Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
Michigan State University has partnered with ExxonMobil to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis in microalgae to produce biofuels and bioproducts. The project aims to determine which algae are most efficient under various conditions, leveraging new technologies developed by MSU researchers.
Researchers at KIT have developed an invisibility cloak that guides sunlight around contact fingers on solar cells, reducing optical losses and increasing efficiency. By applying a special coating onto the solar cell, the cloaking effect can be achieved, potentially leading to up to 10% increase in efficiency.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh built complex computer models to understand why cells developed pathways to convert sugar into energy. The study suggests that these metabolic systems evolved to produce more energy compared to alternative pathways.
A new study explores the potential of Pressure Retarded Osmosis technology to extract energy from salinity gradients in Australian waters. The research suggests that brine, rejected during desalination, can be used as a source of osmotic energy, offering a carbon emission-free alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will analyze data from over 5 million solar panels worldwide to identify factors contributing to degradation. By applying an epidemiological approach, they aim to develop more reliable designs and extend the lifespan of solar panels.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are developing smart energy services that use data from Holyoke Gas & Electric Co.'s smart meters to reduce peak demand, promote local renewable energy and save customers money. The services will also provide real-time notifications for unusual energy usage and suggested conservation tips.
University of Cincinnati quantum chemistry researcher Thomas Beck develops new methods to calculate the thermodynamics of ion hydration, leading to more efficient renewable energy devices. His findings have garnered international respect and recognition from top physicists.
Researchers have developed a system that captures energy from 'hot electrons' to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, offering a promising means of harnessing renewable energy. The process uses light-activated gold nanoparticles and efficiently increases solar-to-electric power-conversion efficiencies.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas reveals that US investors prefer coal over renewable energy, reflecting a different environmental perspective. In contrast, European investors prioritize renewable energy stocks, driven by environmentally conscious attitudes.
A new policy article suggests that opening up access to power grids, ending fossil-fuel subsidies, and supporting renewable energy technologies can make wind and solar power cheaper. The authors argue that modernizing power grids and ensuring policies related to renewable energy are crucial for reducing emissions.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made breakthroughs in manipulating photosynthesis to create a robust and renewable energy source. By storing sunlight in chemical bonds, they can produce hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that could power cars and households.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that large wind farms can trigger a slowdown effect in atmospheric flow, resulting in less renewable energy generated. This phenomenon, known as the 'turbulence-attenuation effect,' affects wind turbines' ability to generate electricity.
The EOLO group has developed a novel method for predicting wave energy up to 16 hours in advance, using a combination of historical measurements and machine learning algorithms. This technique has shown higher reliability than existing methods for forecasting swell and storms in the Bay of Biscay.
A new study maps potential wind-power sites and nesting patterns of golden eagles, revealing 'sweet spots' where wind power can coexist with eagle habitats. The research provides a framework for industry and managers to assess potential development and minimize bird deaths.
A new study has analyzed data from Great Britain, the US and Sweden to profile human population growth and its consumption of energy. The research found that energy use generally outpaced population growth over the past few hundred years.
Researchers have developed a method to revive oscillations in complex networks, including power grids and biological systems. This approach uses advanced mathematical analysis to stabilize rhythms, which can be disrupted by external factors such as renewable energy fluctuations or changes in the human cardiovascular system.
Researchers at NREL have identified battery second-use strategies that can offset vehicle expenses while improving utility grid stability. Reusing Li-ion batteries can retain up to 70% of their initial capacity and provide a credit of $1,000 to car owners.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been selected as one of five national laboratories to lead the Department of Energy's new Small Business Vouchers Pilot. The lab will provide technology assistance to small clean energy firms in three sectors: bioenergy, water power, and buildings.
A five-year regional smart grid pilot project in the Pacific Northwest improved energy efficiency and reduced power costs by up to $235,000 annually. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of transactive control technology in improving reliability and reducing peak demand.
The study explores how retail rate design affects PV deployment, finding dramatic impacts from -14% to -61%. Increased solar deployment can lead to changes in compensation levels that accelerate or dampen further deployment.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory design a multifunctional landscape that balances economic feasibility, bioenergy, and environmental health. By analyzing subareas of a cornfield, they found that planting bioenergy crops like willows or switchgrass can provide biomass feedstock while limiting nitrogen fertilizer runoff.
Researchers have found that wind turbines can be installed under viaducts to produce electricity, offering a new source of renewable energy. The study suggests that this concept could be applied in heavily built-up territories or natural areas with limited space for new constructions.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new power scheduling technique that coordinates energy produced and stored by conventional and renewable sources. The approach replaces traditional centralized management with decentralized, distributed computing, enabling more efficient and secure energy distribution.
In 2014, renewables made up 59% of net additions to global power capacity, reaching 27.7% of the world's power generating capacity. This milestone marked the first time in four decades that the world economy grew without a parallel rise in CO2 emissions.
NREL is awarding up to $6.5 million in federal funds to technical teams across the US to test advanced control systems, smart consumer devices, energy storage, and emerging communications technologies for grid reliability and efficiency. The projects aim to accelerate modernization of the electric grid and enable a clean energy future.
The partnership aims to enhance the operation and development of testing facilities, enabling better understanding of wind turbine drivetrain systems. The collaboration will also promote public-private partnerships and workforce education in the energy industry.
A fully renewable energy system featuring high shares of wind and solar energy is economically feasible for Finland by 2050, producing over 166 TWh of electricity annually. The system also includes power-to-gas technology and energy storage solutions, with total annual costs estimated at around 25 billion euros.
The EU biofuels regime is failing to achieve its climate and environmental objectives due to a flawed regulatory framework. The study suggests that binding targets and effective governance mechanisms are needed to improve the system. This requires coherent and comprehensive regulation, as well as public-private cooperation.
The collaboration aims to provide diverse sources of investment for solar PV asset development in China, reducing future CO2 emissions. NREL will advise CPVFA on documentation standardization, data availability, and consistency in asset deployment.
NREL's Innovation and Technology Transfer Awards ceremony recognized professionals behind the lab's greatest innovations from FY14. Distinguished Innovator Min Zhang and Rising Stars Chuck Booten and John Simon were honored for their contributions to clean energy technology development.
Climate change is expected to significantly impact the energy generation capacity of power plants in the Western US, potentially leading to power shortages. Researchers recommend upgrading systems and technologies to withstand changing conditions.
Researchers have developed a new friction stir welding process that can join aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses, yielding car doors that are 62% lighter and 25% cheaper. The process is ten times faster than current techniques, meeting high-volume assembly requirements.
The Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have successfully demonstrated the capability to connect grid simulations at their two labs for real-time interaction via the Internet. This new inter-lab capability enables the modeling of power grids in greater detail by allowing s...
A NREL report finds that shared solar programs can expand access to renewable energy, reaching 32-49% of the US distributed photovoltaic market in 2020. The program's structure and regulation impact its potential for deployment.
A University of Utah team has been awarded a $400,000 grant to study new methods for developing geothermal energy in areas where it's not currently feasible. The goal is to discover ways to create underground flow that will allow communities to construct sustainable and clean geothermal systems.
The International PV Quality Assurance Task Force (PVQAT) aims to develop standards for PV module reliability, addressing climate zones and mounting configurations. Data from 50,000 solar systems shows a low failure rate of just 0.1% per year.
The NREL has released updated guidelines for PV manufacturer quality assurance to ensure reliable performance of solar technologies. The guidelines, developed by an international task force, aim to maintain investor, utility, and consumer confidence in PV system performance.
A new study suggests that integrating solar facilities into urban and suburban environments can generate up to 15,000 terawatt-hours of energy per year. The research found that California has millions of acres of land compatible for photovoltaic and concentrating solar power construction with minimal environmental impact.
The NREL tool uses Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) to evaluate unique scenarios and identify the most cost-effective energy storage system configurations. Small battery systems reducing peak demand by 2.5 percent offer the most attractive return on investment.
Two NREL reports analyze the economic options for financing commercial and residential solar energy systems. Analyzing banking opportunities in the US distributed photovoltaic market and examining commercial retailers' decisions on PV-financing strategies, the reports found that businesses can save up to 30% by using low-cost financing...
The 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book reports a significant increase in installed renewable capacity in the US. Key findings include solar electricity's rapid growth and renewable sources accounting for 23% of global electricity generation worldwide.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new process to convert lignin-derived compounds into adipic acid, an industrial dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon. This breakthrough has significant implications for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of biorefineries.
A recent NREL report examines the PV interconnection process in the US, revealing that delays can range from several days to months. The study found that streamlining application review and final authorization processes can benefit utilities and solar consumers by reducing time and cost associated with going solar.
Testing at NREL aids solar power in Hawaii by quantifying transient LRO conditions, allowing HECO to increase its penetration limits for rooftop solar from 120% to 250% of minimum daytime load.
A new zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery boasts an energy density exceeding other flow batteries of its kind and size. This design enables efficient long-duration energy storage for urban grids, enhancing resiliency and flexibility.
Aalto University researchers have successfully created a cost-effective and efficient electrocatalyst made of iron and carbon, replacing traditional platinum-based systems. The new material reduces losses and makes the process economically viable, addressing challenges in energy storage.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization have developed a new concept that focuses on fully decentral matching of electricity supply and demand. This approach enables smart meters to regulate consumption directly and decentrally, reducing the risk of hacker attacks and data protection issues.
Renewable electricity in the US grew to nearly 15% of total installed capacity and 13% of total electricity generation in 2013. Solar electricity was the fastest growing technology, with a 66% increase in cumulative installed capacity from the previous year.
Brian Gregg, a scientist at NREL, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work on organic solar photoconversion and excitonic solar cells. His research has led to new technologies such as photoelectrochromic windows that can automatically adjust to light levels.
The reports analyze consumer and commercial loan products available for financing solar in the US, showing that solar loans can be more affordable than third-party financing. Businesses can benefit from owning a PV system by saving on energy bills, but also assume risks associated with ownership.
Richard DeBlasio, Sarah Kurtz and Suhuai Wei have been named as new NREL Research Fellows to advise on the strategic direction of science and technology research at the laboratory. They bring extensive expertise in renewable energy, photovoltaics and computational materials science.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has demonstrated a four-junction solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 45.7%, surpassing previous records in photovoltaic research. The new design uses lattice-mismatched materials to achieve high efficiency and is suitable for concentrator photovoltaic systems.
A combination of foundational policies and localized strategies can increase solar photovoltaic installations in any state. States with matching policy suites to their unique context have excelled, while economic factors must also be favorable for third-party ownership models.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is providing critical support to two new microgrid projects, receiving over $8 million in funding. These projects aim to develop commercially-viable standardized microgrid controllers that can provide a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply.
A new study finds that driving electric vehicles powered by renewable energy can reduce air pollution-related deaths by up to 70%. The research also shows that switching to natural gas-powered electricity or vehicles yields significant health benefits. In contrast, vehicles running on corn ethanol or coal-based electricity would increa...
Leading conservation scientists argue that nuclear energy should be part of the energy mix to mitigate climate change. The researchers evaluated different energy scenarios and found that nuclear power performs well compared to renewables, considering factors like safety, cost, scalability, land transformation, and emissions.
Researchers at NREL and SolarCity collaborate with Hawaiian Electric Companies to study distributed solar energy systems, using advanced modeling and inverter testing. The project aims to address operational issues and enable safe, reliable, and cost-effective grid integration of solar power.
Researchers say that improved storage technologies and hybrid systems could address the variable nature of alternative energy, making them more cost-effective and efficient. Advanced energy storage and smart-grid connections are being explored to match different forms of renewable energy and provide a consistent power supply.
The new Lab-Corps program aims to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies from national laboratories to the marketplace. The program will partner with five national labs and provide funding, equipment, and expertise to help innovators bring their ideas to market.
Scientists have developed a thermomagnetic processing method that controls the orientation of molecules in liquid crystalline epoxy resins. This leads to highly aligned structures with near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, potentially enabling new structural designs and functional composites.