A recent study by Tsinghua University offers a comprehensive analysis of public building energy efficiency policies in China. The research reveals significant challenges, including difficulties in collecting energy consumption data and a lack of scientific methods for evaluating energy-use levels.
Researchers have developed a method to trap solar energy at temperatures over 1,000°C using synthetic quartz, demonstrating its potential for clean energy in carbon-intensive industries. The technology shows promise for industrial applications and could provide an economic viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Scientists have developed a method to transform chicken fat into carbon-based electrodes for supercapacitors, which store energy and power LED lights. The new technology has shown good capacitance, durability, high energy, and power density, highlighting the potential of using food waste as a carbon source in green energy.
Researchers have developed microcapacitors with record-high energy and power densities, paving the way for on-chip energy storage in electronic devices. By engineering thin films of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide, scientists achieved a negative capacitance effect, allowing for greater amounts of charge to be stored.
The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) signed MOUs with Forschungszentrum Jülich and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy, promoting joint research in clean energy and low-carbon technologies. The partnership aims to advance scientific and technological competitiveness through information and personnel exchanges.
A new study reveals that Global North countries' outsourcing of energy-intensive industrial processes to the Global South leads to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. The researchers urge both regions to work together to address this issue, promoting energy equity and sustainability.
A recent analysis by DOE/Argonne National Laboratory and NREL suggests that renewable energy could reduce carbon footprint at the South Pole. The study found that using solar energy during the austral summer could save approximately $57 million over 15 years.
Researchers propose a novel methodology for efficient and robust wireless-powering of deep-tissue implantable electronic devices. The technology uses ultra-low frequency magnetic energy focusing to penetrate deeper biological tissues with minimal energy loss and thermal damage.
A new design for a liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator has increased the amount of wave energy that can be harvested from ocean waves. By repositioning the electrode, researchers were able to boost the device's conversion efficiency 2.4 times, demonstrating its potential for larger-scale applications.
Research by the University of Oklahoma reveals that Americans have broad public support for fusion energy, but limited knowledge and frequent misconceptions. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing public confusion and desire for safety to expand fusion energy support.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that combining cryptocurrency mining with green hydrogen technology can significantly boost renewable energy production. The approach, known as the 'dynamic duo,' has the potential to accelerate wind and solar capacity growth across the US.
Researchers propose a new strategy for converting waste heat into chemical energy through thermoelectrocatalysis, offering improved energy utilization efficiency and emission reduction. The study identifies four major working modes and explores ways to optimize thermoelectric properties for enhanced performance.
Researchers have developed a flexible and wearable triboelectric nanogenerator to efficiently harvest low-frequency mechanical energy from the human body. The device, made using paper-cutting methods, has great application prospects in extendable battery life and self-powered wearable electronics.
A new study maps the potential impact of renewable energy on biodiversity in the southwestern US. Joshua trees and kit foxes are expected to lose significant habitats by 2070 due to climate change. The study suggests advanced computer modeling can help site renewable energy resources without overlapping with biodiversity hotspots.
The Zero-Energy Switchable Radiative Cooler (ZESRC) is a temperature-responsive solution that balances building temperatures sustainably. Field experiments demonstrate its effectiveness across seasons, reducing energy consumption by 14.3% compared to other devices.
Researchers propose that policy interventions should focus on reducing energy demand to improve energy security, rather than just increasing supply. This approach is found to be more effective in making countries less susceptible to convergent energy crises.
Conventional supply-side policies overlook benefits of demand-side policy approaches, which can improve energy security through continuity, affordability, and sustainability. A novel analysis by Nuno Bento et al. shows that demand-side actions outperform supply-side approaches in making countries more resilient to energy crises.
Researchers developed a model to predict household energy costs with over 74% accuracy by analyzing passive design characteristics from Google Street View images. The model can help identify neighborhoods vulnerable to energy burden and pave the way for smart, sustainable cities.
Scientists have discovered a giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble structure in the Cygnus star-forming region, indicating the presence of a super cosmic ray accelerator. The discovery is the first to reveal the origin of cosmic rays with energy higher than 10 Peta-Electronvolt.
Research reveals that energy poverty is a significant issue in Canada, with implications for population health and climate resilience. The study found that households facing energy poverty are more likely to experience poorer self-rated general and mental health, as well as higher levels of illness and hospitalization.
Chemical reactions were long thought to occur along minimum energy paths. However, researchers have now observed 'roaming' reactions that stray from this path even in highly excited energy states. This discovery has significant implications for understanding atmospheric chemistry and the production of molecular oxygen.
The Research Institute for Sustainability developed an energy justice index to measure fairness in the Global South's energy transitions. The index highlights countries like Malaysia and Chile as leaders in distributional justice, while Kenya and Jordan excel in procedural justice.
A recent study on smart energy communities found that increasing the number of participants in peer-to-peer trading leads to diminishing returns due to decreasing diversity in consumption profiles. However, even with a small fraction of community members participating, most gains from trade can be achieved.
A new material, NiFe2O4-delta, has been developed with enhanced conductivity and a 3.7-fold increase in capacitance compared to its counterpart. This breakthrough could lead to improved supercapacitor performance and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers created a thermoelectric-piezoelectric hybrid energy harvester to overcome limitations of single-mode devices. The system successfully powers commercial IoT sensors without battery replacement, demonstrating its potential in industrial and construction environments.
A new commentary highlights that shifting focus from energy supply to consumption can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve wellbeing. Reducing energy demand could save households and businesses money, create employment, and reduce emissions, while also limiting global warming in line with Paris Agreement targets.
A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.
Two UH projects explore repurposing existing energy assets for clean energy, while a third project establishes a visiting scholar program to develop carbon-negative hydrogen production. The funding aims to create a skilled workforce for a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Artificial leaf-shaped generators, called 'power plants', capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. They also collect energy from falling raindrops, producing high voltage but short-lived power output.
The new platform, Arras Energy, simulates how all parts of an electric grid work together, making it easier to understand and apply the results. The tool can help utilities harden their distribution systems against extreme weather and integrate renewable energy sources.
Researchers found that compound energy droughts can occur nationwide, with varying frequencies and durations across regions. Understanding these droughts will help grid planners prepare for energy storage needs and inform deployment of long-duration energy storage projects.
Researchers at Texas A&M's Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of a $42 million program to advance laser-driven fusion energy. The RISE hub will focus on innovative target concepts, excimer gas lasers, and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes.
A study by Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) found no significant correlation between Industry 4.0 adoption and reduced energy intensity in Chinese manufacturing. Despite potential gains in efficiency, digitalisation may lead to increased energy consumption due to growth-promoting effects and 'digital rebound' phenomena.
The Telescope Array has detected the second-highest energy cosmic ray ever observed, with an energy equivalent to dropping a brick on your toe from waist height. The Amaterasu particle deepens the mystery of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, which may follow particle physics unknown to science.
Kyushu University researchers have developed a new material that can store hydrogen energy for up to three months at room temperature, using an inexpensive element like nickel. This innovation could potentially reduce the cost of future compounds and contribute to the transition to alternative energy sources.
Researchers have incorporated molecular iodine into the SOCl2 battery electrolyte to increase discharge rate and enable efficient recharging. This breakthrough enables Li-SOCl2 batteries to be used in devices requiring low rates of energy discharge, increasing their practicality for routine energy storage.
The Pacific Northwest is launching a hydrogen energy hub with a $7 billion investment from the Department of Energy. PNNL's expertise will support the development of clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy sources in Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has been awarded $5 million to lead an Energy Earthshot Research Center focused on producing clean hydrogen. The center aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen by 80% and could lead to a paradigm shift in clean hydrogen production.
A study finds that rural energy transition in China can reduce up to 75,500 PM2.5-associated premature deaths nationwide, while also offsetting costs in most provinces. This transition is expected to improve air quality in northern China by 2050.
Energy system models fail to accurately represent energy storage, potentially leading to unreliable grid operations and increased costs. Leading researchers from Argonne National Laboratory highlight the need for improved models to accommodate new technologies like solar power and grid energy storage.
A team of researchers has discovered a particularly efficient molecular structure for solar energy storage materials, which could lead to more efficient solar energy harvesting. The new molecules were identified by screening over 400,000 molecules with the help of machine learning and quantum computing.
Researchers found no effect of LEED certification on average energy consumption in federal buildings, with energy use just one of six attributes scored under the program. Tradeoffs between attributes, such as water scores and sensors, accounted for the lack of energy savings.
A recent review paper highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to designing and implementing renewable energy systems. Local communities' values and concerns must be considered to ensure public backing for the essential energy transition. The study emphasizes the risks of ignoring socio-technical grand challenges in wind e...
The Faraday Institution will lead a £5 million R&D programme to develop improved and lower-cost battery energy storage systems for static off-grid, weak-grid, and e-mobility solutions. This will support expanding access to clean and reliable energy in developing countries, reducing emissions and meeting global climate change targets.
Scientists have developed a new supercapacitor with a carbon nano-onion core structure, achieving the highest level of energy storage ever recorded. This breakthrough could lead to significantly lighter and faster-charging energy storage devices.
A team of researchers developed a solution using GPT-4 to automate analysis of building operational data, providing comprehensive support for energy management. The codes generated by GPT-4 demonstrate high accuracy in energy load prediction and fault diagnosis.
A new study suggests capping the energy use of the top 20% of consumers could reduce carbon emissions by 11.4%. The strategy would allow those with lower incomes to increase their consumption levels, promoting fairness and delivering climate justice.
The UK Research and Innovation has awarded £53 million in funding to six research centers to boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies, and reduce energy demand. The focus is on developing game-changing ideas to improve domestic, industrial, and transport energy systems.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a nanosheet device with the highest energy storage performance yet seen. The device achieved a 1-2 orders of magnitude higher energy density while maintaining high output density and stability over multiple cycles.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that female athletes who consume too little energy through their diet in comparison to their training volume experience negatively impacted muscles' ability to respond to training. The study shows that insufficient energy intake can lead to changes in the hormonal system, including a decrease ...
A molecular switch called Arf1 controls the storage or conversion of lipids into energy in cells. When energy is needed, Arf1 allows lipids to enter mitochondria, where they are converted into ATP.
A study by Radboud University researchers highlights the challenges of energy subsidy reforms in Iran, where price increases of up to six times led to profit losses for energy-intensive companies. They advise European policymakers to be honest about the costs and reform the market step-by-step to avoid shocking price dynamics.
FES2023 brings together leading researchers and industry experts to share groundbreaking research on AI-based energy solutions, smart grids, and renewable energy systems. The conference covers key themes including planning and operation of energy systems, electricity markets, and demand response.
The DOE's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program supports Zap Energy's sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology, a promising approach to fusion energy. With $5 million in funding, Zap aims to develop a grid-ready power source and engage with local communities.
Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is crucial for US states with decarbonization goals to address variable energy generation and customer demands. LDES systems can store renewable energy until needed, providing a reliable solution for a decarbonized grid.
A new supply chain model has been developed to guide the transportation of hydrogen and its embodied energy, enabling more efficient exports of renewable energy. The model suggests that methanol shows great promise as a chemical carrier for exporting renewable energy from Australia at low costs.
Researchers at Lund University found that migratory bats' efficiency in converting energy into muscle power increases with flight speed. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, used high-speed cameras and laser measurements to compare kinetic energy with metabolism.
Researchers at Drexel University developed a machine learning model to predict Philadelphia's future energy use based on zoning decisions and building characteristics. The model uses two machine learning programs to tease out patterns from massive datasets and make projections about future energy consumption.
The project aims to collect core samples and temperature data down to 15,000 feet to test the potential of geothermal energy in the region. Data will also be gathered on underground carbon storage in the Appalachian basin, a scientific first in the state.
DigiAudit platform provides real-time energy labeling and indoor climate classes, enabling comparison of building energy efficiency. The platform analyzed data from 35,000 Estonian buildings and found that 73% of new or renovated buildings could achieve carbon neutrality with current progress.