Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
Researchers at Berkeley Lab break major barrier in transistor size by creating a gate only 1-nanometer long, challenging the conventional 5-nanometer threshold. The achievement enables electrons to be controlled with smaller gate lengths using carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide.
Researchers have designed a tiny, wireless data center that could be as small as a handheld device and reduce energy consumption. The 'data center on a chip' technology has the potential to run big data applications three times more efficiently than existing platforms.
Scientists at NREL found that perovskites could have great potential for optoelectronic applications beyond photovoltaics, including in quantum computing. The discovery was made by accident while investigating excitons in perovskites and demonstrates the optical Stark effect's promise as an ultrafast optical switch.
The Stanford Precourt Institute for Energy has awarded $2.7 million to 15 faculty seed grant recipients for groundbreaking research on clean energy. Researchers will develop novel technologies, including battery management systems, perovskite solar cells, smart windows, and thermoelectric technologies.
The NSF has awarded $55 million to 11 institutions to build research capacity on pressing issues like the brain, energy, and water. These collaborative projects foster innovation, train a STEM workforce, and develop new tools for neuroscience and sustainable systems.
The median installed price of solar in the US fell by 5-12% in 2015, with residential systems declining 5% and utility-scale projects falling 12%, according to two new studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The report attributes recent system price declines to reductions in hardware costs and 'solar soft' costs.
A new Concordia study reveals that climate change may be one of the biggest emerging threats to primates, with 419 species expected to experience 10% more warming than the global average. The researchers identified hotspots of primate vulnerability in Central America, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia.
The US government aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by 80% by 2050, but current approaches may not be enough. NREL research suggests that a combination of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, vehicle connectivity, and automation could significantly reduce emissions.
GOJO Industries' biomimicry case study reveals the field can expand intellectual property, increase energy efficiency and accelerate innovation. The research found improved sustainability with double to quadruple energy efficiency compared to technology in the market.
Researchers have successfully generated spin waves with extremely short wavelengths in the nanometer range, a key feature for their future application. The new method uses a magnetic vortex as a nano-antenna, allowing for precise control over the wavelength and wave properties.
A new study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that modern off-grid lighting could create 2 million potential new jobs globally. The transition to solar-LED systems would replace fuel-based lighting, providing better job quality and stability.
A new energy conservation program for kids shows long-lasting impact on both children and their parents. The study found that participating girls reported increased energy-saving behaviors, which continued even after the program ended.
Scientists at the University of Basel and Zurich have successfully reproduced one of natural photosynthesis' key phases with artificial molecules. They stored two negative charges for 870 nanoseconds, paving the way to harnessing sunlight into chemical energy.
Concordia University researchers have developed a technique to locate underground leaks with 99.5 percent accuracy using noise loggers. The system helps reduce costs and time involved in repairing leaks, ensuring public health and safety.
The USDA has announced $21 million available for bioeconomy research and development, focusing on sustainable bioenergy and biobased products. This funding supports regional systems in bioenergy production, education, and training for the next generation of scientists.
The PETROSS project has developed sugarcane that accumulates 13% oil by dry weight, making it 4.5 times more profitable than soybeans per acre. The project aims to increase yields and expand the growing region of sugarcane through improvements in photosynthesis.
Experts emphasize the importance of social sciences in developing effective energy and climate change policies, citing a need for policies that account for real people and organizations. The research highlights the potential of simple actions by households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists at NREL have developed a new process using light to reduce dinitrogen into ammonia, with rates of production similar to those of the ATP-dependent reaction. This method reduces energy requirements and emits no carbon dioxide, offering a more sustainable alternative to current industrial processes.
Researchers found low reorganization energy when pairing SWCNT semiconductors with fullerene molecules, enabling efficient electron transfer and solar energy harvesting. This discovery suggests nanotube semiconductors could be favorable for photovoltaic applications.
State RPS policies have contributed to over half of US renewable electricity growth since 2000. The report finds that RPS policies will require a substantial increase in US renewable electricity supplies by 2030.
Researchers at NREL have developed a thermoelectric power generator using carbon nanotubes, enabling the capture and use of waste heat. The material's unique properties allow it to retain high thermopower while maintaining low thermal conductivity.
Researchers at Southwest Jiaotong University developed an improved algorithm to estimate lithium ion phosphate battery state of charge by separately measuring charging and discharging states. This allows for more accurate estimation amidst initial inaccuracies and varying dynamic characteristics among batteries in series.
A £6.8 million grant has been awarded to explore and develop next-generation lithium batteries at the University of Bath. The project aims to overcome the hurdles of energy storage cost, safety, and calendar life in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
A small stand of hybrid poplar trees harvested at the University of Tennessee AgResearch Center will help progress biomass production and a bioeconomy. The trees' woody biomass can be converted into advanced fuels or other biobased products, supporting a sustainable industry in the Southeast.
The ACS Kavli Lectures will discuss the use of computational chemistry and physics-based models to improve drug discovery efforts. Emily Carter will also present on using quantum computing to assess alternative clean energy approaches.
Researchers have discovered a way to maximize electricity generation from wastewater using a novel combination of substrates, allowing for more efficient energy production. This breakthrough could enable the development of microbial fuel cells and make wastewater treatment centers self-sustaining.
Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a carbon-based active material produced from apple leftovers with excellent electrochemical properties. The material is part of an effort to create environmentally friendly and sustainable energy storage systems.
The Integrated Urban Metabolism Analytical Tool (IUMAT) will measure, evaluate and predict the impacts of urban systems on climate change and energy security. The tool aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability policies to guide growth and development in a coordinated, sustainable way.
Researchers found that by-product metals and minerals are indeed more price volatile than commodity materials, with a 50% increase in volatility over the past 50 years. However, monthly price data showed mixed evidence, which may be attributed to smaller transaction volumes and unchanged published prices for several months at a time.
Investment in renewable electricity surpasses that in fossil fuels globally, according to University of Exeter expert. The shift towards sustainable energy systems is driven by improved policy discourse and decreasing costs, with momentum growing towards a flexible, renewable-based electricity system.
Researchers at University of Bath found that life transitions like moving house can provide a window of opportunity to instill better environmental behaviors, such as recycling and energy use. The study suggests that targeted interventions during these times are more effective than blanket campaigns.
A new study using the MIVES method has assessed the sustainability of various energy sources, including conventional and renewable power plants. Renewable energies consistently score higher in sustainability indices compared to conventional power plants.
A new study by Gerrit Hansen and Dáithí Stone reveals that almost two-thirds of regional climate impacts can confidently be attributed to human-generated emissions. However, the link for trends in precipitation remains unclear due to insufficient observational data in some regions.
Researchers from the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have published a study revealing the key market and system drivers for low-priced solar photovoltaic systems. The analysis finds that low-priced systems are more prevalent in local markets with fewer active installers, and are often customer-owned, lar...
Researchers are mining existing landfills to recycle materials and convert them into energy, boosting methane production. This approach could extend a landfill's lifespan from 25-30 years to over 150 years, reducing the need for new landfills in urban areas.
A Berkeley Lab-led team has identified mechanisms that make the new CrMnFeCoNi alloy incredibly tough and strong at room temperature. The alloy's unique nanoscale mechanisms, including crack bridging and three-dimensional stacking fault defects, work together to resist damage.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using solar energy, which uses molecular catalysts instead of precious metals. The new method showed comparable activity to metal-based catalysts and has the potential to be scalable and cost-effective.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new photoelectrochemical process for producing hydrogen that uses molecular catalysts instead of precious metals. The new method is more efficient and cost-effective, making it a promising solution for scalable hydrogen production.
A new flow battery technology using organic aqueous materials is expected to cost 60% less than current standard flow batteries. The battery's active materials are inexpensive organic molecules, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
The UTSA-led team will design and develop piezoelectric sensors to generate electricity from moving vehicles, powering roadside lights, traffic signals, and electric car charging stations. This technology has been field-tested in US and international studies, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel-generated power.
Scientists at NREL have developed a new probe to monitor the formation and decay of fields within photoelectrodes, enabling better understanding of their photophysics. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in the design of more efficient and stable photoelectrochemical cells for solar energy conversion.
A study by Osaka University reveals that household income, actual energy consumption, and perception of savings are closely linked. The research found growing gaps between consumption behavior and perceptions of conservation, particularly among high and moderate energy consumers.
The Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University has awarded $2.1 million in seed grants to support promising clean energy research. The projects focus on developing new technologies for solar energy, nuclear waste management, and biofuels, with the goal of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
A University of Texas at Arlington engineer is co-leading a team to develop tools that can convert temperature changes into electrical energy. The goal is to create energy-harvesting microdevices for sensing systems and other applications, which could have a widespread impact on meeting the global energy challenge.
Mirabbos Hojamberdiev, a senior researcher from Uzbekistan, has won the 2015 Atta-ur-Rahman Prize for his innovative work on producing hydrogen from water using inorganic crystals under visible light. His research aims to develop sustainable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A Florida State University researcher has discovered an artificial material that efficiently captures sunlight and breaks it down into oxygen and hydrogen. This process could be used to forge new energy sources in a carbon-neutral way.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab solved the structure of lithium- and manganese-rich transition metal oxides using complementary microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The study revealed that the material is defected single-phase monoclinic, ruling out two popular theories.
Silicon-based lithium-ion batteries with a 40-60% increase in energy density could power smartphones up to 500 km without recharging. The eco-friendly technology reduces battery weight and enhances vehicle performance.
Researchers analyzed four Canadian cities using RETScreen software and found that geothermal heat pumps are most viable in Halifax. The study suggests that the systems could provide significant financial savings, breaking even within 7 years.
A recent study found that green commercial buildings have higher average rents (3.7%) and occupancy rates (18.7% in Canada, 9.5% in the US) compared to non-green buildings. Tenant satisfaction scores also increased by 7% in Canada.
Researchers at ORNL discovered the atomic mechanism behind tin selenide's high efficiency in converting temperature gradients to electricity. The material's unusual atomic vibrations help prevent 'heat leaks,' maximizing conversion into electricity.
The Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership report outlines innovative means to help realize national CO2 pledges and reduce electricity use. The group urges policymakers to adopt secure, stable, clear, consistent, and long-term policies to foster industry innovation and investment.
Henrique Pombeiro, a Ph.D. candidate at MIT Portugal, has been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant to investigate strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings without compromising comfort. He will focus on residential and university buildings, developing energy models and frameworks for evaluating feedback mechanisms.
Berkeley Lab's report reveals a 70% decline in PPA prices since 2009, making solar increasingly cost-competitive for utilities. Installed project costs have fallen by over 50%, with median up-front costs dropping from $6.3/W to $3.1/W.
Scientists have developed a method to produce a palladium-based nanomaterial that can efficiently break down formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The new process surpasses existing heterogeneous catalysts in efficiency, also eliminating the production of carbon monoxide.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that gaming computers consume 20% of global PC energy use, but can be optimized for up to 75% energy savings through setting changes and component swaps. By doing so, gamers can improve reliability and performance while reducing their carbon footprint.
A new study maps potential wind-power sites and nesting patterns of golden eagles, revealing 'sweet spots' where wind power can coexist with eagle habitats. The research provides a framework for industry and managers to assess potential development and minimize bird deaths.
A comprehensive analysis of electricity reliability trends found that increasingly severe weather is linked to longer-lasting power outages. The study analyzed reports for nearly 70% of U.S. electricity customers spanning 13 years and found a 5-10% increase in the total number of minutes customers are without power each year.
The installed price of US distributed solar PV systems fell 10-20% in 2014 and 6-13% in early 2015, with significant reductions attributed to decreases in solar soft costs. The 'Tracking the Sun' report highlights progress in lowering solar system prices, with substantial variability observed across different market segments.
A Rice University-led consortium has been chosen to establish a new NSF Engineering Research Center to develop compact, mobile, off-grid water-treatment systems. The NEWT Center aims to provide clean water to millions of people who lack it and make U.S. energy production more sustainable and cost-effective.