Andrew Wade

Feb 7, 2025 | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

Plastics, much like the hydrocarbon cousins they’re derived from, are inherently useful. Cheap, abundant, and multifunctional, they touch virtually every aspect of daily life, from clothing, packaging and consumer goods to electronics, automotive components and medical devices. But this utility has fuelled ubiquity and, in the absence of adequate circular practices, plastic waste has become a major environmental hazard.

Feb 3, 2025 | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

For anyone who has been (very understandably) avoiding the news of late, humanity’s battle against climate collapse isn’t going so well. Aided by El Nino, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with average temperatures on Earth pushing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Meanwhile, global emissions continued to grow, even with the rapid expansion of renewables. At times like these, hope is a precious commodity.

Jan 21, 2025 | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

Sugarcrete combines bagasse - the dry pulpy fibrous material that remains after crushing sugarcane and other crops – with sand mineral binders to create blocks. The material is claimed to be six times less carbon intensive than traditional bricks. Sugarcrete was developed by engineers and scientists at the University of East London (UEL).

Jan 17, 2025 | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

According to the report, The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy, the sector is set for continued growth, despite cost overruns and project delays in many countries. Construction of new projects is at one of its highest levels in 30 years, with over 70 gigawatts of capacity in progress across more than 40 countries.

Jan 13, 2025 | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

Located just a few kilometres from the border with Northen Ireland, Monaghan-based forklift manufacturer Combilift has had to move with the times. The company started business in 1998 – the same year the Good Friday Agreement was signed – and over the past quarter century has grown to employ big numbers from both sides of the divide. “About 100 of our employees would be living in Northern Ireland, travelling across the border to Monaghan,” Martin McVicar, Combilift CEO, told The Engineer.