Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
A novel device that combines microbial fuel cells and photoelectrochemical cells generates hydrogen gas from sunlight and wastewater, achieving self-biased solar hydrogen generation. The device demonstrates efficient wastewater treatment and potential for large-scale applications.
The report identifies strategies to overcome market barriers and decrease soft-costs in four key areas: customer acquisition, permitting, inspection, and interconnection, installation labor, and financing. NREL aims to reduce residential solar costs by $0.65/W and commercial solar costs by $0.44/W by 2020.
Researchers used computer modeling to predict electronic and optical properties of silicon structures with potential applications for solar energy collection. The study found that amorphous quantum dot chains significantly increase light absorption with increased interactions between individual nanospheres in the chain.
The new journal aims to cover topics where technology, fuels, and resources intersect with social processes and influences. It will examine communities of energy users, people affected by energy production, and social institutions.
Green energy development, lifelong education, and entrepreneurship are top priorities for emerging economy nations, according to US expert Jerry Hultin. Investments in these areas can drive economic breakthroughs and promote sustainable growth.
A new study published in Bioresource Technology found that algae biofuel reduces life cycle CO2 emissions by 50-70% compared to petroleum fuels. The study also reveals that algae-based fuels have a similar Energy Return on Investment (EROI) as conventional petroleum, making them a promising long-term source of sustainable energy.
Researchers found that blades with equal chord length, angled at 79 degrees and moving at 1.5 times the current speed can extract maximum energy from tidal currents. A Norwegian company's pilot project is already generating 28 kilowatts of power.
A University of Illinois study proposes a contract framework to outline expectations for sustainability practices in biomass crops. The framework aims to designate who will assume the risks and costs associated with these new perennial energy crops, promoting a more stable and sustainable supply.
Elsevier has launched a new journal dedicated to publishing fundamental and applied research on marine and ocean energy. The first volume is now available for free on ScienceDirect, covering topics such as fluid mechanics, design, and environmental assessment.
A comprehensive US study of over 50,000 home sales near 67 wind facilities found no measurable impact on nearby property values. The researchers controlled for various factors using sophisticated techniques, supporting previous findings that widespread impacts from wind turbines are likely to be small or non-existent.
A new analysis suggests that Greece's renewable energy programs, particularly solar, could lower domestic energy costs and provide an export commodity to aid in the country's economic recovery. However, addressing public concerns about foreign involvement is crucial for realizing solar's potential.
Energy cane and other energy crops have the potential to yield up to 5 times more ethanol per acre than corn, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional sources. However, their viability is threatened by the abundance of cheap shale gas, which could make it difficult for biobased feedstocks to compete.
The collaboration aims to convert sugar cane bagasse into fuel ethanol, enabling year-round operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NREL's expertise in biomass conversion technology will help optimize the process and make it economically viable.
Scientists have developed a method to accurately predict the adsorptive properties of crystalline MTV-MOF systems, enabling the optimization of function and control of spatial disorder. The approach uses solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with molecular-level computational simulations.
The IFAD-ICRAF Programme will develop and scale up pro-poor, sustainable biofuel production models in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It aims to create energy, food security, livelihood, and income-generating opportunities for poor households.
Researchers discovered novel cellulose-degrading enzymes in marine wood borer gribbles, which can thrive in industrial settings. The enzymes hold promise of efficiently breaking down biomass into sugars for biofuel production.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create highly permeable and selective membranes for molecular-level separation, using ultraviolet irradiation. The process increases the density of the membrane surface, allowing for improved separation of molecules with varying sizes.
A study by researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich found that none of Switzerland's households meet the 2000-watt society target, but those with high standards of living consume significantly less energy. Improving transportation and living habits are key to achieving a sustainable future.
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosted a car competition for 97 Colorado schools, with teams racing solar and lithium ion powered vehicles designed and built by students. The 'Sweet and Sassy' team from Woodlands Academy took top honors in the solar design category.
Researchers found that two enzyme paradigms - free and complexed enzymes - use different mechanisms to degrade biomass at the nanometer scale. Combining these systems enhances catalytic performance, suggesting an optimal strategy may already exist.
Research Fellows Mike Himmel and David Ginley honored for innovation impacts in energy systems integration and commercialization of NREL technologies. NREL has added 29 new CRADAs, attracting $8 in private investment for every dollar invested.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have identified Auger recombination as the mechanism behind the LED 'droop' phenomenon, a drop in light produced when a higher current is applied. This discovery is expected to lead to new ways to design LEDs with significantly higher light emission efficiencies.
Researchers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have successfully split water molecules at low temperatures, paving the way for sustainable hydrogen energy. The team's high-temperature thermochemical process can exponentially double hydrogen atoms, creating a sustainable amount of hydrogen regeneration.
A recent NREL survey found that 95% of 100% biodiesel (B100) samples met ASTM International fuel quality specifications, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years. The increase is attributed to stricter quality requirements and the voluntary BQ-9000 quality management program.
Cuts in federal funding for nanotechnology research could slow progress toward commercializing sustainable new energy sources and impact the field's global competitiveness. Young scientists may struggle to launch research programs, while established ones will have to trim their programs due to funding constraints.
At the ACS meeting, scientists will discuss new discoveries related to energy and food, including sustainable sources of renewable oil. The event is expected to generate at least $16 million for the local economy.
The US Department of Energy has renewed JBEI's five-year funding at $25 million annually, supporting the development of advanced biofuels. The partnership, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, aims to enhance national energy security and create clean energy jobs.
A National Research Council expert panel recommends creating a large building performance database to improve the knowledge base about high-performance buildings. The study suggests that measuring energy and water use can help identify cost-effective sustainable practices, but more scientific study is needed to justify environmental ou...
Research suggests that cold cities like Minneapolis require three-and-a-half times more energy for climate control compared to warm cities like Miami. Dr. Michael Sivak's study analyzed heating and cooling degree days, appliance efficiencies, and power-generating plant efficiencies to reach this conclusion.
The Solar Access to Public Capital (SAPC) working group aims to standardize power purchase agreements and develop robust datasets to assess performance and credit-default risk. This effort is expected to attract additional investors to the solar asset class, potentially lowering the cost of solar energy.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed ultra-thin films of nickel and iron oxides that demonstrate high catalytic activity for forming oxygen from water. The nickel-iron oxide catalyst was found to be most effective when just 0.4 nanometers thick, making it a promising material for solar-hydrogen production.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) had a significant impact on Colorado's economy in FY 2012, with a total economic benefit of $814.8 million. The laboratory supported approximately 2,300 jobs and invested heavily in construction, including a new parking garage and energy-efficient building.
A new study suggests that achieving the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) objectives by 2030 could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global temperature rise to 2°C. The initiative includes providing universal access to modern energy, doubling renewable energy globally, and improving energy efficiency.
A new study suggests introducing shareholder liability could reduce lock-in in the energy economy and spur a shift towards sustainable energy. The study argues that fossil fuel companies' profits are not tied to environmental damage, leading to a lack of incentive for change.
The US Department of Energy's NREL and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released reports examining solar photovoltaic (PV) pricing in the US. The reports indicate that PV system prices have been falling rapidly over the past decade, with soft costs accounting for 40-50% of residential and commercial PV prices in 2010.
A CU-led team has been awarded a $9.2 million DOE grant to research modifying E. coli to produce biofuels like gasoline. The team aims to develop technologies that can efficiently and inexpensively convert E. coli into ethylene and isobutanol, widely used commodities for gasoline production.
Metallic glass alloys are three times stronger than industrial steel but have variable breaking points due to preparation method. Researchers developed a novel computational technique that simulates and predicts the breaking points of metallic glasses, shedding light on their mechanical properties.
Female leaders in clean energy were honored at the Women in Clean Energy Symposium, including C3E award winners who made significant contributions to policy, innovation, education, and corporate implementation. The event highlighted the importance of local initiatives in advancing national energy plans.
Researchers from ASU will identify suitable locations across the US for perennial biomass energy crops to reduce reliance on food crops and combat greenhouse gas-induced climate change. The five-year project aims to explore sustainability, hydroclimate, crop yield, and economic profitability of large-scale deployment.
Nine Stanford researchers received seed grants to explore promising new technologies in clean energy and energy efficiency. These projects include the development of high-performance batteries, ultrathin solar cells, and methods for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The research has the potential to impact energy production and use...
Researchers have developed a rapid method to measure carbon footprints using new software that can calculate thousands of product footprints in minutes. The methodology helps companies accurately label products and design ways to reduce environmental impacts.
The NSF is providing $3 million to ASU to develop a doctoral program in energy and equip students with skills to address the energy challenges of the future. The Solar Utilization Network IGERT program will focus on four key research areas: biological conversion, photovoltaics, solar thermal, and sustainable policy.
Concentrator photovoltaics offer promising potential for low-cost electricity in the US desert southwest. The roundtable brought together stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to shape research and innovation in CPV technology.
A new discovery by University of Illinois scientist Hao Feng doubles butanol production while reducing energy costs. The extractive fermentation process uses a non-ionic surfactant to capture and hold butanol molecules, increasing yields by 100% or more.
Despite looming policy uncertainty, the US wind power market expanded rapidly in 2011, with new installations exceeding 6.8 GW and contributing $14 billion in investment. The study predicts continued strong growth in 2012 but warns of significant layoffs if demand for turbines does not pick up after 2012.
A new technology produced by Oregon State University can generate up to 50 times more electricity per volume than most other approaches, opening the door to a future in which waste treatment plants power themselves and sell excess electricity. The new approach effectively cleans wastewater while producing significant amounts of electri...
David Tilman's essay in Daedalus highlights the challenges to Earth's biodiversity due to human population growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable food and energy systems. The essay explores how loss of biodiversity affects ecosystem function and productivity.
Researchers at RIT are working with Washington State University and Georgia Tech to develop a new infrastructure that could increase computing speed and reduce power usage in chip processors. The goal is to integrate wireless technology with copper wiring, allowing multiple processing engines to communicate simultaneously.
Researchers in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy analyze China's emerging energy trends, finding increased bioenergy utilization but still dispersed biomass resources. A study on cooking fuel transition suggests universal access to modern fuels could be achieved in urban areas by 2030 for a relatively low cost.
The Global Energy Assessment outlines 41 alternative sustainable energy pathways that offer viable, cost-effective choices for policy makers. The study finds that a rapid transformation to clean energy technologies is economically viable and can deliver clean energy to 1.4 billion people without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
The new device splits water into hydrogen and oxygen gas, releasing hydrogen for fuel cells to make electricity. It employs abundant Earth materials, replacing expensive metals like platinum.
Dr. Ashok Gadgil has developed safe drinking water solutions like UV Waterworks, which provides clean water at a price of just two cents per 10 liters. His Berkeley-Darfur Stove increases fuel efficiency, saving households over $300 per year.
A study analyzing data from 30 Chinese provinces found that energy consumption has a greater impact on output than labor, while pollution has little effect. China must implement effective environmental regulations to reduce pollution and energy consumption and bind economic growth with environmental protection.
KIT showcases algae engineering platform, laser technologies for battery production, electronic drawbar for agricultural machines, and organic computing system for tractors. Algae can convert sunlight into chemical energy, reducing CO2 emissions.
A new study by University of Oregon sociologist Richard York finds that it takes more than 10 units of alternative energy to displace a single unit of fossil fuel-generated power. The research highlights the need for a shift in political and economic policies to address human behavior, rather than just technological solutions.
A new MIT analysis reveals there is sufficient room in deep saline aquifers to safely store CO2, addressing a major issue in capturing and storing greenhouse gases. The study models how carbon dioxide would percolate through rock formations, accounting for capacity and injection rates.
Energy efficiency experts propose a new EU target of a 40% reduction in primary energy demand by 2050, arguing that radically improving building efficiency is crucial for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed target aligns with the ambitions of the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey.
A life cycle assessment study reveals that bioethanol from energy crops has considerable potential to render society more sustainable by substituting gasoline. The study's findings suggest that regional biomass utilization systems can significantly reduce fossil fuel resources and greenhouse gas emissions.
A panel of experts discussed the use of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas development, addressing concerns over its impact on drinking water and air quality. The study found no direct link between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination, but acknowledged surface issues that can be managed.
The biofuels industry is expected to become a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution for the world's growing energy demands. Researchers at the University of British Columbia are working to speed up the process of converting biomass into biofuels, making it cheaper and more efficient.