Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.
A large study of used cars and SUVs found battery electric vehicles driven almost 4,500 fewer miles than gas cars annually. This challenges current assumptions about emissions savings from EVs, highlighting the need for better understanding of driver behavior to accurately predict emissions reductions.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...
A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.
Researchers estimate that 5% of Europe's freestanding single-family homes could become economically self-sufficient in 2050. While some regions have high potential for self-sufficiency, becoming fully off-grid is not the most economic choice due to higher costs.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not enough to combat climate change, with a potential for global warming to reach as high as 4.8°C. Aerosol reduction has offset some warming in the past century, but its decline may now reveal hidden greenhouse gas warming.
Researchers will investigate high-entropy materials to create more sustainable and durable catalysts. The goal is to improve the efficiency of electrocatalysis, paving the way for a new generation of catalysts and reducing the reliance on rare and expensive materials.
The Beckman Institute's DROPLETS project uses microdroplets to catalyze electrochemical reactions, producing clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The project aims to lay out a foundation for a sustainable clean energy future.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel 3D printing methodology to manufacture porous ceramic structures for efficient solar radiation transport, resulting in twice as much fuel production as uniform structures. The technology has the potential to improve sustainable aviation fuels' economic viability.
A new UN-led study reveals that Bitcoin mining has a significant impact on land and water resources, with China and the US having the largest footprints. The study found that Bitcoin mining consumed 173 terawatt hours of electricity in 2020-2021, emitting 86 megatons of carbon.
The HY4RES project aims to develop hybrid renewable energy systems combining solar, wind, and pumped storage hydropower to provide energy self-sufficiency for communities. Researchers will conduct a life cycle sustainability assessment of the technologies' impacts on the Atlantic Area.
The CityU innovation has dramatically enhanced the thermal robustness of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 90% of efficiency even under high temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly broaden the utilisation of these cells and contribute substantially to combating the global climate crisis.
The Pacific Northwest is launching a hydrogen energy hub with a $7 billion investment from the Department of Energy. PNNL's expertise will support the development of clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy sources in Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.
A new report from PNNL shows that floating offshore wind farms could potentially triple the Pacific Northwest's wind power capacity while offsetting millions of dollars in costs. This could lead to a significant increase in renewable energy production and help reduce carbon emissions, with the potential to power tens of million of homes.
The study found that offshore wind could generate up to 8% of the nation's electricity by 2050, with deployment ranging from 30 to 250 gigawatts. High levels of deployment are likely in scenarios with stringent decarbonization policies and low technology costs.
Recent research highlights the excellent electrochemical performance of critical 3D printing materials in rechargeable batteries. The study outlines the typical characteristics of major 3D printing methods used in fabricating electrochemical energy storage devices and discusses crucial materials for 3D printing of rechargeable batterie...
Scientists have developed perovskite photovoltaic cells with significantly improved optoelectronic properties using nanoimprinting method. The structure reduces optical losses and enables cheaper production on a large scale.
A new dynamical model developed by UConn researchers helps companies determine if renewables make economic sense for their manufacturing processes. The model evaluates the economic viability of solar thermal technology, which has huge untapped potential in the industry.
The Illinois-led project will sequence at least 50 soybean genomes from cultivated lines and wild relatives, as well as 350 high-quality draft genomes. This will enable the identification of genetic variation and its incorporation into better crops, ultimately leading to climate-resilient soybean varieties.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
A University of Texas at Dallas researcher aims to accelerate electric vehicle charging times by modifying lithium-ion battery structure to reduce charging time from hours to minutes. The goal is to increase adoption of electric vehicles and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases.
A new study analyzes challenges in sustainably meeting different hydrogen demand scenarios on a country-by-country basis. The research finds that less than half of projected 2050 demand for hydrogen fuel could be produced locally using wind or solar power due to land and water scarcity.
A new catalyst designed by researchers at City University Hong Kong and tested by Imperial College London could boost renewable energy storage. The catalyst uses single atoms of platinum to produce an efficient but cost-effective platform for water splitting, paving the way for cheaper hydrogen production.
A new predictive model could help reduce unscheduled maintenance at hydrogen stations, increasing availability and consumer confidence. The model uses prognostics health monitoring to predict component failures and estimate remaining useful life, allowing station operators to schedule maintenance when demand is low.
Researchers have demonstrated photochemical upconversion in a solid state, enabling potential innovations in renewable energy and water purification. The breakthrough could also enable targeted laser treatments for tumors and medical applications.
A new model shows London's cooling demand grew by 5% per year between 1980 and 2022 as summers heat up, highlighting the need for preparedness and energy efficiency measures. The Demand.ninja model can also predict potential benefits of behavior change, such as reducing natural gas consumption and CO2 emissions.
A NREL-led research team identified accelerated testing protocols to understand perovskite solar cells' behavior under real conditions. The study found that high temperature and illumination are the most critical combination of stressors for predicting outdoor performance, with cells retaining over 93% of their maximum efficiency after...
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.
A new battery design without a membrane has been developed by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, offering higher energy density and lower costs. The battery can generate nearly 4 volts of power, eliminating costly and inefficient membrane-separators.
Scientists have engineered trees to be easier to disassemble into simpler building blocks using callose-enriched wood. This approach increases the efficiency of converting woody plant biomass to fuel and other useful products.
The EPFL study found that having neighbors with solar panels plays a significant role in deciding whether someone installs them, alongside factors like socioeconomic category. The results also show a correlation between solar-panel installation and urbanization, highlighting the importance of flexible policies to promote renewable energy.
The study provides a condensed overview of recent advances and challenges in atmospheric and pressurized PVSRs, highlighting potential for improving performance through geometrical parameter optimization and spectrally selective absorption. Standardized evaluation methods remain essential to unlock the full potential of PVSRs.
A new NREL study quantifies the impacts of setback ordinances on land availability for renewable energy deployment. Setback distances vary significantly across jurisdictions, affecting wind and solar resource utilization. The study suggests that local land use considerations play a crucial role in U.S. decarbonization.
A new study by Edith Cowan University has discovered zinc-air batteries as a superior alternative to lithium-ion, offering low costs, environmental benefits, and high theoretical energy density. The breakthrough redesigns the batteries using natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, enhancing their viability for sustainable e...
A modeling study suggests the US can achieve deep emissions reductions in the building sector by 91% by 2050, primarily through demand-side measures. This would save over $100 billion per year in energy-related costs while meeting the country's net-zero emissions target.
A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.
A recent review paper highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to designing and implementing renewable energy systems. Local communities' values and concerns must be considered to ensure public backing for the essential energy transition. The study emphasizes the risks of ignoring socio-technical grand challenges in wind e...
Researchers found that six bat species exhibited lower activity levels at solar farms compared to control sites, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecological impacts in planning legislation and policy.
Researchers discuss the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for on-site power generation via ammonia decomposition. The high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, but challenges such as leakage and toxicity need to be addressed.
The seventh cohort of Innovation Crossroads aims to develop transformative energy technologies. Cohort 7 fellows are creating innovative solutions for plastic waste recycling, energy storage, and wind turbine blade production.
Researchers develop low-cost, scalable energy storage system using cement and carbon black. The technology facilitates renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power by providing stable energy networks.
A University of Central Florida engineer is leading a $3.3 million ARPA-E funded project to develop simulation software for floating offshore wind turbines. The goal is to improve turbine design and increase their use as a renewable energy source. The software will be licensed or commercialized and can be hosted on a university web page.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to power water remediation using renewable energy sources, including solar power. Through electrochemical separation and redox reactions, they successfully removed arsenate from wastewater.
Researchers from TIFRH demonstrate a lithium ion battery that can be charged using light, improving upon previous designs. The new battery uses a hybrid electrode assembly and solid electrolytes for safer and more efficient charging.
The UK Research and Innovation has awarded £53 million in funding to six research centers to boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies, and reduce energy demand. The focus is on developing game-changing ideas to improve domestic, industrial, and transport energy systems.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that converting food waste into energy and bioproducts can be profitable in Illinois. The study analyzes supply chain logistics and technological and economic factors to determine the feasibility of this solution.
A new flow battery design has achieved a record-breaking 60% increase in peak power using a dissolved simple sugar called β-cyclodextrin, which boosts battery capacity and longevity. The battery maintained its energy storage and release capabilities for over a year without significant loss of activity.
Research by Politecnico di Milano finds offshore wind farms significantly reduce climate change impacts, with a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The study also highlights the importance of life cycle analysis for assessing environmental sustainability of renewable energy technologies.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a nanosheet device with the highest energy storage performance yet seen. The device achieved a 1-2 orders of magnitude higher energy density while maintaining high output density and stability over multiple cycles.
A Portland State professor is studying the environmental consequences of the renewable energy transition, including lithium mining and battery manufacturing. The research aims to balance benefits with burdens on underserved communities, through interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
Aarhus University's AELECTRA project aims to develop a decentralized technology for producing liquid ammonia from renewable energy. The new process could halve investment costs and enable farmers to produce their own fertilizer or e-fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The £7 million CoTide project aims to develop scalable tidal stream energy, making renewable power cheaper, more reliable, and scalable. The initiative will create integrated engineering tools and solutions to overcome technical challenges in harnessing ocean tides as a clean energy source.
A new lattice-water-assisted mechanism boosts the efficiency of an iridium oxide catalyst by 5-12%, resulting in higher energy output and lower energy consumption. This improvement paves the way for more efficient green hydrogen production using proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.
The Lehigh University Industrial Assessment Center will conduct energy audits for manufacturing plants in the mid-Atlantic region, providing real-world training for students and professionals. The center aims to reduce industrial emissions and improve manufacturing competitiveness while enhancing workforce development in disadvantaged ...
A recent study published in Joule found that the financial losses from a renewable energy transition are concentrated among the wealthiest individuals. In high-income countries, two-thirds of the losses would affect the top 10% of wealth holders, with half affecting the top 1%. In contrast, lower-income individuals would face minimal l...
Research suggests that bamboo can be converted into bioethanol and biogas, offering an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The chemical composition of bamboo varies across species, highlighting the need for further research on selecting optimal species for biomass production processes.
Researchers at Lancaster University demonstrate the viability of tidal power as a predictable renewable energy source. The creation of a tidal barrage could operate for 120 years or more to meet future demand and storage problems, protecting coastal areas from flooding and sea level rise.
A new study finds that clean energy microgrids can reduce power outages in wildfire-prone areas of California by up to 30%, cutting costs from 15-30 cents per kWh compared to conventional technologies.