Sustainable Energy

CityUHK pioneers safer aqueous zinc-based batteries

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

UC Irvine team identifies where renewable hydrogen delivers the greatest social benefit

For most US drivers, EVs offer emissions benefits and cost savings

Metabolism-inspired hydrogels replicate heartbeat-like motion and photosynthesis

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.

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

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.

Profit alone is a poor measure of success, study shows companies can look efficient while harming the planet

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 find smarter lighting could cut home energy use by 15%

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.

The rush for critical minerals echoes oil extraction injustice as harms fall on world's most vulnerable, UN scientists warn

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.

A faster way to estimate AI power consumption

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.

Scientists call for integrating three energy demand goals into climate policy by 2035

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.

Researchers use lasers to turn leather into wearable power

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.

How electric cars could help tropical cities run on solar

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.

Researchers turn recovered car battery acid and plastic waste into clean hydrogen

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.

Producing rechargeable batteries using sunflower seed shells as raw material

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.

SFU and Siemens partner to accelerate clean hydrogen innovation

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.

Photothermal fabric ‘skin’ reduces home heating use by as much as 23%

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.

Research findings for a more equitable energy transition

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.

Self-cleaning fuel cells? Researchers reveal steam-powered fix for ‘sulfur poisoning’

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.

The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans

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.

Lehigh University professor Israel E. Wachs elected to National Academy of Engineering

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.

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.

A new thermoelectric material to convert waste heat to electricity

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.

Mechanical engineers’ wood-based material could cut energy costs

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.

CHEST receives Glenview Environmental Sustainability Award for Innovation

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.

Dongguk University develops a new way to produce cheaper, more efficient green hydrogen

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.

Global firms can counter geopolitical turmoil through sustainable local investment

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.

Left in the cold: Study finds most renters shut out of energy-saving upgrades

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.

Harnessing long-wavelength light for sustainable hydrogen production

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.

Chonnam National University researchers propose innovative voltage-loop control for power factor correction

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.

Unveiling how sodium-ion batteries can charge faster than lithium-ion ones

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.

New window insulation blocks heat, but not your view

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.

New materials could boost the energy efficiency of microelectronics

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.

What’s the best way to expand the US electricity grid?

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...

Study shows new hope for commercially attractive lithium extraction from spent batteries

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 funds the INNOVATILE project, coordinated by the IUTC-UJI, to pave the way for sustainable ceramic tile manufacturing

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.

Smart bamboo glass" cuts energy bills and carbon footprint in one stroke

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%.

The next frontier in clean flight? Jet fuel from city waste

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.

‘Roadmap’ shows the environmental impact of AI data center boom

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).

Chung-Ang University researchers develop interlayer material for lithium-sulfur batteries

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.

Bidirectional ion–electric field synergy via in situ grown BiOCl/Bi heterostructure enabling ultra–stable zinc anodes across wide temperatures

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.

Living power: advancing bio-hydrovoltaic energy systems

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.

Scientists unlock new energy potential in iron-based materials

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.

Dirty water boosts prospects for clean hydrogen

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.

Feeding off spent battery waste, a novel bacterium signals a new method for self-sufficient battery recycling

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.

Fossil fuel companies control a mere 1% of renewable energy projects worldwide

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.

Rice University announces second cohort of Chevron Energy Graduate Fellows

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.

Ice mixed with amino acids stores methane in minutes

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.

NUS researchers develop planning framework to balance clean energy transitions with river ecosystem protection

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.

Reducing the carbon footprint of our plates: A European perspective

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.

Solar fuel conundrum nears a solution

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.

Turning plastic waste into fuel

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...

Chung-Ang University develops chloride-resistant Ru nanocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production from seawater

Researchers developed chloride-resistant Ru nanocatalysts to overcome limitations in seawater electrolysis. The g-C3N4-mediated pyrolysis strategy creates a crystalline-amorphous junction with ultrafine Ru dispersion, enabling efficient and durable hydrogen production.

Pathways to decarbonization

A comprehensive study assesses decarbonization's ramifications on global poverty and inequality, revealing the potential for redistributing domestic carbon revenues to alleviate poverty. However, careful policy design and international cooperation are crucial to address social development issues in developing countries.

Giving food waste fermentation a ‘jolt’ increases chemical production

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that adding an electrical jolt to fermentation increases the yield and speed of platform chemicals from industrial food waste. Combining two bacterial species also enhances targeted chemical production and produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Could a new method offer a sustainable solution for lithium recovery?

A new method uses narrow bandgap λ-MnO2 to extract lithium from salt water while desalinating it to generate freshwater. The method achieved high lithium selectivity and reduced energy demand by 87%, indicating its potential as a solution for both lithium recovery and water purification.

More hydrogen, more ammonia, more fertilizer, all using less energy

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.

Sustainability Accelerator selects 41 new projects with potential for rapid scale-up

The Sustainability Accelerator at Stanford University has selected 41 new projects spanning biology, agriculture, electricity, industry, and water, addressing key climate vulnerabilities. The projects aim to drive implementation of sustainability challenges and create an ecosystem for impact.

Pusan National University researchers develop game-changing method to create safer, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries

A novel mathematical framework enables precise control over multiple descriptors in high-nickel cathodes, improving mechanical and structural stability. The approach yields significantly improved electrochemical performance and minimal particle cracking, leading to safer consumer electronics and more reliable electric vehicles.

How secure is our energy supply?

The researchers developed a five-level pyramid model to assess energy supply security, taking into account dynamic effects and higher resolution. Switzerland can increase its energy security by diversifying its energy sources and increasing domestic production, with additional storage facilities also contributing.