Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
Researchers explored wind turbine dynamics under simultaneous wind and earthquake excitation, finding a coupling effect between aerodynamic damping and blade stiffness. This knowledge can guide seismic design of wind turbines and inform determination of wind-earthquake combinations.
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 team led by Dr. Yu Zhu has developed a more stable way to store energy in redox flow batteries, with a focus on aqueous organic materials and a new design strategy to enhance solubility. The technology has the potential to improve the usability of electricity-powered facilities such as vehicles.
KAUST researchers have developed a multifunctional molecule, phenformin hydrochloride, to plug various atomic-scale defects in perovskite solar materials. This innovation significantly improves the longevity and electrical output of perovskite solar cells, with boosted power conversion efficiencies reaching up to 20.5%.
Researchers pair metal halide perovskites with conventional silicon to create a more powerful solar cell, overcoming the 26% practical efficiency limit. The technology has the potential to rapidly scale up solar energy production and help meet ambitious climate change targets.
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.
A study by McGill University researchers found that planned hydropower dams could sever over 260,000 km of river, threatening free-flowing rivers globally. The dams would collectively generate less than 2% of the renewable energy needed by 2050 to keep global temperature increase below 1.5°C.
Researchers developed direct cellulose fuel cells that directly use cellulose as fuel without reforming processes. The study found that gold is highly active in the cleavage reaction at negative potential and nickel and palladium are active in decomposition reactions at positive potential.
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 article outlines five complementary actions to increase electrification rates and secure long-term access to affordable energy in Africa. Key findings include the need for an independent champion to transform the sector, international partnerships, and investment in clean energy.
Seoul National University researchers have created a new record-breaking thermoelectric material using tin and selenium elements, overcoming previous limitations with high performance and toxicity concerns. The material achieves a thermoelectric figure of merit greater than 3.1 and power generation efficiency exceeding 20% in bulk form.
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.
Researchers at UCF have developed a new nanoscale material that can efficiently split seawater into oxygen and clean energy fuel - hydrogen. The material offers the high performance and stability needed for industrial-scale electrolysis.
A 2 MWel power plant will be built in Saudi Arabia, combining CSP and desalination techniques to achieve unprecedented efficiencies. The DESOLINATION project aims to provide low-cost renewable electricity and fresh water for the GCC region.
A new US-German collaboration aims to improve the efficiency of producing green hydrogen through advanced research on electrocatalysts. The team will explore pyrochlore materials to enhance electrolysis for water splitting.
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.
Researchers at Ural Federal University have created a technology to generate energy for electric car engines using methanol, resulting in high efficiency and minimal emissions. The method uses synthesis gas produced from methanol, which is then fed into an electrochemical generator based on solid oxide fuel cells.
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...
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.
Researchers have developed an enzyme-based recycling method for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that can reduce energy use by 69-83% and greenhouse gas emissions by 17-43%. This approach has the potential to decarbonize PET manufacturing and create new opportunities for recycling textiles and other materials made from PET.
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.
A new study suggests that collective battery storage can significantly reduce the cost of providing load smoothing and peak shaving services to households. By sharing batteries or having one per 20 houses, households can provide essential grid services while reducing individual costs, a key finding published in Energy & Buildings.
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...
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.
A new study finds that the decline of US landfills and state bans on organic waste disposal have created a need for alternative pathways for food waste. Researchers evaluated five options, including anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration, and hydrothermal liquefaction.
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 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.
A new study published in PNAS predicts that changes in farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from grain production by up to 70% within the next 15 years. The study identifies a combination of technological innovations, including digital agriculture, crop genetics, and electrification, as key drivers of this reduction.
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.
Researchers at Penn State have designed and tested prototype batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which require high energy density and rapid charging. The batteries can sustain over 2,000 fast-charges and retain some charge to ensure safety in the air.
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.
Researchers from Heriot-Watt University developed AI algorithms to optimize community energy assets, using multi-agent systems and cooperative game theory. The models provide fair ways to share joint gains among community members, considering individual contributions and needs.
A new strategy using massive molecular dynamics simulations has been proposed to improve the energy density and power density of EDLCs with ILs. By introducing ionophobicity, the researchers found a significant enhancement in overall performance, particularly with an extremely ionophobic electrode.
By achieving carbon neutrality, China can reduce PM2.5 concentrations from over 10 μg/m3 to around 8 μg/m3, meeting national air quality standards.
Researchers are developing a bio-inspired hydrofoil turbine that harnesses the power of natural river flows to generate electricity. The system aims to provide a more efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional renewable energy sources.
Scientists at PNNL have demonstrated the potential of low-cost organic compounds for storing massive amounts of energy to be fed into the electric grid. The researchers showed that fluorenone, a common compound found in candles, can operate continuously for 120 days and lose less than 3% of its energy capacity after 1,111 full cycles.
The new software suite Quest helps utility companies and businesses evaluate energy storage scenarios and model its potential. Energy storage systems increase grid stability and reliability by capturing energy when produced and saving it when needed.
A sensor system developed by PNNL can prevent buildup of flammable gases in outdoor battery enclosures, reducing the risk of explosion. The technology, IntelliVent, responds to smoke, heat, or gas alarms and automatically opens cabinet doors.
A team of researchers developed a method to detect simultaneous sensor and actuator faults in wind turbines, eliminating the need for redundant hardware components. The approach uses a state observer model to identify discrepancies between the original system and its duplicate, enabling real-time fault detection and correction.
Researchers have designed optical rectennas that can capture excess heat and turn it into usable electricity, achieving efficiencies 100 times higher than previous tools. The devices use a phenomenon called resonant tunneling to pass through solid matter without losing energy.
A new framework combines renewable energy with flexible carbon capture, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The system utilizes dynamic operational schedules to manage complex decisions, providing an effective decarbonization mechanism for the current fossil-dominated energy landscape.
Researchers have developed an innovative GIS map to help building professionals achieve successful Plus Energy Building design. The European Climate and Cultural Atlas combines knowledge from social sciences and building engineering to provide insights into energy practices.
Degrowth scenarios, focusing on global North reduction in energy and material use while maintaining wellbeing, have clear advantages over established pathways. Combining social change with technological improvements can achieve net-zero carbon emissions more easily.
A Dartmouth Engineering study finds that incorporating renewable energy into the American Electric Power System would boost the grid's ability to withstand attacks and maintain its resilience. The researchers used a novel method called hetero-functional graph theory to analyze over 175,000 energy resources in the US.
To reach its goal of 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, New York state will need to utilize lower-grade agricultural land and dual-use (agrivoltaics) options for solar energy development. This approach can help alleviate public concerns and mitigate negative economic activity in rural communities.
Researchers created a new type of phototransistor using metal-halide perovskites, exhibiting persistent photoconductivity that mimics synapses in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy usage in computers and sensors for self-driving vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.