Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
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.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen from water, a crucial step in making renewable energy production and storage viable. The catalyst, made from low-cost materials, outperforms precious metal-based catalysts used today.
A new study by the University of Missouri identifies effective ways for states to partner and share resources to boost renewable energy production through woody biomass. By working together, states can maximize energy output and reduce carbon emissions, providing policymakers with flexible options for meeting emission reduction targets.
A Griffith University-led project aims to improve community engagement for renewable energy transitions in Korea. The research focuses on addressing local factors that complicate development and providing policy lessons for wind energy planning.
University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers create a cost-effective method to harness footstep energy using wood pulp cellulose nanofibers. The technology has the potential to rival solar power and provide renewable energy even on cloudy days.
Scientists at NREL are leading an effort to model complex wind flow through large wind plants as part of the Exascale Computing Project. The project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of whole wind plants and reduce the cost of electricity derived from wind energy.
Researchers at NREL discovered a method to stabilize an all-inorganic perovskite material at room temperature, increasing its stability and efficiency. The new solar cells convert sunlight into electricity with 10.77 percent efficiency, surpassing other reported all-inorganic perovskite solar cells.
A group of international researchers from nine countries calls for a grand challenges strategy to set global priorities for developing renewable energy. The proposed approach is modeled on the successful efforts to combat neglected diseases, with an emphasis on big thinking, multidisciplinary approaches and supportive policies.
Researchers at OIST have made significant breakthroughs in perovskite solar cells, improving efficiency, stability, and scalability. New post-annealing treatments and manufacturing methods have increased conversion efficiency to 18.4%, while discovering new decomposition products has led to the development of more stable materials.
Researchers have developed a polyphenyline membrane that operates at temperatures between 176-320 degrees F, lasting three times longer than comparable commercial products. The membrane uses ammonium ion pairs to enhance stability and resist degradation, making it suitable for automotive applications.
Scientists at NREL found that perovskites could have great potential for optoelectronic applications beyond photovoltaics, including in quantum computing. The discovery was made by accident while investigating excitons in perovskites and demonstrates the optical Stark effect's promise as an ultrafast optical switch.
Researchers created Renewables.ninja to estimate renewable energy output using 30 years of weather data. The tool predicts wind speed and sunlight at any location, allowing for more accurate estimates of energy generation. It has already been used to analyze Europe-wide solar and wind output and is being used by companies like RWE.
A novel method has been developed to yield lower-cost, higher-efficiency systems for water heating in residential buildings. The new 'semi-open' natural gas-fired design streamlines traditional closed gas-fired systems by eliminating certain components.
Researchers at NREL and Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop a method to treat perovskite films with MABr solution, repairing defects and improving efficiency. The new approach boosts the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to up to 19% and demonstrates improved reproducibility.
The US government aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by 80% by 2050, but current approaches may not be enough. NREL research suggests that a combination of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, vehicle connectivity, and automation could significantly reduce emissions.
Synaptec, a spinout from the University of Strathclyde, has secured £370,000 investment to boost its renewable energy and subsea operations. The funding will enable the company to hire new staff and broaden its capabilities in areas such as subsea development and renewable energy.
The project aims to further accelerate progress toward the SunShot goals through research and development of novel solar collectors using reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight. Giant Leap Technologies will develop capillary optics to replace expensive mechanical sun trackers with low-cost digital-glass for solar thermal and photo...
The US Energy Department has granted $2.5 million to Texas A&M AgriLife Research to explore ways to use biorefinery waste to produce marketable products, including bioplastics. The study aims to make biorefineries economically viable and sustainable.
A new tool developed at PNNL estimates greenhouse gas and emission reductions from smart grid investments, providing insights for utilities and industry to justify investments. The Emissions Quantification Tool considers various factors, including electric vehicle charging schedules, battery-stored energy, and solar generation integrat...
A research group has made progress in obtaining bio-oils and raw materials from biomass using its patented reactor. Artificial neural networks are being used to calculate the gross calorific value of biomass, which is essential for designing and improving biomass pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion systems.
A new tool enables easy assessment of small-scale hydropower potential in developing nations, considering climate changes and future energy needs. It allows for more accurate decisions on hydropower development and investment globally.
The Department of Energy has awarded $4.4 million to advance 12 clean energy technologies, including a solar system for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and materials for more durable dams. These technologies aim to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge energy solutions developed in national labs.
A new study suggests that China can increase its use of wind power, but not in the most resource-rich areas. The country should focus on integrating wind into existing grids for a substantial gain in renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A new hybrid decision-making model has been developed to help Serbia and other developing nations meet their renewable energy targets. The tool ranks 20 decision-making criteria according to investor priorities, favoring wind power projects due to under-utilized wind resources.
The Science Walden Pavillion at UNIST converts human waste into biodiesel and heat energy using a waterless toilet system and microbial energy production system. The project aims to establish an ecosystem that supports technology innovation and drives economic diversification.
Researchers at University of East Anglia argue that subsidies should be used to encourage investment in energy storage systems as renewable power increases. The study found that energy storage technologies can provide vital revenue streams through arbitrage and market incentives.
Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) is a new innovation accelerator program that supports cutting-edge innovators in developing transformative energy technologies. CRI provides a fellowship, seed funding, access to Argonne's R&D tools and expertise, and connections to business mentors and investors.
The USDA and DOE are investing $10 million in green energy research through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative. This initiative aims to improve biofuels production and agricultural feedstock advancements, which will enhance U.S. energy security, reduce pollution, and support rural economies.
Scientists at NREL have developed a new process using light to reduce dinitrogen into ammonia, with rates of production similar to those of the ATP-dependent reaction. This method reduces energy requirements and emits no carbon dioxide, offering a more sustainable alternative to current industrial processes.
Researchers found low reorganization energy when pairing SWCNT semiconductors with fullerene molecules, enabling efficient electron transfer and solar energy harvesting. This discovery suggests nanotube semiconductors could be favorable for photovoltaic applications.
Researchers at NREL discovered a way to tune the Schottky barrier in 2D semiconductors using certain metals as electrodes. This adjustment reduces power losses and improves device performance by suppressing metal-induced gap states and Fermi level pinning effects.
Scientists at NREL developed a new, light-driven chemical process to produce ammonia, the main ingredient of fertilizer. The research uses nanocrystals to harness light energy, which then energizes electrons to trigger nitrogen transformation.
Scientists have created a rechargeable battery driven by bacteria, addressing safety issues and high costs associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The microbial battery successfully stored energy for 16 hours and discharged it over the next 8 hours, mimicking day-night patterns typical of solar energy production.
State RPS policies have contributed to over half of US renewable electricity growth since 2000. The report finds that RPS policies will require a substantial increase in US renewable electricity supplies by 2030.
Researchers at NREL have developed a thermoelectric power generator using carbon nanotubes, enabling the capture and use of waste heat. The material's unique properties allow it to retain high thermopower while maintaining low thermal conductivity.
Sandia researchers have developed a way to make magnetic material for high-frequency transformers, which could lead to more flexible energy storage systems. The new method, called field-assisted sintering, enables the creation of transformer cores from raw materials in minutes without decomposing the required iron nitrides.
A Chinese research team has developed a novel aluminum-graphite dual-ion battery offering significantly reduced weight, volume, and fabrication cost. The new battery boasts higher energy density and lower production costs compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The Community College Innovation Challenge has named 10 finalists for its second annual competition, which aims to develop crucial innovation skills among students. The projects focus on sustainable water resources, renewable energy, and food waste reduction, with the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future.
NREL's projects focus on advancing transformational technologies for more efficient, renewable, and resilient energy systems. The lab is developing novel solar cell manufacturing processes and extreme-scale wind turbines to expand offshore wind energy access.