GE Vernova: Sustainable Collaboration for Climate Technology

The year 2024 has been record-breaking in many ways, including setting a new record global daily average temperature.

COP29, the United Nations' Conference of the Parties 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will highlight and spark collaborations that can make a difference to the climate.

Climate change is already having a devastating impact around the world, and many people are turning to energy-hungry solutions that could make the problem worse.

The problem with air conditioning

Traditionally, air conditioning units can use up to 4,100 watts per hour which, if not using renewable energy, can mean GHG emissions of more than 4kg for just one hour of cooling from one unit. 

GE Vernova has partnered with Montana Technologies Corporation to develop transformative climate technology that can address issues with water scarcity alongside demand for air conditioning.

AirJoule LLC is a joint venture between the two companies that produces innovative HVAC products that can reduce environmental impact. 

“Each partner brought different parts of the IP needed for a full solution,” says Limor Spector, President of Ventures and Incubation at GE Vernova.

“That interlocking IP and the need for commercialization outside our core businesses made for a very compelling story for us to partner together.”

Why better air conditioning solutions are needed

Both GE Vernova and Montana Technologies are committed to the important climate work they’re doing. 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that air conditioning accounts for 20% of all electricity used in buildings and 10% of all electricity used worldwide.

By 2050 this demand is set to triple.

“That’s simply unsustainable,” says Matt Jore, Chief Executive Officer of Montana Technologies.

“But, if you can reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning by 50% or 75%, that will make a big dent on greenhouse gas emissions.”

The problem with water

Heat isn’t the only problem. Humidity is also starting to wreak havoc on the planet, causing corrosion in industries and potentially leading to severe health issues. 

Matt says: “Humidity in the air is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, as it will continue to increase as humans continue to heat the earth and it is also a huge energy drain on conventional air conditioning systems. That’s what AirJoule addresses.”

Clean drinking water is also becoming more scarce, with at least half of the world’s population living under highly water-stressed conditions for at least one month of the year.

The United Nations predicts that the global urban population facing water scarcity will double by 2050.

AirJoule technology can turn humidity into an opportunity by harvesting water from the air.

The harvested water is pure and distilled, which is needed in a wide range of industries including semiconductors, green hydrogen and pharmaceuticals. 

Smart partnerships for sustainability ahead of COP29

To meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of preventing catastrophic global warming, all industries, countries and people must decarbonise.

When everyone is working on this common goal, it makes no sense to work alone. 

Matt explains: “For partnerships to work, it’s important to find like-minded people, good people who are motivated by these higher goals. 

“The GE Vernova team has people like that, and that means we are all working together in the same direction.”

Limor says the GE Vernova Ventures and Incubation team looks for entrepreneurial leaders like Jore “who not only work incredibly well together, but also bring a unique mix of confidence, resilience and passion who can help us extend and develop that technology.”

COP29 for collaboration

The United Nations’ annual Conference of the Parties serves as the meeting for the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.

World leaders, experts, civil society and stakeholders attend COP conferences each year to assess progress, negotiate actions and foster innovation.

Roger Martella, Group Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at GE Vernova, says: “Working alongside some of the greatest minds in this industry is one of the best parts of my job.”

It is hoped that COP conferences, with such impact and influence, can bring together more innovative partnerships like this one to address sustainability issues around the world.

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