Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
A new MIT study identifies key innovations that led to the dramatic cost reduction of solar panels since the 1970s. The researchers found that technical advances from various industries, including semiconductor fabrication and metallurgy, played a pivotal role in reducing costs. These findings can aid policymakers and R&D investmen...
A new Northwestern University study finds that even with renewable energy availability, switching to electric vehicles won't fight climate change without upgraded transmission grids. Targeted upgrades could alleviate congestion and unlock full emissions-reduction potential of EV adoption.
The study developed a three-dimensional heat transfer model to analyze energy pile performance in soft clay soils. The results revealed thermal interference and crowding effects, but also introduced practical multiplier factors to simplify predictions and reduce computational resources.
Researchers unveiled the link between solid electrolyte interphase structure and nitrogen reduction to ammonia, a promising eco-friendly approach to fertilizer production. The study reveals that ethanol-to-water ratio in the electrolyte significantly impacts ammonia conversion efficiency.
A novel mathematical framework enables precise control over multiple descriptors in high-nickel cathodes, improving mechanical and structural stability. The approach yields significantly improved electrochemical performance and minimal particle cracking, leading to safer consumer electronics and more reliable electric vehicles.
A recent study found that Japan's growth-oriented carbon pricing initiatives face litigations against renewable energy projects, highlighting the need for early stakeholder involvement and cooperation with local communities. The study also reveals a disparity in scale between Japanese and American climate investments.
A new study shows that climate neutrality is achievable in Europe by 2050 through smart solar technologies and self-sufficiency. The study demonstrates that Europe can achieve net-zero emissions with an average cost increase of only 2.1% compared to the most cost-effective scenario without self-sufficiency.
The researchers developed a five-level pyramid model to assess energy supply security, taking into account dynamic effects and higher resolution. Switzerland can increase its energy security by diversifying its energy sources and increasing domestic production, with additional storage facilities also contributing.
A study from the University of Johannesburg presents a promising industrial process that can turn sugarcane waste into green hydrogen with high energy efficiency and low tar content. The Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Gasification (SECLG) process produces a small fraction of unwanted by-products, making it an attractive alternative...
A new Princeton analysis suggests that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could become the third most significant clean energy technology in the US by 2050. EGS has the potential to deploy up to 250 gigawatts of electricity, which is comparable to the current grid capacity of 1,200 gigawatts.
A new palladium-loaded a-IGZO catalyst achieved over 91% selectivity when converting CO2 to methanol, leveraging electronic properties of semiconductors. The study demonstrates novel design principles for sustainable catalysis based on electronic structure engineering.
Researchers developed Group Encoding (GE) to forecast electricity demand using On/Off device status, improving prediction accuracy and efficiency in smart energy operation. The method simplifies complex datasets while retaining key information for optimal energy management.
A fully autonomous robotic system developed by MIT researchers can measure important material properties like photoconductivity, increasing the speed and precision of research. The system uses machine learning and robotics to analyze new semiconductors and optimize the development of more powerful solar panels.
The EU-funded SUNER-C project developed a technological roadmap and community mapping tool to accelerate the transition of solar fuels and chemicals from lab to industrial applications, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and supporting the EU's carbon neutrality objectives.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.
Researchers developed a novel NDI-based electrolyte using zwitterions, reducing the positive charge concentration and enhancing solubility. The synergistic effect inhibits irreversible decomposition reactions, stabilizing the molecule and ensuring high performance AORFBs with long-term cycling stability.
The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has developed a proposal for the
Researchers have developed a more efficient method for producing green ammonia using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The new process achieves a sevenfold improvement in production rate while being nearly 100% efficient, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers developed models to quantify the risk of catastrophic blackouts during hurricanes and forecast climate impacts on energy systems. Their work aims to inform grid upgrades and navigate clean energy targets while maintaining reliability.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that large-scale solar farms have a complex impact on nearby property values. Agricultural land within two miles of the site saw a 19.4% increase in value, while residential homes lost an average of 4.8%. The negative impact was more pronounced in counties with conservative leanings.
New research led by Princeton University demonstrates that Australia can fully decarbonize its domestic and energy export economies by 2060 while avoiding harm to important areas for biodiversity outcomes. The study proposes a 'traffic-light' approach for siting renewable infrastructure, identifying suitable lands for development and t...
Quaise Energy has successfully demonstrated its novel drilling technique on a full-scale oil rig, aiming to prove that clean, renewable geothermal energy can power the world. The company's three-tier approach involves replacing conventional drill bits with millimeter-wave energy to create deeper holes and access supercritical water.
A study by Tohoku University found that combining rooftop solar panels with electric vehicles as batteries can supply 85% of Japan's electricity demand and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 87%. The 'PV + EV' system could lower energy costs by 33% by 2030, providing a promising pathway for Japan to achieve carbon neutrality.
Researchers at UChicago's Catalyst Design for Decarbonization Center developed a new computational tool that predicts stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient energy storage and catalysis. The tool uses thermodynamic integration to calculate MOF stability, enabling the rapid discovery of promising materials.
The $10 million facility will evaluate machinery powered by hydrogen, hydrocarbons and other flammable gases for efficiency, safety and reliability. SwRI aims to improve natural gas technology, reducing carbon emissions and increasing power supply sustainability.
Researchers highlight the need to study floating solar projects' impacts on birds and other wildlife, aiming to avoid negative effects while promoting ecological benefits. The study suggests examining bird behavior interactions with floating PV systems and identifying risks and solution pathways for coexistence.
A recent study from the University of Surrey found that China's Plan on Clean Energy Accommodation has resulted in a decline in green total factor productivity. This measure reflects a region's ability to achieve economic growth while minimizing resource consumption and environmental degradation.
Researchers developed an adaptive quantum approximate optimization-based model predictive control strategy to enhance energy efficiency and drive decarbonization in buildings. The approach achieved a 6.8% improvement in energy efficiency and a 41.2% reduction in carbon emissions.
Fraunhofer IAF presents a bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes, enabling more efficient power electronics for energy generation and mobility. The switch can be used in grid-connected power converters and electric drive systems.
A new energy model reveals a striking similarity in all scenarios: the inevitable transition to renewable energy. However, achieving rapid cuts necessary to meet 1.5°C targets poses a challenge, with a potential 20-30 year gap between demand and supply.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that low-to-medium-income countries can benefit from investing in renewable energy while reducing emissions and income inequality. The research team examined connections between climate impacts, mitigation strategies and social justice considerations.
Researchers from Politecnico di Milano developed a study analyzing agrivoltaics' potential to reduce global conflict over land use. The coexistence of photovoltaic panels and agricultural crops can help solve the pressure on arable land due to growing energy demand and food production needs.
A new study found that financial benefits, such as saving on utility payments and avoiding electricity rate hikes, are a key driver of US adults' willingness to consider installing rooftop or subscribing to community solar power. The study also revealed that most participants didn't understand what community solar is and had not looked...
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
A recent FAU survey found that most Floridians are concerned about rising insurance premiums due to climate change, with nearly two-thirds worried about affordability. The survey also reveals strong support for addressing climate change, expanding renewable energy, and teaching climate science in schools.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a protective barrier made of corn protein to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The addition of corn protein significantly improved the battery's lifespan, allowing it to hold its charge over 500 cycles.
Researchers have developed a new forecasting tool called iDust that offers significant benefits for solar energy production by predicting dust storms with higher accuracy. The system provides critical support for China's expanding solar energy projects in desert regions, minimizing disruptions and financial losses.
Dongguk University researchers have developed a hybrid anode material for lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating exceptional performance and cycling stability. The innovative composite combines reduced graphene oxide with nickel-iron layered double hydroxides, resulting in a high specific capacity of 1687.6 mA h g−1.
A study by University of Auckland researchers found that electric vehicle (EV) adoption is linked to increased carbon dioxide emissions unless countries clean up their electricity grids. Only when renewable energy sources account for approximately 48% of global electricity generation will EVs contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
A novel artificial solid electrolyte interface based on non-coordinating charge transfer significantly improves the stability of aqueous zinc metal batteries. This design enhances cycle life, reduces side reactions, and promotes uniform zinc deposition, leading to improved battery performance.
A recent study presents a novel approach to optimizing peer-to-peer coupled electricity and carbon trading among prosumers. The proposed framework achieves optimal electricity–carbon P2P trading, outperforming traditional market schemes in terms of economic benefits and carbon-emission reduction.
A Stanford study finds that a pivot to clean energy technologies by 2060 would improve energy security and reduce trade risks for most nations. The study analyzed potential new vulnerabilities under decarbonization relative to those associated with continued reliance on fossil fuels.
A new configuration approach for radial distribution systems incorporates distributed renewable energy resources, achieving superior voltage stability, reduced system losses, and improved resilience. The study also quantifies significant environmental benefits, including reduced CO2 emissions and optimized resource utilization.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to stabilize wide-bandgap perovskites using lattice strain, reducing energy losses and improving stability. This approach enables the incorporation of rubidium ions into the structure, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced photovoltage loss.
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.
Scientists have developed a method to produce propylene through nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) using light-driven nanoparticles. This process could reduce energy demands and emissions in the chemical industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
A team of chemists from Virginia Tech found a way to visualize the intricate structure and chemical reactions of battery interfaces using an X-ray beam line. This breakthrough enables researchers to gain better control over these critical surfaces, potentially leading to cheaper, higher performance batteries.
Researchers say ICT adoption and fiscal decentralization increase CO2 emissions, contradicting the widely-held view that ICT can play a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges. The study suggests policies like incentivizing energy-efficient data centers and transitioning to renewable energy sources can mitigate the environm...
The California Solar Canal Initiative brings together seven leading research universities to identify optimal locations for generating renewable energy and conserving land statewide. By covering large sections of the state's canal network with solar panels, researchers aim to conserve water, reduce air pollution and generate clean energy.
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
A comprehensive global assessment of ocean current energy identifies high power density areas off the East coast of the U.S. and Eastern coast of Africa, suitable for generating electricity from ocean currents. The study highlights the importance of expanding data collection to refine understanding and unlock the full energy potential ...
Research proposes a new methodology for dynamically optimizing solar panel positioning based on the light needs of crops. Advanced ray tracing techniques are used to evaluate the distribution of solar radiation, enabling the automation of design optimization of agrivoltaic systems.
A recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology estimates that 25 out of 32 key geological resources have exceeded sustainable water limits. This highlights the need for sustainable water use in resource production, particularly for water-intensive metals like copper.
Researchers have developed novel membranes that can pull lithium directly out of salt-lake brines using electricity, leaving other metal ions behind. The process could reduce the environmental impact of lithium mining and contribute to more efficient energy storage systems for renewable energy sources.
Experts discuss scientific and technological challenges in the energy transition, including solar technologies, hydrogen, batteries, grid management, and future energy sources. The joint paper recommends innovations leading to next-gen photovoltaic technology, green hydrogen production, and AI-powered grid management.
Researchers from PolyU have discovered the precise location of aluminium atoms in zeolite frameworks, enabling the design of more efficient and stable catalysts. This breakthrough has wide-reaching implications for industries such as renewable energy and pollution control.
Researchers at Quaise Energy have published new designs for superhot geothermal plants, which could increase the size of the prize by an order of magnitude. The designs apply conventional principles to higher-temperature ranges, informing a roadmap toward a superhot future.
Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a way to increase the performance of lithium-metal batteries by incorporating nylon into the design. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-dense batteries with lower carbon dioxide emissions.
The study identifies suitable areas for offshore wind installations, with 18% of sites acceptable from a socio-environmental perspective. Smaller projects may offer less uncertainty in their impacts, making them more robust for development.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method of artificial photosynthesis that uses sunlight and water to produce energy and valuable organic compounds from waste organic compounds. The technique, called APOS, represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and chemical production.