Study paves way for new biofuels models, technologies
Researchers from NC State University developed a new model to understand how biofuel chemicals react when burned. This helps create more efficient and environmentally friendly energy sources.
Renewable Energy
Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
A smart way to charge up
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a smart charging station that enables electric vehicles to recharge during periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy production. This system aims to reduce peak loads and maximize the contribution of solar and wind power.
Berkeley Lab to build DOE advanced biofuels user facility
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will build an Advanced Biofuels Process Development Unit, a first-of-its-kind facility for public use. The facility will accelerate the commercialization of next-generation biofuels by providing industry-scale test beds for innovative technologies.
Sandia to break ground for new computational laboratories building
The new facility will enhance computational and modeling efforts in combustion research, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists. The CRCV building will support high-fidelity numerical simulations and expand access to massive datasets, expanding the collaborator base and ties with experimental programs.
Researchers to test renewable-energy system at local treatment plant
The University of Nevada, Reno is testing a demonstration-scale waste-to-energy system that uses patented technology to turn wastewater sludge into electricity. The system aims to generate 600 kilowatts of electricity per day and reduce operating costs for the water treatment plant.
'Distributed energy' has power to save billions
A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.
Waste could generate up to 7 percent of electricity in Spain
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.
K-State professor receives National Science Foundation career award, chemistry department's fourth
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.
Smart electricity transmission systems needed to achieve the full potential of renewable energies
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.
Caltech researchers presenting at AAAS Meeting
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.
New Canadian solar photovoltaic research network established; based at McMaster University
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.
Carnegie Mellon's John Kitchin receives early career award
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.
STEM gets greener: Promoting critical thinking using renewable energy technology
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.
Solar energy powers Marines on battlefield
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's Jay Whitacre receives funding from energy department
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...
Superconductivity leader receives $2.8M grant from US Air Force Office
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.
Bold, transformational energy research projects win $151 million in funding
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.
ConocoPhillips, Penn State award energy prize
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.
Carnegie Mellon researcher wins NSF grant
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 ...
Impact of renewable energy on our oceans must be investigated, say scientists
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.
Plasma power: Turning fusion into a renewable energy source
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.
Environmental scientists estimate that China could meet its entire future energy needs by wind alone
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.
PNNL to lead environmental impacts study on marine, river power
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.
Renewable energies will benefit US workers
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.
Mines could provide geothermal energy
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.
Energy Secretary Chu, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announce $6.3 million for biofuels research
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 wins 2 R&D 100 awards for human health, renewable energy advances
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.
DOE funds Clemson University clean energy research
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.
Composites for energy
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.
Southwest Nano Consortium established
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.
Contemplating excess wind
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%.
Author says challenging simple concepts can save planet
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.
Lasers are making solar cells competitive
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.
UC San Diego and UC Davis team to boost solar power in California
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.
Ma and Pa solutions to global warming
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.
New possibilities for hydrogen-producing algae
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.
Argonne scientists reveal interaction between supersonic fuel spray and its shock wave
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.
Report shows a decade of reductions in the cost of installed solar photovoltaic systems
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.
Success for first outdoor, large-scale algae-to-biofuel research project in Nevada
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.
Biofuels ignite food crisis debate
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.
'Smart' fridges stay cool by talking to each other
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 make breakthrough in the production of double-walled carbon nanotubes
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.
Turning over a new leaf for future energy supplies
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.
Sandia, SES win Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Innovator Award
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.
New $5M grant will fund research advances in solar and other renewable energy technologies
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.
CSIRO's UltraBattery goes global in the auto sector
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.
Electron give-and-take lets molecules shine individually on camera
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.
NC State aims to develop 'internet for energy' at new NSF engineering research center
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.
Improved reaction data heat up the biofuels harvest
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 to receive Regional Policy Award from ESA
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.
Major progress in technology needed for 25 percent renewable energy use to be affordable
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 offers promising perspectives on society's energy challenge
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.
Undergraduates develop 'dirt-powered' microbial fuel cells to light Africa
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.
Newest GREET model updates environmental impacts
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.
Berkeley Lab examines state-level renewables portfolio standards policies
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.
University of Colorado at Boulder awarded $1 million for biofuels research
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.
MIT professor to discuss future of biofuels
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.
New standard for environmentally friendly carpet
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.
FIJI Water announces sustainable growth initiative with commitment to help mitigate climate change
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.
Arizona State University launches biofuel initiative with BP and Science Foundation Arizona
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.