Energy Infrastructure
Articles tagged with Energy Infrastructure
Planning for hydrogen under geopolitical uncertainty
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.
Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab
The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.
Industrial electrification is now a security imperative, finds Oxford analysis
New Oxford analysis finds that up to 90% of industrial energy demand could be electrified with existing technologies, but policy failures and technology risks hold back deployment. Electrification offers a pathway to stable and resilient energy costs, reducing exposure to geopolitical disruption and price volatility.
Artificial intelligence driven controllers imitating the human brain could strengthen the grid
A new study introduces AI-based control strategies that ensure local grids remain reliable and resilient. By utilizing Artificial Neural Networks, the system can predict and compensate for grid changes in real-time, outperforming traditional control methods.
Paul Ohodnicki leads team developig transformers for high-voltage DC power grid
Paul Ohodnicki leads a team at Pitt developing medium frequency magnetics for high voltage grid applications, aiming to reduce cost and footprint by three-fold. The project uses $1.9 million in federal funds to design and manufacture transformers.
New framework bridges gaps in power grid operations with AI technology
A new framework, proposed by Professor Zongjie Wang, helps transmission and distribution operations work together to make holistic decisions without centralization. The method combines data from both systems using reduced distribution network models and AI-powered modeling to account for uncertainties and complexities.
Electric cars can make power grids more reliable (and earn owners money) – so why aren’t we doing that?
A new study identifies the barriers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) adoption, including coordination problems, limited infrastructure, and varying regulations. V2G technology can provide backup power during periods of high energy demand and earn EV owners money for supplying energy to the grid.
Cleaner solar manufacturing could cut global emissions by eight billion tonnes
A new international study found that deploying next-generation solar panels at scale could reduce global carbon emissions by up to 8.2 billion tonnes by 2035. The technology, known as tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) photovoltaics, has lower environmental impacts in fifteen out of sixteen categories compared to the incumbent PE...
Scientists use sunlight and liquid metal to produce clean hydrogen from water
Researchers have created a process to produce clean hydrogen from freshwater and seawater using liquid metals powered by sunlight. The method avoids many obstacles in current hydrogen production methods, including the need for purified water and high costs. The team is working to improve efficiency for commercialization.
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.
Eight SwRI hydrogen projects funded by ENERGYWERX
Eight SwRI hydrogen projects funded by ENERGYWERX will evaluate new technology and existing infrastructure for a hydrogen-powered future. The projects, conducted at SwRI's Metering Research Facility, aim to improve energy infrastructure and support the use of clean-burning fuel.
New UVA study in Nature Communications proposes better way to plan for energy transitions
Researchers developed a three-stage framework to analyze uncertainties in energy transitions, focusing on climate change and institutional inefficiency. The Puerto Rico case study shows that these factors are crucial in determining total system costs.
Seashells offer low-carbon concrete breakthrough in new study
Researchers at University of East London found that discarded seashells can be transformed into a low-carbon concrete ingredient, reducing carbon emissions by up to 36%. The study suggests a promising opportunity for industry to adopt sustainable cement alternatives.
Nearly 47 million Americans are at high risk of potential health hazards from fossil fuel infrastructure
A Boston University study finds nearly 14% of the US population lives within a mile of fossil fuel infrastructure, posing potential health risks. The research highlights inequities in exposure, with predominantly non-white groups and urbanites disproportionately affected.
Lehigh University–Siemens partnership advances microgrid research for AI data centers
A PhD student at Lehigh University is working with Siemens to develop real-time monitoring and control tools for hyperscale data centers. The goal is to create a localized power network that can operate independently of the main grid, reducing power demands from artificial intelligence and increasing energy efficiency.
Amid renewable-energy boom, study explores options for electricity market
A study exploring options for electricity markets during the clean-energy transition highlights key challenges and proposed solutions. The researchers assessed 11 market design proposals to guide energy generation and sources, with findings focusing on forecasting demand, investing in renewable resources, and ensuring system reliability.
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%.
Electric power could bring paper mills to net zero emissions October 15, 2025 Joey Pitchford 5-min. read
Researchers found that electric-powered boilers can reduce emissions by up to 61% in pulp and paper mills. The study suggests that the US electrical grid's shift towards clean energy could make this possible. Increasing water removal during pressing resulted in significant energy savings and emissions reductions, while low-carbon alter...
Attitudes, not income, drive energy savings at home
A meta-analysis of 100 studies across psychology, sociology, economics, and engineering found that positive attitudes toward conserving electricity are key to saving energy. Individuals who think others expect them to conserve power and have pro-environmental habits tend to save more energy.
Inconsistent charging stations hinder EV adoption
A survey by University of Washington researchers found that participants with a negative view of public charging were less likely to choose an electric vehicle than those with a moderate view. Participants demanded strikingly large concessions, such as a 30% discount or 366 extra miles of range, before choosing an EV.
Liu wins fifth R&D 100 Award
Yilu Liu has won her fifth R&D 100 Award for the Universal GridEdge Analyzer (UGA), a GPS-synchronized power grid monitoring device. The UGA enhances situational awareness capabilities, allowing users to access real-time grid health information on mobile devices.
ITU report details US$2.6-2.8 trillion cost to connect everyone meaningfully by 2030
Achieving universal, meaningful internet connectivity by 2030 would require a significant investment of $2.6-2.8 trillion at current prices. The report outlines the challenges, projected costs, and collaborative strategies needed to make sure everyone, everywhere, can use the Internet.
Surging Himalayan rivers bring benefits and risks to local communities
Rapidly melting glaciers in High Mountain Asia are causing water volume to increase by 10% or more in at least 10% of rivers, including the Yangtze, Amu Darya, and Syr Darya. This surge can bring short-term benefits like increased hydropower and agriculture, but also poses risks such as sediment increases and glacier loss.
Clean energy is here. Getting it to EVs isn’t
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.
Solar power in new configurations can support Europe’s green transition and energy independence
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.
How to manage cybersecurity risks in the energy sector?
A new handbook from the University of Vaasa provides a comprehensive toolkit for policymakers, energy companies, and cybersecurity professionals to improve cyber resilience. The handbook emphasizes socio-cyber-physical risk management, education, awareness, cooperation, and strategic investments to reduce threats in the energy sector.
Should government incentivize EV adoption through consumer tax credits or infrastructure?
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that investing in EV charging infrastructure is more effective than offering consumer tax credits to boost adoption. The study found that increasing EV adoption could reduce emissions by 51% and increase sales by 26% by building Level 3 fast-charging stations.
Green hydrogen from Africa much more costly than previously assumed
A new study by TUM reveals that African green hydrogen production is much more costly than previously assumed, with only 2% of investigated locations being competitive. To make exports to Europe viable, governments and policymakers must provide price and offtake guarantees.
Investment risk for energy infrastructure construction is highest for nuclear power plants, lowest for solar
A new study from Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability finds that over 60% of energy infrastructure projects worldwide run over budget and take longer than expected to complete. Nuclear power plants are the worst offenders, with an average construction cost overrun of 102.5%. In contrast, solar energy and wind farms hav...
Novel image-based model enhances the detection of surface defects in low-light industrial settings
A new end-to-end framework, DarkAD, enhances anomaly detection in low-light environments by introducing a feature adapter that reduces noise and amplifies critical features. The model outperforms other state-of-the-art models in detecting subtle anomalies with high accuracy and speed.
China’s EV ultrafast charging stations: Challenges, solutions, and costs
A new study explores the future of EV ultrafast charging stations in China, finding that increased power capacity does not necessarily double station loads. The researchers propose two generalized solutions: energy storage and dynamic waiting strategies, which can effectively decrease peak loads and satisfy surging demands.
More power grid connectivity in western U.S. could supercharge clean energy
A new study models how Western US states can build out clean energy infrastructure between now and 2050 under different climate policy scenarios and levels of power sector coordination. States that coordinate more closely could save billions in energy system costs, even if their climate policies do not align.
Difficult and costly energy transition unless the EU invests in biomass
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.
IEEE study leverages silicon photonics for scalable and sustainable AI hardware
A new hardware platform for AI accelerators capable of handling significant workloads with reduced energy requirement has been developed. The platform leverages III-V compound semiconductors to create photonic integrated circuits, which operate at the speed of light with minimal energy loss.
Enhancing power distribution systems with renewable energy: a new configuration approach
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.
New study suggests that simultaneously burying broadband and electricity could be worth millions to people in MA towns
A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that co-undergrounding wires, particularly in outage-prone areas, can pay off with a cost savings of nearly 40% compared to replacing them separately. The study suggests that proactively undergrounding lines that are currently above ground can bring significant benefits.
Surrey’s carbon capture technology could help the UK rival global competitors in race to produce clean fuel from air
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.
Developing a clearer understanding of permafrost thaw risk in Alaska
Researchers developed a method that uses high-resolution satellite imagery and deep machine learning to double the mapped infrastructure of Alaska, more accurately projecting economic risks associated with permafrost thaw. The new model nearly doubles the amount of information available for Alaska on OpenStreetMap.
Seven leading research universities collaborate to advance solar arrays over California’s canals
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.
New material for efficient separation of D2 at elevated temperatures
A novel copper-based zeolite imidazolate framework (Cu-ZIF-gis) has been developed to separate deuterium (D2) from hydrogen (H2) at 120 K (-153°C), exceeding the liquefaction point of natural gas. This material exhibits improved separation efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Reusing old oil and gas wells may offer green energy storage solution
Researchers at Penn State propose reusing depleted oil and gas wells to store compressed air, improving efficiency by 9.5% compared to existing technology. This could make the technology more economically viable and provide job opportunities in areas with rich energy industry traditions.
Combining photonic neural networks with distributed acoustic sensing
Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Web search formulas offer a first step for protecting critical infrastructure
Researchers applied web search algorithms to prioritize critical infrastructure protection. The multilayer approach stops failure faster with fewer damaged structures than other methods. It identifies systems with influence going both ways, helping defenders prevent cascade failures.
AMS Science Preview: Data deserts, energy costs, malaria prediction
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
OFC 2025 to showcase multi-vendor interoperability demonstrations, alongside OFCnet live testbed for next-generation networking
OFC 2025 features live, multi-vendor interoperability demonstrations from Ethernet Alliance, OIF and Open ROADM MSA. The event highlights advancements in open, standards-based networking solutions, including SDN-integrated demonstrations and energy-efficient interfaces.
The Texas hydrogen industry needs water, new study provides details on how much
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin estimates that by 2050, new hydrogen production facilities in Texas could account for 2-6.8% of water demand in the state, disproportionately affecting water-stressed regions like the Gulf Coast.
UTA retains top-tier US research status
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has earned the prestigious R1 designation, recognizing its highest level of research activity. UTA has maintained this classification since 2015 and continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
Virginia Tech to lead $10 million critical mineral research coalition in Appalachia
The Expand Appalachia project aims to accelerate the identification and characterization of unconventional critical mineral resources throughout the region. The team will assess regional infrastructure, identify industries that could benefit from production, and develop strategies to boost economic growth and attract investment.
Study finds support for solar energy has become politically polarized
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
Sometimes, when competitors collaborate, everybody wins
Researchers developed a framework that combines competition and cooperation to help operators in multiregional networks strategically determine when and how they should work together. By investing in shared infrastructure projects, independent operators can earn more revenue and improve regional train service, benefiting users.
Staying one step ahead of cyberattackers
Researchers at Mizzou have developed a proactive approach using artificial intelligence to address evolving threats against smart grids. The CIBR-Fort system can predict cyberattacks with 91.88% accuracy and defend against them in real-time, enabling scalable security for power grids of the future.
Rethinking equity in electric vehicle infrastructure
A recent study led by Qian found that income, rather than proximity, is the dominant factor in determining who benefits most from public EV infrastructure. Wealthier individuals have more flexibility to spend time at charging stations while charging their vehicles, whereas lower-income communities struggle to integrate public charging ...
University of Vaasa, Finland, conducts research on utilizing buildings as energy sources
The University of Vaasa's FlexiPower project aims to develop and commercialize a 'Building as a Battery' (BaaB) solution that enables dynamic response of building heating and cooling systems to power grid needs. This innovation offers cost-effective and scalable solutions for balancing the power grid.
Innovative study reveals topological valley vortex states in water waves
The study reveals the existence of valley vortex states within water wave crystals, introducing a new degree of freedom for water wave manipulation. These states have significant implications for ocean energy extraction, marine engineering, and coastal infrastructures.
Rooftop panels, EV chargers, and smart thermostats could chip in to boost power grid resilience
Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.
Study: UTA research drives widespread economic impact
UTA research projects contributed $59 million to the national economy in 2024, supporting student development and collaboration with other research organizations. The university's research infrastructure, including cutting-edge equipment, helped drive economic impact in North Texas and beyond.
Research uses AI to make infrastructure more resilient, sustainable
Researchers use AI to predict moisture damage in asphalt pavements, enabling optimized material selection and reduced maintenance costs. The study's findings have significant implications for the nation's roads and bridges, which require over $1 trillion in repairs and maintenance.
Breakthrough in click chemistry: innovative method revolutionizes drug development
A team from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel trivalent platform for triple click chemistry, allowing for the efficient synthesis of complex compounds. The approach utilizes simple initial materials and promotes sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis.