Ocean Energy

Could the Ocean Solve the Problems Facing Electrification?

The age of electrification is transforming how the world consumes energy. Driven by the adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and the electrification of everything from lawn mowers to bikes. This shift requires a stable, abundant, and low-carbon energy supply to meet soaring electricity demand while combating climate change.

According to the International Energy Administration, “The global electricity demand is expected to rise at a faster rate over the next three years, growing by an average of 3.4% annually through 2026.”

Where will all this Electricity Come From?

Electricity has two “modes” – base load and peak load. Base load is the supply that’s always on. It’s the supply we rely on to make the lights go on, no matter what time we use them. That supply comes from two main fuels – coal or nuclear.

Peak load is the extra supply we use at certain times. If we have a heat wave and everyone uses their air conditioning at full blast for a week. That adds extra load to the system. Sometimes, it’s as simple as increasing electricity usage in the afternoon when everyone comes home from work. We all start cooking, turn on the lights and crank up the air conditioner at the same time, creating a significant surge in electrical demand.

Peak load is mainly supplied by natural gas because it’s easy to turn on and turn off quickly.

Renewables like wind and solar can provide electricity, but they don’t fall into either of the existing categories. Without batteries to store and distribute that power, renewables are frustratingly inconsistent.

Wind only works when its windy and solar only works when sunny.

That leaves countries with a choice between coal and nuclear power to supply new demand.

Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in this transition, offering a reliable, scalable, and carbon-free power source to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar. Its ability to provide consistent base-load power makes nuclear energy essential for achieving global electrification goals and ensuring energy security in a sustainable future.

If you subscribed to Mangrove Investor’s New Energy you already know that we’ve been excited about the nuclear energy industry for a while. If you were fortunate enough to have followed some of our research, then you are probably happy with your returns.

Going forward as the sentiment changes in favor of nuclear energy and demand drives the need for more base load energy, we continue to keep our nose to the ground around nuclear energy. Or in this case maybe nose to the water!

Limited Uranium Supply

Uranium is a critical fuel for nuclear power plants, which provide a substantial portion of the world’s low-carbon electricity. However, uranium deposits are finite and concentrated in a few regions, raising concerns about supply limitations and geopolitical dependencies.

The Ocean… A Game-Changer for Nuclear Energy?

Seawater contains about 4.5 billion tons of uranium, far exceeding the 8 million tons of known land-based reserves. Despite its abundance, extracting uranium from seawater has been a challenging and expensive endeavor due to the resource’s low concentration—approximately three parts per billion.

However, researchers from China’s Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) have developed an organic material to extract uranium from seawater. The material is reportedly cost-effective and has “exceptional uranium adsorption capability”. The research is published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 495 dated 1 September 2024

This breakthrough could help address the world’s long-term energy security needs by tapping into an almost inexhaustible supply of uranium.

QIBEBT research teams have developed advanced adsorbent materials and techniques to make uranium extraction from seawater more efficient and cost-effective. These materials selectively bind uranium ions while resisting fouling and degradation in the harsh ocean environment. Recent experiments have demonstrated the viability of these methods on a larger scale, marking a significant step forward.

One key innovation uses special materials called polymeric adsorbents, which are treated to attract uranium from seawater. These materials can stay in seawater for long periods, then be processed to remove the uranium. Researchers are also using AI and machine learning to improve the process and cut costs.

Global Energy

The ability to extract uranium from seawater could transform nuclear energy. By making uranium supplies virtually limitless, countries can rely more heavily on nuclear power to meet their energy needs without concerns about running out of fuel. This could also reduce reliance on uranium imports, enhancing energy independence for nations with limited uranium reserves.

Wishful Thinking

While promising, seawater uranium extraction still faces challenges. The cost of production remains higher than that of mining uranium. Additionally, the environmental impact of large-scale operations in marine ecosystems needs to be carefully studied and managed.

China’s advancements in extracting uranium from seawater may be a pivotal moment in the quest for uranium. If the technology becomes commercially viable, it could unlock a virtually limitless fuel source for nuclear power, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security.

As we continue to follow the nuclear sector, this is the sort of innovation that could make a big impact. So, we will continue to keep our nose to the water on this one.
For the good

Michael Nichols

Numbers You Need to Know

67,000 tonnes

The world’s power reactors, with combined capacity of about 400 GWe, require some 67,500 tonnes of uranium from mines or elsewhere each year. (World Nuclear Association)

4.5 billion tonnes

Although uranium concentration in seawater is only about 3 micrograms per liter, the quantity of uranium dissolved in the world’s oceans is estimated to amount to 4.5 billion tonnes of uranium. (Eco Sciences)

1953

The first study on the extraction of uranium from seawater was carried
out by Great Britain in 1953. (International Nuclear Information System)

What’s New in Sustainable Investing

Debunking the top five sustainable investing myths

Sustainable investing may help you achieve your financial goals while incorporating personal values. Despite its popularity, misconceptions still exist. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common sustainable investing myths. (J.P. Morgan)

Trump pick Vivek Ramaswamy is an anti-ESG firebrand. Will his influence reshape sustainable investing?

The rise of new conservative political figures like Vivek Ramaswamy has raised concerns over how ESG investing may come under fire in a second Trump administration. (Pensions & Investments)

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