Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
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.
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.
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.
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.
DOE's Small Business Vouchers pilot provides $590,000 in funding to four small businesses to develop innovative clean energy technologies. The program aims to promote economic development and American innovation by pairing laboratory resources with small business drive.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory will contribute to LightMAT through three core capabilities: powder processing, pilot-scale materials processing, and theoretical alloy development. These efforts aim to develop lighter materials for industries such as transportation, with the goal of improving energy savings and reducing costs.
Researchers at OIST found that wind farms on a grid are part of a larger geographic weather system, leading to correlated power outputs. This challenges the assumption that geographically distributed wind farms are independent and poses difficulties in forecasting power output.
Researchers at NREL have improved the maximum voltage available from CdTe solar cells, breaking the 1V barrier and enabling more efficient electricity generation. The innovation could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and make solar energy more cost-competitive with traditional energy sources.
The Cyclotron Road program has selected its second cohort of innovators, including researchers working on next-generation batteries, advanced materials, and solar technologies. The new cohort will receive funding and mentorship to develop their technology from Berkeley Lab.
A new study by SISSA/CNR IOM scientists reduces wastage of expensive catalysts used in fuel cells, allowing for more efficient and sustainable energy production. The researchers created nanoparticles on nanosteps, which remain dispersed and stable, enabling the material to be reused with lower costs.
A new biorefinery process developed by NREL has significantly improved ethanol production from algae, with a yield of 126 gallons of gasoline equivalents per ton of biomass. The process, called Combined Algal Processing (CAP), reduces costs by nearly $10/GGE compared to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered a new type of enzyme assembly in C. thermocellum that allows the microorganism more freedom to explore for additional biomass, providing redundancy in its cellulolytic system. The findings have important implications for industry and could lead to cheaper production of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels.
Investment in renewable electricity surpasses that in fossil fuels globally, according to University of Exeter expert. The shift towards sustainable energy systems is driven by improved policy discourse and decreasing costs, with momentum growing towards a flexible, renewable-based electricity system.
A new study suggests the US can transition to a low-carbon electricity system by 2030, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 78% and delivering electricity at costs similar to today's. The model uses weather-driven renewable resources to supply most of the nation's electricity.
A new study using the MIVES method has assessed the sustainability of various energy sources, including conventional and renewable power plants. Renewable energies consistently score higher in sustainability indices compared to conventional power plants.
Scientists at NREL found that certain defects can improve carrier collection and surface passivation of silicon solar cells. The study's results run counter to conventional wisdom and have implications for the development of more efficient solar cells.
The US Department of Energy has announced a significant investment in grid modernization research and development, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing infrastructure security. The new funding will support critical research and development over the next three years to help modernize America's electrical power grid.
A new study estimates that state renewable portfolio standard policies yielded significant environmental and economic benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions ($2.2 billion) and air pollution reductions ($5.2 billion). The study also found that RPS policies supported 200,000 renewable energy-related jobs and saved consumers...
Researchers at NREL have developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using solar energy, which uses molecular catalysts instead of precious metals. The new method showed comparable activity to metal-based catalysts and has the potential to be scalable and cost-effective.
A fully renewable energy system is achievable and economically viable for Russia and Central Asia by 2030, with costs comparable to European nuclear technology or carbon capture and storage. The region can expect a 20% reduction in electricity costs through integrated energy sectors.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new photoelectrochemical process for producing hydrogen that uses molecular catalysts instead of precious metals. The new method is more efficient and cost-effective, making it a promising solution for scalable hydrogen production.
Scientists have discovered a major metabolic pathway in cyanobacteria that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. The pathway, led by NREL scientists, has the potential to produce chemicals and biofuels from CO2 or plant biomass, reducing reliance on natural gas.
Researchers have created more efficient nanoparticles in fuel cells, improving the conversion of methanol into electrical energy. The study provides guidelines for controlling the charge of nanoparticles, a crucial step in optimizing catalytic efficiency.
The UTSA-led team will design and develop piezoelectric sensors to generate electricity from moving vehicles, powering roadside lights, traffic signals, and electric car charging stations. This technology has been field-tested in US and international studies, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel-generated power.
Scientists at NREL have developed a new probe to monitor the formation and decay of fields within photoelectrodes, enabling better understanding of their photophysics. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in the design of more efficient and stable photoelectrochemical cells for solar energy conversion.
The UN report concludes that green energy technologies can significantly reduce global pollution if chosen wisely. Renewable electricity generates much lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, with wind and solar power producing only 5-6% of the emissions created by coal-fired plants.