Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
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.
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 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 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.
The study concludes that improved access to electricity and a shift towards renewable energy will substantially benefit population health. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and wave power appear to create the smallest health burden, while nuclear power remains controversial due to waste storage concerns.
Researchers at Durham University are developing light-absorbing materials for thin-layer solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert light energy into electricity. The goal is to make solar panels more affordable and increase the use of solar power.
A life cycle assessment reveals that renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal have valid green credentials in electricity production. However, the efficiency of these systems is comparable only when considering the entire life cycle, not just materials production and running.
A study funded by ESRC found that community renewable energy projects are largely based in the countryside, revitalizing local economies and alleviating poverty. The projects generate energy renewably at a local level, involving wind turbines, solar panels, and shared heating systems.
A comprehensive review of biofuel literature reveals corn ethanol is the least sustainable feedstock, offsetting only 15% of gasoline demand. Cellulosic ethanol offers a 87% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more viable alternative for combating global warming.
A trend analysis from the UN Environment Programme reports a surge in investment in renewable energy, with wind, solar, and biofuels attracting the greatest investment dollars. The sector's growth is driven by global concerns such as climate change, increasing energy demand, and energy security.
A national renewable portfolio standard (RPS) would create a level playing field for states by requiring utilities to use solar, wind and other renewable resources. The RPS would prevent price gouging and save money for consumers by preventing inconsistencies between state mandates.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created new materials with high charge-storage capacities, exceeding twice that of conventional lithium batteries. The materials also offer enhanced stability and reduced costs, paving the way for diverse applications in consumer electronics, medical devices, and hybrid electric vehicles.
A UN-led pilot project has improved the lives of 100,000 people in poverty-stricken rural India by providing household financing for solar home systems. The project expanded to other developing countries, including Tunisia, China, Indonesia, and Egypt.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered a way to use gold to prevent the destruction of platinum in fuel cell reactions, enhancing the metal's value. The new method, which involves adding gold clusters to platinum electrocatalysts, keeps the precious metal stable during accelerated stability tests.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have developed a new hydrogen material with over a billion nanotubes that can produce hydrogen from water. The system uses photoactive material from the sun to generate hydrogen, promising a cleaner and more cost-effective energy source.
Experts warn of energy insecurity's impact on US national security, driven by heavy oil and gas imports from hostile regions. The US needs to diversify its energy resources and invest in research and development to improve energy efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
A national survey found that most Americans acknowledge global warming's reality but rank it as a moderate risk. They generally support climate change policies, yet resist carbon taxes on energy sources. The study also identified distinct groups of 'alarmists' and 'naysayers' with differing views on the issue.
A survey conducted by University of Delaware researchers found that over 90% of Delawareans support offshore wind power, even with increased electric bills. The study suggests that increasing public awareness and concern about climate change may contribute to this strong support.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals that mixtures of native perennial grasses and other flowering plants provide more usable energy per acre than corn grain ethanol or soybean biodiesel. This approach can reduce global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, producing a 'carbon negative' fuel.
The US joins an international collaboration to build ITER, a project aiming to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of clean fusion energy. Fusion energy could provide significant amounts of electricity and generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
Renewable sources currently provide about 6 percent of all the energy used in the United States. Meeting the 25 percent renewable energy target for electricity and motor fuels together could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion by 15% and displace 2.5 million barrels of oil consumption.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers are creating a distributed power test-bed to examine the effects of widespread adoption of clean, renewable energy sources on the utility grid. The project aims to understand how small-scale renewable energy generators will interact with the existing grid and identify potential stability iss...
Advances in plant science research are needed to reduce costs and multiply production of biofuels from plant cellulose. Somerville calls for increased efficiency of solar energy capture to transition the nation's transportation sector to use of domestically produced biofuels.
The US Department of Energy is launching two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The centers will focus on systems biology research on microbes and plants, with the goal of harnessing nature's own mechanisms for producing energy from sunlight.
The US Department of Energy has released a research roadmap for developing cellulosic ethanol, a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel source. The plan aims to overcome challenges in producing low-cost, high-efficiency cellulosic ethanol from biomass.
Climate change is likely to affect health through vector-borne and diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, flood-related conditions, heat and cold deaths. Increasing renewable energy use can improve health by reducing air pollution and addressing climate change.
The Bridgewater team created an interactive toy called 'The Green Machine' that teaches principles of green chemistry and reduces waste. The winning entry earned a $2,000 prize for purchasing a computer system and aims to interest young children in science and renewable energy.
Scientists are harnessing microbial biotechnology to address global environmental issues by utilizing diverse microbial communities and their functions. By leveraging cutting-edge DNA-based techniques, researchers can identify and utilize beneficial microorganisms to clean up pollutants, generate renewable energy, and detect pathogens.
The USDA and DOE are coordinating plant and microbial genomics research to address national agriculture and energy challenges. The DOE Joint Genome Institute will sequence the soybean genome, which is of particular interest due to its role in producing biodiesel.
A recent poll suggests that over half of the British public would accept new nuclear power stations to combat climate change, but most prefer renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The survey highlights a need for balance in energy policy, with 63% supporting a mix of nuclear and renewables.
A Rensselaer researcher has received a $300,000 NSF grant to study miniaturized solar-powered heating and cooling systems that can be applied to existing buildings. The goal is to create a thin-film system for efficient thermal control, potentially rendering traditional air conditioning and heating equipment obsolete.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar cell made from plastic that is cheaper to produce than traditional silicon-based cells. The cell has an efficiency rating of 4.4% and aims to reach 15-20% efficiency in the future.
Scientists at the University of Illinois used computer simulation to study how oxygen and hydrogen travel to an enzyme's catalyst site. They discovered that closing oxygen pathways could increase hydrogenase tolerance to oxygen, making it a more economical source of hydrogen fuel.
Energy ministers from Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to work together to enhance the security, reliability, and sustainability of the country's energy systems. They also emphasized the importance of collaborating with industry to develop real and sustainable solutions to meet Canada's energy needs.
The report identifies key areas of focus for improving solar energy technologies, including artificial molecular machines, smart materials, and nanotechnology-based solar cells. It also highlights the importance of basic research in addressing the nation's energy security needs.
A review highlights the need for ecological consideration in renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind farms. Environmental impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning of these projects could harm coastal species and ecosystems. However, offshore renewables also offer opportunities to enhance local biodiversity.
The new Center for Future Energy Systems will focus on renewable energy and energy conservation systems, prioritizing fuel cells, smart lighting, and emerging renewable energy systems. The research aims to make New York state a world leader in energy research and generate jobs.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a process to convert corn into isosorbide, which can improve the properties of plastic materials. The technology has the potential to reduce the amount of petroleum necessary to make plastics and create new jobs for rural economies.
Experts from Oregon State University are pioneering wave power technology, which could become a major contributor to the nation's energy needs. The proposed U.S. Ocean Energy Research and Demonstration Center would evaluate existing systems and test new ones.
Scientists at NIST have developed prototype pyroelectric detectors coated with carbon nanotubes, showing improved heat conduction and laser resistance. The coating absorbs light and converts it to heat, generating a current that measures the power of the laser.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new approach to creating lightweight organic solar cells using pentacene, converting sunlight into electricity with high efficiency. The cells' flexibility and minimal weight make them suitable for powering various devices, from RFID tags to electronic devices.
Scientists at LUCA Technologies have confirmed the presence of living methanogenic organisms in coalfields, producing methane in real-time. This finding suggests a potential long-term source of renewable natural gas, replacing finite energy resources.
A new study by UC Berkeley finds that renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt installed than the fossil fuel-based sector, with potential benefits for all states. Investing in renewables could create up to 240,000 new jobs by 2020, while reducing trade deficits and reestablishing US leadership in energy technology.
The pilot plant uses electrolysis to produce high-purity hydrogen, with a purity exceeding 99.999 percent. The system also compresses natural gas for use as a motor fuel, reducing petroleum use and providing air emissions benefits.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $102 million in grants to small businesses for innovative research projects focused on energy, environmental, and national security. The selected companies will explore the feasibility of their proposed innovations over the next year and may apply for further funding.