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.
A recent study introduces a novel methodology to assess onshore wind energy's economic viability and competitive edge. China's ambitious environmental goals, driven by technological advancements and cost reductions, have led to a rapid growth in wind power, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060.
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.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an open-source AI solution to address voltage fluctuations in power grids caused by renewable energy and electric vehicles. The DRL algorithms optimize large-scale coordination of energy sources safely under fast fluctuations.
The NREL-led workshop emphasizes the importance of mitigating degradation rates for clean technologies, which will play a crucial role in meeting future energy needs. The researchers recommend increasing transparency and standardization of reliability data, as well as developing standards for various renewable energy technologies.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
A study published in Natural Resources Forum found that renewable energy production reduces carbon dioxide emissions in OECD countries but increases them in emerging economies. Economic growth also enhances environmental quality in both sets of countries, while institutional quality is linked to fewer emissions in OECD countries.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) highlights the complementary roles of electrification and hydrogen in achieving European energy transition. Electrification is critical for sectors like transport and heating, while hydrogen is mainly used for aviation, industry, and electricity storage.
Researchers suggest replacing 50% of animal products with alternative proteins by 2050 to unlock vast energy and negative emission potentials via BECCS. This transition could free up large agricultural areas, generating enough renewable energy equivalent to today's coal-generated power while removing substantial CO2 from the atmosphere.
Researchers developed bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production through overall hydrazine splitting, achieving a cell voltage of 0.984 V and operating stably for over 130 hours. This innovative approach enhances the efficiency of hydrogen production and holds promise for a cleaner energy future.
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 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 at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have achieved a breakthrough in RFD, increasing the salt removal rate by approximately 20% while lowering its energy demand. The system can store affordable renewable energy and produce potable drinking water, promising a sustainable solution to the global water crisis.
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.
A recent study reveals that solar energy facilities planted with native grasses and wildflowers can rapidly support thriving insect populations. Total insect abundance tripled at the studied sites, providing additional pollination services to adjacent agricultural fields.
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.
Researchers developed a multi-elemental alloy electrode composed of nine non-noble metals that performed sustainably over a decade when powered by solar energy. This innovation enables direct seawater electrolysis without using fresh water, promoting hydrogen production in regions with abundant renewable energy.
Researchers at NREL found a correlation between electric vehicle ownership and the adoption of solar panels, with EV owners more likely to invest in photovoltaics. The study suggests that the two technologies have complementary nature, playing a pivotal role in energy systems resiliency.
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.
According to a study published in Climatic Change, US utilities are projected to decarbonize 100% by 2060, with blue states leading the way. The study found that utility companies are on track to meet or exceed state renewable energy goals and mandates, with many transitioning to renewables even without policy support.
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.
A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a way to accelerate proton transport through graphene using light. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient hydrogen fuel cells and solar water-splitting devices.
Researchers estimate that 5% of Europe's freestanding single-family homes could become economically self-sufficient in 2050. While some regions have high potential for self-sufficiency, becoming fully off-grid is not the most economic choice due to higher costs.
The Beckman Institute's DROPLETS project uses microdroplets to catalyze electrochemical reactions, producing clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The project aims to lay out a foundation for a sustainable clean energy future.
The HY4RES project aims to develop hybrid renewable energy systems combining solar, wind, and pumped storage hydropower to provide energy self-sufficiency for communities. Researchers will conduct a life cycle sustainability assessment of the technologies' impacts on the Atlantic Area.
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 study found that offshore wind could generate up to 8% of the nation's electricity by 2050, with deployment ranging from 30 to 250 gigawatts. High levels of deployment are likely in scenarios with stringent decarbonization policies and low technology costs.
A new dynamical model developed by UConn researchers helps companies determine if renewables make economic sense for their manufacturing processes. The model evaluates the economic viability of solar thermal technology, which has huge untapped potential in the industry.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
Researchers find that gold nanoclusters can efficiently catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction, producing hydrogen through water electrolysis. The precise structure of gold nanoclusters enables uniform size, composition, and chemical environment, promoting efficient electrochemical reactions.
The Global Nitrogen Innovation Center for Clean Energy and Environment will address the urgent need to produce ammonia using renewable energy, bolstering clean energy initiatives and combatting climate change. However, green ammonia technology may exacerbate environmental problems if not managed properly.
A new catalyst designed by researchers at City University Hong Kong and tested by Imperial College London could boost renewable energy storage. The catalyst uses single atoms of platinum to produce an efficient but cost-effective platform for water splitting, paving the way for cheaper hydrogen production.
Researchers at MIT developed an electrochemical process that captures and converts CO2 in a single step, reducing energy consumption. The system can be powered by renewable electricity, making it suitable for industrial processes with no obvious renewable alternative.
A new battery design without a membrane has been developed by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, offering higher energy density and lower costs. The battery can generate nearly 4 volts of power, eliminating costly and inefficient membrane-separators.
A new NREL study quantifies the impacts of setback ordinances on land availability for renewable energy deployment. Setback distances vary significantly across jurisdictions, affecting wind and solar resource utilization. The study suggests that local land use considerations play a crucial role in U.S. decarbonization.
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.
Researchers found that six bat species exhibited lower activity levels at solar farms compared to control sites, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecological impacts in planning legislation and policy.
Researchers develop low-cost, scalable energy storage system using cement and carbon black. The technology facilitates renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power by providing stable energy networks.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to power water remediation using renewable energy sources, including solar power. Through electrochemical separation and redox reactions, they successfully removed arsenate from wastewater.
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 Portland State professor is studying the environmental consequences of the renewable energy transition, including lithium mining and battery manufacturing. The research aims to balance benefits with burdens on underserved communities, through interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
The £7 million CoTide project aims to develop scalable tidal stream energy, making renewable power cheaper, more reliable, and scalable. The initiative will create integrated engineering tools and solutions to overcome technical challenges in harnessing ocean tides as a clean energy source.
Researchers found that countries relying on a broader range of energy sources experience longer recovery times. However, the extent of reliance on renewable energy consistently accounted for a major proportion of the variability in economic recovery time.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a baking soda solution for storing hydrogen, addressing the challenge of long-duration energy storage. The study aims to advance the DOE's H2@Scale initiative and reduce the cost of hydrogen production.
Researchers investigated the tradeoff between reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy supply in office buildings. They found that access to the power grid can mitigate the impact of weather variability, but extreme weather events increase battery storage costs.
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.
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.
A team of researchers found that prosumers, who produce their own electricity, can lower transmission charges when generating less energy. However, when producing a large amount of renewable energy, transmission charges increase. The study suggests levying a per-MWh tax on prosumer consumption to reduce the likelihood of death spirals.
A new study suggests that using underground water for thermal energy storage (ATES) can reduce heating and cooling energy demand in the US by 40%, making urban energy infrastructure more resilient. ATES stores energy as temperature underground, leveraging natural geological features to heat or cool buildings during extreme weather events.
The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that more predictable solar or wind energy generation can save millions of dollars in operating costs and prevent clean energy spillage. By analyzing six existing solar farms, they discovered that optimal locations changed when predictability was considered, leading to significant in...
Scientists have discovered a new way to extract energy from photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ways of generating clean fuels and renewable energy.
Domestic solar panel manufacturing in the US can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 13% compared to international trading partners. By 2050, US-made solar panels will be more efficient, reducing carbon footprint by 33% and using 17% less energy.
More than two million Europeans contributed to renewable energy initiatives, installing 7.2-9.9 GW worth of facilities and promoting behavioral change. The collective effort produced enough electricity for 8,500-11,700 kWh per person, covering a typical European household's needs.
A novel deep learning-based forecasting model predicts uncertain parameters related to renewable energy sources, their energy demand, and market prices. The model demonstrates improved prediction accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods.
A new report by researchers from IEER and PSE Healthy Energy estimates that 400,000 Maryland households face high energy bills exceeding six percent of their income. The study suggests that investing in efficiency and clean energy for low-income households can save billions compared to bill assistance alone.
A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully synthesized fumaric acid from CO2 using sunlight, paving the way for a renewable energy-powered alternative to traditional plastics. The findings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable production of biodegradable plastics.