Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
Researchers developed a new management system for lithium batteries in renewable energy facilities, improving their performance and lifetime. The system uses mathematical models to optimize battery usage, balancing the need for efficient energy storage with minimizing degradation.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the conversion of CO2 to electrofuels, shifting from trial-and-error to rational catalyst design. They found that CO2 activation begins with one common intermediate, carboxylate CO2, which is attached to the surface with C and O atoms.
The European Renewable Energy Directive may lead to vast new cutting of the world's forests as a result of additional wood needed just to supply 5 percent of Europe's energy. This is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 15 percent in Europe's energy use by 2050.
NETenergy will commercialize its hybrid thermal energy storage technology to reduce cooling costs in commercial buildings. The $500,000 grant from the DOE will help construct a hybrid HVAC prototype and develop it for commercialization.
Researchers at St John's College, University of Cambridge, successfully split water into hydrogen and oxygen using semi-artificial photosynthesis, producing more solar energy than natural photosynthesis. This innovation could revolutionize renewable energy production with a green and unlimited source of energy.
A new study sets a deadline of 2035 for governments to take decisive climate action to limit global warming below 2°C. The research found that even with strong renewable energy growth, humanity will likely cross the point of no return unless drastic emissions reductions are made immediately.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy's annual report, wind energy prices in the United States are at an all-time low due to technology advancements and cost reductions. Bigger turbines with increased rotor diameters have improved wind project capacity factors, while lower turbine pricing has pushed down installed project costs.
Four Argonne experts earn Distinguished Achievement awards for their work on transportation, sustainability, and mobility. The team created tools to measure alternative fuel technologies and standardized EV charging standards globally.
A team of researchers led by Dr Marco Taddei at Swansea University's ESRI has found a way to utilize defects in metal-organic frameworks to capture CO2. The team investigated the role of defects in post-synthetic exchange, a process that allows MOFs to be modified through exchange of components of their structure.
A new study reveals that Europe's power system can comfortably generate at least 35% of its electricity using renewable energy alone without major impacts on prices or system stability. The research, which analyzed 30 years of meteorological data, found that Europe could use renewables for more than two-thirds of its electricity by 2030.
A new study from Indiana University finds that states requiring utilities to increase renewable energy see expansion of renewable facilities and generation, particularly solar. The research highlights the importance of policy design features such as stringency and planning processes in driving renewable energy development.
Researchers have developed a new organic molecule that can store and release energy tens of thousands of times over multi-year periods. The 'Methuselah' quinone molecule avoids degradation problems of previous molecules, providing long-term stability and high energy storage.
Longer solar contracts can leverage free fuel in solar power, reducing operating expenses (O&M costs) by up to 2 cents per kWh. This can lead to lower price bids for utility-scale renewable energy projects, making them more competitive.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is working on a way to overcome the mathematical and physical barriers to make optimization of the US power grid a reality. The research focuses on increasing efficiency, reliability and security while reducing costs.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that increases the rate of methanol formation by three times over palladium alone and four times over copper alone. The catalyst combines palladium and copper in a precise atomic ratio, creating an ideal surface structure for efficient CO2-to-methanol conversion.
Researchers developed a new genetic engineering technique to improve an enzyme's ability to break down biomass. The EASy method enables accelerated evolution of desirable traits in microorganisms, leading to more efficient conversion of lignin into fuels and plastics.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University are developing a web-atlas of available wind and wave energy in the coastal zones of Russia's 13 seas. The project aims to improve the stability and reliability of renewable energy sources, providing insights for the design of hybrid power stations.
The study finds that a radical shift towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, and measures to achieve SDGs is needed. Investments in low carbon energy will likely need to overtake fossil fuel investments as early as 2025.
Researchers have developed a new method to study electrocatalysts, enabling the precise mechanism of electrocatalytic reactions to be understood. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes using renewable energy.
A new study suggests that the global economy is facing a potential $1-4 trillion loss in fossil fuel assets, regardless of climate policies. The 'carbon bubble' is expected to burst due to declining demand for fossil fuels and technological advancements in low-carbon technologies.
Transforming daily activities like transportation, heating, and device use can limit global warming to 1.5°C. This can be achieved through innovations in energy efficiency and low-carbon development, enabling the meeting of UN Sustainable Development Goals while remaining within the climate target.
A review of 40 studies from 16 countries found that models differed in their assumptions about market conditions, vehicle prices, and other factors. This led to vastly different projections of future electric vehicle market shares, ranging from a few percent to over 50% by 2030.
Top nitrogen researchers discuss potential pathways to achieve radical improvements in nitrogen fixation chemistry, driven by molecular-level understanding and discovery of new catalytic systems. They also present a clean and renewable light-driven process for converting nitrogen to ammonia, a primary component of fertilizer.
Researchers found that local population involvement and fair decision-making processes are critical to successful low-carbon energy transitions. This includes communication channels, information sharing, and addressing concerns of those affected by the change.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that investing in existing low-carbon energy technologies now can save 61% of future costs compared to waiting for a mythical future technology. Delaying investment can lead to grossly oversized and underutilized power systems, or those that are far from being decarbonised by 2050.
A team of scientists has responded to criticisms on the feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems, finding that technical solutions exist to address concerns about grid stability and variability. The study reveals that these solutions are affordable, especially given the decreasing costs of wind and solar power.
A new study by ICTA-UAB analyzes the impacts of substituting fossil fuels for cleaner energies on lifestyles. The researchers conclude that renewable energy sources must grow at a rate two to three times current projections to maintain net energy per capita.
A research team developed a more effective variant of an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The improved enzyme shows promise in degrading not only PET but also a bio-based substitute, polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF).
A recent study found that less than 2% of pages in leading biology, chemistry, and physics textbooks discuss climate change. The research team analyzed over 15,000 combined pages from current editions of 16 undergraduate textbooks published between 2013 and 2015, concluding that there is a significant lack of emphasis on renewable ener...
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a new catalyst that improves NH3 combustibility and suppresses NOx generation. The catalyst allows for the decomposition of NH3 into H2 with low ignition temperature and purification through oxidation.
A team of renewable energy experts at the University of Exeter has developed a new method to produce hydrogen from sunlight using a revolutionary photo-electrode. This breakthrough could create a virtually limitless energy source with zero carbon emissions and double the energy density of fossil fuels.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory found that nuclear power plants can adjust to changing demand for power, enabling the use of more renewable energy. This flexibility can lower electricity costs for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Chain Reaction Innovations program at Argonne National Laboratory aims to accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies. Eighty-three innovators from 26 states have been selected to participate in a two-year program focused on enhancing energy efficiency or sustainability, and overcoming complex scientific challenges.
The University of Surrey has developed a new methodology for designing smart-wearables that utilizes triboelectric materials. This technology, known as Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), can harvest energy from movement through electrostatic induction.
Researchers at NREL have made progress in scaling up perovskite solar cell production, but issues persist, including the non-uniform coating of chemicals and inactive zones between cells. To address these challenges, scientists are exploring various scalable deposition methods.
The High Throughput Experimental Materials (HTEM) Database contains detailed properties and synthesis conditions of inorganic materials, accelerating material science advancement globally. NREL's large-scale database makes it easier for researchers without expensive equipment to explore new materials.
Scientists at NREL have discovered a method to enable the reversible chemistry of magnesium metal in noncorrosive carbonate-based electrolytes. The technology possesses potential advantages over lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density, greater stability, and lower cost.
A team of researchers from Colorado State University's Energy Institute has received a $1.2 million grant to study the efficiency of natural gas engines, aiming to make them as efficient as diesel engines. The research could lead to cost savings and improved air quality, with potential benefits for commercial vehicles.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a CaloriSMART test system that demonstrates sustained cooling power of about 10 watts, with a 15 degree Celsius gradient, using only three cubic centimeters of gadolinium. The system enables rapid evaluation of materials in regenerators without significant investment.
Researchers from NREL have pinpointed regions on enzymes that can be targeted via genetic engineering to break down cellulose faster. The team has gained a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these enzymes, which are crucial for industrial processes such as cellulosic ethanol production.
USU chemists design a molecule featuring a pi-electron conjugation unit as a two-electron storage anolyte for AORFBs, enabling total use of organic materials. The battery delivered high voltage, impressive energy efficiency, and capacity retention.
Researchers at Imperial College London caution against relying on over-optimistic renewable energy models that predict whole systems can run on near-100% renewables by 2050. Despite increasing UK energy production from renewables, the lack of firm and dispatchable backup energy systems poses reliability issues.
Researchers at Concordia University developed a method to optimize energy consumption in buildings, reducing carbon emissions by 59% while cutting costs by 75%. The study used hydro-powered heat pumps and lake cooling as renewable energy sources, demonstrating the potential for net-zero energy usage.
Researchers at RMIT University developed an ultra-thin coating that automatically regulates temperature in buildings, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The self-modifying coating can block heat during summer and retain heat inside when it's cold, leading to significant environmental benefits and financial savings.
The study proposes three methods for consistent power among all sectors in 20 world regions, matching supply and demand in 30-second increments. It suggests solutions with no added hydropower turbines and no storage in water, ice or rocks, avoiding blackouts at low cost.
New research reveals that removing fossil fuel subsidies will only slightly slow the growth of CO2 emissions, with smaller effects in developing economies. The largest emissions savings would come from oil and gas exporting countries, but removal could have a detrimental impact on poor households, who may struggle to afford modern fuels.
Researchers developed a new molecule, EH44, to replace the unstable spiro-OMeTAD layer in perovskite solar cells. The new design resolves chemical makeup issues and maintains steady efficiency, bringing emerging technology closer to commercial deployment.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a novel method to create supertough renewable plastic with improved manufacturability. Quantum computers are expected to use dramatically less energy than current supercomputers, reducing energy usage by more than one million kilowatt hours.
Research by NREL found that up to 3% of PEVs on the road (7.5 million vehicles) does not significantly increase residential power demand. However, uncoordinated charging in clusters may overload distribution transformers, requiring infrastructure upgrades.
Renewable energy generation causes grid frequency fluctuations due to variable wind speeds and photovoltaic feed-in. Power trading appears more significant in grid frequency fluctuation than renewable feed-in, with small grids showing larger fluctuations.
Microgrids in Alaska provide electricity for over 200 communities, generating more than 2 million hours of operating experience annually. Renewable energy sources reduce energy costs and improve resilience in the face of grid failures or sabotage.
A new study suggests that unconventional spaces like rooftops, salt-affected land, and contaminated sites can generate renewable energy while sparing valuable agricultural land. The research found that these land-sparing sites in the Central Valley could exceed state energy demands up to 13 times for photovoltaics.
Researchers at NREL discovered distinct roles of small sugars in cellulase activity and stability, shedding light on the functions of glycans attached to proteins. This knowledge can be used to improve enzyme performance for biomass conversion to renewable fuels and products.
Researchers at NREL have created a novel catalytic process to produce renewable acrylonitrile using 3-hydroxypropionic acid, achieving unprecedented yields and eliminating production of hydrogen cyanide. The new method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional petroleum-based production processes.
Scientists at NREL have developed a switchable solar window that converts sunlight into electricity while maintaining transparency. The device uses thermochromic materials and has an average light transmission of 68% in its transparent state.
Researchers at Ohio State University describe a new semiconductor LED made with GaN-based materials that could enhance LED solid state lighting without significant changes to manufacturing facilities. The breakthrough uses quantum-mechanical tunneling to create 'holes' for radiative recombination, reducing energy losses and self-heating.
A new study suggests that replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs or LEDs is a good option, especially for reducing power-plant emissions. However, delaying adoption may be more cost-effective for consumers who want to minimize their energy bills and reduce home energy use.
Researchers developed a novel rare earth recovery process that recovered over 80% of the elements present in coal sources and produced more than 80% total rare earth elements on a dry whole mass basis. The concentrates contained critical elements like neodymium and yttrium, representing over 45% of the total concentrate.
Global carbon dioxide concentrations reached a record 403 parts per million in 2016, and are expected to increase by 2.5 parts per million in 2017. The United States and European Union are projected to see slight declines in emissions this year, while China's emissions are expected to grow by approximately 3.5 percent.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that mandatory state policies are associated with the largest reductions in power plant emissions. The analysis shows that policies with mandatory compliance resulted in an average of 2.6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year reduction.