Technology

Wave Energy Gains Momentum in Europe Amid Clean Energy Push

Published

6 hours ago

February 22, 2025

RTX

European countries with strong Atlantic swells, including Spain, France, and Ireland, are emerging as key players in harnessing wave energy, one of the world’s largest untapped renewable resources.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), ocean power generation needs to grow by 33% annually to help achieve global net-zero targets by 2050. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates wave energy could generate up to 29,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year—nearly ten times Europe’s annual electricity consumption.

“Wave and tidal energy have the potential to be significant, reliable, and sustainable power sources,” said José Miguel Rodrigues, a senior research scientist at SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest research institutes. Unlike wind and solar, tidal energy is governed by predictable gravitational cycles, providing a steady electricity supply that helps balance the grid.

A breakthrough in wave energy technology comes from Swedish company CorPower Ocean. Inspired by the pumping mechanism of the human heart, cardiologist Dr. Stig Lundbäck co-founded the company in 2009. Their ‘CorPack’ wave energy converter—a lightweight buoy—converts the up-and-down motion of waves into rotational energy, which is then transformed into electricity. According to CorPower Ocean, the device produces five times more electricity per tonne of equipment compared to previous technologies.

“CorPower has steadily progressed through development stages, securing investment and research grants, particularly from the EU,” Rodrigues noted. The company’s first full-scale wave energy converter is currently deployed off Portugal’s northern coast near Aguçadora, where it is supplying power to the national grid.

Other innovators are also making strides in the sector. Italian energy company ENI has developed the Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter, while China’s Nanku floating generator and Finland’s AW-Energy’s WaveRoller, featuring large underwater panels, are further advancing the technology.

Despite its potential, wave and tidal energy still face challenges in achieving commercial viability at scale. “The key challenge is competitiveness,” Rodrigues explained. “Wave energy must demonstrate both consistent performance and the ability to withstand extreme ocean forces. Many prototypes have failed or underperformed, while offshore wind and solar have proven reliability and cost-effectiveness.”

European nations like Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and the UK have the most favorable conditions for large-scale wave energy projects due to their exposure to Atlantic swells. Norway, with its extensive coastline and remote island communities, also presents a strong market where wave energy could reduce grid costs and enhance energy independence.

Ultimately, the success of wave energy hinges on not just technological advancements but also economic viability, social acceptance, and supportive government policies. With continued innovation and investment, wave energy could soon play a vital role in Europe’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Technology

Google to Rename Gulf of Mexico and Denali for U.S. Users Following Trump Order

Published

4 weeks ago

January 28, 2025

RTX

Google has announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” on Google Maps for users in the United States, in compliance with an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. This change comes alongside the decision to revert the name of Alaska’s Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, to its former designation, Mount McKinley.

The tech giant confirmed the updates on Monday, noting that users in Mexico will still see the Gulf of Mexico on their maps, while users in other countries will see both names displayed. Similarly, Denali will appear as Mount McKinley for U.S. users but retain its original name elsewhere.

“We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government records,” Google said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone in the rest of the world sees both names. That applies here too.”

The renaming will take effect after the U.S. government officially updates its listings for the Gulf of Mexico and Denali, according to Google.

Trump’s Vision for a Renamed America
President Trump first revealed his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico in early January, ahead of his January 20 inauguration. He stated that the name “Gulf of America” had “a beautiful ring to it” and tied the decision to his broader vision of reasserting U.S. dominance.

During his inaugural address, Trump reiterated this theme, declaring, “America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world.”

The name changes have sparked mixed reactions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump’s announcement, sarcastically suggesting that North America be renamed “América Mexicana” or “Mexican America,” referencing an 1814 document that used that term prior to Mexico’s constitution.

Denali to Mount McKinley
Trump’s decision to rename Denali as Mount McKinley has also drawn attention. The mountain, known as Denali by Native Alaskans for centuries, was officially given its traditional name in 2015 by the Obama administration as a gesture of respect for Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. Trump, however, views the change to Mount McKinley as a tribute to the 25th U.S. President, William McKinley.

The proposed changes reflect the broader political and cultural dynamics under the Trump administration, sparking debate on national identity and historical recognition.

Technology

Trump Downplays TikTok Security Concerns Despite Past Efforts to Ban the App

Published

4 weeks ago

January 25, 2025

RTX

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed national security concerns over TikTok, asking rhetorically, “Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? On young kids watching crazy videos?” His remarks mark a stark departure from his earlier attempts to ban the app during his presidency over fears of Chinese espionage.

In 2020, Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok in the U.S., citing concerns that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could provide sensitive user data to Beijing. The order claimed TikTok’s data collection posed risks, including tracking government employees, blackmail, and corporate espionage. While the ban failed, concerns over TikTok’s potential misuse have persisted among U.S. lawmakers and security experts.

Evolving Security Concerns

Since Trump’s executive order, bipartisan support has grown for measures to curb TikTok’s influence. State and federal agencies, as well as the military, have restricted employees from downloading the app on work devices. In 2022, Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a potential ban, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court on national security grounds.

Despite these measures, experts argue that banning TikTok or forcing a sale may not fully protect U.S. user data. Many websites and apps collect similar data—such as location, search history, and purchase patterns—which is readily available for purchase through data brokers. “The Chinese government can simply buy U.S. user data from data brokers,” said Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Additionally, China’s advanced cyber-espionage capabilities have enabled the country to target U.S. government networks and critical infrastructure, raising broader concerns about data security.

Algorithm Manipulation Fears

Beyond data collection, lawmakers worry about ByteDance’s ability to manipulate TikTok’s algorithm to spread Chinese propaganda or disinformation. Although TikTok has denied allegations of Beijing’s influence over its content, experts highlight that Chinese state actors have previously exploited U.S.-owned social media platforms to disseminate disinformation.

Trump’s Reversal and Proposed Solution

Trump’s recent comments suggest a shift in his stance. He floated the idea of a 50-50 joint U.S.-China ownership of TikTok, though it’s unclear if such an arrangement would satisfy security requirements outlined in the sale-or-ban law.

Some analysts speculate that Trump’s change of heart could stem from his personal use of the platform or perceptions that China’s global influence has diminished. However, others caution that China’s continued interest in accessing U.S. data and influencing public opinion remains a pressing concern.

TikTok’s Efforts to Address Concerns

TikTok has taken steps to address U.S. fears, including storing American user data on Oracle-owned servers and allowing third-party monitors to review its systems. However, experts remain skeptical about whether these measures can completely sever Beijing’s influence.

As the debate continues, the broader implications of data privacy, algorithmic control, and national security remain at the forefront of the TikTok controversy.

Technology

TikTok Users Brace for Possible US Ban, Seek Alternatives as Deadline Looms

Published

1 month ago

January 16, 2025

RTX

With TikTok facing a likely ban in the United States within three days, users across the country are preemptively bidding farewell to the platform and exploring alternatives. The uncertainty has sparked a surge in downloads of both new and existing short-form video apps, as users, including influencers, prepare for the potential shutdown.

Influencer Jasmine Chiswell, who boasts 18 million TikTok followers, posted a video on Tuesday lamenting the app’s impending ban. “Me saying goodbye to 18 million best friends because TikTok is getting banned,” read her caption, accompanied by sad emojis.

Countdown to Ban Sparks Anxiety

The fear intensified after The Information reported late Tuesday that TikTok may shut down entirely for U.S. users by Sunday unless it secures a Supreme Court reprieve or finds an American owner. Earlier, many assumed the app would simply be removed from app stores, allowing current users temporary access.

The looming ban stems from U.S. national security concerns over TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, and the potential sharing of American user data with Beijing.

Rise of TikTok Alternatives

Amid the uncertainty, several lesser-known platforms have gained traction. Apps like RedNote (known as Xiaohongshu), Lemon8, Clapper, Flip, and Fanbase have seen significant downloads in recent days.

RedNote, a China-based app similar to Instagram, has climbed to the top of app store charts. Many U.S. users joined RedNote as a form of protest against the government’s actions. “Take away TikTok, and we’ll just use another Chinese app,” declared one user in a video. The influx of American users on RedNote has sparked humorous cultural exchanges, with users offering Mandarin lessons and sharing slang.

Lemon8, another ByteDance-owned platform, has also gained popularity. Previously marketed to U.S. users in early 2023, Lemon8 offers a Pinterest-like interface with lifestyle content. However, like TikTok, these apps could also face future restrictions under U.S. laws targeting platforms owned by “foreign adversaries.”

Non-Chinese platforms, such as Clapper and Flip, are also gaining momentum. Clapper, which includes live audio conversations, reported 1.4 million new users this week. Flip, a shopping-focused app, experienced such rapid growth that it faced temporary outages.

Mainstream Platforms Struggle to Match TikTok’s Appeal

While mainstream platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts stand to benefit, many users argue they lack TikTok’s magic. TikTok’s algorithm, which uniquely predicts users’ preferences, remains unmatched. Creators have expressed concerns about losing TikTok’s authentic community and monetization tools, such as TikTok Shop.

“TikTok favors realism,” said creator Stormi Steele. “It’s about being authentic, and people resonate with that.”

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, its users continue to search for a platform that replicates its unmatched features and community spirit.