Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
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.
Researchers from NIST and NREL develop a method to accurately measure the dipole moment of quantum dots, enabling optimization for various applications in quantum computing and quantum communications.
Researchers at Ohio University are exploring ways to integrate coal with fuel cells to produce clean energy. They plan to conduct experiments to improve the efficiency of syngas, a gas mixture produced from coal gasification, which contains hazardous contaminants that can damage fuel cells.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and NREL developed a polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) coating system to address corrosion issues in geothermal power plants. The coating system has shown dramatic improvements in bonding, durability, and service lifetime compared to competitive coatings.
Research suggests self-control can be depleted, leading to increased difficulty with problem-solving and impulse control. Replenishing self-control through rest and positive emotional experiences may help overcome behavioral health problems like addiction.
According to L. Hunter Lovins, companies investing in renewable energy will gain a marketing edge as consumers notice environmental benefits. The California Public Employees' Retirement System is screening investments, leading to expected changes in US energy policy.
Dr. Uma Chowdhry highlights emerging technologies, including biotechnology and nanotechnology, to develop new products and processes using renewable resources. DuPont has set goals to derive 25% of revenues from non-depletable resources by 2010.
The PPS coating system, developed by Brookhaven Lab chemist Toshifumi Sugama, shows dramatic improvements in bonding durability, resistance to wear and abrasion, and service lifetime compared to competitive coatings. The coating's self-healing properties make it suitable for use in geothermal power plants and other harsh environments.
The University of Ulster will launch a 'green' power research centre with a £600,000 grant from the UK-based Science Research Investment Fund. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research into renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaics, and small hydro schemes.
The report recommends four main areas of focus for the Carbon Trust: RD&D programme, skills development, international cooperation, and social and economic research. It also identifies promising low-carbon technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and hydrogen production.
Researchers are exploring government policies to ensure a stable energy supply, including alternative sources like hydrogen, fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells. Energy R&D spending is linked to energy-related patents, highlighting the need for increased investment in emerging energy problems.
The Brookhaven/Caithness technology recovers silica from low-salinity geothermal brine, producing 99.9% pure silica with lower maintenance costs. This innovation could lead to new industries and employment opportunities in regions rich in geothermal resources.
Decentralized energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, are being implemented in developing countries to address electricity shortages. The symposium aims to discuss recent developments and barriers to the wider adoption of renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and nuclear power, are crucial to fill the gap between energy demand and supply. John D. Edwards predicts that world crude oil production will peak in 2020 at 90 million barrels per day, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy options.
The Mexico Renewable Energy Program, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, has installed nearly 200 photovoltaic and wind energy projects in eight states, providing energy to over 9,000 people. The program aims to expand markets for US industry, increase agricultural production, and combat greenhouse gas emissions.