industrial plants.

According to Globes, this is significant because the plants represent “a market of 375 million consumers, who could help promote Israeli technology.”

The second is the Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference considered so important on the international renewable energy scene that the European Commission included it in their ECO4B enterprise network. This year, 2,000 businessmen and women, researchers, government representatives, and investors will attend.

European Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard, Paolo Romani (leading a large Italian delegation and Italy’s Economic Development Minister), Karl-Josef Kuhn, principle engineer of Siemens AG, and head of Siemens Corporate Technology E-Ca,; and Dr. Gabriel Marquette, Director of European Affairs at Schlumberger Research are among some of the heavyweights, Globes reports.

Removing political roadblocks and rising golden innovations will be among the conference foci.

Meanwhile, Israel has finalized a solid plan for the next several years. In addition to the Arava Renewable Energy Technology Center, the government will pour enormous sums into oil substitutes in order to slip out from underneath OPEC’s oppressive monopoly.

Led by Prof. Eugene Kandel, on January 30, 2011 the National Economic Council approved a national plan for developing alternatives. It includes investing nearly a quarter of the committed $3.82 billion during the first five years and the remaining money the following five years.

This money will be used to help roughly 100 startup companies and research institutions, as well as nourish existing businesses or “incubators.” Some of the money will be used to build pilot installations, while the rest will be allocated to testing and implementation.

The Prime Minister will also award an annual prize of NIS 1.5 million to innovators that develop oil alternatives in order to encourage would-be inventors to put forth their clever ideas.

All of these steps demonstrate that Israel is taking oil substitutes very seriously, which in turn should boost confidence among consumers and developers. Nor does the plan involve operating in a vacuum. Ideas will be sought from other high-tech producing countries that have an equal stake in reduced oil dependence, such as China and India.

Dr. Opper, chairman of Eureka High Level Group and a member of the steering committee that formulated the national plan, believes that its ambitious goal is attainable, according to Globes.

“If Israel helps to solve the world’s dependence on oil, it will turn out to have been a very important decision,” he said.

:: Globes

More On Technological Innovation From Israel:

US Firms Look To Israel For Clean Tech Partnerships

Israel Cleantech Intelligence: Desalination and Six More

Eilat-Eilot Conference: The Ins & Outs Of Renewable Energy In Israel

The post How Israel Will Lead The Search For Oil Substitutes (And How The Rest Of The World Is Watching) appeared first on Green Prophet.