Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
A new computer vision technique developed by MIT engineers significantly speeds up the characterization of newly synthesized electronic materials. The technique automatically analyzes images of printed semiconducting samples and quickly estimates two key electronic properties: band gap and stability.
Concordia researchers develop micro photosynthetic power cells that harness algae's photosynthesis to generate electricity. The system can power low- and ultra-low power devices like IoT sensors, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing only water as a byproduct.
Researchers found that plants produce electric potential in sync with their daily cycles, which can be harnessed as a renewable energy source. The study discovered that the electric streaming potential increases with decreased ion concentration and increased pH.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new thermophotovoltaic cell that can recover significantly more energy from heat batteries, increasing efficiency to 44%. The device uses air bridges to trap photons with the right energies, allowing for the recycling of useless photons and improving overall performance.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model to identify high-performance multicomponent metal oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. The study found that certain features, such as itinerant electrons and configuration entropy, are critical for achieving high current density in ORR.
A low-cost, tin-based catalyst selectively converts CO2 to ethanol, acetic acid, and formic acid, producing valuable liquid hydrocarbons. The discovery could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting CO2 into desired chemicals near the site of production.
A worldwide analysis of voluntary carbon offset programs identified trends in renewable energy, forestry, and other technologies. Forestry and land management projects initially increased due to REDD+ programs, but shifted towards nature-positive solutions after 2016.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap to deliver heat at high temperatures needed for industrial processes, overcoming the challenge of fossil fuels. The device, which uses solar radiation, absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, minimizing radiative heat losses and increasing efficiency.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed carbon-capture batteries that can store renewable energy and capture airborne CO2. The new battery formulations can maintain capacity for up to 600 hours and convert CO2 into a solid form with the potential to be used in other products.
Scientists have developed a method to transform chicken fat into carbon-based electrodes for supercapacitors, which store energy and power LED lights. The new technology has shown good capacitance, durability, high energy, and power density, highlighting the potential of using food waste as a carbon source in green energy.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
A team of international researchers, led by TU Delft, found that introducing chemical short-range disorder into layered oxide materials used as cathode materials can significantly improve the stability and performance of lithium-ion batteries. This improvement results in a longer cycle life and shorter charging times for well-establish...
A study by Raheel Ahmed Shaikh and colleagues models the most cost-efficient path to Australia's fully renewable electricity grid. The optimal route would require significant expansion of generation and storage, but could reduce costs with interconnection between eastern and western grids.
Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.
A team of scientists estimates that proposed offshore wind turbines could take away energy from existing ones, reducing power output by 34-38%. The 'wake effect' reduces total power generation due to slower wind behind turbines. Predicting wake effects can help grid operators manage them and ensure a balanced supply-demand balance.
Researchers found that human-induced fluid fluxes in the deep subsurface are higher than natural rates, posing environmental impacts. The study highlights the need to manage the subsurface responsibly for a green transition and sustainable future.
A new study suggests that renewable-scarce countries like parts of the EU, Japan, and South Korea could save between 18 to 38 percent in production costs by relocating their industrial production to countries with cheap renewable energy. The study's lead author argues that importing hydrogen via ship is not a cost-effective strategy fo...
Iowa State University has established a new cybersecurity center to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on renewable energy systems and microgrids. The center will develop robust algorithms and tools to detect and mitigate cyberattacks, as well as strengthen the grid industry's cybersecurity workforce.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce chemicals using bacteria that feed on methanol, a renewable resource. The microbes can efficiently convert methanol into desired biochemical substances, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based chemicals.
A new study found that older electric vehicle models depreciate in value faster than conventional gas cars, but newer models with longer driving ranges are retaining their value better. The research also showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected vehicle affordability.
A new study published in Nature Energy suggests that floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) could produce 20-100% of the electricity expected from Africa's planned hydropower dams. This approach would reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable development by avoiding large dams' negative effects on communities and ecosystems.
A new DC-DC power converter designed by Kobe University team offers superior voltage ratio, system stability, and simplicity, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 98.3%. The device can efficiently interface with various energy sources, making it suitable for renewable energy integration and electric vehicle applications.
A new study found that affordable solar panels are being used in rural Ethiopian villages, offering a healthy alternative to kerosene lamps and supporting education. However, uncertified panels break easily and lack maintenance support, creating environmental pollution.
Researchers at Duke University used nanoscale visualization techniques to study corrosion in electrolyzers used to produce green hydrogen. The study reveals that rare metal catalysts break down quickly due to acidic environments, but also identifies potential strategies to minimize these defects and extend the devices' lifetimes.
The MODERNISE project, funded by the US Department of Energy, aims to develop computational algorithms for grid operators to integrate renewable energy sources. By aggregating small, distributed energy resources, researchers hope to improve transmission grid operations and make them more reliable and efficient.
Researchers found that hydrogen can be stored in depleted oil and gas reservoirs without getting stuck, as long as the rock is properly sealed. The study also showed that residual natural gas can be released from the rock into the hydrogen when injected, making it a potentially viable option for seasonal and long-term storage.
A recent analysis by DOE/Argonne National Laboratory and NREL suggests that renewable energy could reduce carbon footprint at the South Pole. The study found that using solar energy during the austral summer could save approximately $57 million over 15 years.
A Washington State University-led study found that widespread, extreme temperature events can capture greater solar radiation and higher wind speeds to help power grids. This analysis suggests using more renewable energy at these times could reduce strain on grids during increased energy demand.
A tandem approach for better solar cells involves combining perovskite-based photovoltaics with traditional silicon to minimize losses and increase efficiency. The technology has shown promise in laboratory settings but faces significant practical challenges, including reliability and scalability issues.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that combining cryptocurrency mining with green hydrogen technology can significantly boost renewable energy production. The approach, known as the 'dynamic duo,' has the potential to accelerate wind and solar capacity growth across the US.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a safe, economical, and water-based flow battery made with commercially available industrial quantities of nitrogenous triphosphonate. The new design exhibits remarkable cycling stability over 1,000 charging cycles, outperforming previous iron-based batteries.
Researchers are exploring engineered geothermal systems and innovative drilling technologies to unlock superhot rock energy. However, significant gaps in research and development need to be addressed to achieve temperatures over 375°C.
A study by Osaka University found that thinking about sustainability from the perspective of imaginary future generations yields new insights into technological innovation and societal trends. Participants in workshops ranked indicators differently after adopting this perspective, perceiving technology's feasibility more accurately.
A recent study found that wind turbines have a limited impact on US property values, dropping by up to 8% when built less than 2 kilometers away. However, this effect diminishes over time as people become more accustomed to the presence of turbines.
A recent PNAS study finds that wind turbine visibility reduces home values by up to 8%, but this effect decreases with distance and age of turbines. The study's findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy development and community-friendly projects.
Researchers review advances and challenges in applying SLA to evaluate unconventional reservoirs, highlighting its simplicity and convenience. The study proposes modifications to address reservoir heterogeneity and suggests combining SLA with machine learning algorithms for improved accuracy.
Citizens in Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal prefer decentralized renewable energy systems with high rooftop solar shares. They value low electricity prices and reduced dependence on imports over technology preferences.
Researchers used HLRS's Hawk supercomputer to generate valuable thermodynamic data for chemical engineering research. The simulations provide insights into ammonia's fundamental properties and how they change when mixing with other molecules.
A Dartmouth Engineering-led study discovered a new high-performance solar absorber material that is stable and earth-abundant. The researchers used a unique high-throughput computational screening method to evaluate approximately 40,000 candidate materials, leading to the discovery of the Zintl-phosphide BaCd2P2.
Researchers are developing a new framework to integrate renewable energy sources with the power grid using machine learning. The goal is to ensure efficient and stable operations while maximizing wind and solar power usage.
Scientists created a method to study variations in power output from solar PV plants over time, accounting for distinct power fluctuations across different geographical areas. The grid integration challenge arises when including variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the power grid.
A new study maps the potential impact of renewable energy on biodiversity in the southwestern US. Joshua trees and kit foxes are expected to lose significant habitats by 2070 due to climate change. The study suggests advanced computer modeling can help site renewable energy resources without overlapping with biodiversity hotspots.
A team of experts at PNNL developed a new tool that sorts and prioritizes cyber threats on the fly, giving grid operators a clear blueprint to identify and address the biggest threats first. The approach uses hybrid attack graphs and optimization to reduce the number of potential attacks from thousands to fewer than 100.
Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.
Researchers from 16 countries will discuss sustainable urban and rural development, renewable energy, and climate-smart technologies at the symposium. The event aims to build a global network of food-energy-water (FEW)-converged research for net-zero transition.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that EU countries have made progress towards achieving the 2030 sustainable energy goal, but some countries still have a long way to go. Malta made the greatest progress, while Bulgaria is furthest from meeting its targets.
Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.
Researchers warn that AI tools used in radiology contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through energy consumption and data storage. To minimize these impacts, experts recommend sharing resources, selecting sustainable hardware, and using data compression techniques.
The NREL-led workshop emphasizes the importance of mitigating degradation rates for clean technologies, which will play a crucial role in meeting future energy needs. The researchers recommend increasing transparency and standardization of reliability data, as well as developing standards for various renewable energy technologies.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an open-source AI solution to address voltage fluctuations in power grids caused by renewable energy and electric vehicles. The DRL algorithms optimize large-scale coordination of energy sources safely under fast fluctuations.
A new study suggests China will need to build eight to ten times more wind and solar power installations than in 2022 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The report also highlights the importance of coordinating land use policies nationwide, with a focus on areas within 100 miles of major population centers.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
A team at TU Graz has developed a parabolic trough collector with cost-effective photovoltaic cells that generate both solar power and thermal energy. The innovation uses industrial production methods and optimises cooling to increase usability of waste heat.
A study published in Natural Resources Forum found that renewable energy production reduces carbon dioxide emissions in OECD countries but increases them in emerging economies. Economic growth also enhances environmental quality in both sets of countries, while institutional quality is linked to fewer emissions in OECD countries.
A global team of researchers has invented recyclable water batteries that don't catch fire or explode, addressing safety concerns in lithium-ion technology. The batteries use abundant materials like magnesium and zinc, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental risks.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) highlights the complementary roles of electrification and hydrogen in achieving European energy transition. Electrification is critical for sectors like transport and heating, while hydrogen is mainly used for aviation, industry, and electricity storage.
A new research proposes a hemispherical shell shape to optimize organic photovoltaic cells, achieving a 66% increase in light absorption and improved angular coverage. The study presents advanced computational analysis, revealing the remarkable capabilities of this innovative design.
The University of Texas at Dallas' Wind Energy Center is expanding its operations with a new physical headquarters, labs, meeting areas, and office space. The facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, including a wind-wave tunnel and Intelligent Energy Systems Lab.
According to a new NREL report, millions of US households would see a drop in their energy bills by using heat pumps, with median savings ranging from $300 to $650 per year. However, high installation costs limit the technology's reach, making it only financially feasible for a smaller portion of households.
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.