Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
Renewable electricity in the US grew to nearly 15% of total installed capacity and 13% of total electricity generation in 2013. Solar electricity was the fastest growing technology, with a 66% increase in cumulative installed capacity from the previous year.
The reports analyze consumer and commercial loan products available for financing solar in the US, showing that solar loans can be more affordable than third-party financing. Businesses can benefit from owning a PV system by saving on energy bills, but also assume risks associated with ownership.
Brian Gregg, a scientist at NREL, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work on organic solar photoconversion and excitonic solar cells. His research has led to new technologies such as photoelectrochromic windows that can automatically adjust to light levels.
Researchers at KAIST have developed zinc oxide-based micro energy harvesting devices that can harness mechanical energy to generate electricity. The devices, known as nanogenerators, were found to be more efficient when insulating layers such as aluminum nitride were inserted into the zinc oxide material.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have observed piezoelectricity in a free-standing single layer of molybdenum disulfide, a potential successor to silicon. The discovery has the potential to lead to tunable piezo-materials and devices for extremely small force generation and sensing.
Researchers at NREL and SolarCity collaborate with Hawaiian Electric Companies to study distributed solar energy systems, using advanced modeling and inverter testing. The project aims to address operational issues and enable safe, reliable, and cost-effective grid integration of solar power.
A study by Julia Day found that occupants who had effective training in using the features of their high-performance buildings were more satisfied with their work environments. The study, which examined over 50 high-performance buildings across the US, highlighted the importance of creating a culture focused on conservation.
The US Army and NREL have validated energy savings for net zero energy installations, reducing energy consumption by 25% and annual costs by up to $300 million. Six pilot sites achieved net zero energy, with varying approaches to energy efficiency and renewable energy production.
The hybrid micro-grid will test and demonstrate the integration of multiple large-scale renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply. The initiative is expected to attract $20 million worth of projects over the next five years, supporting the development of practical renewable solutions.
The 'SWITCH' tool enables policymakers to assess the economic and environmental implications of different energy scenarios, revealing significant variations in air pollutant emissions and land use. Researchers call for a move beyond sole focus on carbon reduction targets to consider local energy and environmental contexts.
The study shows solar energy prices dropping by 12-19% nationwide in 2013, with a projected further decline of 3-12% in 2014. This trend is expected to continue over the next couple of years, helping the nation meet its 2020 targets.
A new study found that expanding electricity access in India contributed only marginally to the nation's total carbon emissions growth between 1981 and 2011. However, low-carbon energy technologies would bring significant co-benefits beyond climate mitigation, including improved health and economic benefits.
A French scientist has developed an open source simulation method to calculate the actual cost of relying on a combination of electricity sources. The study found that an optimal mix contains a large amount of nuclear power and a small amount of fluctuating energies like wind and solar.
The Templeton World Charity Foundation has partnered with the CMEDT Smart Villages Initiative to address energy poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The project aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for development in rural communities, driven by technological advancements and innovative business models.
A new IEA study highlights the need for clear frame conditions to promote biomethane market growth. The report analyzes production technologies, grid injection, and use in various countries, emphasizing the importance of technical standards, sustainability requirements, and financial support.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to generate renewable propane, providing a potential alternative to fossil fuels. The production of propane is achieved through the use of specific enzymes that convert fatty acids into hydrocarbons.
A new study from NREL demonstrates a concept for converting lignin into various renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The process uses integrated biological funneling and chemical catalysis to overcome the heterogeneity of lignin.
The University of Tennessee Professor Barry Bruce has received funding to harness the power of photosynthesis for cheap and efficient energy. The new photobioreactors will increase algae yields 50-fold, allowing for scalable testing and characterization.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed office and laboratory spaces that demonstrate high-performance, sustainable building designs and constructions. The campus features facilities with best-in-class energy efficiency and sustainability practices.
Net energy analysis provides a quantitative way to compare energy production with energy required for technology development and maintenance. The technique can identify potential costs and barriers to technology development that conventional financial analysis might not reveal.
The report examines RPS costs and benefits in US states with most policies in effect for over five years. States have deployed approximately 46,000 MW of new renewable energy capacity through 2012, with estimated incremental RPS cost averaging less than 1% of retail electricity rates.
Two new EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training have been established to address key challenges in data management and carbon emissions. The Queen's University Belfast Centre will focus on photonic integration for advanced data storage, while the University of Bath Centre will concentrate on decarbonization of built environments.
A new study found that solar panels made in China have a higher overall carbon footprint and require more energy during manufacturing compared to those made in Europe. The difference is largely due to China's lower environmental and efficiency standards, as well as its reliance on coal-based electricity.
KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to increase the energy efficiency of piezoelectric nanogenerators, enabling the creation of self-powered flexible energy harvesters that can supply power to wearable and implantable electronic devices. The improved nanogenerators can harness energy from human movements and natural resour...
The NREL-Navy collaboration demonstrated eight energy-efficient technologies, yielding valuable results for the U.S. Navy. Advanced power strips and building retrofits achieved measurable savings, with plug load control technology reducing overall energy consumption by 8% in an office setting.
A new report highlights the need for improved policy support for grassroots environmental projects in the UK. Community energy initiatives, such as solar panels and wind turbines, have potential to make a significant impact on tackling climate change.
The winning paper, 'Self-standing electrochemical double layer capacitors,' presents a promising energy source for wearable electronic devices. The design features self-supported electrodes made from multiwall carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids.
Researchers developed a corrugated, translucent panel that redirects sunlight onto narrow streets and alleyways, increasing illumination by 200 percent in autumn and winter. The panel is designed to provide natural light for everyday tasks and improve mental health, and its cost is estimated between $70 and $100 per square meter.
A study by World Agroforestry Centre found that Jathropha, promoted for its energy potential, failed in Kenya due to lack of market access and proper cultivation practices. The researchers emphasize the importance of analyzing the crop's impact before promotion.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a new method to study wake effects in wind farms, challenging conventional wisdom on the best arrangement of turbines. They found that an 'intermediate' staggering, where rows are imperfectly offset, can improve power output in some cases.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) has been recognized as the 2014 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine. The facility showcases a unique combination of an ultra-energy efficient workplace, high-performance computing data center, and sophisticated laboratory spaces.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute develop new technologies to conserve energy and resources in manufacturing processes, including a mobile environment monitoring box and smart devices. Pilot applications will be tested in four locations by 2016 to raise awareness of sustainable production issues.
The Technology Performance Exchange (TPEx) helps manufacturers and consumers exchange information on building-related products' energy performance. This enables apples-to-apples comparisons of products, supporting the deployment of high-impact technologies.
A team of researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science discovered that evanescent electromagnetic waves carry momentum and spin components orthogonal to the direction of wave propagation. These findings offer a unique opportunity to investigate fundamental physical features, previously hidden in usual propagating light.
The Journal of the Energy Institute is now available online, covering topics like combustion engineering, biofuels, and clean coal technology. The partnership aims to make high-quality research accessible to industry professionals and researchers worldwide.
David S. Ginley, a materials scientist at NREL, has been recognized for his distinguished contributions to renewable energy and sustainability. He is honored for his work on photovoltaics, batteries, and fuel cells, as well as his efforts in developing materials and forums for student interactions.
A new study reveals that subcritical hydrothermal treatment can convert paper sludge into fuel with a composition similar to coal. The process has the added benefit of diverting waste from landfills and reducing pollution.
Dan Arvizu, NREL director, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership in the renewable and clean energy sectors. He was cited for promoting national balanced energy policies and making significant advancements in engineering education.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a high-efficiency, scalable method for creating solar-powered water splitting devices using molybdenum sulfide and copper(I) oxide. The new catalyst preserves optical transparency, stability under acidic conditions, and reduces maintenance costs.
Researchers at NREL have discovered a new cellulose digestion mechanism using the fast-eating enzyme CelA, which outperforms commercial preparations by producing more sugars and creating cavities in cellulose for greater synergy. The discovery has important implications for industry and could lead to lower costs for biofuels production.
Dr. Ben Kroposki, NREL director of Energy Systems Integration, named an IEEE Fellow for his leadership in renewable energy systems integration. NREL analysts also received honors for their work on energy-efficient computing and data sharing.
The International Conference on Airworthiness and Fatigue explored the importance of energy efficiency in aviation transport, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and chemical effects. Researchers emphasized the need for 'Multiscaling and Mesomechanics' to balance these effects and ensure system stability.
Researchers have observed the rapid formation and separation of charges in organic nanostructures, governed by quantum mechanics. This discovery takes them closer to mimicking photosynthesis and developing efficient organic solar cells.
Two NREL reports show that soft costs, including financing and installation costs, now account for up to 64% of the total price of residential solar energy systems. Researchers found that supply chain costs, labor, customer acquisition, and corporate costs are among the largest contributors to these costs.
Researchers have successfully paired bacteria with loofahs to create a power-generating microbial fuel cell, outperforming traditional devices. This innovative method uses low-cost, sustainable natural materials to generate clean energy from waste.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient thermoelectronic generator that can convert heat and solar energy into electricity without mechanical parts. The new design solves the space-charge problem, achieving efficiencies of up to 40%, paving the way for potential commercial applications in the renewable energy sector.
The NREL Building Agent application allows facility managers to diagnose and adjust for problems based on direct occupant comfort feedback. This integration enables a more active role for occupants in comfort and energy trade-offs, leading to improved building performance and cost savings.
Researchers found that harvesting invasive plants for biofuels is hindered by high costs, lack of specialized equipment, and variable cell wall composition. Despite this, alternative uses for invasive biomass, such as combustion for electricity, may offer a more practical solution.
A new global program aims to increase sustainable electricity in developing countries through well-designed Public-Private Partnerships. The program draws on lessons worldwide and features a set of 'Golden Rules' that will empower decision makers to define successful strategies for the implementation of PPPs.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have revealed the origins of a 'stripe phase' in a material linked to superconductivity. By studying ultrafast optical techniques and X-ray scattering, they found that electrons become concentrated in stripes throughout the material, leading to an energy threshold for electrical currents.
The Alternative Fueling Station Locator App allows iPhone users to select an alternative fuel and find the closest stations within a 30-mile radius. The app draws information from the Clean Cities' Alternative Fuels Data Center, containing over 15,000 alternative fueling stations nationwide.
The SAPC working group has developed three standard contract templates for residential and commercial solar power projects, with the goal of increasing consumer transparency and private-sector investment. The contracts cover residential leases and commercial power purchase agreements, allowing developers to increase business opportunit...
The NSF has awarded six projects to 12 institutions, including international collaborations, to understand Arctic sustainability. The projects focus on environmental change, governance, and community resilience, with a goal of informing policy and mitigation strategies.
A new multi-terminal multi-junction architecture for inexpensive PV electricity generation has been proposed by Clemson University researchers. This design aims to exceed current efficiency limitations of 25% using silicon solar cells and thin-film materials abundant in Earth's crust.
UTSA's two-year pilot project aims to identify reliable solutions to San Antonio's sewage overflows, which pose environmental and health risks. The study will use simulation and optimization algorithms to develop a model for the sewer system, with the goal of reducing overflows by 50%.
Eleven Stanford researchers have received funding for promising new clean energy and efficiency projects, including studies on hybrid car performance, natural ventilation systems, and smart meter data analysis. The awards total $2.2 million and support early work on concepts with high potential impact on energy production and use.
Scientists warn that shale oil and gas production in the US is not sustainable due to declining energy returns on investment (EROI) and high costs. Despite tripling of prices, global fossil-fuel production has stagnated or declined, making it unlikely for the US to become a net oil exporter.
A team of researchers has created a new type of supercapacitor that uses wood-biochar as the electrode surface, eliminating the need for expensive and corrosive chemicals. The new technology reduces material and environmental costs, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional supercapacitors.
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that upgrading airtightness to a uniform level could achieve as much as $33 billion in annual energy savings. Reaching the IECC standard would yield the most benefit, with significant energy cost savings and reduced airflow in homes.
A German study suggests that straw from agriculture could supply energy to millions of households in the country. The research found that between 8-13 million tons of cereal straw could be used sustainably for energy production annually.