A symposium on energy research highlighted the need for transformational breakthroughs to meet future energy demands while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists discussed various renewable energy sources, including solar, nuclear power, hydrogen economy, and catalysis for transportation fuels.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has received a $1 million grant from the USDA and DOE to develop solar-thermal biomass-to-gas conversion systems. The three-year project will use concentrated sunlight to convert biomass into synthesis gas, which can be easily converted into hydrogen or liquid fuels.
Biofuels from renewable biomass feedstocks are being sought as a significant part of the US energy supply due to limitations in corn-based ethanol production. Researchers have developed new ways to engineer yeast and plant materials to produce desirable traits, holding promise for large-scale production.
Washington University has received nearly $3 million from the Missouri Life Sciences Research Board to support biofuels research at its International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability (I-CARES). Researchers will focus on developing alternative fuel sources and reducing carbon dioxide generation.
Arizona State University has partnered with BP and Science Foundation Arizona to develop a renewable source of biofuel using photosynthetic bacteria. This project aims to produce sustainable high-energy fuel that can be used in conventional engines, reducing our transportation economy's dependency on oil.
The University-National Park Energy Partnership Program has funded nearly 70 projects at over 30 national parks, saving energy bills and educating future energy professionals. Students conduct energy audits, data analysis, and implement renewable energy measures such as solar and wind turbines in historic sites.
A lack of access to clean energy causes 1.6 million premature deaths worldwide from household fuels annually, and 0.8 million from air pollution in cities. Improving energy access through renewable resources has the potential for major health dividends.
The Lancet study highlights the potential of energy efficiency and technology to reduce temperature-related death and illness, as well as alleviate fuel poverty. Implementing renewable energy production and restructuring plans for built environments could lead to significant benefits for urban air quality and health.
The study concludes that improved access to electricity and a shift towards renewable energy will substantially benefit population health. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and wave power appear to create the smallest health burden, while nuclear power remains controversial due to waste storage concerns.
A life cycle assessment reveals that renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal have valid green credentials in electricity production. However, the efficiency of these systems is comparable only when considering the entire life cycle, not just materials production and running.
A study funded by ESRC found that community renewable energy projects are largely based in the countryside, revitalizing local economies and alleviating poverty. The projects generate energy renewably at a local level, involving wind turbines, solar panels, and shared heating systems.
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center aims to develop cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels, creating momentum for a green future in renewable resources. The center will focus on breeding new varieties of bioenergy plants, developing processing techniques, and improving microbial processes.
A trend analysis from the UN Environment Programme reports a surge in investment in renewable energy, with wind, solar, and biofuels attracting the greatest investment dollars. The sector's growth is driven by global concerns such as climate change, increasing energy demand, and energy security.
A national renewable portfolio standard (RPS) would create a level playing field for states by requiring utilities to use solar, wind and other renewable resources. The RPS would prevent price gouging and save money for consumers by preventing inconsistencies between state mandates.
A new £4.2 million research project at Imperial College London aims to develop renewable and cost-effective methods of producing hydrogen for fuel cells. The project will explore both biological and chemical solar-driven processes to achieve this goal.
Florida State University is designing a new, 571-acre community called Sky with integrated renewable energy systems and sustainable design. The community will feature geothermal loops, solar collectors, fuel cells, and advanced wastewater treatment facilities to minimize its environmental footprint.
The US joins an international collaboration to build ITER, a project aiming to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of clean fusion energy. Fusion energy could provide significant amounts of electricity and generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
Renewable sources currently provide about 6 percent of all the energy used in the United States. Meeting the 25 percent renewable energy target for electricity and motor fuels together could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion by 15% and displace 2.5 million barrels of oil consumption.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers are creating a distributed power test-bed to examine the effects of widespread adoption of clean, renewable energy sources on the utility grid. The project aims to understand how small-scale renewable energy generators will interact with the existing grid and identify potential stability iss...
Advances in plant science research are needed to reduce costs and multiply production of biofuels from plant cellulose. Somerville calls for increased efficiency of solar energy capture to transition the nation's transportation sector to use of domestically produced biofuels.
Climate change is likely to affect health through vector-borne and diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, flood-related conditions, heat and cold deaths. Increasing renewable energy use can improve health by reducing air pollution and addressing climate change.
The ESF task force identifies three research avenues to generate clean fuels from solar radiation: extending photovoltaic technology, constructing biomimetic devices, and tuning natural systems. These efforts aim to develop sustainable energy supply, reduce human ecological footprint, and mitigate climate change.
Sovacool's research explores the reasons behind the slow adoption of distributed generation technologies, including social and technical factors. He interviewed over 60 influential energy experts to understand the obstacles to widespread use of DG/renewable energy systems.
The Bridgewater team created an interactive toy called 'The Green Machine' that teaches principles of green chemistry and reduces waste. The winning entry earned a $2,000 prize for purchasing a computer system and aims to interest young children in science and renewable energy.
A recent poll suggests that over half of the British public would accept new nuclear power stations to combat climate change, but most prefer renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The survey highlights a need for balance in energy policy, with 63% supporting a mix of nuclear and renewables.
Energy ministers from Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to work together to enhance the security, reliability, and sustainability of the country's energy systems. They also emphasized the importance of collaborating with industry to develop real and sustainable solutions to meet Canada's energy needs.
The report identifies key areas of focus for improving solar energy technologies, including artificial molecular machines, smart materials, and nanotechnology-based solar cells. It also highlights the importance of basic research in addressing the nation's energy security needs.
A review highlights the need for ecological consideration in renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind farms. Environmental impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning of these projects could harm coastal species and ecosystems. However, offshore renewables also offer opportunities to enhance local biodiversity.
The new Center for Future Energy Systems will focus on renewable energy and energy conservation systems, prioritizing fuel cells, smart lighting, and emerging renewable energy systems. The research aims to make New York state a world leader in energy research and generate jobs.
Scientists at LUCA Technologies have confirmed the presence of living methanogenic organisms in coalfields, producing methane in real-time. This finding suggests a potential long-term source of renewable natural gas, replacing finite energy resources.
A new study by UC Berkeley finds that renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt installed than the fossil fuel-based sector, with potential benefits for all states. Investing in renewables could create up to 240,000 new jobs by 2020, while reducing trade deficits and reestablishing US leadership in energy technology.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new reactor that can convert ethanol into a form of hydrogen from renewable fuels. This process has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase the efficiency of fuel cells, making it a promising solution for a sustainable energy future.
According to L. Hunter Lovins, companies investing in renewable energy will gain a marketing edge as consumers notice environmental benefits. The California Public Employees' Retirement System is screening investments, leading to expected changes in US energy policy.
The University of Ulster will launch a 'green' power research centre with a £600,000 grant from the UK-based Science Research Investment Fund. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research into renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaics, and small hydro schemes.
Researchers are exploring government policies to ensure a stable energy supply, including alternative sources like hydrogen, fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells. Energy R&D spending is linked to energy-related patents, highlighting the need for increased investment in emerging energy problems.
A more thorough evaluation of energy costs can increase the value of an energy conservation project, allowing companies to carry out plans that might otherwise appear too expensive. By considering overlooked savings such as reduced maintenance and internal costs, energy managers can recoup costs faster.
Cornell researchers are developing an enzyme-based process to convert biomass waste into auto fuel, offering a cheaper alternative to oil. The process breaks down plant fibers into fermentable sugars using thermophilic bacteria enzymes.
The Home Energy Saver Internet site computes residential energy savings possibilities for consumers by analyzing a home's energy use and identifying tailored improvements. The site provides personalized recommendations, linking users to hundreds of practical resources for energy-efficient products, service providers, and online materials.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and nuclear power, are crucial to fill the gap between energy demand and supply. John D. Edwards predicts that world crude oil production will peak in 2020 at 90 million barrels per day, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy options.
The Mexico Renewable Energy Program, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, has installed nearly 200 photovoltaic and wind energy projects in eight states, providing energy to over 9,000 people. The program aims to expand markets for US industry, increase agricultural production, and combat greenhouse gas emissions.