Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
Researchers from Tohoku University discovered that preventing oxygen release in lithium-ion batteries can prevent thermal runaway, a critical issue in high-energy-density batteries. The study found that stabilizing transition metals reduces oxygen release, leading to safer battery performance.
A new study suggests that governments must fundamentally change their economic systems to provide decent living standards for all while cutting global average energy use in half. Improving public services, reducing income disparities, and scaling back resource extraction are key strategies.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology found that moderately Nb-doped SrTiO3 has a lower surface recombination and higher energy conversion than pure SrTiO3. This could lead to more efficient sustainable sources of energy.
A simulation study found that wind farms generate little power beyond a certain size, causing interference with neighboring installations. Optimizing arrangement and placement of turbines can increase power density up to a site-specific point.
The LIGHT-CAP project aims to develop new nanotechnology-enabled architectures for solar energy conversion and storage. Researchers will apply cutting-edge materials to build systems capable of absorbing sunlight, converting it into electric charges and storing the associated energy in a sustainable way.
A novel energy storage solution featuring pipes and anchors could store intermittent renewable energy from offshore wind power plants. The technology offers a promising alternative to conventional battery systems with lower costs per megawatt hour.
A proposed project aims to detect seismic faults and fractures using 3D imaging to reduce the risk of injecting carbon dioxide. By imaging small-scale fractures, it's possible to estimate fluid leakage pathways.
A new six-year HyTEM program aims to develop greener energy grids, increase skills critical for advancing sustainable energy, and create jobs. The program will provide training to navigate complex contexts, policies, and regulations, enabling the integration of distributed energy resources in hybrid microgrids.
A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a non-aqueous All-Manganese Flow battery with a long cycle life, achieving an energy density roughly twice that of previous batteries. The new design uses sustainable manganese as its active material and has shown promising results for stationary energy storage.
A new framework combines renewable energy with flexible carbon capture, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The system utilizes dynamic operational schedules to manage complex decisions, providing an effective decarbonization mechanism for the current fossil-dominated energy landscape.
A team of researchers developed a method to detect simultaneous sensor and actuator faults in wind turbines, eliminating the need for redundant hardware components. The approach uses a state observer model to identify discrepancies between the original system and its duplicate, enabling real-time fault detection and correction.
Researchers created a new type of phototransistor using metal-halide perovskites, exhibiting persistent photoconductivity that mimics synapses in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy usage in computers and sensors for self-driving vehicles.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester and Delft University of Technology has developed a novel, environmentally-friendly material made of algae that can be used in various applications. The material is tough, resilient, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and scalable to produce.
Researchers at Arizona State University have explored the molecular dynamics of titania clusters to develop more efficient photocatalysts. The key to advances in this field lies in extending the time electrons persist in an excited state, enabling titania to act as a catalyst.
Researchers have discovered a combination of monochromatic red and blue LED illumination that enhances the growth and biosynthesis of D. Salina microalgae, increasing lipid productivity and dry biomass yield by 35% and 10%, respectively.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated financing challenges and hampered investment in renewable energy infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this, frontrunners in the global energy transition will continue to expand their renewable energy capacities.
The surging Bitcoin price is driving increasing energy consumption, with estimates suggesting the entire network could consume up to 184 TWh per year. This 'lock-in' effect means that even if the price crashes, energy consumption remains high, threatening international safety and exacerbating climate change.
A new study from the University of East Anglia and the UK Energy Research Centre found that people's views and actions on climate change should be included in decision-making processes. The research reveals a holistic approach to public engagement, highlighting various ways citizens are engaging with low-carbon energy futures.
A new framework allows designers to assess environmental impact early in the design process, reducing costs and increasing sustainability. By rapidly simulating tens of thousands of design iterations, architects can make more informed decisions and achieve greater efficiency.
Researchers found that low-level jets can increase power production by up to 30% when positioned below turbines. Turbines placed above or at the same height as LLJs experience reduced efficiency due to blocked airflow. The study highlights the importance of optimizing turbine height for maximum energy capture.
Researchers suggest converting CRP land to perennial bioenergy crops as a viable alternative to displacing food production. The integrated modeling approach confirms that this transition can be economically and environmentally viable under certain conditions.
Researchers at NREL have created a simple way to evaluate novel materials for thermal energy storage, aiming to make buildings more efficient and flexible in managing power from renewable sources. The new design method could help mitigate blackouts on the grid by shifting peak electricity demand to other times of the day.
New research by Copenhagen Business School finds that poor planning and execution of decarbonisation strategies in emerging markets challenges the aims of Goal 7. The study highlights the need for governance in energy democracy, allowing marginalized communities to participate in renewable energy investments. This can be achieved throu...
OHIO researcher Jason Trembly received two $500,000 grants to develop carbon-based building and construction materials reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing sustainability. The team aims to create carbon foam and piping materials with lower manufacturing costs and equivalent properties.
Researchers at NUS have created a substance that extracts water from air without external power, producing up to 17 litres of water per day. The 'smart' aerogel autonomously gathers and condenses water molecules, meeting World Health Organization standards for drinking water.
A team of researchers from TUM has developed a highly efficient supercapacitor using a novel, powerful and sustainable graphene hybrid material. The new energy storage device achieves an energy density of up to 73 Wh/kg and performs better than most other supercapacitors at a power density of 16 kW/kg.
A team of scientists explores the feasibility of achieving 100% renewability in energy production, highlighting the need for electrification and synthetic fuel technology. The study suggests that countries like Argentina, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Spain could meet their energy needs with high-tech renewably derived fuels.
Cornell University is developing a system to convert cattle manure into methane and other products to meet peak heating demands. The proposed system produces approximately 909 million liters of renewable natural gas per year, providing 97% of the campus's annual peak heating demand.
A new study from University of California, Davis and John Hopkins University aims to help decision-makers avoid unintended environmental consequences of renewable energy development. The study identifies key research priorities, including site selection and wildlife interactions, to promote sustainable solar and wind developments.
The study highlights the potential economic benefits of international cooperation in managing water resources, electricity, and food production in the Indus River Basin. By pursuing collaborative policies, countries can reduce costs and achieve sustainable development by 2050.
Researchers developed a methodology to analyze properties of different microalgae species for selection as an energy source, considering biological, economic, and environmental aspects. The study found nine types of microalgae, particularly diatoms, are most promising for biodiesel production.
A new 'combustion synthesis' process has been established for producing safe and sustainable nuclear fuels. Actinide nitride fuels offer improved thermal conductivity and energy density compared to uranium dioxide, potentially revolutionizing the nuclear power industry.
A new report reveals that using materials more efficiently can reduce GHG emissions from residential buildings and passenger vehicles by an average of 40% in seven major developed countries and 70% in China and India. Strategies include ride-sharing, building smaller homes, and recycling materials.
Researchers developed a portable solar-powered device that generates steam hot enough to sterilize medical instruments without relying on well-built infrastructure or electricity. The device's transparent aerogel insulates the system, reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.
A study by a cross-border team of researchers confirms that biofuels can contribute significantly to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the potential of switchgrass cultivation for cellulosic ethanol production as comparable to reforestation and grassland restoration on a per-hectare basis.
African and German partners are developing intelligent 'microgrids' based on renewable energy to provide uninterrupted power supply for rural communities. The project aims to equip local specialists with practical knowledge, enabling autonomous use of socio-technological infrastructure.
The Sustainable Innovation Fund will provide £191 million in support for industrial research projects focused on decarbonizing buildings. Cranfield University is committed to delivering Net Zero and sees this project as an opportunity to develop renewable cooling and heating systems.
Engineers at the University of Bath have demonstrated the potential of soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to purify water in field tests in North-East Brazil. SMFCs can generate energy from microorganisms naturally present in soil, which are able to transfer electrons outside their cells.
A new model predicts the photovoltaic industry can meet Paris Agreement targets with 70-80 terawatts of cumulative capacity from solar cells by 2055. The industry needs to increase production rate by a factor of 30 within 10 years, driven by productivity improvements and material sustainability.
A new study suggests that renewable energy targets can actually exacerbate sustainability issues, such as rolling blackouts in California. The researchers argue for a more nuanced approach, considering trade-offs between different policy instruments and long-term objectives.
The Subsea Systems Institute will focus on developing new technologies and practices to improve the safety and sustainability of the offshore industry. The institute's research emphasis targets harsh marine environments while reducing costs, allowing offshore production to continue even when energy prices are low.
A new study analyzes Germany's bilateral energy partnerships, which are a key instrument of the country's 'soft power' strategy. The partnerships aim to promote climate-friendly technologies and solutions abroad, reflecting Germany's domestic consensus on its energy transition.
A new study by the University of Sussex Business School reveals that countries signing up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) have seen significant reductions in carbon emissions, with an average decrease of 13% between 2000 and 2014. In contrast, the world average carbon footprint per capita grew by 23% over th...
Researchers analyze how our minds plan resource use to reduce excessive energy consumption and carbon emissions. They propose concrete strategies to fine-tune policy instruments and promote sustainable behavior, taking into account cognitive mechanisms such as spillover effects, rebound effects, and mental accounting labels.
A new passive radiative device, Janus emitter, absorbs heat from the inside of an enclosure and emits it on the outside, creating a sustainable way to keep temperatures low. The technology has potential applications in stationary vehicles, building interiors, and solar cells.
A collaboration between NREL and the University of Portsmouth has led to breakthroughs in understanding how enzymes like PETase and MHETase work together to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The research reveals that combining these two synergistic enzymes significantly improves their ability to break down PET.
A new study estimates that the energy needed to provide decent living standards in 2050 could be met with less than 40% of today's global energy, roughly equivalent to levels in the 1960s. The research suggests that sweeping changes in consumption and widespread deployment of advanced technologies are necessary for achieving this goal.
Sodium-ion batteries have great potential to represent the next generation of low cost and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions. The technology offers attractive properties such as low cost, sustainable precursors, and secure raw material supplies.
The UH research center is collaborating with the Southern States Energy Board to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies. The partnership aims to address early technology deployment risks through workforce development and public-private partnerships.
A new UMass Amherst program, Elevating Equity Values in the Transition of the Energy system (ELEVATE), brings together experts in energy technology and social justice to develop pathways for a sustainable energy transition that promotes socioeconomic equity. The program aims to create technological and policy solutions that reimagine t...
Researchers at USC Viterbi develop a method to upcycle carbon dioxide emissions into polymers and other materials using sunlight, breaking the need for energy-intensive processes. High school student researcher Samantha J. Gomez contributes to the study, which aims to reduce environmental impacts.
Researchers have designed an off-grid, low-cost modular energy source that can efficiently produce power at night. The rooftop radiative cooling system uses commercially available technology and can generate up to 2.2 Watts per square meter, enough to power sensors in security or environmental applications.
UC Riverside engineers develop a process to transform PET plastic into a nanomaterial useful for energy storage. The breakthrough reduces plastic pollution and could lower battery costs, enabling the widespread adoption of electric cars by 2040.
Researchers at KIT and Jilin University developed lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. LLTO enables higher energy density, power density, and charging rate while improving safety and cycle life.
Researchers discovered a new chemical approach using lithium hydroxide as a catalyst, enabling efficient production of biodiesel from cooking oil waste. The method achieved an average yield of 90% and showed promising results for future studies on biofuel production.
Researchers at NREL conducted the first global assessment of solar panel recycling approaches. They recommend focusing on high-value silicon purification and exploring techno-economic analyses to mitigate environmental impacts. The study aims to contribute to a PV circular economy, reducing waste and conserving valuable materials.
Researchers used fixed effects regression techniques to analyze photovoltaic performance degradation over time. They found that newer projects have degraded at a slower rate than older ones, suggesting photovoltaics technology has improved over time.
Researchers at NREL have found that driving electric vehicles can save motorists as much as $14,500 on fuel costs over 15 years. The study considered state-by-state differences and the cost of charging equipment and installation costs to estimate total fuel cost savings.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new rapid-prototyping system to accelerate the design of biological systems, reducing production time from months to weeks. The iPROBE platform leverages cell-free synthetic biology and computational design algorithms to discover optimal biosynthetic pathways for sustainable chemicals.
Researchers at TU Dresden are developing nanostructured porous carbon materials for sustainable energy applications. Prof. Qiang Xu joins the team to advance hydrogen evolution catalysis and electrical energy storage.