Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
Researchers developed an optimizer tool to design and evaluate solar-powered adsorption cooling systems, achieving higher coefficient of performance with certain material combinations. The study focused on residential home cooling systems but aims to be extended to higher capacity systems.
Wind turbine blades made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer can serve up to 25 years before ending up in landfills. Lithuanian researchers have proposed a method to break down these composites, extracting usable materials like phenol and fibre for reuse.
Researchers found that a common surface treatment creates an electron-rich surface that destabilizes the perovskite solar cells, leading to degradation. A new method using positively and negatively charged ions resolves this issue, allowing for more stable solar cells with up to 87% efficiency retention.
The Texas cold snap highlighted the critical role of electricity in society and the need for improved power system planning to withstand extreme weather events. The event showed that traditional planning based on historical weather patterns is not sufficient, and new information from climate projection models is needed.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that can automatically clean solar panels without using water, reducing dust accumulation's impact on efficiency. The system uses electrostatic repulsion to detach dust particles, improving overall power output and potentially saving $200,000 in annual revenue.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to improve thermal energy storage by decoupling energy density and power density using pressure-enhanced close contact melting. This method has demonstrated efficacy in achieving high power and energy density, making it suitable for demanding applications like electric vehicles and data centers.
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 developed Electric Truck Hydropower to harness the potential of steep mountain ranges, generating 1.2 PWh electricity per year, equivalent to 4% of global energy consumption. The technology uses existing road infrastructure and regenerative brakes to convert water into electricity.
A Tel Aviv University study found that investors who switched to a social fund reduced their donations to charities, mainly in similar causes. However, most investors in the social fund had not previously donated, suggesting that social funds entice more people to fund social causes.
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.
Argonne scientists are developing new materials for batteries, researching sustainable fuels, and expanding carbon-free energy sources like nuclear power. They're also exploring ways to capture and utilize CO2, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming.
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 developed the Transactive Energy Service System (TESS) to automatically adjust a home's power use in response to fluctuating prices. The system increases the resiliency of the grid while saving both consumers and utilities money.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a method to improve the efficiency of electrolysis for converting CO2 into fuel, reducing unwanted by-products and increasing production by 18 times. The new concept relies on enzymes isolated from bacteria and fine-tunes the local environment to optimize their performance.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new, inexpensive catalyst material that can produce oxygen from water, potentially replacing rare metals and reducing the cost of producing carbon-neutral fuels. The material, made of abundant components, allows for precise tuning and matches or exceeds the performance of conventional catalysts.
In the 1990s, Massachusetts activists drafted model legislation for community choice aggregation, which has been adopted by 1,800 communities in six states. The program allows cities and towns to purchase renewable energy, reducing reliance on utility companies.
Researchers used AI to identify detrimental dams and reveal lost environmental benefits from existing 158 hydropower dams. The study considers six socio-environmental criteria, including river flow and energy production, to optimize dam selection across the entire Amazon basin.
Researchers demonstrate a two-terminal tandem solar cell with enhanced efficiency through spectrum splitting, achieving a 5-6% gain in absolute efficiency. The design uses planar and Lambertian spectral splitters to effectively distribute sunlight among the top and bottom cells.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research calculates the costs of a CO2-neutral Switzerland, finding that three different energy systems would require significant investments and increased energy costs. The most efficient option is electrifying the entire energy supply, but this comes with the challenge of storing enough renewa...
The University of Houston has received funding to develop lithium and transition metal-free battery technologies with high-energy charging capabilities. Additionally, a gallium nitride-based miniaturized pulsed power system architecture is being developed for mission-critical applications, including healthcare tech.
A vision for a net-zero Germany in 2050 emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation of the energy system to renewables, as well as technological measures for active CO2 removal and natural sink enhancement. Implementing these measures requires legal, political, economic, and social frameworks.
The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center will engage in nuclear materials technology research with a five-year, $5 million grant from the US Department of Energy. This partnership aims to transform national nuclear security through nuclear material science applications and provide opportunities for underrepresented students.
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...
Magnesium-based batteries offer a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with several significant advantages. However, developing cost-effective and high-performance batteries requires further research on electrolyte development, anode design, and cathode structure.
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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.
Cornell University chemists have developed a class of nonprecious metal derivatives that can efficiently power cars and generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could enable wider deployment of hydrogen fuel cells, replacing combustion engines and reducing waste.
A research team at PNNL has developed a system that converts waste carbon from sewage, food crops, and algae into fuels while removing impurities. The electrocatalytic oxidation fuel recovery system generates hydrogen to power its own operation, making it potentially carbon-neutral.
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.
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 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 developed a novel scheme that reduces energy consumption while improving traffic prediction accuracy by up to 40% compared to benchmark schemes. The scheme uses software defined network and edge computing to control the operation of base stations, ensuring both sustainability and performance.
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.
Researchers have discovered how carbohydrates interact with lignin in plant biomass, revealing new information on the organization of lignin-carbohydrate interfaces. This discovery can help advance technology for using biomass as a renewable resource for energy and materials.
Researchers have created a new solid electrolyte that enables fast hydrogen conductivity in the intermediate temperature range of 200-400°C. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient fuel cells and electrochemical reactors for sustainable energy.
A new überreview provides a comprehensive introduction to solar resource assessment and forecasting, helping bridge the gap between atmospheric scientists and solar engineers. The review compiles recent studies on critical parameters like cloud and aerosol, aiming to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration for carbon neutrality.
A novel plan to deploy smart transactive energy systems on the US power grid could reduce daily load swings by 20-44% and save consumers up to $50 billion annually. By coordinating with utilities, consumers can dynamically control big energy users like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a novel method to convert banana peels into valuable hydrogen and solid-carbon biochar through flash pyrolysis using a Xenon lamp. This innovative technique generates around 100 liters of hydrogen per kg of dried biomass, making it a promising renewable energy solution.
Researchers developed a low-cost and simple method to produce perovskite photovoltaic materials on an industrial scale, paving the way for creating lightweight and flexible solar cells. The new technique reduces waste and toxic byproducts associated with manufacturing perovskite photovoltaics.
The NUS research team achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.6% in their perovskite/organic tandem solar cells, approaching that of conventional silicon solar cells. This breakthrough paves the way for flexible, light-weight, and low-cost photovoltaic cells suitable for various applications.
Researchers replaced traditional electron-transport layers with quantum dot layers in perovskite solar cells, resulting in record power-conversion efficiencies of up to 25.7%. The use of quantum dots also enabled high operational stability and scalability, making them a promising solution for large-scale solar energy production.
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.
The study found that most USSE facilities were installed on grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands, potentially impeding Florida panther dispersal. Restoration of dispersal corridors and gene flow is critical to the species' survival, benefiting biodiversity and resiliency at the landscape-scale.
Researchers have created nanoparticles that can store hydrogen, reducing the need for pressurized tanks and cooling. The discovery could enable climate-friendly fuels and production methods for airplanes, ships, and steel.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech propose a new carbon-based energy storage system that uses CO2 as the primary source. The system achieves high volumetric energy density and charge-discharge efficiency compared to hydrogen storage systems.
A recent study found that major US electric utility companies' voluntary climate pledges could lower net emissions by roughly 560 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, an amount equal to one-third of 2018 US power sector emissions. This reduction is on top of existing policies and could play a vital role in climate change mitigation.
Researchers at MIT developed a selective separation process using sulfidation to target rare metals like cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. The approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid-based separation methods.
Researchers developed P-/Sn-based composites with high-capacity and stability anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The study reveals a new approach to produce cost-effective and scalable solutions.
Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.
A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley, describe advances in understanding phase change materials for thermal energy storage. Better understanding liquid state physics may help accelerate technology development for the energy sector.
The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...
Researchers at MIT and Google Brain developed a system that predicts how changing materials or designs will improve solar cell performance. The new simulator, called differentiable solar cell simulator, provides information on which changes will provide desired improvements, increasing the rate of discovery of new configurations.
The rooftop PV plus EV system has the potential to supply 54-95% of electricity demand in cities, reducing CO2 emission by 54-95%. Residential districts show rapid economic advantages over commercial ones due to greater rooftop space and vehicle numbers.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have designed a system that uses hydrothermal biomass carbonisation and solar power to extract more energy from biomass. The system reduces the need for drying pre-treatment, making it more sustainable and efficient.
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.
Researchers developed a novel lithium-containing crosslinked polymeric material, LiGL, which exhibits exceptional protection effects on lithium metal anodes. The material achieves superior cycling stability, even after over 20,000 Li-stripping/plating cycles without failures.