Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.