Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
The study outlines infrastructure changes for 139 countries to transition to 100% renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, air pollution deaths, and creating jobs. The roadmap aims to avoid global warming and create energy self-sufficient countries.
The US Department of Energy's Wind Technologies Market Report reveals that wind power additions reached a record high in 2016, with 8,203 MW of new capacity. Bigger turbines are enhancing project performance, while low turbine pricing continues to push down installed project costs.
Distributed wind power has grown significantly in the US, with the nation's cumulative capacity reaching 1% of total wind power capacity. The 2016 report highlights the success of third-party financing and leasing options, which have made it more accessible for companies and individuals to install wind turbines on their properties.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have developed a technique to efficiently extract hydrogen from water using electricity. The new catalysts enable high-performance water splitting with minimal catalyst loading, making it scalable and cost-effective.
Researchers developed an optimization model that improves solar power integration in residential photovoltaic systems through demand-response applications. The study found that DR applications with 100% PV penetration reduced energy consumption by 32%, network losses by 42%, and improved network utilization by 12%.
Portland State University will study Deep Direct-Use geothermal technology, a new method of harnessing geothermal energy for passive heating and cooling. The study aims to analyze Portland's underlying geology and potential storage capacity for this renewable energy source.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to analyze sediment and animal life on the ocean floor, reducing the need for time-intensive identification work. The study found relationships between sediment characteristics and marine animal life consistent across eight sites off the Pacific Northwest coast.
Smart solid-state transformers could enhance the functionalities of tomorrow's power grid, but system designers need to ensure that customer power demand, renewable energy generation, and energy storage capacity are accounted for. The technology has the potential to improve efficient use of renewable energy and storage.
A UCSB political science professor suggests that public support for renewable energy is strong in the US, with states having abundant resources at the top of the list. However, public opinion can sometimes fail to translate into state legislation, and framing context and local benefits as key factors can increase support. A study found...
A coalition of over 60 scientists, business leaders, and policymakers urge swift climate action by 2020 to avoid devastating consequences. The authors propose six milestones for a clean industrial revolution, including renewable energy targets and electric vehicle incentives.
A new report found that if commercial buildings fully used controls nationwide, the US could slash its energy consumption by an average of 29%. This would result in significant national energy savings, with some building types potentially saving up to 49% and 41%.
Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick, discovered that intelligent management of vehicle-to-grid technology can improve EV battery life by up to 10% while powering large buildings. Their 'smart grid' algorithm optimizes energy transfer without degrading batteries.
Researchers created new alloys by mixing materials with different atomic arrangements, revealing a predictive route for properties of other alloys. The breakthrough allows for the use of commercial thin film deposition methods to fabricate heterostructural alloys for real-world semiconductor applications.
Researchers propose a day-ahead economic dispatch model to optimize wind power generation, considering both planned and real-time energy use. The framework successfully predicts optimal models for energy commitment and has been tested in real-world simulations.
A WSU study reveals that US consumers are interested in using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, with many willing to shift their appliance usage to achieve this goal. The researchers propose developing an app prototype to monitor electricity sources in real-time, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
Researchers at Technische Universität Dresden have developed a new, low-cost electrocatalyst for producing molecular hydrogen. The MoNi4/MoO2@Ni catalyst exhibits high HER activity comparable to platinum and presents state-of-the-art HER activity amongst all reported Pt-free electrocatalysts.
A Pew Research Center survey finds that Americans lean towards government regulations to encourage renewable energy consumption. While there is a close divide on cutting back environmental regulations, most believe protecting the environment from energy development should be a top priority. The public also supports increasing reliance ...
Researchers have found a new method of microbial energy production called flavin-based electron bifurcation, which is an ancient form of energy generation and conservation. This mechanism allows organisms to generate two levels of energy from a single precursor compound, conserving wasted energy in the process.
NCAR will develop a three-year project to provide detailed forecasts of wind and solar irradiance at Kuwait's 2-gigawatt Shagaya renewable energy plant. This technology will help Kuwait reach its goal of generating 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
Researchers have developed a quantum dot photoelectrochemical cell that achieves quantum efficiency for hydrogen gas production exceeding 100%, enabling more efficient solar energy conversion. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of producing 'green' fuel.
Global Alliance of Solar Energy Research Institutes predicts 5-10 terawatts of PV capacity by 2030 through continued tech improvements and cost decreases. Flexible grids, increased demand, and energy storage advancements also needed to overcome challenges.
Three small businesses will collaborate with PNNL on projects addressing technical challenges in bio-coal and hydrogen transportation. The collaborations aim to overcome critical technology hurdles and gain a global competitive advantage for advanced energy products.
A Stanford scientist's new mathematical model could accelerate the design of high-power electrical storage devices, including car batteries and supercapacitors. The model aims to improve material performance and reduce costs, paving the way for more efficient energy storage solutions.
Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have created a new method to generate hydrogen fuel from methanol, producing a carbon-neutral and potentially carbon-positive energy source. The research aims to develop renewable sources of energy that can mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Scientists at NREL have achieved a new solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency record of 16.2%, significantly improving upon the 14% efficiency set in 2015. The breakthrough, published in Nature Energy, involves an inverted metamorphic multijunction semiconductor architecture that enhances device efficiency and durability.
Scientists at NREL developed a proof-of-principle photoelectrochemical cell capable of capturing excess photon energy. The cell achieved peak external quantum efficiency for hydrogen generation of 114 percent, significantly improving the production of hydrogen from sunlight.
Scientists at NREL developed a new perovskite ink with a long processing window, allowing for the production of high-efficiency solar cells. The ink was tested using blade-coating and produced indistinguishable film morphology and device performance.
Research from Binghamton University found that adjusting solar panel angles four to five times a year can provide around 25 kW/m2 more power than seasonal adjustments. This practical solution can help reduce costs associated with automated tracking systems, making manual adjustment an economical option.
To meet the 1.5C target, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to less than 25% of energy supply by 2100 and land use change must decrease. A new study suggests that a high-renewable energy scenario could peak emissions as early as 2022.
Researchers in China have developed a battery prototype that captures atmospheric nitrogen to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to existing lithium-nitrogen batteries. The battery's energy output is brief but comparable to other lithium-metal batteries, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.
The study presents a detailed methodology for calculating renewable energy potentials using global or regional databases. It forecasts significant fossil fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, especially in Russia's Far East and coastal regions.
Researchers from NREL provide a detailed component and system-level cost breakdown for residential PV systems equipped with energy storage. The report reveals previously unknown soft costs and offers valuable information to stakeholders to guide cost reduction efforts.
A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.
A new assessment by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that wind and solar resources in Africa are plentiful, low-impact, and cost-effective. The research highlights the importance of strategic siting and grid interconnections to reduce system costs and impacts.
A new Yale-led study reveals significant market potential for renewable thermals in Connecticut, with the technology able to competitively serve 19% of thermal demand. To realize this potential, public policy and financing tools are needed to spur consumer demand.
Researchers at Columbia University are developing virtual power conversion systems that use interchangeable converter modules and software to control the converter function, reducing size, cost, and increasing reliability. These systems could lead to 20-30% reductions in Volt-Ampere rating for electric vehicle drivetrains.
Researchers at Lappeenranta University of Technology found that a fully renewable electricity system in Iran could reduce costs by 50-60% compared to other emission-free energy options. The transition requires significant investments in solar, wind, and hydropower but can drive economic growth and reduce emissions.
The agricultural robot is a semiautonomous system that gathers and transmits real-time data on crop growth and development. It uses various sensors and cameras to capture phenotypic information and assess environmental conditions, enabling crop breeders to make actionable decisions and improve yields.
Researchers from University of Delaware and Princeton University show that US grid can manage large amounts of offshore wind power, reducing pollution and electricity costs. The study found that the PJM grid can handle over 35 gigawatts of offshore wind, powering approximately 10 million homes.
Dr. Yujie Sun is exploring novel electrolyzers to produce hydrogen at lower energy input, potentially creating a safer and cleaner source of fuel. His research aims to develop an oxidative process that produces value-added organic products in the liquid phase.
Researchers at Harvard have developed a new flow battery that stores energy in organic molecules dissolved in neutral pH water. The battery loses only one percent of its capacity per 1000 cycles, making it long-lasting and cost-effective.
Scientists from NREL found that surface recombination significantly affects the performance of polycrystalline perovskite solar cells. The study suggests that improving surface properties could lead to more efficient devices, with potential applications in photodetectors and light-emitting diodes.
Researchers explore electrocatalysis to transform atmospheric molecules into useful products, such as hydrogen and chemicals, for a sustainable future. Effective catalysts are needed to drive the process, but advancements in theory and experiments hold promise.
Scientists at NREL developed a method to improve the stability and activity of photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices, which can produce hydrogen from sunlight. The new approach uses a bilayer of titanium dioxide and molybdenum sulfide to protect the photocathode from acidic solutions.
Scientists at UMD developed an empirical model of global climate to analyze the Paris Agreement, suggesting countries can limit warming if they achieve pledged greenhouse gas reductions. The book, Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope, recommends a transition to renewable energy by 2060 to meet the RCP 4.5 scenario.
The USDA has allocated $2.9 million for research into integrated biorefineries, which aim to create biofuels and bioproducts from renewable energy sources. This funding will support projects that address the challenges of scaling up and operating these facilities, with the goal of enhancing US energy security and economic growth.
Researchers found that wind power fluctuations follow the same pattern as wind speed fluctuations due to shared eddies, affecting grid stability. This understanding has immediate implications for economic and political decision making in managing renewable energy.
A Rutgers University research project aims to integrate critical infrastructures into a unified smart city, making them resilient and sustainable. The goal is to encourage behavioral changes through psychological influence, reducing waste and mitigating environmental impacts.
The workshop emphasized social acceptability, aboriginal community involvement, and improving energy demand forecasts for northern regions. Researchers from Iceland and Quebec explored geothermal energy potential, data limitations, and demonstration projects to validate assumptions regarding low-temperature heat pumps.
The RAPID institute aims to improve efficiency and productivity in industries like oil and gas, pulp and paper, and chemicals. Researchers from PNNL and OSU will develop breakthrough technologies to save over $9 billion annually.
The 2015 Renewable Energy Data Book reveals significant US renewable energy growth, with solar and wind capacities increasing by 35.8% and 5.1%, respectively. Globally, renewables accounted for over 24% of electricity generation, up from 21.3% in 2014.
Case Western Reserve University, NASA Glenn Research Center, and the University of Toledo are collaborating on a $1 million project to integrate distributed energy sources with buildings and grid. The Northern Ohio Building-to-Grid Integration Demonstration will test strategies for optimizing energy consumption across various conditions.
Researchers at Griffith University have made significant progress in developing highly efficient catalysts for turning water into clean chemical fuel like hydrogen. The project aims to address high overpotentials hindering gas evolution reactions, which are critical for clean energy generation and storage technologies.
CSIRO's patented low-cost heliostats will be used in China for concentrating solar thermal (CST) electricity generation, helping the country reach its ambitious clean energy targets. The technology has great potential for medium to large-scale solar power due to its low cost of storing thermal energy.
Researchers from Berkeley Lab developed a way to image thin-film solar cells in 3D using optical microscopy, revealing internal obstacles that can trap electrons and reduce efficiency. The method has already improved understanding of the benefits of treating CdTe solar cells with cadmium chloride.
A Lehigh University researcher is developing business models to integrate clean energy into the grid, enabling seamless trading of surplus power among consumers and suppliers. This innovation has the potential to drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels and associated environmental harm.
The Lappeenranta University of Technology's new model demonstrates a functioning 100% renewable energy system for all regions, fulfilling the Paris agreement targets. The model suggests an estimated cost of 55-70 euros per megawatt-hour for the electricity sector.
Scientists at NREL made a groundbreaking discovery that Clostridium thermocellum can take up and utilize both CO2 and cellulose, counter-intuitive in heterotrophic microbes. This pathway enables the bacterium to use both CO2 and organic carbons during growth.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that 3D-printed permanent magnets can outperform conventional bonded magnets while conserving critical materials like neodymium and dysprosium. The additive manufacturing process produces complex shapes with nearly zero material waste.
A team of researchers invented a new soap molecule made from natural products like soybeans, coconut, and corn that works better than conventional soaps in challenging conditions. The technology has the potential to simplify ingredient lists and reduce environmental harm in cleaning products.