Articles tagged with Alternative Energy
Researchers at Academia Sinica have engineered a synthetic carbon fixation cycle to improve photosynthetic performance and accelerate plant growth and lipid biosynthesis. The McG cycle pathway achieves a 50% increase in carbon fixation efficiency, along with enhanced biomass accumulation and lipid content.
A newly developed mesoporous WO₃ film exhibits exceptional efficiency and stability for photoelectrochemical water splitting, enabling advanced tandem devices for renewable hydrogen production. The film achieved unprecedented efficiency and long-term stability, particularly in neutral pH conditions.
Researchers developed a technique to monitor corrosion and cracking in nuclear reactors using real-time 3D imaging. By directly imaging material failure processes, scientists can design safer reactors that deliver higher performance.
Researchers are developing a new system to use nuclear waste to produce valuable tritium, which could power over 500,000 homes for six months. The system uses a particle accelerator to jump-start atom-splitting reactions in the waste, producing more tritium than traditional fusion reactors.
A new study from the University of Vaasa demonstrates that fuels refined from waste and industrial by-products can significantly reduce emissions in existing engine applications. Renewable naphtha and marine gas oil, derived from crude tall oil and recycled lubricants respectively, offer efficient and cleaner combustion options.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new type of solar thermoelectric generator that can harness thermal energy in addition to sunlight. The device is 15 times more efficient than current state-of-the-art devices, making it a promising source of renewable energy.
A new study finds that retrofitting young coal plants to co-fire biomass and capture up to 99% of resulting CO2 could eliminate 1.6 billion tonnes of emissions annually by 2040. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) could deliver between 30 and 780 gigatonnes of cumulative CO2 removal this century.
A £13m UK university consortium is developing sustainable technologies for advanced modular reactors, aiming to secure the UK's position in nuclear innovation. The ENLIGHT programme will address key challenges, including sovereign supply of nuclear graphite and managing irradiated waste.
Researchers developed nanosized, porous oxyhalide photocatalysts that achieve record performance in producing hydrogen from water and converting carbon dioxide to formic acid using sunlight. The breakthrough offers a scalable, eco-friendly approach to solar fuel production by carefully controlling particle size and structure.
Researchers found that solar energy delivers the biggest climate payoff in certain US regions, with California and Florida seeing significant CO2 reductions. A 15% increase in solar power led to a reduction of up to 147.18 metric tons of CO2 in California alone.
Airovation Technologies won the prestigious Asper Prize for innovative startup solutions, securing a NIS 100,000 award. The company's ventures focus on real-world challenges, such as gut health and carbon capture, demonstrating purpose-driven innovation.
Researchers stabilize β-NaMnO2 electrodes by Cu doping, reducing capacity loss and enabling enhanced cycle stability. The study advances understanding of phase transitions in Na-based oxides, paving the way for sustainable energy storage solutions.
Professor Kanatzidis has been awarded the 2025 Albert Einstein World Award of Science for his groundbreaking contributions to shaping the field of solar photovoltaic materials. His work has led to the development of high-performance, low-cost, and durable photovoltaic semiconductors.
A new study shows that climate neutrality is achievable in Europe by 2050 through smart solar technologies and self-sufficiency. The study demonstrates that Europe can achieve net-zero emissions with an average cost increase of only 2.1% compared to the most cost-effective scenario without self-sufficiency.
The researchers developed a five-level pyramid model to assess energy supply security, taking into account dynamic effects and higher resolution. Switzerland can increase its energy security by diversifying its energy sources and increasing domestic production, with additional storage facilities also contributing.
A fully autonomous robotic system developed by MIT researchers can measure important material properties like photoconductivity, increasing the speed and precision of research. The system uses machine learning and robotics to analyze new semiconductors and optimize the development of more powerful solar panels.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.
The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has developed a proposal for the
Scientists at KIT have produced an MOF in thin-film form that exhibits metallic conductivity, enabling new possibilities for electronic components and applications. The breakthrough was achieved using a self-driving laboratory and precise control over crystallinity and domain size.
The NIMS Award 2025 honors Prof. Tsutomu Miyasaka, Prof. Henry J. Snaith, and Prof. Nam-Gyu Park for their pioneering work on perovskite solar cells and the incorporation of a critical element that improved stability and efficiency. The award ceremony will take place at the Tsukuba International Congress Center on November 11.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in green hydrogen production through anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis, enhancing OER catalysts for reduced costs. A new cathode catalyst has also been developed to improve alkaline HER performance.
A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.
A new study from Colorado State University reveals that photovoltaic (PV) arrays in grasslands can improve soil moisture levels and increase plant growth, particularly during dry years. The research found a 90% increase in grass production on the east side of panels compared to neighboring open sites.
Researchers have developed a sustainable method for extracting sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds from corn stover using subcritical water. This process recovers high-value bioderivatives with yields up to six times higher than traditional methods, reducing energy costs and time.
Large-scale solar arrays will occupy approximately 0.2 percent of agricultural land in Arkansas, with projected impacts on crop prices and proximal real estate value. Researchers found that utility-scale solar projects can coexist with agriculture through integrated systems like agrivoltaics.
Researchers developed fluorescent dyes based on nitrogen-rich pyrazinacenes with strong, tunable fluorescence between the visible and NIR/SWIR regions. The dyes exhibit redox-responsive properties, shifting emission spectra to longer wavelengths for infrared applications.
Scientists at UC Riverside are investigating plasmonic materials that can transfer energy when struck by light. Their findings could lead to sensors capable of detecting molecules at trace levels and other technologies with practical applications.
A recent study from the University of Surrey found that China's Plan on Clean Energy Accommodation has resulted in a decline in green total factor productivity. This measure reflects a region's ability to achieve economic growth while minimizing resource consumption and environmental degradation.
A University of Texas-led team has discovered a shortcut to design leak-proof magnetic confinement systems in stellarator reactors, addressing a 70-year-old challenge. This breakthrough enables engineers to simulate the system more efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, paving the way for the development of reliable fusion energy.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that exercise can improve brain health and mitigate cognitive decline, even when ketone production in the liver is impaired. The research found that endurance exercise can prevent cognitive impairment caused by compromised hepatic ketogenesis.
Researchers developed a new model called React-OT that can predict the transition state of chemical reactions in under a second with high accuracy. The model uses linear interpolation to generate better initial guesses, reducing the number of steps and computation time needed.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
A novel machine learning-driven approach uses deep-learning operator-surrogate models to monitor critical degradation indicators in nuclear power facilities. This technique provides real-time predictions and addresses limitations of physical sensors or classical modeling predictions.
A Northwestern University-led team directly observes a catalytic event in real time, discovering short-lived intermediate molecules and a previously hidden reaction pathway. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand how catalysts work, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.
New study suggests marine shipping emissions will decrease by 30-40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels, but may not meet net-zero goal for 2050. The International Maritime Organization has approved new emission reduction policies.
Virginia Tech aims to establish a hydrogen innovation hub using natural gas conversion technology, producing cleaner and more economically viable products. The project's goal is to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions by transforming potent greenhouse gases into less harmful high-value products.
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
A recent study finds that garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries offer only marginal increases in energy density. Researchers suggest alternative hybrid approaches to improve manufacturability and reduce weight while maintaining performance.
Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
The Expand Appalachia project aims to accelerate the identification and characterization of unconventional critical mineral resources throughout the region. The team will assess regional infrastructure, identify industries that could benefit from production, and develop strategies to boost economic growth and attract investment.
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
Researchers found that applying external pressures can alleviate Li loss and battery degradation by alleviating SEI aggregation. Pressure regulation can rejuvenate I-iLi, reducing its content and Li loss. The study suggests a promising approach for advancing practical Li metal batteries.
Researchers found urban sprawl and poor waste management led to an abundance of plastic waste. Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals, posing health risks to women and children. The issue affects millions in cities struggling with basic services.
Researchers unveil Ba-Si orthosilicate oxynitride-hydride as a transition metal-free catalyst, offering a more sustainable approach to ammonia production. The novel catalyst demonstrates exceptional stability and higher activity than conventional ruthenium-loaded MgO catalysts.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that exceeds the physical limit of Planck's law. The breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing industries by increasing power generation without high temperature heat sources or expensive materials.
A new photocatalytic chemical mechanical polishing (PCMP) slurry has been developed for Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) polishing, resulting in exceptionally smooth surfaces with minimal damage. The Material Removal Rate (MRR) peaks at 1168 nm·h−1, emphasizing the efficiency and effectiveness of this advanced polishing technique.
Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's four PECASE recipients made groundbreaking contributions to next-generation energy storage and solid fuel combustion, expanding the nation's energy density portable energy storage capabilities and optimizing propulsion systems.
Weizmann researchers create new method to analyze dendrites in lithium-ion batteries, finding optimal composition for safe energy storage. The study reveals 'golden ratio' for electrolyte balance, extending battery life and reducing fire hazard.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
The university aims to improve operational efficiency, manage emissions, and build an inventory of methane emissions through three research projects. The efforts will also support workforce development and improve air quality in local communities.
The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester has launched an IFE-STAR ecosystem to develop a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. The initiative aims to accelerate fusion science and technology by building a national network of coordination and collaboration.
Researchers at the University of Michigan will develop shock absorbers, noise-mitigating curtains, and hardware-in-loop platforms to improve testing and durability. The projects aim to make offshore renewable energy more reliable and better neighbor to marine life.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new class of conductors made from niobium phosphide that can conduct electricity better than copper in films as thin as a few atoms. This breakthrough could lead to more powerful and efficient electronics, reducing energy consumption and heat loss.
New research from Colorado State University finds that wildfire smoke has a modest impact on long-term solar power generation activity in the US. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that power generated from photovoltaics remained relatively stable even in extreme fire seasons, with losses averaging around 5%.
A POSTECH research team developed a groundbreaking strategy to enhance LLO material durability, extending battery lifespan by up to 84.3% after 700 cycles. The breakthrough addresses capacity fading and voltage decay issues.
Researchers have developed a new sodium-ion battery material that improves performance by 15% and increases energy density to 458 Wh/kg. The material, Na x V2(PO4)3, allows for stable operation and continuous voltage change, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at MIT have created a new magnetic state in an antiferromagnetic material using terahertz laser light, enabling controlled switching and potentially leading to more efficient memory chips. The technique provides a powerful tool for manipulating magnetism and advancing information processing technology.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.