High-tech firetrucks are ready to serve the area that includes George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Photo courtesy of Houston Airports

Houston Airports and the Houston Fire Department will roll out a new fleet of eco-friendly and health-promoting vehicles this summer.

Four new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) trucks will be deployed at HFD Stations 99 and 92 near IAH. The vehicles were purchased with $4.6 million from the Airport Improvement Fund and will replace a fleet purchased in 2006.

One truck is already operating HFD Station 99. Others are expected to be operational by August, according to Houston Airports.

"The safety of passengers and crew at Bush Airport is our top priority," Steve Runge, director of operations for Houston Airports, says in a statement. "These new ARFF trucks represent a significant investment in the latest firefighting technology, ensuring the Houston Fire Department has the resources it needs to respond swiftly and effectively to any aircraft emergency while utilizing eco-friendly foam."

The vehicles feature several innovative features including:

  • Synthetic fluorine-free foam that extinguishes fires with minimal environmental impact
  • High-capacity water pumps that deliver up to 1,200 gallons of water per minute
  • Specialized rescue equipment for rescuing passengers and crew from crashes
  • Rosenbauer re-circulation air scrubber system that reduces firefighter’s exposure to carcinogenic toxins

They can carry 3,000 gallons of water, 400 gallons of foam, 450 pounds of Purple K dry-chemical and 460 pounds of Halotron to extinguish fires and rescue passengers and crew, according to Houston Airports.

"From the health of the firefighters to protecting people and property at Bush Airport, we appreciate this investment by Houston Airports,” Ronald Krusleski, senior captain and ARFF coordinator for the Houston Fire Department, adds.

Houston Airports also plans to build a 21,000-square-foot facility to replace the current HFD 92 at IAH that will include six apparatus bays, fire inspector and administrative offices, and direct access to the airfield, according to a statement. It'll be funded by $30 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants for Fiscal Year 2024 from the FAA. Hobby Airport also received $15 million to demolish and reconstruct existing ARFF buildings.

Last year Houston Airports also received $12.5 million for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The projects included replacing existing generators and conducting an energy audit.

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This article originally ran on InnovationMap.

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Houston environmental firm makes partnership to deliver low-carbon ship fuel

renewable shipping

Houston-headquartered environmental services firm Anew Climate and Vancouver-based ship-to-ship marine bunkering of liquified natural gas company Seaspan Energy have entered into a first-of-its-kind strategic agreement to offer the delivery of renewable liquefied natural gas (R-LNG) to customers on the North American West Coast.

“We’re proud to collaborate with Anew Climate to forge a new path for lower-carbon marine fuel,” Harly Penner, president of Seaspan Energy, said in a news release. “This partnership supports our goal to provide cleaner energy solutions to the maritime industry and demonstrates our dedication to innovation and environmental leadership.”

Anew will supply renewable natural gas (RNG) certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). The RNG will comply with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, which recently approved measures to encourage emissions reductions, and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation in the European Union.

Together, the companies aim to identify and develop commercial opportunities to promote the adoption of lower-carbon fuels and deliver ISCC-certified renewable liquified natural gas (R-LNG) to ships throughout the North American West Coast.

The partnership builds upon Anew Climate’s bio-LNG bunkering, which was developed in 2021 when the company was known as Element Markets. It was the first bio-LNG bunkering, or refueling with bio-LNG, in the U.S.

“At a time when global shipping is under pressure to decarbonize, this partnership brings together two innovators committed to advancing sustainable solutions,” Andy Brosnan, president of Anew Climate Low Carbon Fuels, said in a news release. “By combining Anew’s expertise in RNG with Seaspan’s marine logistic capabilities, we’re offering a market-leading approach to help shipowners meet evolving emissions requirements and reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance.”

In July, Anew also extended its agreement with CNX Resources to market remediated mine gas, which is an ultra-low carbon intensity energy source from captured waste methane. It also announced a 10-year agreement earlier this summer with Aurora Sustainable Lands and Microsoft to deliver 4.8 million nature-based carbon removal credits. Anew Climate, founded in 2001, states that its mission is to reduce emissions, environmental restoration and impact the climate in a positive way.

Houston energy firm to develop data center projects in Matagorda County

data center developments

Houston-based Barrio Energy will develop two new projects for 10-megawatt data center sites in Matagorda County.

Located in the ERCOT South Zone, the projects will assist in powering advanced computing operations, modular data centers and cryptocurrency mining, according to a news release.

Barrio Energy is a provider of energy infrastructure solutions for computing and data centers, and its new locations will build on its existing Texas sites in Monahans, George West, Lolita and Tyler. The Tyler location, a 12-megawatt data center connected to the ERCOT grid, opened in 2024.

“The ERCOT South Zone’s strong infrastructure and access to abundant power make it an optimal location for next-generation computing,” Ivan Pinney, CEO of Barrio Energy, said in a news release. “These developments expand our portfolio and contribute to local economic growth through job creation and technological innovation.”

Operations at the first of the two sites are expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the second site following in Q1 2026.

“We are excited to advance these two high-potential 10MW sites in Matagorda County, which perfectly align with our mission to provide scalable, efficient energy solutions for our clients,” Pinney added in the release.

Expert: 6 solutions to address the energy industry’s talent shortage

Guest Column

Across the energy sector, companies are facing the growing challenge of finding skilled workers. In fact, 71% of energy employers say they are struggling to fill open roles. What is causing the shortage? A mix of factors, including an aging workforce, outdated perceptions of the industry and a rising global demand for energy.

This talent gap threatens progress on big goals like transitioning to cleaner energy, upgrading infrastructure and driving innovation in renewables. Solving the problem isn’t simple, but it is possible. It is going to take a coordinated, long-term approach that includes education, recruitment, training, retention and supportive policies. Let’s explore some practical solutions.

1. Build a strong foundation through STEM and career pathway awareness

Solving the workforce shortage starts well before college or the first job offer. We need to reach students early, with STEM education, career exposure and clear pathways to energy careers. Elementary, middle and high school programs that connect science and math with real-world energy applications can spark curiosity and show students the range of opportunities available in the energy industry.

Organizations like the Energy Education Foundation are helping by partnering with educators and employers to align curriculum with real industry needs and bring energy topics to life in the classroom. We also need to ensure students understand the full range of energy systems, from traditional oil and gas to renewables like wind and solar, as well as nuclear, hydrogen and other emerging technologies. A broad, well-rounded understanding of the entire energy value chain will better prepare them for the future of work in this dynamic industry.

As technologies evolve, so must the systems that prepare people to work with them. Energy companies can collaborate with universities, trade schools and community colleges to design programs that match today’s job requirements through hands-on apprenticeships, industry-recognized certifications and digital skills training.

Affordability can also be a barrier for many students who are interested in energy careers but face financial obstacles to higher education. While four-year degrees are important for some roles, they are not the only path into the industry. Trade schools, community colleges and certificate programs offer fast, affordable routes into high-demand jobs, often with strong earning potential right out of the gate. The industry can do more to elevate these options by promoting offshore, field and technical roles as innovative, high-impact careers.

2. Help today’s workforce learn new skills

As more energy companies adopt digital tools like automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics, there is a growing need for employees with the tech skills to match. But right now, there is a shortage of those skills across the board. That is why upskilling and reskilling current employees is so important. Companies can create internal training platforms, offer recognized certifications and explore immersive tools like virtual reality to simulate real-world scenarios. Cross-training employees to understand both traditional and renewable energy systems can also help build more flexible, future-ready teams.

3. Open the doors to broaden and diversify talent

The energy industry, being a global enterprise, has much to gain from embracing diversity across various dimensions, including cultural backgrounds, languages, work styles and time zone considerations. Research shows that culturally diverse companies are 33% more likely to out-innovate their competitors. These organizations are better equipped to generate a wide range of ideas and transform them into valuable products or services. The most successful firms offer equitable advancement opportunities, paid time off, family leave, mentoring and sponsorship programs and environments grounded in respect and fairness. These practices make a big difference not just in attracting talent, but in keeping it.

4. Use technology to support, not replace, people

From exploring new energy sources to managing the grid and storing power, technology is transforming the industry. But instead of replacing jobs, tools like AI and automation can be used to make work safer, smarter and more efficient. For instance, smart grid systems and AI-powered planning tools can cut downtime and boost productivity, freeing up skilled employees to focus on more strategic and creative tasks. When used thoughtfully, technology becomes an ally that helps teams do their best work.

5. Strengthen retention through purpose

While offering competitive salaries is important, it’s only one part of the equation. Many energy companies face challenges in areas such as career development, workplace culture and building trust in leadership. These elements play a significant role in shaping the employee experience and can strongly influence retention.

For younger professionals, particularly millennials and Gen Z, the opportunity to address sustainability challenges is especially compelling. A 2024 survey revealed that nearly 90% of respondents in these groups believe it’s essential for their work to make a difference, with 88% stating that their job should align with their personal values. Clean energy careers strongly align with these expectations. In fact, 81% of surveyed individuals see the clean energy sector as a promising career path. Among the top reasons cited were the sector’s positive environmental impact and the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves. Even among those currently employed in unrelated fields, 65% expressed a willingness to pivot to a clean energy role, underscoring the growing demand for purpose-driven careers. People want to feel like their work matters and that they are growing. In a fast-evolving sector, building a strong team is about offering purpose, not just perks.

6. Embrace collaboration

No single company can solve the energy workforce shortage on its own. This is a shared challenge, and it needs a shared solution. That means governments, schools and businesses need to collaborate on everything from education to job training. As an example, it is critical to align training programs with real workforce needs. That means sharing data across sectors to understand where demand is heading and making sure employees are trained for the jobs of the future.

The energy sector is at a turning point. As we continue to embrace energy expansion, we need a workforce that can make it all happen. That requires more than quick fixes. It takes a long-term, inclusive approach that supports talent at every stage, from early education to career advancement. By investing in people as intentionally as we invest in technology and infrastructure, we can close the talent gap and build a workforce ready to power a stronger energy future.

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Kristen Barley is the executive director of the Energy Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of energy leaders by providing comprehensive, engaging education that spans the entire energy spectrum.