Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seawater air-conditioning (SWAC) has been shown to provide the same cooling energy as 21 wind turbines or a solar power plant the size of 68 football fields, making it a viable alternative to conventional air-conditioning. The technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in cooling systems.
A new modelling study by researchers at UCL and Yale found that paper recycling may increase greenhouse gas emissions unless powered by renewable energy. The study suggests that modernising landfill practices and using renewable energy can reduce emissions significantly.
The Membrane Solvent Extraction (MSX) process developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory allows for the recovery of highly pure cobalt, nickel, lithium, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries. This technology contributes to a circular economy by recycling end-of-life products without generating hazardous waste.
Researchers developed tools to estimate if wave-energy devices will turn over in changing ocean environments. The mathematical approach considers device geometry, mooring systems, and tidal wave properties, yielding accurate predictions.
A study by the University of California, Davis, compares three types of energy providers in California, finding that community choice aggregations (CCAs) purchased more renewable energy but went farther to source it. The study highlights the need for energy providers to prioritize local and renewable sources.
A new solar panel design using checkerboard lines can absorb up to 125% more light, leading to the creation of thinner, lighter, and more flexible panels. This breakthrough could enable a rapid expansion of photovoltaics and greatly reduce carbon footprint.
Researchers at Politecnico di Torino have developed a new composite material that can store heat during the summer and release it during the winter using a low-cost technology. The innovative material combines cement, salt, and water to produce heat through hydration, offering an affordable solution to balance energy supply and demand.
Researchers have developed a method to spray extremely thin wires made from a plant-based material, methylcellulose, onto 3D objects. This innovation could improve the effectiveness of N95 mask filters and be used in energy harvesting devices, with potential applications in organ creation.
A collaboration between NREL and the University of Portsmouth has led to breakthroughs in understanding how enzymes like PETase and MHETase work together to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The research reveals that combining these two synergistic enzymes significantly improves their ability to break down PET.
Researchers at KAUST developed semiconductive photocatalysts that efficiently absorb solar energy, reducing the energy required for a bioelectrochemical process to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals. The technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions while generating useful products.
A new study published in Nature Energy reveals that nuclear power does not deliver sufficient carbon emission reductions and should not be considered a low-carbon energy source. Renewable energy investments are found to have stronger correlations with CO2-emission reductions, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.
Researchers estimate that adding floating solar panels to existing hydropower stations could generate up to 10,600 terawatt-hours of power annually. This would account for about 35% of global electricity consumption in 2018.
Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University studied the correlation between TES shape and efficiency, finding that straight walls are often preferred but can vary depending on specific criteria. The study also explored the potential of integrating TES with other energy accumulators, such as adiabatic compressed air storages.
Researchers developed an air-insensitive biphenol derivative cathode with high potential and solubility, demonstrating stable cycling performance and high rate capabilities. The cathode's biphenol structure offers excellent oxidation resistance and four tertiary ammonium groups improve stability.
A study from California Polytechnic State University finds that offshore winds in the Central Coast increase when demand is greatest, making them an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by solar and on-shore wind energy production. The study suggests that offshore wind energy could play a crucial role in meeting California's ambitious ...
Maestro, a predictive software developed by CSEM, analyzes weather forecasts and data from local infrastructure to determine the best time to consume energy. The system can reduce heating costs by approximately 20% and is designed to keep costs down, making it suitable for individual homes and entire neighborhoods.
The ELECTRODE project aims to develop more efficient methods for storing renewable energy, a crucial step towards phasing out fossil fuels. Researchers will create porous photopolymer structures using 3D printing, increasing the effect of fuel cells.
Researchers propose moving workloads to different regions to reduce excess renewable energy generation, saving companies money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The plan could absorb up to 62% of curtailed electricity capacity in California, equivalent to 100,000 households' annual energy consumption.
Researchers investigated the impact of temperature on solar and wind energy production in Australia, finding small annual changes but significant effects during peak temperature days. The study aimed to inform electricity sector planning for reliability in different climate conditions.
A new DOE grant will support research on developing efficient electrochemical systems for renewable energy generation and storage. Dr. Eranda Nikolla's project aims to design catalytically active sites in non-stoichiometric, mixed metal oxides for oxygen reduction and evolution.
A new study finds that transitioning to renewable energy in Europe can reduce land requirements by prioritizing offshore wind power and large solar parks. The study suggests that these alternatives can achieve a fully renewable electricity supply while minimizing additional costs.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) that can be hung on walls to capture and convert sunlight into electric power. The technology has shown promise in reducing energy needs for buildings, particularly in urban settings where roof space is limited.