"There’s an old joke that a farmer’s top three priorities are yield, yield and yield. Some scientists remain skeptical that Pivot’s biological solutions can replace chemical solutions on a grand scale without hurting yields. But so far, most of Pivot’s customers are coming back for more, which suggests they’re seeing financial benefits. Those benefits could increase if more countries crack down on nitrous oxide, as the Dutch government did in January. And the economics could become even more favorable as fledgling carbon markets begin to reward farmers for reducing emissions from fertilizer use."

"The technology builds on years of research led by Matt Eisaman, the company’s CTO and co-founder, who recently joined Yale University’s Center for Natural Carbon Capture as a faculty member. Eisaman first met Tarbell, a former SolarCity executive, several years ago when both were working with Alphabet’s innovation arm, X."

"The companies said they plan to use the thermal energy generated by the SMRs to support the electrolysis of water into clean hydrogen, which could be used to fuel backup generators that would support the site. Hydrogen, which can be burned in engines that also run on natural gas, is being tested as an alternative to diesel fuel in backup generators. The fuel also could support other projects in Virginia using hydrogen fuel."

"The Energy Department on Friday also said it would provide nearly $100 million in matching funds to 19 other DAC hub proposals, with some projects receiving up to $12.5 million. Focused on regions stretching from Alaska to Florida, they are being led by corporate giants like Chevron Corp. and Siemens Energy Inc., and academic institutions such as Arizona State University and the University of Kentucky."

"Electrolyzers split hydrogen from water, yielding a fuel that can be produced and used without spewing greenhouse gases into the air. Although hydrogen is seen as a potential fuel for everything from city buses to data centers, most of it sold today goes to oil refineries and fertilizer plants, and it’s stripped from natural gas in a process that gives off carbon dioxide."

"DNR is in discussion with established corporations and startups to explore solutions. That includes Google, which has promoted wildfire detection tools that are integrated into Google Maps, and Lockheed Martin, the defense industry juggernaut that is applying satellite tech to the wildfire space. Startup Data Blanket is talking with DNR regarding its AI-based drone system for surveying fires to map their perimeters and helping marshal resources. The Seattle company is doing demos with local fire departments."