Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new thermophotovoltaic cell that can recover significantly more energy from heat batteries, increasing efficiency to 44%. The device uses air bridges to trap photons with the right energies, allowing for the recycling of useless photons and improving overall performance.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed carbon-capture batteries that can store renewable energy and capture airborne CO2. The new battery formulations can maintain capacity for up to 600 hours and convert CO2 into a solid form with the potential to be used in other products.
A study by Raheel Ahmed Shaikh and colleagues models the most cost-efficient path to Australia's fully renewable electricity grid. The optimal route would require significant expansion of generation and storage, but could reduce costs with interconnection between eastern and western grids.
A research group at Tsinghua University evaluates cutting-edge methodologies for converting CO2 to sustainable aviation fuel, assessing the practicality of current industrial models. The team notes accelerated progress in China's renewable energy sector and the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive III.
A new study suggests that renewable-scarce countries like parts of the EU, Japan, and South Korea could save between 18 to 38 percent in production costs by relocating their industrial production to countries with cheap renewable energy. The study's lead author argues that importing hydrogen via ship is not a cost-effective strategy fo...
The American Association for the Advancement of Science presents a roadmap for tribal renewable energy development and implementation. The plan aims to address historical injustices by providing technical assistance and workforce development opportunities, while ensuring justice integration throughout agency programs.
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.
A Washington State University-led study found that widespread, extreme temperature events can capture greater solar radiation and higher wind speeds to help power grids. This analysis suggests using more renewable energy at these times could reduce strain on grids during increased energy demand.
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.
A recent PNAS study finds that wind turbine visibility reduces home values by up to 8%, but this effect decreases with distance and age of turbines. The study's findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy development and community-friendly projects.
The US Department of Energy's Billion-Ton Report suggests that the country could produce over 1 billion tons of plant-based biomass per year for renewable fuels while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. This would triple the current bioeconomy capacity, enabling the production of ...
Researchers are developing a new framework to integrate renewable energy sources with the power grid using machine learning. The goal is to ensure efficient and stable operations while maximizing wind and solar power usage.
Scientists created a method to study variations in power output from solar PV plants over time, accounting for distinct power fluctuations across different geographical areas. The grid integration challenge arises when including variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the power grid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.