Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
A new IIASA-led study investigates the potential of polycentric governance in facilitating citizen participation in energy transition. The research found that providing citizens with options to make choices about services affecting their communities increases trust in decision makers, while also increasing awareness and willingness to ...
A new study by the University of California - Davis suggests that rapid solar development may harm rare desert plant species more than common ones. The research found that weather and landscape features influenced how plants respond to solar panels, with rare species facing potential threats from panel shade.
A team of researchers explores how Game-theoretic models can optimize value proposition for different stakeholders in renewable energy investments. The study reveals a practical framework for analyzing investor decision-making and investigating feasible tariffs that encourage distributed renewable investment.
The GridScale technology stores electrical energy as heat in basalt crushed to tiny stones, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term electricity storage. The facility will support electricity supply for up to a week, addressing the challenge of storing intermittent wind and solar electricity.
A UMass Amherst-led team will develop a self-powered, decentralized network of computing hardware and solar batteries to reduce carbon emissions. The team plans to virtualize energy systems and engineer digital carbon-capping policies to track applications' use of traditional grid-based carbon emissions.
New research by Richard York found that adding alternative meat sources like poultry and fish increases overall meat consumption, rather than suppressing traditional grazing animal sources.
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories used 22-foot-wide tethered balloons to collect dust samples, confirming the new solar-power technology's safety. The technology stores heat in heated particles, which can store energy for days or weeks, stabilizing power output.
Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.
Experts predict significant cost reductions in wind energy by 2035 and 2050, driven by larger turbines, lower capital and operating costs. The study's findings offer insights into the magnitude of cost reductions and drivers for improvement.
A new study reveals that energy models play a significant role in shaping the energy transition, influencing policy decisions and informing energy futures. Policymakers are increasingly relying on modeling outputs to define energy and climate targets, while researchers demand greater transparency to protect model credibility.
A mobile app developed by Graz University of Technology aims to optimize energy consumption through user participation and data collection. The app uses game-like elements to encourage users to share their energy usage data, which is then used to predict household energy consumption and inform smart grid management.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano and IFN-CNR have developed new materials that minimize efficiency losses in organic photovoltaic cells. These advancements enable future solar cells to be more efficient, flexible, and environmentally friendly.
USC experts project significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality, with the city potentially reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. The study also highlights potential job impacts and challenges to ensuring a reliable water supply.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a metric that reflects the average price of energy in the United States, providing a way to optimize policies for a smooth and efficient transition to clean energy. The energy price index can forecast energy demands and prices, helping policymakers navigate the evolving energy landscape.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated financing challenges and hampered investment in renewable energy infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this, frontrunners in the global energy transition will continue to expand their renewable energy capacities.
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara recommend India increase its target to 600 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Meeting high renewable targets would not avert the need to build fossil fuel power plants due to specific weather patterns and peak electricity demand requirements.
Researchers will explore decision-making processes for adopting solar energy systems and electric vehicles, as well as improve the efficiency and manufacturing process for solar panels. The studies aim to identify non-technological barriers to clean-energy adoption and evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost interventions and incentives.
Researchers at NREL and University of Utah developed a spin-polarized LED using metal-halide perovskites, enabling room-temperature operation without magnets. This breakthrough has broad implications for applications like quantum computing and bioencoding.
A study of 21 OECD countries from 1980 to 2016 found that military spending hindered green economic growth. Militarization is a major consumer of non-renewable energy and causes significant air and environmental pollution. Economists recommend reducing military spending and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
A Swiss energy market study found that adopting a 'green default' option for consumers leads to significant shifts towards renewable energy. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, showed that both households and businesses predominantly accepted the default option, resulting in substantial CO2 emissions reductions.
A recent field study conducted by Iowa State University researchers found that wind turbine icing can have a significant impact on power production, with losses reaching up to 80%. The study, which analyzed data from a Chinese wind farm, showed that icing conditions can disrupt blade aerodynamics and lead to reduced energy output.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that a carbon tax is the most effective and cost-efficient way to reduce emissions causing climate change. The study found that adding a price to carbon production resulted in lower emissions at half the cost of renewable energy subsidies.
Scientists at NREL have demonstrated that white-rot fungi can use carbon captured from lignin as a carbon source, consuming it and utilizing it to grow. This discovery provides another strategy for carbon sequestration in nature.
Researchers at NREL have created a simple way to evaluate novel materials for thermal energy storage, aiming to make buildings more efficient and flexible in managing power from renewable sources. The new design method could help mitigate blackouts on the grid by shifting peak electricity demand to other times of the day.
The UK must decommission around 300 and 1600 early-model offshore wind turbines by 2025 and 2030, respectively. Research reveals that the remaining years before these original turbines' end of life can be proactively used to prevent safety lapses and huge costs.
The University of Toledo will develop flexible solar cell sheets to harness solar energy in space and transmit power wirelessly to Earth. The five-year project aims to create large, efficient solar arrays that could generate up to 800 megawatts of electrical power.
New research by Copenhagen Business School finds that poor planning and execution of decarbonisation strategies in emerging markets challenges the aims of Goal 7. The study highlights the need for governance in energy democracy, allowing marginalized communities to participate in renewable energy investments. This can be achieved throu...
Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create self-repairing polymer to stabilize silicon anode capacity, paving way for more durable Li-ion batteries. The coating prevents SEI formation and enhances stability, allowing for improved performance over 300 cycles.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new tool to study wind power and its potential as a source of distributed energy. The custom-built wind turbine emulator mimics actual wind turbines, allowing for real-time simulations of various weather conditions and load demands.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a benchmark system to assess the environmental impact of plastics production in the US. The study provides data on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for 18 types of plastics, allowing researchers to compare their designs with current manufacturing practices.
Researchers developed multiple feasible technology pathways to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050, with cost estimates ranging from 0.2% to 1.2% of GDP. The study suggests increasing energy efficiency, switching to electric technologies, and deploying clean electricity can help meet this goal.
Researchers have developed a prototype of an anode-free zinc-based battery that uses low-cost, naturally abundant materials. The battery shows high efficiency, energy density and stability, opening new directions for using aqueous zinc-based batteries in energy storage systems.
A new blockchain technology enables optimal matching of buy and sell orders in peer-to-peer energy trading, allowing for more efficient use of surplus electricity from renewable energy sources. The system allows consumers to engage in direct trading at optimal prices, maximizing the amount of surplus electricity available in the market.
A team of Binghamton University researchers will explore advanced grid-forming PV inverter control technologies to integrate renewable energy sources into the US electric grid, aiming for increased reliability and scalability. The three-year project will focus on developing a new grid-forming control algorithm at a hybrid PV plant.
Cornell University is developing a system to convert cattle manure into methane and other products to meet peak heating demands. The proposed system produces approximately 909 million liters of renewable natural gas per year, providing 97% of the campus's annual peak heating demand.
A team of scientists explores the feasibility of achieving 100% renewability in energy production, highlighting the need for electrification and synthetic fuel technology. The study suggests that countries like Argentina, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Spain could meet their energy needs with high-tech renewably derived fuels.
A new study from University of California, Davis and John Hopkins University aims to help decision-makers avoid unintended environmental consequences of renewable energy development. The study identifies key research priorities, including site selection and wildlife interactions, to promote sustainable solar and wind developments.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that New York can reach a carbon-free economy by 2050 with five years to spare. The key to achieving this goal lies in the widespread adoption of offshore wind energy, geothermal heating, and electric air heat pumps.
Bioengineers at Cornell University have created theoretical solutions for efficiently absorbing and storing large-scale renewable energy from the sun while sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. The developed microbes can store energy and absorb CO2, potentially creating low-carbon fuel with net-zero emissions.
Researchers from three US DOE labs outline a framework for engineering-based modeling and analysis to support complex optimization of hybrid energy systems. The study presents an objective new path forward for leveraging multiple energy sources to maximize value.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that the environmental benefits of renewable power generation differ significantly across regions. The researchers found that one megawatt hour of renewable power produces varying emissions reductions depending on where it was generated.
A new carbon-based material for sodium-ion batteries has been developed with a capacity of 478 mAh/g, exceeding that of graphite used in lithium-ion batteries. The material's lower temperature heat treatment reduces energy expenditure and environmental impact.
A research consortium has analyzed frequency fluctuations in 12 synchronous grid areas across three continents, revealing that bigger grids are more stable. The study used a new measurement technology and a portable GPS-synchronized recorder to collect high-resolution data.
Dr Peter Garraghan aims to unshackle ICT systems from growing energy demand with a new approach to sustainability. He will develop a system that can dynamically reconfigure its components to operate within limited renewable energy targets.
Researchers created a database of measurements from existing global power grid systems to develop new power systems capable of meeting changing demands. The publicly available data can be used worldwide to design and test new energy concepts in response to current and future challenges.
Researchers from the US Department of Energy's three applied energy laboratories have developed a new framework for engineering-based modeling and analysis to support complex optimization of hybrid energy systems. These systems can leverage multiple energy sources to maximize value and deliver lower-emission energy to industry.
Engineers at West Virginia University are developing a new energy conversion system that can reconcile the supply and demand conflict between renewables and power grids. The system uses hydrogen as a fuel to generate power, addressing the issue of excess renewable energy being dissipated due to storage limitations.
A new machine learning algorithm, TranSEC, uses traffic datasets from UBER drivers and publicly available sensor data to map street-level traffic flow over time. This creates a big picture of city traffic, allowing for near-real-time analysis and predictive modeling.
A new international study finds that green energy projects can be as conflictive as fossil fuel projects, disproportionately impacting rural and indigenous communities. Social protest is effective in stopping or modifying projects, but policymakers must address equity concerns to ensure a just transition.
Researchers study large-scale wind turbine design to overcome efficiency and cost challenges. Advanced computational methods reveal the physics of giant rotating machines, enabling better understanding of wind turbine wakes and interactions with the atmosphere.
George Mason University will lead a $111 million public-private partnership, Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII), to introduce cybersecure energy-ROI and drive American manufacturers. The university's well-recognized strength in cybersecurity research positions it well to support the five-year goals of CyManII.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a new nanoscale building method that can arrange tiny gold rods into precise patterns. This technique has potential applications in renewable energy, smartphones, laptops, and efficient lighting, as well as improving security features in banknotes and passports.
The University of Texas at Arlington and North Central Texas Council of Governments partner to assess regional opportunities for diverting food waste, increasing renewable energy production, and reducing vehicle emissions. The project aims to capture methane gas and produce biogas from anaerobic digestion infrastructure.
A new study from Incheon National University develops an eco-friendly buffer for solar panels, increasing efficiency and sustainability. The ZTO buffer uses naturally abundant materials, reducing toxicity and costs.
A new model predicts the photovoltaic industry can meet Paris Agreement targets with 70-80 terawatts of cumulative capacity from solar cells by 2055. The industry needs to increase production rate by a factor of 30 within 10 years, driven by productivity improvements and material sustainability.
Jifeng Liu, a professor at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, has been named an OSA fellow for his work on renewable energy and reducing energy consumption in information technology. His research focuses on advancing solar technologies that are less expensive and more efficient.
A new study suggests that renewable energy targets can actually exacerbate sustainability issues, such as rolling blackouts in California. The researchers argue for a more nuanced approach, considering trade-offs between different policy instruments and long-term objectives.
Climate change is expected to increase cooling demand and decrease heating demand globally, while also affecting energy infrastructure efficiency and reliability. Regional differences in climate change impacts are observed, with South Asia and Latin America being the most vulnerable regions.
A new study analyzes Germany's bilateral energy partnerships, which are a key instrument of the country's 'soft power' strategy. The partnerships aim to promote climate-friendly technologies and solutions abroad, reflecting Germany's domestic consensus on its energy transition.
Scientists at NREL developed a next-generation thermochromic window that reduces energy consumption and generates electricity. The new technology enables various colors and temperature-driven color changes, increasing design flexibility and control over building aesthetics.