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.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny 'skyscrapers' for bacteria to thrive in, increasing energy extraction from sunlight by over an order of magnitude. This approach suggests that 'biohybrid' solar energy sources could be a key component in the zero-carbon energy mix.
A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that small-scale renewable energy sources can put the grid at risk due to fluctuating supply and high uptake of solar panels. To mitigate this, they recommend scheduling stored PV energy release for better control and reduced system failures.
Researchers develop liquid-gas absorption system to store thermal energy in chemical potential, achieving 33% greater energy storage density. The new method uses ionic liquids as absorbents, offering a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions from thermal energy.
Researchers propose a novel evaluation framework to assess energy neutrality in wastewater treatment plants, integrating energy efficiency and recovery. The study evaluated 970 plants in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, identifying 98 energy benchmark plants and 112 fully energy self-sufficient facilities.
Berkeley Lab researchers are working on a two-year project to develop a roadmap for Puerto Rico to meet its 100% renewable energy mandate. The study aims to analyze pathways, power system reliability, and generation planning. Meanwhile, a new fungal strain has been discovered in a spacecraft assembly facility named after Berkeley Lab m...
A research team at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics synthesized renewable nylon monomers from poplar wood using a Pd/C catalyst. The total carbon yield was found to be 39.2%, enabling further conversion to valuable chemicals.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a process to synthesize ammonia from its constituent molecules of nitrogen and hydrogen at ambient pressure, paving the way for efficient use in renewable energy applications. The new method utilizes lithium hydride as a molecular scaffold to prevent clumping and increase reaction speed.
A team led by Marianthi Ierapetritou aims to create a blueprint for a more renewable manufacturing future. They will examine existing literature and develop a framework for evaluating alternative products and processes, including their economic, environmental, and market impacts.
A new study from the University of Southampton found that expanding renewable energy production sites will not necessarily harm protected areas. The research suggests that careful land use zoning can minimize the impact on biodiversity.
Researchers from West Virginia University are developing a new composite transition joint using 3D printing to reduce stress on power plant systems. The goal is to increase the flexibility and reliability of thermal power plants.
A University of Surrey expert emphasizes the economic case for solar energy, citing IRENA data that shows 61% of US coal capacity costs more to operate than building new renewables. Retiring uneconomic coal plants and replacing them with renewables can save significant costs and reduce emissions.
The seminar on geothermal energy held by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) showcases the growing interest in the renewable source among oil and gas professionals. The event highlights opportunities for oil and gas experts, market trends, challenges, and potential solutions for scaling geothermal energy globally.
Researchers propose a new way to store renewable energy by speculatively performing computations in large data centers when energy is abundant, and retrieving the results later. This approach offers better efficiency than traditional battery storage methods and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Achieving China's carbon neutral goal requires a rapid transition to renewable energy, nuclear generation, and a decrease in fossil fuel use. Implementing non-fossil fuel energy sources is crucial, with solar energy playing a critical role due to its decreasing costs and technology advancements.
A recent study published in the KeAi journal found that commercial banks continue to view small merchant renewable energy projects as risky, despite the trend towards 'greening of banks'. Government banks in the Philippines were more open to providing credit to these developers, highlighting the need for innovative financing solutions.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new water-splitting process and material that maximize the efficiency of producing carbon-free green hydrogen. The hybrid catalysts show superior performance for both oxygen and hydrogen splitting, making it an affordable and accessible option for industrial partners.
The FUN-BioCROP model predicts effects of plant choice and agricultural management on soil carbon storage, slowing climate change. By using bioenergy from plants, less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, resulting in a more sustainable energy source.
A study by Oregon State University has discovered a method to enhance the round-trip efficiency of compressed air energy storage, which could be crucial for renewable energy. The researchers developed a thermochemical energy storage scheme that captures heat in chemical bonds, resulting in a higher energy density and improved performance.
A new Stanford University study finds that an energy system powered by wind, water, and solar with storage can avoid blackouts, lower energy requirements, and consumer costs. The study also predicts creating millions of jobs and improving people's health while reducing land requirements.
By 2050, renewable electricity is expected to become the cheapest form of energy globally, accounting for up to three-quarters of all demand. This shift can be achieved through accelerated electrification of industries, such as steel production and transportation, which can reduce energy consumption and lower carbon intensity.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by exciting an unattainable energy transition in an artificial atom using laser light. The radiative Auger process allowed them to stimulate electrons to emit energy and transfer it to another electron, achieving a seemingly impossible transition.
Researchers found that combining resource diversification, excess generation, building efficiency, and demand flexibility can reduce or eliminate long-duration energy storage in some regions. This approach enables the achievability of a fully renewable system with technology building blocks accessible today.
The new Atlantic Marine Energy Center, led by UNH, will focus on wave and tidal energy conversion, as well as ocean sensing and aquaculture. The center aims to advance marine renewable energy technologies through research, education, and outreach.
Researchers found that incorporating energy efficiency measures can minimize long-duration storage, reducing the need for renewable resources. By optimizing mix of renewables, oversized generation capacities, and energy efficiency investments, achieving 100% renewable energy becomes more achievable and cost-effective.
Scientists aim to create sustainable materials for optical applications by leveraging polylactide, a renewable resource with good optical properties. The project addresses issues like CO2 emissions and microplastics to develop cost-effective high-performance polymers.
A new model suggests that integrating massive offshore wind generation, power storage, electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and expanded transmission can reduce costs of renewable power integration into the grid. This strategy could make achieving China's carbon neutrality by 2050 feasible without significantly increasing costs.
Researchers have been exploring tribocatalysis as an alternative clean energy technology. The process converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect, with potential applications in material synthesis and energy conversion. Further research is needed to fully develop this promising field.
Researchers find that most countries are not growing wind and solar power fast enough to meet global warming targets of 1.5°C or 2°C. The study analyzes data from 60 countries and finds that only a few countries, like Portugal and Ireland, have seen rapid growth in onshore wind and solar power.
Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi's research focuses on reducing energy consumption in residential buildings in hot and arid climates using renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power. His framework combines building interventions and clean energy approaches to minimize environmental impact.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found that energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments had limited impact on reducing CO2 emissions. However, policies aimed at improving energy efficiency had no effect, while investment in renewable energy sources led to increased levels of CO2 emissions in the residen...
Researchers believe that wind and hydropower are the most promising renewable energy sources in Russia, with suitable areas for installation identified. However, the transition to these energy sources has been slow due to reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
A new project at Lehigh University aims to improve waste-to-energy conversion processes using AI and spectroscopy. The team will develop a rapid detection and analysis system for municipal solid waste streams, enabling real-time characterization and process control.
Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to generate renewable biofuel additives from organic waste using nuclear radiation. This process could help increase the proportion of petrol with renewable content from 5% to 20% by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
Researchers have discovered a new method to produce clean hydrogen by adding nickel and cobalt to inexpensive catalysts, reducing energy requirements and increasing hydrogen yield. This breakthrough could pave the way for large-scale clean energy production and make Australia a leader in renewable energy research.
A UMD researcher has been awarded a $6 million grant from the US Department of Energy to create sustainable products like biofuels and bioplastics from food waste. The project aims to understand waste sources, characterize municipal solid waste, and produce renewable resources.
Researchers have identified a mechanism in Shewanella oneidensis that allows the microbe to take energy into its system for use in its metabolism. The study reveals a pathway for electron uptake that could be used to create efficient, scalable, and cheap methods for storing renewable energy and producing biofuels.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new insulation material that can significantly improve the performance of high-voltage direct current cables. By adding a tiny amount of poly(3-hexylthiophene) to polyethylene, they were able to lower electrical conductivity by up to three times.
Researchers found that wood vinegar and tar fraction in bio-oil produced from hazelnut shells pyrolysis at 400 C to 1,000 C contain high concentrations of phenolic substances, which contribute to their antioxidant activity. The study suggests using these fractions as a potential renewable energy source.
A new catalyst and microchannel reactors improve efficiency and cost in converting alcohol into jet fuel. The process reduces complexity, improves efficiency, and lowers capital costs for renewable energy production.
The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials has developed a process to produce 'green ammonia' with zero carbon emissions, using renewable energy. The process involves combining water with nitrogen plasma, producing hydrogen and nitrogen oxides, which are then reduced to ammonia with high selectivity.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a wave energy converter that doubles the power harvested from ocean waves, overcoming technical challenges and unlocking vast untapped potential. The dual-turbine design is cost-effective and requires no special syncing technology.
Countries lagging behind in renewable energy adoption risk lower industrial competitiveness and economic instability. Uneven transition patterns can exacerbate existing international tensions, making it difficult for late decarbonizers to catch up with early movers.
The study found that energy intensity significantly drove electricity consumption growth in the EAEU, with Kazakhstan and Russia contributing to increased energy consumption. Armenia and Belarus showed a decrease in energy intensity due to declining fossil fuel consumption and green energy development.
A University of Otago study reveals that high proportions of renewable generation coupled with energy storage is technically and economically viable for Samoa's electricity system. The results show that setting targets below 100% and considering biomass options can make renewable energy more attractive and affordable.
A new study by Berkeley Lab and NREL found that optimizing building energy demand can significantly impact the electric grid. By increasing energy efficiency and flexibility in buildings, up to one-third of coal- or gas-fired power generation can be avoided. The regions with the largest grid resource are Texas, Southeast U.S., Great La...
Researchers from Incheon National University developed two new ANFIS-based models to estimate photovoltaic power generation ahead of time by up to a full day. The hybrid algorithms combined traditional ANFIS with particle swarm optimization methods, outperforming other models in predicting solar system values.
A study by KIT researchers found that stopping further expansion of wind energy use in scenic areas could increase power generation costs by up to 7 cents per kilowatt hour and CO2 emissions by up to 200 grams per kilowatt hour. This may require alternative renewable energy sources like solar or bioenergy.
A US-based study reveals that Americans generally support transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. However, they are less accepting of having these infrastructures built near their homes, with a preference for distances of over 5 km/miles from residences.
A Baylor University study assesses the relationship between large-scale renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. The research suggests that while some renewable energy sources, like hydropower, have been well-studied, others, such as solar, have unknown impacts on local ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a new, efficient on-body energy harvester that produces 300 millijoules of energy per square centimeter without mechanical input. The device is powered by lactate in sweat and can be worn on the finger, making it suitable for self-sustainable wearable electronics.
Faster EV adoption and renewable energy generation will significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Hawaii, with a potential decrease of up to 93% by 2050. This is made possible through mathematical models created by University of Hawaii at Manoa faculty member Katherine McKenzie.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made significant progress in developing a recipe for entirely renewable energy by splitting water to produce green hydrogen. The team has identified nine earth-abundant metal combinations as highly promising leads for experimental investigation, with chromium, manganese, and iron standing ou...
Rutgers researchers have created a machine learning model that uses real-world meteorological data and physics-based simulations to improve the prediction of offshore wind power. The model achieved accuracy improvements of up to 91% over traditional methods, highlighting its potential for supporting the growth of renewable energy.
A study by University of Illinois researchers has shown that small quantities of hydrocarbons can be produced when CO2 and water react in the presence of light and a silver nanoparticle catalyst. The findings demonstrate a viable technology for renewable energy generation and chemical manufacturing.
A novel energy storage solution featuring pipes and anchors could store intermittent renewable energy from offshore wind power plants. The technology offers a promising alternative to conventional battery systems with lower costs per megawatt hour.
Researchers at Purdue University are working on mimicking the process of photosynthesis to harness sunlight directly into usable energy. The goal is to create a clean and efficient fuel source that could replace traditional forms of renewable energy like wind power and solar panels.
A team of Monash University scientists has discovered a new process based on phosphonium salts to produce green ammonia from renewable energy. The process represents a major contribution towards the development of a sustainable fuel for the future, with potential applications in fertiliser production and as an energy carrier.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) are investigating a method to produce synthetic methane from hydrogen and CO2, which can be used as a fuel. This process, known as methanization, has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in road transport.
KTU's rooftop solar plant project, selected from 2,500 entries worldwide, combines multiple energy sources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to educate students on renewable energy and mitigate climate change.