It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Data-driven workflow doubles carbon capture performance of engineered biochar
Researchers have now doubled the ability of biomass waste-derived engineered biochar to capture carbon dioxide using a newly developed data-driven workflow
CACTUS COMMUNICATIONS
IMAGE:
THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INNOVATIVE DATA-DRIVEN WORKFLOW, RESEARCHERS HAVE DOUBLED THE CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURING CAPACITY OF ENGINEERED BIOCHAR DERIVED FROM BIOMASS WASTE.
CREDIT: OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FROM FLICKR (HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/OREGONDEPARTMENTOFFORESTRY/16637208254/)
Climate change presents a formidable global challenge. Developing efficient carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is an effective way to mitigate climate change. Carbon capture using biomass waste-derived engineered biochar is a promising avenue in CCS technology. However, optimal synthesis of engineered biochar is a time- and resource-intensive process. Researchers have now devised an active learning strategy that accelerates the development of high-performance engineered biochar with enhanced CO2 uptake.
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unlocked the potential of biomass waste-derived engineered biochar for unprecedented CO2 capture, paving the way for advanced climate change mitigation and sustainable waste management solutions.
Despite the recognized benefits of biochar in addressing environmental challenges, its optimal synthesis for enhanced performance has long been hindered by time- and labor-intensive processes. In response to this challenge, a team of experts has unveiled an innovative active learning strategy designed to guide and expedite biochar synthesis while significantly improving its CO2 adsorption performance.
The research team, led by Prof. Yong Sik Ok, Chair and Program Director of the APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program, collaborated with Prof. Xiangzhou Yuan from Southeast University, Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez from ETH Zurich, and Prof. Xiaonan Wang from Tsinghua University. Their approach leverages experimental data to recommend optimal synthesis parameters, focusing on maximizing the narrow micropore volume of engineered biochar—a key factor in its CO2 adsorption performance. This work, “Active Learning- Based Guided Synthesis of Engineered Biochar for CO2 Capture,” has been selected as a Front Cover, which is the featured cover in all ACS journal issues.
The active learning strategy was rigorously validated through experimental tests, with data iteratively leveraged for subsequent model training and revalidation. This iterative process, establishing a closed loop, resulted in the synthesis of 16 property-specific engineered biochar samples over three active learning cycles. Impressively, the CO2 uptake nearly doubled by the final round, showcasing the transformative impact of this data-driven approach.
“The active learning strategy we employed not only expedites the synthesis of engineered biochar but also maximizes its CO2 adsorption capacities. This innovative approach has the potential to reshape the landscape of biomass waste-derived materials, offering a data-driven workflow for the development of high-performance biochar with broader applications,” says Prof. Ok.
This research introduces a pioneering data-driven workflow that not only accelerates the development of high-performance engineered biochar but also expands its applications as functionalized materials. The breakthrough holds significant promise for addressing climate change and advancing sustainable waste management practices, marking a crucial step towards a more environmentally conscious future.
“The active learning cycles described in our research exemplify our dedication to innovative methodologies. It is through collaboration and a commitment to sustainable practices that we can drive meaningful change, as reflected in our recent publications in leading journals,” says Prof. Yuan.
In addition to publishing key articles in reputed journals, the team's remarkable research portfolio includes a series of influential publications, each addressing critical issues and proposing innovative solutions:
“Machine learning for heavy metal removal from water: recent advances and challenges” - Published in ACS ES&T Water (2023, DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00215) and featured with a Supplementary Journal Cover, this manuscript explores the application of machine learning in addressing the removal of heavy metals from water sources, highlighting recent advancements and challenges in the field.
“Sustainability-inspired upcycling of waste polyethylene terephthalate plastic into porous carbon for CO2 capture” - Published in Green Chemistry (2022, DOI: 10.1039/d1gc03600a) and featured with a Front Cover and selected as a Highly Cited Paper (HCP), this paper delves into the upcycling of waste polyethylene terephthalate plastic into porous carbon materials, offering a sustainable solution for CO2 capture.
“Sustainable Food Waste Management: Synthesizing Engineered Biochar for CO2 Capture” – Published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2022, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c03029) and featured with a Front Cover, this work upcycles food waste into high-performance engineered biochar for CO2 capture, indicating that a net negative global warming potential could be achieved using food waste-derived CO2 adsorbent from the life-cycle perspective.
“Applied Machine Learning for Prediction of CO2 Adsorption on Biomass Waste-Derived Porous Carbons” - Published in ES&T (2021, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01849) and featured with a Supplementary Journal Cover, this manuscript explores the application of machine learning techniques for predicting CO2 adsorption on biomass waste-derived porous carbons, offering insights into efficient carbon capture technologies.
“The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a shift to a plastic circular economy” - Featured in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment (2021, DOI: 10.1038/s43017-021-00223-2), this publication underscores the urgency of transitioning to a plastic circular economy in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dual closed-loop chemical recycling support sustainable mitigation of plastic pollution” - Presented in Matter (2021, DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2021.03.014), this research outlines a dual closed-loop chemical recycling approach to supporting sustainable mitigation of plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of circular economy principles.
Prof. Ok, along with collaborators, including Prof. Xiangzhou Yuan from Southeast University, has been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward. Their collective efforts have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also paved the way for practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
As a network of leading universities linking the Americas, Asia, and Australasia, APRU (the Association of Pacific Rim Universities) brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policy-makers to exchange ideas and collaborate toward practical solutions to combat the challenges of the 21st century. The APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program focuses on adopting environmentally friendly practices to manage waste effectively while minimizing its negative impacts on the environment and human health. It involves various strategies and approaches to reduce, reuse, recycle, and properly dispose of waste materials together with ESG concepts. Prof. Yong Sik Ok at Korea University serves as the Chair and Program Director of the program, co-directed by Prof. William Mitch at Stanford University. For more information, visit APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program’s website.
About Professor Yong Sik Ok
Professor Yong Sik Ok is a KU HCR Professor. He is the Chair and Program Director of the Sustainable Waste Management Program for the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and the President of the International ESG Association and the International Society of Trace Element Biogeochemistry. He maintains a worldwide professional network by serving as the Editor-in-Chief of CleanMat (Wiley Open Access) and the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology (CREST, five-year IF:13.6) at Taylor and Francis. Moreover, Prof. Ok has hosted many conferences and forums focusing on Sustainability, UN SDGs, and ESG. The recently concluded 6th Global Conference on ESG Management & Sustainability marked another milestone in Prof. Ok’s ongoing journey toward achieving sustainability and ESG goals together with Prof. Jay Hyuk Rhee (President, KU ESG Research Institute & President, International ESG Association) at Korea University Business School. Importantly, Prof. Ok will chair the 4th Australian Circular Economy Conference, scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, in October 2024, together with Prof. Ali Abbas, Director, Waste Transformation Research Hub and the Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping is a considerable challenge, but advancements are being made to address this global issue. Onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) stands out as a revolutionary technology for the shipping industry, offering a tangible means to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from ships. This becomes increasingly crucial as the industry navigates the development of power alternatives like hydrogen fuel cells and future fuels, such as renewable ammonia and methanol.
The regulatory landscape for onboard CCS is evolving rapidly, driven by the urgent need to reduce maritime emissions. Recent regulatory initiatives such as the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), in the United States, and the European Union's Fit for 55 package – which includes shipping's integration into the EU ETS – have spurred increased investments in CCS projects.
However, the economic value of CCS compared to freely emitting CO2 requires further policy refinement. Effective regulation is essential to incentivize CCS adoption and foster technological advancements. The EU Commission's forthcoming integration of atmospheric CO2 removal and storage into emissions trading by July 2026, exemplifies proactive regulatory measures to create a predictable environment for CCS technologies' deployment, attracting investments and advancing adoption.
With the world’s first full-scale installation set for the summer of 2024, Wärtsilä is accelerating the deployment of CCS for shipping, a vital technology to mitigate climate change and deliver climate neutrality. The upcoming pilot onboard Solvang’s ethylene carrier, Clipper Eris, serves as a precursor to the commercial roll out in 2025, showcasing the technical viability of retrofitting CCS technology and refining its capabilities.
This testing phase is crucial to understanding training requirements, the value chain, and service and maintenance organisation. Once vessels equipped with CCS technology hit the water over the next few years, the highest performing systems will be able to capture up to 70% of their carbon emissions before they enter the atmosphere. Combined with alternative fuels, clean tech, and voyage optimization, achieving net-zero shipping becomes a realistic possibility.
But we didn’t get here overnight. The evolution of scrubber technology within the maritime industry has been instrumental in paving the way for onboard CCS systems. Initially developed to comply with sulphur emission regulations, scrubbers have matured into versatile systems capable of addressing a range of pollutants. By efficiently removing non-CO2 pollutants from ship exhausts, scrubbers ensure efficient pre-treatment for CO2 capture, enabling the safe storage and subsequent disposal of carbon at port facilities.
Continuous upgrades and advancements in scrubber capabilities have positioned them as critical components in tackling shipping's holistic environmental challenges. Technologies such as selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR) have been integrated to tackle NOx emissions, meeting stringent MARPOL Tier III requirements. Beyond regulatory compliance, scrubbers now boast the ability to filter particulate matter, black carbon, and even microplastics from scrubber washwater through advanced filtering systems.
As scrubbers continue to evolve, they not only contribute to cleaner air and oceans but also play a pivotal role in enabling the implementation of onboard CCS systems, marking a significant milestone in the maritime industry's journey towards sustainability. This progression demonstrates the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship and highlights how regulatory compliance has spurred innovation towards tackling broader environmental challenges.
Furthermore, extensive testing of Wärtsilä’s CCS system in Moss, Norway, operating at a 1 MW scale, has provided valuable insights and enabled the identification of unique challenges in designing a CCS system for ships. For example, testing the merits of different CO2 capture solvents has shown that a solvent optimised for marine engine exhaust gas can potentially achieve capture rates of up to 80%.
Whilst technological development progresses, most significant obstacles arise in the physical integration of CCS onboard ships. Challenges such as space limitations, energy requirements, storage infrastructure, and exhaust pre-treatment must be addressed for both new and existing vessels to achieve decarbonisation goals.
To tackle these issues, Wärtsilä Exhaust Treatment has expanded its services to offer CCS feasibility studies and provide shipowners and operators with comprehensive commercial proposals for CCS integration. These studies, spanning four to six months, involve early ship design engagement and engineering work to determine how to accommodate the power, space, and exhaust requirements of CCS onboard, ensuring minimal disruption during potential retrofitting. By closely analysing ship architecture, these studies accelerate the initial phases of CCS integration and educate customers on its benefits and complexities.
Equally important is the role being played by CCS-ready scrubbers, designed to accommodate future CCS retrofits while ensuring near-term compliance with sulphur cap regulations. These scrubbers are engineered to facilitate easy adaptation to CCS installation in the future, thus future-proofing vessels. If all ships with a Wärtsilä scrubber adopt CCS, a potential reduction in 30 million tonnes in CO2 emissions, at a 70% capture rate, could be achieved.
2024 is poised to be a hugely significant year for shipping’s decarbonisation journey, as new regulations and net-zero commitments propel industry players to increase their uptake of operational and energy efficiency technologies. However, the widespread availability of low-carbon products, which are cheaper than their high-carbon alternatives, remain a distant prospect, underscoring the urgency to accelerate the adoption of CCS technologies. In order to achieve these targets, it is imperative to share expertise, build capacity, and provide support for CCS implementation, ensuring its pivotal role in curbing GHG emissions.
As investment decisions also loom large in 2024, the CCS industry has a unique opportunity to showcase its potential in combating climate change, while fostering innovation and cost reduction. Policies such as carbon pricing and emission mandates serve as crucial enablers, not only incentivizing decarbonization but also mitigating risks associated with CCS deployment.
Against a backdrop of increasing sustainability commitments, financing CCS equipment emerges as a strategic avenue, aligning with both environmental objectives and the evolving priorities of financial institutions. Additionally, ship owners embracing carbon reduction initiatives not only gain a competitive edge in markets that are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, but also stand to attract enhanced investment capital from institutions that are factoring in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
Now is the time to leverage CCS deployment as a catalyst for transformative change, in both industry practices and policy frameworks, ensuring a sustainable path forward for our planet and economy alike.
Sigurd Jenssen is the Director of Wärtsilä Exhaust Treatment.
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.
Monday, April 08, 2024
ClassNK Transition to Zero-Emission with Energy efficiency Improvement
ClassNK has extended its services to support concrete actions by customers towards a smooth transition to shipping zero-emission.
With the revision of IMO's GHG emissions reduction targets and the introduction of the EU climate policy package for the shipping sector, regulations towards zero-emission are becoming increasingly stringent. However, the infrastructure for supplying zero-emission fuels is still under development. Shipping industry players need to select and utilize the appropriate GHG emissions reduction measures based on their corporate situation and the specifics of their individual vessels to progress towards zero-emission.
To more effectively support its customers’ ongoing efforts of GHG emissions reduction measures, ClassNK is extending "ClassNK Transition Support Services." ClassNK focuses on three types of GHG emissions reduction measures: the introduction of alternative fuels ships, energy efficiency improvement technologies, and the use of onboard CCS, considering customers’ needs together and leading to the implementation of the optimal solutions.
The service menu will be expanded in response to changes in circumstances, including the regulatory landscape, and technological trends. ClassNK will comprehensively support customers' pursuit of and transition to zero-emission. The details are available on the below page on ClassNK’s website:
Will carbon capture technology bail society out of the latest version of greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 suddenly doubling its rate of increase when compared to the past decade, in breathtaking fashion, thus overheating the ocean and the Arctic and Antarctica and hammering Greenland?
The relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and carbon capture technology is best seen as a metaphor of athletes in the Olympic games: Team Emissions is setting world records in the 100-meter dash; Team Carbon Capture is still training for the 10,000-meter marathon.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) fall far short of meeting timelines as global emissions are outrunning all timelines, increasing two-fold within only one year, see: “CO2 Bursting into the Atmosphere” (3-22-2024). CO2 is on a rampage like never before and heating things up. Brazil’s heat index hit 144°F recently.
According to MIT, to stay “even-with-the-board on CO2 annually,” nearly 20 billion tons needs to be captured each year. It’s overwhelming. Meanwhile, Earth soaks up half of the 37 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions per annum. With all of that, it still leaves too much CO2 already in the atmosphere to take the heat off global warming.
Since 1850, approximately 1,000 gigatons of human-generated CO2 is hanging out in the atmosphere, which is 1,000 billion metric tons out of a total of 2,400 billion metric tons emitted (the planet absorbing more than one-half). A large amount needs to be removed to lower atmospheric CO2 ideally to at least 350 ppm from 426 ppm. All-in, CO2 removal is a multi-billion-ton job. It’s generational work kinda like building Notre Dame Cathedral, started in 1163, finished in 1345.
Total CO2 captured by current Direct Air Capture (DAC): “To date, 130 DAC plants are under development worldwide, with 27 commissioned and 18 completed (according to the International Energy Agency.) All of these are small-scale facilities with a current collective CO2 removal capacity of about 11,000 metric tons annually” (“”U.S. Unveils Plans for Large Facilities to Capture Carbon Directly from Air”, Science, August 11, 2023.)
“Every second about 1,079 metric tons of CO2 are released worldwide due to burning fossil fuels.” (NASA) Meaning, current capacity removes 11 seconds worth per year.
The IRA Biden plan aims to create four DAC hubs over the next 10 years, each capable of removing and storing at least 1 million tons of CO2 each year. As part of the program’s rollout, DOE officials also announced funding for an additional 19 conceptual and engineering studies of potential future DAC plants. (“U.S. Unveils Plans for Large Facilities to Capture Carbon Directly from Air”, Science, August 11, 2023.).
In strong opposition to DAC, Mark Jacobson, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University says DAC is a waste of funds. His book “100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything describes a 100% renewable energy economy. Nevertheless, there’s still a problem of too much CO2 already in the atmosphere, which is already upending the climate system; 100% renewables will not remove it. There are no easy answers.
Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry claims it can continue to produce as much oil and gas as it wants to because Carbon Capture and Sequester -CCS- will effectively neutralize CO2 emissions. No, it will not.
According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis: “Even if realized at its full potential, CCS will only account for about 2.4% of the world’s carbon mitigation by 2030, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).”
The real issue is not whether carbon can be captured; it can be captured; however, in the big picture, the real world, carbon emissions are hardened over centuries; carbon capture is a fledgling, mostly in a testing phase.
According to the International Energy Agency, 40 commercial facilities are already in operation applying Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Since January 2022 developers have announced plans for 50 more operations capturing around 125 Mt CO2 per year. “Nevertheless, even at such a level, CCUS deployment would remain substantially below (about 1/3rd) the 1.2 Gt CO2 per year that is required in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) scenario.” (“Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage”, IEA50.)
To seriously make a big dent in atmospheric carbon dioxide or CO2, which is 76% of all greenhouse gas emissions, technology is going to have to accelerate considerably, in fact, beyond considerably.
On a hopeful note, some R&D looks promising, even though still likely falling into the too little, too late category. For example, Klaus Lackner, founding director, Center for Negative Emissions, has designed a prototype Mechanical Tree, on display at the Our Future Planet exhibition at the Science Museum, London from May 2021 until September 2022. The tree is constructed of sorbent tiles which cyclically extend into the air and then retract for regeneration, passively soaking up CO2 from the air using Passive Direct Air Capture (PDAC), supposedly 1,000 times more efficient than natural trees that use photosynthesis. The captured CO2 can be sequestered in underground geological formations or sold for industrial use.
MIT on carbon removal: “… a nearly impossible task”, says Charles Harvey, an MIT professor of civil and environmental engineering who has studied both natural and technological ways to take CO2 out of the atmosphere. “Removing CO2 is one of the hardest and most expensive ways we could address climate change—far more difficult than simply emitting less carbon in the first place.” (“How Much Carbon Dioxide Would We Have to Remove from The Air to Counteract Climate Change?” Climate Portal, MIT October 26, 2023.)
“In fact”, says Harvey, “the energy demands of direct air capture are so great that ‘canceling out’ humanity’s emissions this way would take more energy than we’re getting from burning fossil fuels in the first place.” (Ibid.)
“Today’s approaches can capture only a tiny fraction of what’s needed: around 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to one recent study.” (Smith, S.M, et al, “The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal”, 1st Edition, 2023.)
“To ‘turn back the clock’ on climate change, we would need to capture today’s emissions plus this enormous backlog. To reach 350 parts per million, the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide in 1988, humans would need to remove more than 500 billion tons. To get the atmosphere back to where it was before humans began to burn fossil fuels en masse would mean catching and storing more than 900 billion tons.” (MIT Climate Portal.)
Based upon a reasonably comprehensive study, it appears that carbon capture technology is/will be too little too late. Global warming is not waiting around.
Nevertheless, R&D is in a fluid state, hopefully (fingers crossed) it meets the challenge (big question mark) because global warming has morphed into global heat way ahead of schedule, and climate change has become a regular on nightly national news programs, featuring (1) entire boreal forests burning like a furnace (2) floods demolishing thousands of homes in China and Pakistan, killing thousands (3) droughts impeding commercial barge traffic on Europe’s famous rivers (4) as nuclear power plants (France) power-down because of low river water flow (5) and thirsty Europeans standing in line for bottled water in France and Italy in the summer of ’22.
Meanwhile, March 2024 news items of interest: 7,200 miles away from Europe, similar issues: “Persistent Drought is Drying Out Chile’s Drinking Water”, Reuters News, March 20, 2024. And on another continent, Johannesburg (pop. 5.6M) CBS News headlines March 21, 2024: “South Africa Water Crisis Sees Taps Run Dry across Johannesburg”.
That’s just for starters as UN analysts claim 75% of Spain is subject to desertification.
Climate change is literally changing the face of the world.
And that’s not even mentioning one of the biggest concerns of the Northern Hemisphere. Greenland’s northern-most glaciers are very tipsy way too early. The icy island is on the ropes; surprisingly, it rained at Greenland’s summit (10,500 feet) for the first time ever as the entire ice infrastructure goes off-the-charts with a summertime melt rate of 30,000,000 tons per hour or 720,000,000 tons per day, 20-25% more than previously thought, according to recent studies.
And don’t even think about West Antarctica or Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. According to NASA: “The rainforest doesn’t react like it used to. It does not have enough time between droughts to heal itself and regrow. Throughout all recorded history, this has never been witnessed.”
What to do?
Everybody’s hopeful that human ingenuity; i.e., technology, will bail us out. Will it?
Meantime: “Every major global climate record was broken last year and 2024 could be worse.” (Celeste Saulo, secretary-general, World Meteorological Organization.)Facebook
Robert Hunziker (MA, economic history, DePaul University) is a freelance writer and environmental journalist whose articles have been translated into foreign languages and appeared in over 50 journals, magazines, and sites worldwide. He can be contacted at: rlhunziker@gmail.com. Read other articles by Robert.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Most survivors of childhood cancer don't get the tests needed to detect serious long-term adverse effects
Surviving childhood cancer does not always mean a clean bill of health, as the treatments that eradicate those cancers can put adult survivors at risk of new cancers and other serious health problems. Despite the existence of surveillance guidelines that recommend screening for adult cancers and other "late effects" of cancer therapy, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are rarely up to date for recommended tests, according to a large study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.231358led by researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Women's College Hospital.
As many as 80% of childhood cancer survivors will develop a serious or life-threatening effect, such as cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and colorectal and breast cancer, from treatment by age 45 years. The risk of colorectal cancer is 2–3 times higher than for the general population, and the risk of breast cancer in females who underwent chest radiation is similar to that of people with a BRCA mutation.
"Surveillance for late effects in adult survivors of childhood cancer is poor, placing many survivors at risk for preventable harm," writes Dr. Jennifer Shuldiner, scientist, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, with coauthors.
In this study, researchers used Ontario provincial data on 3241 CCS who had been diagnosed with cancer between 1984 and 2014. They studied CCS who were at elevated risk of breast, colorectal cancer, or cardiomyopathy because of radiation treatments or specific chemotherapies. Of the total, 2806 (87%) were at risk for at least 1 of these late effects, 345 (11%) were at risk for 2 and 90 (3%) were at risk for 3 late effects.
The North American Children's Oncology Group has developed long-term follow up guidelines (there have been 6 versions) to monitor adults who had cancer as children.
However, the number of survivors who were following the screening recommendations was low, with 13%, 6%, and 53% adherent to colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and cardiomyopathy screening recommendations, respectively. Those who were older at diagnosis were more likely to follow the cancer screening guidelines, whereas younger age at diagnosis was associated only with higher likelihood of following screening guidance for cardiomyopathy.
A lack of awareness of the negative long-term effects of cancer treatments may underlie these low rates. Even in the case of survivors who attended specialized cancer survivor clinics, screening adherence rates were low.
"Earlier studies found that a lack of knowledge about late effects risks and surveillance recommendations among survivors, family physicians, and specialists are substantial barriers to adherence," write the authors.
Screening recommendations need to address barriers to completing screening to ensure that CCS continue to lead healthy lives as adults.
"The challenge of ensuring that CCS receive the risk-adapted health care and surveillance testing they need to maximize their long-term health and quality of life is an area of intense focus," adds Dr. Paul Nathan, director of the AfterCare Program and oncologist in the Division of Haematology/Oncology at SickKids. "Building on these findings, we will be launching a province-wide study to determine if periodic surveillance reminders for CCS and their family doctors will improve completion of these potentially life-saving tests."
The findings demonstrate a need to support patients and primary care clinicians to improve adherence to surveillance guidelines among CCS. The authors note this responsibility must be shared between the cancer care systems, particularly the provincial pediatric cancer survivor network, and the patients themselves, through advocacy and other survivor support groups.
Brussels has been urging EU countries to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.
The EU will have to contend with even less Russian gas after Ukraine signaled it has no intention to renew the current 5-year pipeline transit agreement with Moscow.
Luckily for Europe, it would take an extraordinary set of circumstances for the continent to run out of gas any time soon with storage levels currently at historical highs.
Back in 2019, Russia and Ukraine inked a five-year pipeline transit agreement to supply natural gas to EU countries. Both countries have continued to honor the deal despite two years of war raging in Ukraine. But now the EU will have to contend with even less Russian gas after Ukraine signaled it has no intention to renew the pact when it expires on December 31, while EU energy chief Kadri Simson has indicated that the EU executive has "no interest" in pushing to revive the agreement.
And now, the EU is warning member countries to prepare for the worst-case scenario in the event the loss is accompanied by a harsh winter. Ukraine gas amounts to 5% of total EU gas imports with Aura Sabadus, a senior analyst at the ICIS market intelligence firm, telling Politico that Austria, Hungary and Slovakia are likely to be the hardest hit when the imports are cut off. Such a scenario would likely trigger another gas price rally, with prices having hit record highs shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. The situation is further exacerbated by the recent decision by Berlin to unilaterally tax gas exports, making it harder for these countries to swap Russian imports for supplies coming via Germany, Italy or Turkey.Related: 2 Ways to Play Europe’s $800 Billion Energy Crisis
"We should avoid steps that will damage the work done and strengthen the Russian aggressor," Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela said of the levy last week.
Brussels has been urging EU countries to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027. The bloc has so far managed to phase out about two-thirds of Russian gas imports and increasing imports from the U.S. and Norway. The EU executive says losing Russian supplies through Ukraine may lead to higher transport costs while storage levies imposed between the bloc’s countries could "make this diversification more difficult and costly."
Ample Gas Inventories
Luckily for Europe, it would take an extraordinary set of circumstances for the continent to run out of gas any time soon with storage levels currently at historical highs.
Commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have predicted that EU gas inventories will finish the current withdrawal season at a record high, setting the scene for a summer of low prices.
StanChart notes that there was a market tightening in mid-January when a cold snap pushed weekly draws above six billion cubic meters (bcm) and narrowed the surplus above the five-year average. However, the tightening was only brief, and inventories have climbed above the five-year average while draws have dropped below 1.7 bcm.
StanChart has forecast that the continent will finish the current withdrawal season with a new record of at least 67.5 bcm of gas, beating the previous record of 63.9 bcm. In contrast, Europe finished the 2022 season with just 29.1 bcm of gas shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, pushing Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) prices to record highs (current prices are more than 90% below their 2022 peak). StanChart has predicted that low gas prices will allow some lost demand to return.
EU gas demand for the first 16 days of February was 12.4% lower compared to the previous year’s comparable period and 18.4% lower than in February 2022. However, StanChart has warned that some demand will not return no matter how low prices fall thanks to some industrial capacity shutting down, moving to other regions or switching to other feedstocks.
Meanwhile, weak demand has continued to depress U.S. gas markets, with Henry Hub gas prices nearly 30% lower in the year-to-date. The market has, however, kicked off the new week on a bullish note with prices spiking after natural gas giant EQT Corp. (NYSE:EQT) announced it would cut output in response to low prices.
On Monday, EQT announced that it will curtail ~1B cf/day of natural gas production through March, after which it will reassess market conditions to determine its next course of action. The top U.S. natural gas producer cited "the current low natural gas price environment resulting from warm winter weather and consequent elevated storage inventories" for its decision. The curtailments will total 30B-40B cf of the company’s net production during the first quarter. Other leading gas producers including Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:CHK), Antero Resources Corp.(NYSE:AR) and Comstock Resources Inc. (NYSE:CRK) have announced plans to reduce drilling this year
Henry Hub gas price was up 7.3% to trade at $1.97/MMBtu at 12.30 pm ET; United States Natural Gas Fund, LP (NYSEARCA:UNG) gained 7.4% while ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas (NYSEARCA:BOIL) spiked 14.9%.
By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com
Two Countries That Could Break Putin's Gas Grip On Europe
At this moment, a fast-moving development is unfolding in Europe’s energy industry that is gaining more attention by the day.
Europe’s energy crisis, triggered by Russia’s early 2022 invasion of Ukraine, put an end to decades of reliance on cheap natural gas supplies from Russia.
In the short term, this meant significantly higher energy prices throughout Europe, with energy costs rising by 40.8% annually within the EU as of September 2022.
After decades of dependence on cheap Russian gas, the situation within Europe has changed in a meaningful way.
- The European Union has recognized that their energy reserves and security can no longer be dependent on cheap Russian gas. This has spurred a renewed interest in developing potentially significant reserves within Europe that have been largely ignored for decades...
- The EU has now endorsed natural gas as “green” and designated it a transition fuel as we move toward a renewable energy future...
- And the ongoing war in Europe – including sabotaged pipelines connecting Russia and Germany – has dramatically increased the urgency for bringing new supplies of natural gas online within Europe.
But one company is emerging as a potential leader in the race for home-grown solutions to energy crisis: MCF Energy (TSXV:MCF; OTC:MCFNF). This is an exciting player in Europe, with an array of assets that offer unique exposure to domestic natural gas.
The team leading MCF quickly recognized this opportunity to help strengthen Europe’s energy security...
And they bring with them extensive expertise in the European energy markets and geology, as well as an impressive track record in capital markets.
Potentially Massive European Natural Resources... Overlooked for Decades
Because most of Europe was so dependent on cheap Russian gas, a number of potentially massive resource opportunities within Europe have been sitting idle.
With decades of experience in the energy sector, and a deep understanding of Europe’s geology, the team was uniquely qualified to search for the most promising assets to help spur European production.
The company’s two highest-priority projects have a clear path to market, and are located in two of Europe’s most supportive jurisdictions.
Welchau: Up to a Trillion Cubic Feet Prospect in Austria
Located in the foothills of the Austrian Alps, the Welchau Gas Prospect contains over 140 meters of potential oil and gas-bearing thickness and carries the potential for up to a trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The property is analogous to large anticline structures discovered in Kurdistan and the Italian Apennines. In fact, the structure at Welchau is so large you can actually see it from space.
Another well was drilled back in the 1980s just five kilometers away from Welchau, the Molln-1 well flowed at 3.5 million per day and had 40 barrels of condensate for every 1000 cubic feet of natural gas. This well was never produced probably due to economic reasons at that time when companies were mainly looking for oil.
The existence of this well strongly suggests that there is gas and condensate in the system with a good sealing layer, helping significantly de-risk the project for the company.
The company is moving quickly on the Welchau gas prospect agreeing to fund the Welchau-1 well costs up to 50% of the cap of EUR 5.1 million to earn a 25% economic interest in the Welchau Investment Area. The Welchau gas prospect has significant gas resource potential, located in the heart of Europe at a relatively shallow drill depth and proximal to gas pipelines. Welchau is targeting the same reservoirs as the nearby Molln-1 well, which tested gas in 1989.
German Assets: Genexco Acquisition Brings Licenses for Four Large-Scale Project Areas
In April 2023, MCF Energy (TSXV:MCF; OTC:MCFNF) acquired 100% of Genexco GmbH, a private German oil and gas company. This acquisition helped position the company as a future leader in natural gas exploration in Germany with 100% ownership of four licenses of German natural gas exploration and development projects with a local German speaking staff and office.
These projects include:
Lech:
Lech is a concession in Bavaria covering 10 square kilometers with three previously drilled wells and two discoveries. One well tested gas at a rate of over 24 MMCFD and a second, deeper well which produced oil with gas at a rate of about 180 BOPD. The third well encountered the Oil/Water contact in a separate fault block from the discovery wells.
Reentry of the property’s Kinsau #1 well is planned in Q2 of 2024. This is the gas well which tested at a maximum flow rate of over 24 MMCFD in 1983. ? With improved stimulation technology over the past 40 years the company hopes to improve on these production rates.
The company has a 20%interest in an oil and gas exploration license held by Genexco Gas GmbH. MCF's 20% interest in the first well is carried (i.e., does not bear the costs of drilling) up to EUR 5,000,000.
Lech East
The company also acquired Lech East, a substantial natural gas exploration license spanning approximately 100 km² in Southwest Bavaria, Germany, granted by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy for an initial term of three years.
Lech East is adjacent to the Lech license area described above.
Modern 3D seismic interpretation, aided by Machine Learning and AI, has yielded very promising prospects, offsetting the significant historical gas and oil discoveries in the Lech license. The company plans a EUR 4.6 million exploration program at Lech East, including well drilling.
Reudnitz Gas Field
Reudnitz is located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Berlin in a rural area, with proven phases: Helium (Approx. 0.2%) and methane (14-20%) associated with high nitrogen content (>80%). The gas separation technologies and economics are well established to capture these resources.
Gaffney Cline & Associates ("GCA") has independently assessed the best estimate (P50) of 118.7 Billion cubic feet (BCF) of Methane, and 1.06 BCF of Helium resource. Separately, GCA has 4.4 million barrels of oil in the shallower Zechstein formation. Red circles are previously drilled wells that found gas.
Erlenwiese Exploration License
The company also acquired a significant exploration concession named Erlenwiese, spanning 87 km² in Western Germany.
Erlenwiese is positioned within the Central Rhein Graben hydrocarbon system, essential for Europe's long-term energy security. This block has two well defined drill prospects on seismic.
MCF has acquired the latest 2D and is in the process of obtaining the available 3D seismic data. The company plans to perform its own AI and Machine-Learning analysis to further supplement and de-risk its geological and geophysical analysis of the area.
MCF Energy Ltd. is Led by a Team with a Proven Track Record of Success
One of the most intriguing aspects of the company’s story is its leadership team. They are a team of executives with a proven history of delivering value for stakeholders in a big way.
For example, back in 2004, several of the principals of MCF Energy co-founded Bankers Petroleum Ltd. to revitalize the Patos Marinza oil field in Albania. The results were nothing short of astounding. This team helped deliver production growth of over 2,000% by 2015...and they took the company from an initial $7.8 million financing all the way to an acquisition of C$575 million, representing a premium of 98% over its latest closing price.
Then, just a few years later, they did it again. In 2008, BNK Petroleum was spun out of Bankers Petroleum to explore for shale-gas in Europe with two of the team members leading the way. Stakeholders in this spin-off saw the company’s share price shoot up 4,000% and hit a peak market cap of over $900 million.
In fact, BNK Petroleum established explorations in six countries, and became the largest oil and gas rights holder in Europe.
This “Dream Team” leading the way for MCF Energy (TSXV:MCF; OTC:MCFNF) includes...
Jay Park, KC – Executive Chairman & Director
Mr. Park is a renowned energy lawyer and entrepreneur based in London, UK advising global energy projects for over 40 years. Founder of Park Energy Law and former CEO and Chairman of Reconnaissance Energy Africa.
James Hill, P. Geo – CEO & Director
Mr. Hill is a professional geologist with over 40 years of technical and executive level experience in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development. Former Vice President of Exploration for BNK Petroleum and Bankers Petroleum.
Aaron Triplett, CA, CPA – CFO & Corporate Secretary
Mr. Triplett is a Chartered Accountant (2008) and Chartered Professional Accountant (2015) serving the natural resources industry. Experienced Chief Financial Officer formerly with Hillcrest Energy, Angkor Gold and others where he was responsible for all aspects of a company’s financial operations.
Peter Eckhard Oehms – Managing Director, Germany
Mr. Oehms is a geologist and project manager with over 40 years of experience, including previously from 1998 to 2008 at Wintershall, Germany's largest crude oil and natural gas producer; Co-founder of Genexco Gmbh, MCF Energy's 100% owned subsidiary.
General Wesley Clark – Director
General Clark was NATO's Supreme Allied Commander and the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. European Command. He has received numerous honorary degrees and awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Silver Star, Purple Heart and honorary knighthoods from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Richard Wadsworth – Director
Mr. Richard Wadsworth is a petroleum engineer with over 30 years’ experience in operations and management internationally. He was a co-founder, director, and President of Bankers Petroleum. Mr. Wadsworth recently led and developed a 55,000 BOPD oilfield in Iraq with development planned to 230,000 BOPD .
Jeffrey Harder, FCPA, FCA, FCBV, ICD.D – Director
Mr. Jeffrey Harder has more than 40 years’ experience in the natural resources sector. He held several leadership positions with Deloitte Canada, including: Office Managing Partner, Canada business leader, Americas business leader, Global executive committee member and Board of Directors member.
Executive Summary:
6 Reasons Why MCF Energy Should be Added to your Watchlist:
1. Massive Shift in European Energy Demand: After decades of reliance on cheap Russian natural gas, Europe is now acutely aware of the need for domestic production in order to meet its energy and security needs. The company is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the ongoing European energy crisis by tapping into significant exploration sites in Austria and Germany with other potential opportunities forthcoming.
2. First-Mover Advantage: The company is the first new public venture to consolidate large-scale gas prospects in Europe since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
3. Proven Track Record: Led by an accomplished leadership team with an impressive track record in the European energy and capital markets.
4. High-Upside Strategic Assets: The company has acquired large-scale, top-tier Austrian and German prospects with a clear path to market and is also evaluating additional potential acquisitions moving forward.
5. First-Rate Technical Team: A highly skilled technical team with extensive experience in geosciences, geology and operations to identify and develop potentially lucrative European natural gas reserves.
6. Clear Vision: The vision is clear as the company is leveraging its extensive expertise and capital to build the dominant new clean oil and gas company in Europe while delivering value for all stakeholders. Other companies to watch as the world races for new oil and gas resources:
TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) has firmly positioned itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner energy, navigating the complexities of the global energy landscape with a multifaceted strategy. Beyond its substantial investments in natural gas and LNG infrastructure, TotalEnergies is aggressively pursuing renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, to diversify its energy portfolio. This strategic pivot is emblematic of the company's commitment to becoming a net-zero emission entity by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
TotalEnergies' approach to oil, its traditional stronghold, is equally forward-thinking. The company is pioneering carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies and biofuels, aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of its products. Its research and development efforts are geared towards enhancing energy efficiency and pioneering low-carbon solutions, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability across all its operations.
TotalEnergies represents a balanced opportunity, combining robust traditional energy operations with ambitious forays into the renewable sector. Its proactive stance on climate change and energy diversity signals a long-term growth trajectory aligned with the evolving energy demands of the global market.
Eni (NYSE:E) distinguishes itself with a strategic focus that balances its rich heritage in oil and gas with a clear vision for the energy future. Eni's advancements in the natural gas sector, particularly its significant discoveries in the Mediterranean, underscore its role in securing Europe's energy supply while transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The company's commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its investments in renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and biomass, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and foster a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
Innovation lies at the heart of Eni's operations, with a significant emphasis on developing advanced technologies to enhance the environmental sustainability of its oil and gas operations. Its initiatives in green refining and the development of proprietary technologies to convert fossil fuels into renewable energy sources highlight Eni's proactive approach to addressing the dual challenge of meeting global energy demand while reducing environmental impact.
Eni not only values its traditional energy roots but is also deeply invested in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Eni's strategic investments and commitment to innovation and sustainability position it well to navigate the uncertainties of the global energy market while offering potential for growth and stability.
Equinor (NYSE:EQNR), with its strategic pivot towards renewable energy, is emerging as a key player in Europe's green transition. Norway's energy powerhouse is leveraging its extensive experience in offshore operations to lead in offshore wind, a critical component of Europe's renewable energy strategy. Equinor's investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen projects further underscores its commitment to a low-carbon future, aligning its business model with global sustainability goals.
Equinor's oil and gas operations continue to be optimized for efficiency and sustainability, with a focus on reducing emissions and enhancing safety measures. The company's leadership in electrifying offshore platforms, a move aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas production, exemplifies its innovative approach to traditional energy sectors.
For investors, Equinor offers an enticing mix of traditional energy expertise and leadership in the renewable energy sector. Its strategic investments in green energy and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the energy transition, with Equinor positioned as a frontrunner in shaping the future of global energy.
BP plc (NYSE:BP) stands as a beacon of innovation and adaptability in the global energy sector, notably within Europe's evolving energy landscape. In response to the continental shift towards cleaner energy sources, BP has significantly increased its investments in the natural gas arena, including the development of pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. This strategic pivot not only aligns with the demand for cleaner-burning fuels but also underscores BP's commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Despite the burgeoning focus on natural gas, oil remains a cornerstone of BP's business model. The company has embarked on multiple initiatives aimed at ensuring that its oil exploration and production processes are sustainable, emphasizing the reduction of environmental impacts and the optimization of production efficiency. These efforts highlight BP's recognition of the need to balance traditional energy sources with the global shift towards sustainability.
BP presents a multifaceted opportunity, characterized by a blend of traditional strength in oil and proactive expansion into natural gas and hydrogen. BP's strategic initiatives in sustainable exploration, combined with its adaptation to emerging energy trends, position it as a leading entity in the drive towards a more diversified and sustainable energy portfolio.
Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) is navigating the complex dynamics of the global energy market with a diversified and forward-thinking strategy. The company has significantly expanded its ventures in natural gas and LNG terminals, reflecting a concerted effort to adapt to Europe's changing energy consumption patterns towards cleaner energy sources. Shell's investments in traditional gas pipelines and state-of-the-art LNG facilities are pivotal to its strategy, underscoring its role in facilitating the continent's energy transition.
Shell's approach to the energy sector is characterized by its commitment to diversity and innovation. The company's extensive oil operations provide a foundation of stability and robustness, while its strategic investments in natural gas and emerging technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture underscore its vision for the future of energy.
Shell offers a comprehensive approach to the energy sector, combining the reliability of traditional energy operations with strategic growth in cleaner energy sources. Shell's efforts to integrate technological advancements and uphold environmental standards position it as a compelling choice for those seeking to invest in the sustainable transformation of the global energy landscape.
MEG Energy Corp. (TSX:MEG) exemplifies innovation within the Canadian oil sands sector, driving forward with its sustainable in situ oil sands development and production strategies. Through the deployment of its proprietary HI-Q® technology, MEG Energy is setting new standards for operational efficiency and environmental stewardship in Alberta, Canada. This technology is a game-changer, aimed at reducing operational costs and enhancing resource recovery rates, underscoring MEG's commitment to responsible development through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.
With a strategic focus on maximizing the value of its considerable oil sands assets, MEG Energy has established a framework for financial discipline and operational excellence. This approach has positioned MEG to generate substantial free cash flow, showcasing the company's robust production base and dedication to cost reduction and operational improvements.
Looking ahead, MEG Energy's trajectory towards operational excellence and financial robustness is clear. The company's unwavering focus on sustainable development and technological efficiencies marks it as an attractive investment opportunity for those interested in a company that places a high priority on environmental and economic sustainability within the Canadian oil sands sector.
Whitecap Resources Inc. (TSX:WCP) operates as a growth-oriented company, skillfully navigating the acquisition and development of conventional oil and natural gas resources in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Whitecap's strategic synthesis of disciplined acquisition and development of low-decline assets, coupled with a strong focus on operational efficiencies and cost control, delineates its pathway to creating sustainable shareholder returns.
The company's commitment to responsible energy development is reflected in its initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance overall sustainability. Whitecap's dedication to environmental stewardship, bolstered by its efforts to maintain strong governance practices and foster positive community relations, positions it as a leader in sustainable energy development.
Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) commands a diverse and formidable portfolio, particularly highlighted by its ventures into the natural gas sector within the Montney and Duvernay regions. This strategic engagement reflects a broader ambition to harness Canada's vast gas potential effectively.
Oil, nonetheless, remains a pivotal element of CNRL's success narrative. With a diversified asset base spanning oil sands to heavy crude, CNRL demonstrates operational versatility and a commitment to sustainable practices and cost efficiencies.
Investors looking at CNRL are presented with a powerhouse in the energy sector, where the amalgamation of extensive natural gas projects and a solid foundation in oil operations positions it as a dominant contender, ready to meet the future energy demands with a sustainable and efficient approach.
Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (TSX:BIR) is a company in the Canadian oil and natural gas sector, with a primary focus on high-quality assets in the Montney/Doig Resource Play. This strategic emphasis allows Birchcliff to harness the potential of one of North America's premier resource plays, contributing significantly to its production and reserve growth. The company's dedication to operational excellence and cost efficiency has positioned it as a low-cost producer, optimizing returns even in fluctuating market conditions.
Birchcliff Energy is focused on sustainable growth, leveraging its strong asset base and operational efficiencies to navigate the evolving energy landscape. With an eye towards enhancing shareholder value, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities within the Montney/Doig Resource Play, making it an attractive proposition for those invested in the Canadian energy sector.
By. Tom Kool
Forward-Looking Statements
This publication contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this publication include that large oil and gas companies will continue to focus on offshore natural gas resources; that domestic onshore natural gas assets in Europe will provide a more affordable energy source than offshore resources; that demand for natural gas will continue to increase in Europe and Germany; that Russia will not supply the majority of natural gas in Germany and Europe; that natural gas will continue to be utilized as a main energy source in Germany and other European countries and demand for natural gas, and in particular domestic natural gas, will continue and increase in the future; that MCF Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) can replicate the previous success of its key investors and management in developing and selling valuable energy assets; that the natural gas projects of the Company will be successfully tested and developed; that the Company can develop and supply a safe, domestic source of energy to European countries; that natural gas will be reclassified as sustainable energy which will support the development of the Company’s assets; that imports of liquified natural gas will not be sustainable for Europe and that European countries will need to rely on domestic sources of natural gas; that the Company expects to obtain significant attention due to its upcoming drilling plans combined with Europe desperate for domestic natural gas supply; that the upcoming drilling on the Company’s projects will be successful; that the Company’s projects will contain commercial amounts of natural gas; that the Company can finance ongoing operations and development; that the Company can achieve its business plans and objectives as anticipated. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include that large oil and gas companies will start focusing on the development of domestic natural gas resources; that the natural gas resources of competitors will be more successful or obtain a greater share of market supply; that offshore liquified natural gas assets will be favored over domestic resources for various reasons; that alternative technologies will replace natural gas as a mainstream energy source in Europe and elsewhere; that demand for natural gas will not continue to increase as expected for various reasons, including climate change and emerging technologies; that political changes will result in Russia or other countries providing natural gas supplies in future; that the Company may fail to replicate the previous success of its key investors and management in developing and selling valuable energy assets; that the natural gas projects of the Company may fail to be successfully tested and developed; that the Company’s projects may not contain commercial amounts of natural gas; that the Company may be unable to develop and supply a safe, domestic source of energy to European countries; that natural gas may not be reclassified as sustainable energy or may be replaced by other energy sources; that the upcoming drilling on the Company’s projects may be unsuccessful or may be less positive than expected; that the Company’s projects may not contain commercial amounts of natural gas; that the Company may be unable to finance its ongoing operations and development; that the Company can achieve its business plans and objectives as anticipated; that the Company may be unable to finance its ongoing operations and development; that the business of the Company may be unsuccessful for various reasons. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
DISCLAIMERS
This communication is for entertainment purposes only. Never invest purely based on our communication. We have not been compensated by MCF Energy Ltd. for this article but may in the future be compensated to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing for MCF Energy Ltd. While the opinions expressed in this article are based on information believed to be accurate and reliable, such information in our communications and on our website has not been independently verified and is not guaranteed to be correct. The content of this article is based solely on our opinions which are based on very limited analysis and we are not professional analysts or advisors.
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