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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a novel way to store energy by transporting sand into abandoned underground mines, creating a long-term energy storage solution. The technology generates electricity when the price is high and stores it when cheap, making it an effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional batteries.
University of Minnesota researchers develop groundbreaking new catalyst technology to convert renewable materials like trees and corn into acrylic acid and acrylates used in paints, coatings, and superabsorbent polymers. The new catalyst substantially reduces costs and increases yield, paving the way for lower-cost renewable chemicals.
Scientists at EPFL have created a device that combines semiconductor-based technology with novel electrodes to harness water from the air and produce hydrogen gas powered by sunlight. The transparent, porous, and conductive electrodes mimic the properties of plant leaves, which convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
A new research project led by Associate Professor Marta Victoria aims to describe periods of extreme weather and design strategies for reliable renewable energy systems. The project, funded with DKK 6.2 million, will run for four years and focus on predicting and adapting to multiple adverse events.
A new OSU study highlights the importance of understanding daily energy-use patterns at home, as utilities move toward time-of-use energy pricing models. The study found that most homes have an 'evening peak' load shape, with households exhibiting this shape before and during shelter-in-place orders.
A new, low-cost battery made with sodium-sulphur holds four times the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries and is cheaper to produce. This breakthrough has the potential to dramatically reduce costs and provide a high-performing solution for large renewable energy storage systems.
A new optimization model by GIST researchers reduces operating costs and load shedding in microgrids, achieving a 20% decrease in average ENS. The model accounts for variations and uncertainty in renewable energy supply using an ANN-based prediction model, with predicted power output accuracy of 9.7%.
A study by UPV/EHU's Ekopol and Life Cycle Thinking groups found that an alternative community lifestyle can reduce energy consumption due to the significance of energy used in goods and services. The energy footprint per inhabitant of Errekaleor neighbourhood is 24% lower than that of ACBC.
A new study estimates the cost of a green transition in greenhouse gases, finding that building renewable infrastructure generates significant carbon emissions. However, speeding up the transition could dramatically decrease these emissions and limit warming to 2 degrees or even 1.5 degrees.
A new study proposes a scalable, bottom-up approach to developing energy-saving initiatives at the individual level by analyzing real-time energy usage data. The research team developed an energy calculator that can be scaled up to the building- and community-level, enabling more accurate occupant-level measurements.
A new study published in Nature found that globalized supply chains for the solar industry saved countries $67 billion in production costs between 2006 and 2020. The study also estimates that strong nationalistic policies could increase solar panel prices by 20-25% by 2030, hindering efforts to meet climate targets.
Graphdiyne, a synthetic carbon-based material, shows promise as a key component in next-generation battery technology. Its unique properties make it an ideal interface for high-energy density batteries, potentially revolutionizing energy storage and conversion.
Researchers aim to improve grid flexibility by reducing motor aging and increasing renewable energy utilization. They develop a numerical model to predict electric motor aging under different control conditions, promoting widespread adoption in electricity markets.
A University of California, Irvine study reveals that transitioning to cleaner trucks will have a greater impact on public health than building upgrades, benefiting low-income Californians most. Climate policy decisions must consider environmental justice implications to achieve equitable outcomes.
Nagoya University scientists developed a controller with a sleep mode to procure energy only when needed, reducing the need for storage batteries and capacitors. This innovative solution enables efficient energy saving and promotes the practical application of power packet type energy Internet.
New research models the value of clean hydrogen in decarbonizing heavy industries and transportation in China. A widespread application of clean hydrogen in HTA sectors can save $1.72 trillion in investment costs and avoid a 0.13% loss in aggregate GDP.
A Danish study reveals that nearly half of the population is unaware of woody biomass as an energy source, highlighting a need for public engagement on its sustainability. The study also shows strong public concerns over biodiversity and climate change, emphasizing the importance of adapting policies to minimize environmental costs.
Researchers have devised a method to determine the impact of climate change on local renewable energy supply and variability. The study found that increased weather unpredictability can lead to blackouts if backup power sources are not in place.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that green policy incentives for carbon capture and renewable energy can help reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining. States with lower electricity prices and a higher share of renewable energy in their grids are best suited for this approach.
A new study suggests that transitioning to a decarbonized energy system by 2050 can save the world at least $12 trillion compared to continued fossil fuel use. The study shows that rapidly transitioning to clean energy results in lower energy system costs, provides more energy to the global economy, and expands energy access.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati found that emphasizing cost savings over global warming increases support for renewable energy sources. The study tested four messaging approaches and found durable bipartisan effects in favor of cost savings.
ETRI has developed international standards for energy storage systems and demand response-based energy management, essential elements of the microgrid system. These standards aim to contribute to wider deployment of energy storage systems and smart grid technologies, enabling stable and efficient energy use and reducing carbon emissions.
Scientists have developed a novel technology that uses bacteria grown on a synthetic semiconductor device to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into acetate and oxygen. This process produces high-value fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the global energy crisis.
The study found that increased oil prices can lead to a decrease in the development of green energy, as oil is required for deploying clean energy capacity or infrastructure. The demand for minerals used in renewable energy production will increase due to growing solar technology adoption.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that decarbonization pathways need to incorporate more efficient electric heating technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize strain on the US electric grid. The researchers analyzed building energy data from March 2010 to February 2020 and found that winter heati...
Researchers have developed a novel crystalline-amorphous NiO-CrOx electrocatalyst that accelerates the urea oxidation reaction, yielding hydrogen with less energy use than traditional water splitting processes. The catalyst exhibits excellent urea oxidation reaction activity and durability.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created a chemical method to access renewable energy from plant matter, which could lessen our reliance on fossil fuels. The 'electrocatalytic' process enables electricity and water to break strong chemical bonds in biomass, potentially destroying environmental pollutants.
Researchers combine power conversion and storage capacity into a single device, overcoming previous inefficiencies and costs. The new technology uses six types of photo-enhanced rechargeable metal batteries, offering efficient and scalable solutions for solar energy storage.
A new Imperial analysis found that biogas and biomethane supply chains release more than twice as much methane as previously estimated, with 62% of leaks concentrated in a few 'super-emitters'. The researchers call for better monitoring and fixing of leaks to ensure the continued use of these climate-friendly gases.
A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that companies purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) are overstating their climate mitigation claims. The researchers found that firms reported a 31% reduction in emissions, but the actual drop was only 10%, three times lower.
A new artificial enzyme has successfully degraded lignin, a stubborn polymer in woody plants, offering hope for developing a new renewable energy source. The enzyme, developed by mimicking natural enzymes that break down lignin in nature, shows promise for producing valuable products from lignin.
A study by IASS researchers found that strong renewable energy industries lead to more ambitious renewable energy policies in subsequent years. The authors suggest that policy choices can enhance innovative capacity and promote local value creation to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal.
Researchers in China and the US developed a computer simulation model addressing solar power's intermittency by adding biomass to advance a reliable, affordable heating solution. The proposed solar-biomass hybrid system provides cleaner energy than fossil fuel for single-family homes.
Researchers propose a novel gravitational-based storage solution using lifts in tall buildings to store energy. The system, called Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST), stores energy by lifting wet sand containers or other high-density materials.
Experts predict wind turbines will reach 130 meters in height by 2035, capturing more energy through larger rotor diameters. Plant sizes are expected to be 1,100 MW for fixed-bottom and 600 MW for floating offshore wind, driving cost reductions of up to 35%.
To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.
The study analyzes solar thermochemical hydrogen production, a potentially more energy-efficient method than electrolysis. The researchers identified key challenges and provided boundaries for hydrogen production costs, which could be crucial to meeting the Department of Energy's Hydrogen Energy Earthshot goal.
A CU Boulder study found that bipartisanship can help create working climate mitigation strategies in state-level contexts. Bipartisan or Republican-led bills favored financial incentives for renewable energy and expanded consumer choices, while Democrat-led bills restricted choice with mandatory renewable energy standards.
Researchers at MIT and NREL have designed a thermophotovoltaic cell that converts heat to electricity with over 40% efficiency, surpassing traditional steam turbines. The new design could enable a fully decarbonized power grid by storing excess energy from renewable sources.
A new study models the probability of renewable energy droughts in Texas, finding that grid operators may need backup energy sources due to variable wind and solar production. Researchers suggest increasing capacity or exploring alternative storage methods to avoid extended dry spells.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified a unique bacterial phosphatase, PafA, that can efficiently release phosphate from its organic forms. This discovery has potential to help reduce the consumption of phosphate chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable agriculture.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully converted solar energy into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. The new technology can store solar energy for up to 18 years and release it when needed, making it a promising solution for renewable energy production.
The 'freeze-thaw battery' can store energy for months without significant loss of capacity, making it a key step towards seasonal energy storage. The battery uses molten-salt and common materials to achieve this, with the potential to enhance grid resilience during severe storms or power outages.
A recent review highlights smart contracts as a game-changing technology for the energy sector, enabling decentralized generation and consumption. The study identifies applications in smart electric vehicle charging, demand-side response, peer-to-peer energy trading and more.
Colorado State University researchers have developed a system that creates renewable energy while diverting waste from landfills, producing valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel and cleaning solvents. The ReSOURCE system can offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 6.2 million cars a year.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that private investments in California's solar energy industry increase climate vulnerabilities. Large-scale infrastructure needed to attract private investment makes the system more vulnerable to climate extremes, including heat waves and droughts.