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Electrical grids planned on outdated climate data face physical and fiscal risk: UN University scientists propose domain-informed AI as the fix

The UN University's latest publication highlights the need for domain-informed AI in grid planning to address physical and fiscal risks from outdated climate data. The authors warn that 15-20 year lifespans of electricity infrastructure are based on historical weather records unlikely to hold in the coming decades.

Platinum powers the future

Researchers developed a novel platinum-cobalt intermetallic catalyst that enables high-performance fuel cells with long-lasting durability. The innovative nanostructured carbon support overcomes the challenge of balancing activity and stability, allowing for improved catalytic performance at high temperatures.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 6, 2026

New framework for adoption of distributed energy resources quantifies uncertainty, ensures validity across grid structures

Researchers propose a data-driven forecasting approach to predict DER adoption patterns and quantify uncertainty for more informed decision making. The framework provides plausible adoption scenarios, enabling utilities, regulators, and planners to make strategic investments and plan for long-term infrastructure needs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAnnals of Applied Sciences·DateAug 3, 2026

Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough

Researchers unveiled a technique to build ultra-clean 2D heterostructures using muscovite crystals, eliminating microscopic residues that disrupt electronic device performance. This method enables precise stacking of atomic layers, leading to new properties and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and nanoelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

Lanzhou Jiaotong University researchers develop sustainable wastewater-powered electricity generator system

Lanzhou Jiaotong University researchers developed a droplet-based energy harvesting technology that converts secondary wastewater effluents into electricity. The system achieved high output performance and successfully powered LED lights, demonstrating its practical energy harvesting capability.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Renewable energy is more cost effective than direct air capture at reducing carbon, new study finds

A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Power outages linked to more emergency hospital visits for older adults

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that power outages in the US are associated with increased emergency hospital visits for older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated that 4,246 additional hospitalizations occurred in 2018 among adults over 65 due to power outages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Location, location, location: Model IDs best spots for offshore energy projects

Researchers developed a portfolio optimization framework to maximize offshore energy production by identifying optimal locations for wind turbines and marine hydrokinetic technologies. The study found that combining these technologies in suitable locations can significantly reduce costs and increase energy stability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2026

Hanyang University researchers proposed novel technology for environmental infringement and sag estimation for transmission lines

Researchers propose technology using multimodal information from LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and thermal camera to reconstruct transmission line geometric profile and estimate sag. The approach can predict how the shape of the TL would change under extreme thermal conditions.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Stable and versatile optical wireless power transmission for sustainable IoT

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo developed an automatic and adaptive LED-based optical wireless power transmission system that can efficiently power multiple devices without interruption. The system overcomes limitations of traditional OWPT systems by adapting to varying lighting conditions and ensuring stable power delivery.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2025

AI’s energy usage is less than previously thought

A recent study finds that artificial intelligence has a negligible effect on global greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers' analysis of US energy consumption and AI use across industries revealed that the energy usage from AI in the US equals the energy consumption for all of Iceland, but not noticeable on a global scale.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2025

The Universitat Jaume I is completing a research project to improve the integration of renewable energies with batteries into the power grid

The project aims to improve integration of renewable energies and batteries in the power grid using advanced control strategies. The researchers have developed predictive models and deep reinforcement learning techniques to optimize participation of grid-connected storage systems.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalMathematics and Computers in Simulation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2025

Hurricane outages: Analysis details the where, and who, of increased future power cuts

A new analysis from the University of Michigan predicts that hurricane-induced power outages will increase along the Atlantic coast, particularly in northern Florida and southern Atlantic states. The study finds that Hispanic, non-white, low-income, and elderly populations will be disproportionately affected by these outages.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2025

In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions

Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalINFORMS Journal on Data Science·DateOct 15, 2025

Flexible solid electrolyte unlocks high-performance fuel cells across extreme temperatures

Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a flexible solid electrolyte material with exceptional proton conductivity and hydrogen gas barrier properties, making it suitable for low- to mid-temperature fuel cells. The material enables stable operation across a wide temperature range, from -10 °C to 140 °C, and shows promise for ...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2025

Powering your phone with a laser

The University of Ottawa's SUNLAB has developed a simulation model for multi-junction photonic power converters, which enable the conversion of laser light into electrical power with higher efficiencies and voltages. This technology could lead to more reliable telecommunication networks, reduce costs by enhancing systems performance, a...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Bulking up for solar power

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a new artificial heterostructure device that mimics broken spatial and time-reversal symmetry, enabling new bulk photovoltaic effects. The device shows promise for next-generation solar cells with improved efficiency and multifunctionality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2025