Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
Researchers estimate that waste in Spain could generate between 8.13 and 20.95 TWh of electricity, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The most cost-effective option is incineration of solid urban waste, which could offset its environmental costs.
Christine Aikens, a K-State assistant professor, received the National Science Foundation CAREER award to improve undergraduate laboratory experiences and conduct research on clean energy sources. Her work will focus on developing materials and processes that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using light.
A radical change in coordinated network planning and operation is needed for a reliable European grid, highlighting the importance of integrated strategic planning and cross-border coordination. The integration of renewable power sources poses significant challenges, requiring smarter grids to accommodate variable generation.
At the AAAS Meeting, Caltech researchers presented on various topics including linear colliders, climate change, and earthquake science. Caltech's Alice Huang will be installed as the next president of the AAAS. Researchers discussed the Second Law of Thermodynamics and its implications for our understanding of time.
A new research network, backed by $5 million in funding from NSERC, aims to accelerate solar cell research and development to make large-scale PV deployment more competitive. The network will train 88 researchers over five years and focus on increasing device conversion efficiency and reducing costs.
John Kitchin, an assistant professor in Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon, has been awarded funding to research new materials for efficient hydrogen production from water. His work tackles a primary hurdle in energy efficiency and may play a crucial role in managing CO2 emissions through advanced fossil energy power systems.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a curriculum that uses real-world applications of renewable energy technologies to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This project aims to foster cognitive skill development and promote critical thinking among students.
The Ground Renewable Expeditionary ENergy System (GREENS) is a 300-watt photovoltaic/battery system that provides continuous power to Marines in the field. The system reduces logistical supply chain for fuel, cutting fuel use and costs associated with resupply convoys.
Carnegie Mellon University's Jay Whitacre has received a $5 million award from the US Department of Energy to develop a new room-temperature sodium-ion battery technology. The goal is to improve grid reliability and efficiency, enabling the expansion of renewable energy sources. This project aims to reduce electricity use by 4% in 2030...
Professor Paul Ching-Wu Chu, a world leader in superconductivity research, has received a $2.8 million grant to explore novel materials that can operate at higher temperatures and have greater current carrying capacity. This funding will enable the development of more compact and lighter power devices with higher energy densities.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $151 million in funding to 37 ambitious energy research projects. These projects aim to develop transformative innovations in energy storage, biofuels, carbon capture, renewable power, building efficiency, vehicles, and other energy technology areas.
Scott Anderson of Palm Beach, Fla., and his team won the 2009 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize with their ECO-Auger, a hydrokinetic machine harnessing tidal currents for renewable electric energy. The prize recognizes innovative ideas to create a more secure energy future.
Ole Mengshoel, a senior systems scientist at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley, has been awarded a two-year, $498,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create new computer tools for improving and integrating data visualization and analysis in large utility projects. The project aims to develop novel monitoring and data mining ...
Marine renewable energy devices can boost local biodiversity and benefit marine environments by attracting marine organisms to man-made structures, creating 'artificial reefs'. However, such devices also pose negative environmental impacts from habitat loss, collision risks, noise, and electromagnetic fields.
A team of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT, and UC Berkeley are working on fundamental multiscale studies of plasma-material interactions to improve the scientific understanding of magnetic confinement fusion. Their goal is to engineer plasma walls that can survive in the environment necessary for fusion power generation.
A study by Harvard University researchers estimates that China's electricity demands projected for 2030 can be met by wind power. The switch from coal to greener energy would reduce carbon emissions, but requires an investment of around $900 billion dollars.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will lead a $6.8 million study to examine the environmental impacts of marine and hydrokinetic power. The project will investigate risks to wildlife and habitats, conduct laboratory and field experiments, and predict long-term effects.
A new study suggests that transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar could eliminate 130 worker deaths annually. The researchers found that these industries pose significantly less risk of workplace injury and death compared to traditional fossil fuel industries.
Researchers have developed a method to estimate the amount of heat that can be produced by abandoned mine tunnels, providing an alternative source of renewable energy. The geothermal energy from mines can be used for heating, hot water, and even industrial processes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering CO2 emissions.
The US Department of Energy and USDA will fund seven projects to improve the use of plant feedstocks for biofuel production, reducing dependence on foreign oil and creating jobs. The grants aim to unlock advanced biofuels' potential, leveraging lignocellulosic crops that require less intensive land usage.
PNNL has won two R&D 100 Awards for its PowerPuck technology, which harnesses environmental heat to create sustainable electrical power. The laboratory also developed an ultrasensitive ESI-MS Source & Interface, increasing sensitivity in human health studies and enabling precise measurements of chemical compounds.
The Clemson University-led Center for Atomic-Level Catalyst Design aims to develop new catalysts for producing clean fuels and chemicals from renewable sources. The project seeks to lower the cost of renewable fuels and reduce carbon footprint through advanced computational methods.
Recent studies suggest tidal stream devices could supply up to 5% of the UK's electricity needs, offering a solution with minimal environmental impacts. Collaborative projects are developing more fatigue-resistant materials and improved design techniques for wind turbine blades and solar energy converters.
The Southwest Nano Consortium brings together six states and northern Mexico to pool resources, encourage collaboration, and host internationally recognized events. The consortium aims to expedite the commercialization of nanotechnology technologies with significant impact on renewable energy, biotech, IT, and other sectors.
A new study in the International Journal of Exergy provides a formula to calculate wind turbine performance and optimize energy production. The formula offers a theoretical boost of 20% efficiency at varying wind speeds, reducing wasted energy by 80%.
Frances Moore Lappé argues that five key assumptions about the world's functioning are holding back sustainable progress. She proposes challenging these ideas by adopting renewable energy sources, promoting efficient growth models, and prioritizing individual empowerment over authoritarian control.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology are developing laser technologies to improve the manufacturing of solar cells, increasing their performance and reducing costs. The goal is to achieve grid parity within a few years, making solar energy competitive without subsidies.
The new California Solar Energy Collaborative aims to establish consensus among key stakeholders, develop efficient solar technologies, and create an ambitious energy policy for the state. UC San Diego and UC Davis will utilize the grant to collect existing research, facilitate gap areas, and track evolving solar technology development.
A perspective article published in International Journal of Private Law suggests that the prairies can capitalize on environmentally friendly farming practices and produce renewable energy sources. The author proposes solutions such as marketable sod, fertilizers, bio-methane, and artificial wetlands to address climate change.
Scientists have discovered a new fermentation pathway in algae that may lead to increased hydrogen production. This breakthrough could potentially provide a clean and sustainable energy source to replace fossil fuels.
Researchers used high-intensity X-rays to examine the interaction between shockwaves and liquid jets, providing insights into combustion efficiency and emissions. The discovery may lead to advances in internal combustion engines and industrial applications.
The study found that average installed costs of US solar PV systems decreased significantly from $10.50 to $7.60 per watt between 1998 and 2007, with a 3.5% annual reduction in real dollars.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno successfully harvested their first outdoor crop of algae as part of a collaborative project with industry partners. The project showed that it is possible to grow algae outdoors year-round in Nevada, using salt-loving algae varieties that produce high amounts of oil and starch.
A study published in Human Ecology highlights the problems linked to converting crops into biofuels, including inefficiency, economic costs, and environmental degradation. The research reveals a negative energy return for many biofuel sources, making them less productive than projected.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed smart fridges that can negotiate the most energy-efficient way to keep food cold, reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The fridges work as a network, sharing energy provided by renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to produce and sort out double-walled carbon nanotubes, overcoming the challenge of sorting valuable tubes from other types. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for advanced solar panels, sensors, and other renewable energy technologies.
German scientists suggest biomass as a major source of energy, meeting global demand sustainably and economically. Afforestation on degraded land can produce enough biomass to replace fossil fuels, reducing CO2 emissions.
A joint Sandia/SES award recognized a solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency record of 31.25 percent, surpassing the existing 1984 record of 29.4 percent. The SES Serial #3 solar dish Stirling system achieved this milestone at Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test facility in January 2008.
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Electrochemistry has received a $5 million grant to develop new photovoltaic materials, improve battery storage, and enhance electrocatalysts. The initiative aims to promote advances in renewable energy technologies and create next-generation energy solutions.
The CSIRO-invented UltraBattery combines an enhanced-power negative electrode and a lead acid battery, with applications for low emissions transport and renewable energy storage. The technology has been licensed to East Penn and Furukawa Battery Company for global distribution.
Scientists developed a new method to control and image individual fluorescent electron transfer molecules, revealing mavericks that shine when they shouldn't. This study aims to better understand electron transfer reactions central to photosynthesis and biofuel production.
The NC State-led FREEDM ERC will develop technology to transform the nation's power grid into a smart grid that can store and distribute energy from renewable sources. This 'Internet for energy' system will enable millions of users to generate their own energy and sell excess back to the power companies.
Researchers at NIST have detailed fundamental processes involved in extracting sugars from biomass, a crucial step in producing ethanol by fermentation. The study provides theoretical limits of reactions and energy needed to break down cellulose and hemicellulose, helping engineers design more efficient process designs.
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle will be the first recipient of a prestigious award from the Ecological Society of America. The award recognizes his commitment to ecological and environmental policy issues through initiatives such as invasive species control and renewable energy promotion.
The RAND Corporation study finds that biomass resources and wind power have the greatest potential to contribute towards reaching the 25 x '25 goal, with significant investments needed in renewable energy technology. Meeting this goal would reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower long-term oil prices.
Biodesign's Rittmann suggests that harnessing the energy of microorganisms can meet our current and future energy needs, cutting back on fossil fuel use. This approach has the potential to provide scalable, environmentally friendly, and food-sustaining solutions.
A team of Harvard students and alumni developed a microbial fuel cell-based lighting system suitable for Sub-Saharan Africa. The innovative technology harnesses energy produced by naturally occurring microbial metabolism, generating electricity from organic-rich materials like soil or food scraps.
The updated GREET model allows researchers to simulate new fuel pathways, including ethanol from Brazilian sugarcane and bio-butanol production. The model also evaluates the energy consumption required for producing aluminum in sport utility vehicles.
The report highlights that RPS policies apply to nearly 50% of total US electricity load in 25 states and Washington D.C. It also notes that existing policies would require roughly 60 GW of new renewable capacity by 2025, equivalent to 15% of projected electricity demand growth.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has received a $1 million grant from the USDA and DOE to develop solar-thermal biomass-to-gas conversion systems. The three-year project will use concentrated sunlight to convert biomass into synthesis gas, which can be easily converted into hydrogen or liquid fuels.
Biofuels from renewable biomass feedstocks are being sought as a significant part of the US energy supply due to limitations in corn-based ethanol production. Researchers have developed new ways to engineer yeast and plant materials to produce desirable traits, holding promise for large-scale production.
FIJI Water aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% and achieve a net positive impact on the environment through sustainable growth initiatives. The company has partnered with Conservation International to develop an ambitious multi-benefit carbon offset plan.
The new standard assesses environmental-friendliness of carpet through five categories: public health and environment, energy and energy efficiency, bio-based or recycled materials, manufacturing, and reclamation. It aims to encourage manufacturers to develop environmentally preferable processes, practices, power sources, and materials.
Arizona State University has partnered with BP and Science Foundation Arizona to develop a renewable source of biofuel using photosynthetic bacteria. This project aims to produce sustainable high-energy fuel that can be used in conventional engines, reducing our transportation economy's dependency on oil.
Leading experts in organic solar cells have expressed concern over the field's reputation being damaged by reports of unrealistic results. The experts call for independent verification and accurate reporting to ensure the success of OSCs.
Argonne's collaboration with China aims to develop clean vehicle technologies and improve air quality in Beijing. The partnership is expected to address climate change, promote energy security and economic growth.
Penn State has launched a major research alliance with Chevron to develop advanced coal conversion and carbon dioxide management technologies. The partnership aims to promote energy innovation, train new generations of experts in energy, and educate the public about energy issues.
The University-National Park Energy Partnership Program has funded nearly 70 projects at over 30 national parks, saving energy bills and educating future energy professionals. Students conduct energy audits, data analysis, and implement renewable energy measures such as solar and wind turbines in historic sites.
A recent study by Benjamin Sovacool recommends transitioning away from centralized coal and nuclear plants to small-scale decentralized generation technologies for a more sustainable energy sector. These alternatives are found to be feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable, and secure.
The Lancet study highlights the potential of energy efficiency and technology to reduce temperature-related death and illness, as well as alleviate fuel poverty. Implementing renewable energy production and restructuring plans for built environments could lead to significant benefits for urban air quality and health.