Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
Researchers aim to develop reliable power generation in harsh environments, including space and underwater settings, using perovskite solar cells. Advances in material composition and device engineering can overcome instability issues, enabling long-term reliability and performance.
A new study suggests that data centers can lower average energy costs by providing grid flexibility during high-cost periods. The researchers found cost savings of up to 5% in Texas, 4% in the Mid-Atlantic region, and 2% in western U.S. states by shifting more than 20% of their consumption to non-peak hours.
The UN has launched an initiative calling on AI companies to publicly disclose their environmental impacts, including carbon, water and land footprint. The move comes after a report highlighted the massive electricity demand and environmental impacts of AI systems.
Researchers have identified a mechanism to improve energy efficiency by converting wasted heat into electricity using hollow silicon nanotubes. This technology has the potential to replace rare metals with abundant silicon, leading to more efficient thermoelectric devices.
Cassie Duclos, a chemical engineering graduate student at Texas A&M University, has received the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. Her project focuses on redox-active polymers and dopants for improved battery performance, aligning with her passion for sustainable energy technologies.
The global data centers powering artificial intelligence are projected to consume nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria by 2030. AI's environmental cost is being systematically mismeasured, with its water footprint equaling the basic annual domestic water needs of all 1.3 billion people ...
Researchers have overcome key safety and durability barriers in sodium-ion batteries by using a simple additive of graphitic carbon nitride. The additive promotes flexible, disordered zones where sodium ions move more freely and reduces polarisation, improving battery efficiency and stability. This breakthrough opens a scalable pathway...
TEGNet accelerates optimization in thermoelectric generator design by predicting performance with high accuracy and speed. The AI model enables designers to freely combine independent models for various materials, enabling complex structure exploration and high conversion efficiencies.
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.
A new study from the University of Surrey shows that firms celebrated for strong financial performance may actually be inefficient when environmental impact is included. The research developed a new way to measure sustainable corporate efficiency, combining traditional financial metrics with environmental data.
Researchers found that improved lighting design combined with modern LED technology can reduce household energy use and enhance comfort. The study showed a 15.3% reduction in energy consumption by optimising lighting planning and positioning using software-based approaches.
A new report by the UN University finds that critical minerals extraction is causing severe environmental and health crises in vulnerable communities, while benefits accumulate mainly in wealthy nations. The investigation highlights intense water requirements, contaminated water, lost livelihoods and serious health consequences.
MIT researchers have created an 'EnergAIzer' method that generates reliable results in seconds, allowing data center operators to optimize resource allocation and reduce energy waste. The tool leverages patterns from AI workloads and software optimizations to provide fast but accurate power estimates.
A new study calls for tripling energy efficiency, electrification and action against extreme energy consumption by 2035. This would accelerate the spread of efficient technologies and generate revenue to expand energy access and support low-carbon investment.
A new method creates flexible microsupercapacitors on vegetable-tanned leather using a CO2 laser, enabling eco-friendly and durable energy storage. The technology has potential applications in wearable electronics, smart clothing, and skin-mounted sensors.
Researchers propose using electric vehicles as a backup power source for tropical cities plagued by short-lived thunderstorms. By connecting cars to the grid, they can absorb energy shortages and recharge when the sun returns. This approach reduces transmission line loads and stabilizes the grid.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
A team of researchers has developed rechargeable batteries using biomass-based materials, including sunflower seed shells, as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The batteries achieved competitive results with low environmental impact and can store sufficient energy.
The partnership aims to advance research collaboration on clean hydrogen technologies, expand opportunities for innovation, training, and industry-academic engagement. The Clean Hydrogen Hub will co-develop research projects supporting hydrogen production, performance testing, and digital transformation.
A multidisciplinary team at UMass Amherst invented a fabric treated with a special photothermal dye that can help keep homes warmer over the course of a day. The technology has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 23% and combat climate change, high heating bills and gentrification.
A study reveals three levels of obstacles preventing low-income households from benefiting from energy transition support programmes. Four design principles for equitable energy policy are proposed, including barrier-aware mechanisms and immediate financial relief.
University of Utah researchers have discovered a steam-enabled self-cleaning mechanism that dramatically improves sulfur tolerance in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. The addition of rhodium leads to the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles that actively resist sulfur poisoning and autonomously regenerate under steam exposure.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Wachs was recognized for his work on mixed oxide catalysts that guide the rational design of solid catalysts for air pollution remediation, sustainable energy, fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. His election to the NAE honors his contributions to chemical engineering and the modern field of operando molecular spectroscopy.
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.
Researchers have discovered a new thermoelectric material, MoSi2, that can convert waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The material's unique electronic structure and axis-dependent conduction polarity enable it to generate transverse thermopower, paving the way for efficient waste heat recovery systems.
A team of mechanical engineers has created a wood-based material that can store and release heat to make building temperatures more comfortable. The phase-change material reduces the need for air conditioning by harnessing excess heat from the environment.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) received the 2025 Glenview Environmental Sustainability Award for Innovation, recognizing its commitment to clean energy and reduced emissions. The organization's solar panel installation at its headquarters powers medical simulation facilities using renewable energy.
Researchers develop synthesis method for metal-single atom catalysts that boosts electrolysis-based hydrogen production. The new method produces high purity H2 with only oxygen as a by-product and demonstrates outstanding catalytic performance.
Multinationals can counter geopolitical turmoil by investing in sustainable production technologies and supporting local innovation. This approach strengthens global value chains while benefiting developing countries and driving meaningful improvements for communities.
A study by Binghamton University reveals that most renters in the US are unable to access energy efficiency improvements, leading to higher heating costs and poorer health. The 'split incentive' issue, where landlords prioritize profits over upgrades, is a major barrier to change.
A novel osmium-based photocatalyst effectively captures long-wavelength visible light, improving solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. The new material can harness a broader range of sunlight, generating more excited electrons to enhance hydrogen-evolution performance.
Researchers from Chonnam National University propose a novel delay-compensated control strategy that eliminates current sensors in boost PFC converters. This simplifies circuitry, reduces hardware failure points, and enhances power quality, leading to smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective power adapters.
Researchers found that sodium-ion batteries using hard carbon negative electrodes can reach faster charging rates than lithium-ion batteries, thanks to the pore-filling mechanism. This process is limited by the efficiency of ion aggregation within the electrode's nanopores, which requires less energy for sodium insertion.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed a new material called Mesoporous Optically Clear Heat Insulator (MOCHI) that can improve energy efficiency in buildings. The material, which is almost completely transparent, traps air through tiny pores to block heat exchange.
MIT researchers developed a new fabrication method to stack multiple functional components on top of one existing circuit, reducing energy wasted during computation. The new approach enables the production of more energy-efficient electronics, boosting computation speed and reducing electricity consumption.
A study by MIT researchers examines two policy approaches to expanding the US electricity grid: one focusing on regions with more renewable energy sources and another creating more interconnections across the country. The study found that a geographically unbalanced grid buildout would be less expensive, while reducing carbon emissions...
A new study shows that lithium can be recovered from battery waste using an electrochemically driven recovery process, which demonstrates economic viability with the potential to simplify operations. The method has been tested on commonly used types of lithium-containing batteries and produces recovered lithium at a cost comparable to ...
The EU-funded INNOVATILE project aims to reduce the environmental impact of ceramic tile manufacturing through innovative technology, targeting a 10-20% decrease in raw material and water consumption. The project also focuses on using secondary raw materials and replacing critical resources with alternative resources.
The smart bamboo glass exhibits record tensile strength, flexibility, and impact toughness while retaining high visible-light transmission. Annual HVAC savings range from 1.6% to 5.58%, reducing global-warming potential by 35% and human-toxicity indicators by 40-60%.
Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.
The study found that AI's rapid growth would annually put 24-44 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, draining 731-1125 million cubic meters of water. A roadmap suggests using smart siting, faster grid decarbonization and operational efficiency to cut impacts by 73% (carbon dioxide) and 86% (water).
The team's novel findings use metal-organic framework-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with low-coordinated cobalt single-atom catalysts to enhance redox kinetics and suppress dissolution of lithium polysulfides. This synergistic design enables high-capacity retention and superior rate performance over hundreds of cycles.
Engineers develop a self-forming protective layer to prevent dendrite growth and parasitic reactions, enabling unprecedented performance and resilience. The bi-directional regulation system maintains stability across wide temperatures, paving the way for practical grid-scale applications.
Researchers have developed bio-hydrovoltaic technology that converts low-grade thermal energy into electricity through dynamic biological processes. This technology offers unique advantages, including self-regulation, biodegradability, and low maintenance costs.
Researchers have discovered a way to increase the energy state of iron in materials, enabling the creation of higher-voltage batteries. The breakthrough could also aid the development of superconductors and magnetism applications.
Researchers at Princeton University have found a way to use treated wastewater instead of pure water for hydrogen production, reducing treatment costs by up to 47% and energy costs by about 62%. The method involves acidifying the water with sulfuric acid, which maintains ion conductivity and enables continuous hydrogen production.
Researchers at Boston College have identified a novel bacterium that can thrive on spent battery waste, producing protons capable of leaching electrode materials. The bacteria, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, also shows promise in recycling Li-Ion battery cathode materials using iron and stainless steel as food sources.
A new study reveals that fossil fuel companies are failing to invest in renewables, with only 20% owning an operational project and renewable energy representing just 0.1% of their primary energy extraction.
The Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowships support research advancing low-carbon technologies and reducing emissions, with the 2025-26 cohort addressing pressing energy challenges in fields like storage, carbon capture and resilient infrastructure.
Researchers at NUS have developed a reusable, biodegradable ice material that can store methane in minutes, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional natural gas storage methods. The method uses amino acids to accelerate hydrate formation and release methane on demand.
The new framework enables decision-makers to test how different combinations of hydropower, solar, wind and energy storage affect both energy system costs and sediment delivery. Strategic optimisation can help minimize the impacts of energy transitions on natural ecosystems.
A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.
Scientists have made significant progress in developing iron-based solar fuel systems, which could pave the way for cheaper and more sustainable fuels. The study reveals new mechanisms that enable efficient charge transfer between light-absorbing molecules and acceptor molecules, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...