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NOx NOx, Who’s There?
This week, we’re sharing the story of a startup that’s revolutionizing the way we think about energy and the people that its production affects. Keep reading to learn more about how a new technology is paving the way for emission-free power.
— Written by Shayna Berglas
You’ve Heard of CO2. How About NOx?
Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
The energy industry plays a significant role in economic growth and development. However, it is also one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the energy sector is responsible for approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas is the primary source of these emissions. Carbon dioxide is a planet-warming byproduct of this process that contributes to the adverse effects of climate change. Another byproduct is NOx, the same chemical released by gas stoves.
How does NOx impact human health?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to NOx can lead to a range of health effects, including respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. And long-term exposure to NOx has been linked to asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases. NOx can also exacerbate heart disease and increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Unfortunately, the most-affected populations are, you guessed it, low-income communities. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that people of color and low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution, including NOx. This is due in part to the location of highways, industrial facilities, and power plants, which are often located in or near low-income neighborhoods. As a result, residents in these communities face a greater risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as other health issues.
What can we do about it?
The best way to limit these emissions and promote public health is to promote the use of cleaner, alternative forms of transportation such as electric vehicles and public transit, as well as invest in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. That’s where this week’s featured startup comes in.
Noble Thermodynamics: The Tech in Action
Founded by Miguel Sierra Aznar, Noble Thermodynamics designs emission-free power plants with the sole purpose of decarbonizing the power sector. Their thermodynamic process uses Argon, a reliably stable noble gas, to boost the efficiency of power plants while cutting emissions and operating costs.
The Earth’s air is mainly composed of nitrogen, which generates NOx when under heavy or aggressive combustion performed by traditional power plants. By getting rid of nitrogen in the energy production process, we can get rid of air pollution.
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