Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
New study suggests marine shipping emissions will decrease by 30-40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels, but may not meet net-zero goal for 2050. The International Maritime Organization has approved new emission reduction policies.
A new hardware platform for AI accelerators capable of handling significant workloads with reduced energy requirement has been developed. The platform leverages III-V compound semiconductors to create photonic integrated circuits, which operate at the speed of light with minimal energy loss.
A Cornell University-led collaboration has developed a low-cost method to produce carbon-free 'green' hydrogen via solar-powered electrolysis of seawater. The process produces 200 milliliters of hydrogen per hour with 12.6% energy efficiency directly from seawater under natural sunlight.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a modified manufacturing process that enables high ranges and fast charging in cold weather. A stabilizing coating on an electrode, combined with microscale channels, solves the trade-off between range and charging speed, even in subfreezing temperatures.
Dr. Rita Okoroafor's research integrates geochemistry, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering to improve understanding of fluid-rock interactions in subsurface technologies. Her work enhances hydrogen storage efficiency, optimizes geothermal reservoir performance, and improves CO2 storage security.
The California Solar Canal Initiative brings together seven leading research universities to identify optimal locations for generating renewable energy and conserving land statewide. By covering large sections of the state's canal network with solar panels, researchers aim to conserve water, reduce air pollution and generate clean energy.
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
The study finds hydrothermal liquefaction effective in breaking down complex organic compounds, producing high-energy density bio-oil and reducing pollutants like microplastics and pharmaceutical residues. Further research is needed to optimize HTL processes and explore alternative catalysts and solvents to enhance efficiency and reduc...
Aston University has secured over £540,000 to train early career researchers from Jordan, Thailand, and the Philippines on sustainability challenges. The programme will equip academics with expertise to solve major sustainable development challenges through industrial mentoring and support.
The Rice Center for Membrane Excellence (RiCeME) aims to develop advanced membrane materials and separation technologies for energy, environmental sustainability, and chemical processing applications. The center will focus on securing funding from federal agencies, industry partners, and global collaborators to accelerate the developme...
The UTA-UT Austin team will use AI, quantum simulations, and experimental techniques to develop magnets that eliminate rare-earth elements. The researchers aim to enhance U.S. energy security and accelerate sustainable energy solutions with comparable magnetic properties.
Scientists have developed a novel palladium-based nanosheet catalyst that matches platinum's performance in hydrogen production, making it a promising low-cost alternative. The discovery demonstrates excellent durability and stability, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers have developed a novel electrochemistry approach to build new molecules using micelles from naturally occurring amino acids and coconut oil. This breakthrough method could reduce the cost of making medicines by combining solvents, electrolytes, and reaction boosters into one simple tool.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a hybrid supercapacitor using carbon from Pinus radiata waste, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for improving conventional lithium-ion capacitors. The system stores high-power energy and can withstand many charge-discharge cycles.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method of artificial photosynthesis that uses sunlight and water to produce energy and valuable organic compounds from waste organic compounds. The technique, called APOS, represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and chemical production.
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a molecularly functionalized biomass hydrogels system that can pull drinkable water out of thin air. The system uses a two-step molecular engineering process to convert various natural products into sorbents, which can then be heated to release clean water.
The University of Vaasa's FlexiPower project aims to develop and commercialize a 'Building as a Battery' (BaaB) solution that enables dynamic response of building heating and cooling systems to power grid needs. This innovation offers cost-effective and scalable solutions for balancing the power grid.
Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.
Researchers developed a quantitative evaluation method for energy resilience in disasters by simulating power outage scenarios in buildings with solar power generators and storage batteries. The study found that energy resilience is highest when the power outage coincides with daylight hours.
Researchers develop a new electronic fine-tuning approach to enhance the interactions between zinc and ruthenium, resulting in a highly active and stable catalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction. This breakthrough offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional platinum-based catalysts.
Researchers have developed a flexible dual-band electrochromic device that integrates energy storage, reducing building energy consumption. The device offers excellent performance in various climate zones, providing substantial energy savings through selective modulation of light and heat across multiple wavelengths.
Scientists at Linköping University have created a sustainable recycling process for perovskite solar cells, allowing all parts to be reused without hazardous solvents. The recycled cell retains the same efficiency as the original, paving the way for efficient energy harvesting and reduced e-waste.
Dr. Denzil Moodley, a leading expert in Fischer-Tropsch technology, joins HZB to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels. The appointment strengthens the partnership between HZB and Sasol, combining cutting-edge research with practical industrial insights.
The study reveals that battery production depends on over 35 materials and critical minerals, posing significant human health and environmental risks. Sustainable solutions like green energy systems, tailings backfilling, and circular economy strategies are proposed to mitigate these impacts.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of refrigeration using thermogalvanic cells. The new technology produces a cooling effect through reversible electrochemical reactions, requiring significantly less energy input than traditional methods.
Lithuania is undergoing a significant energy transformation to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and increase the share of renewable energy in its mix. The country has made notable progress in increasing its renewable energy share, with 70% of electricity coming from renewable sources in 2023.
The University of Bath's RENEW research center has published a manifesto on regenerative design and engineering to address the climate crisis. The guidebook provides a framework for creating 'Net Positive' buildings, technologies, and systems that renew unity with nature.
Researchers developed an interactive tool to compare the efficiency of four sustainable propulsion systems: e-SAF, battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen combustion. The tool considers factors like renewable electricity required, sustainability, and cost. It aims to provide a strategy for thinking about sustainable aviation...
A new optimization model improves microgrid operation by reducing computational burden and introducing replanning, ensuring stable power supply under uncertain conditions. This approach boosts energy efficiency, minimizes waste, and supports the transition to sustainable energy.
A three-year project aims to proactively ensure circularity of solar panels by providing solutions to barriers throughout the supply chain. The team will develop reverse logistics models and next-generation data-driven supply chains for recycling solar panels and reusing critical materials like silicon and silver.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
Researchers developed efficient tin-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction, enabling the production of high-value formic acid with improved selectivity and activity. The study's findings provide critical insights into the reaction mechanism, highlighting the importance of structural and kinetic factors in catalyst design.
Researchers have developed a Zn-decorated GaN nanowire catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 and H2O into methane and hydrogen peroxide under light irradiation. The catalyst achieves high conversion rates with 93.6% selectivity and maintains activity for over 80 hours, providing a practical solution for sustainable fuel production.
The SMART device has successfully generated its first tokamak plasma, bringing international fusion community closer to achieving sustainable and clean energy. The achievement represents a major step towards the development of compact fusion power plants based on Spherical Tokamaks.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a technology that uses microwaves to produce clean hydrogen in minutes, overcoming limitations of existing methods. By leveraging microwave energy, the team achieved significant breakthroughs in reducing production temperatures and time.
The collaboration aims to drive innovation in renewable energy technologies, focusing on advancements in solar, wind, and other new and renewable energy systems. Research efforts will also study microgrid technologies, grid management solutions, and explore energy-efficient buildings and processes.
A team of researchers has created an additive that can improve the functional characteristics of sustainable aviation fuels by adding aromatic hydrocarbons. The additive is made from recycled polystyrene and has been shown to perform almost as well as ethylbenzene derived from fossil fuels.
Researchers have developed biophotovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean and efficient source of energy. The study reveals the molecular mechanisms driving this technology, including extracellular electron transfer and electron transport chain optimization.
A novel method called RESQUE predicts computational and energy costs for updating deep learning/AI models, allowing users to make informed decisions about when to update models to improve AI sustainability. The researchers conducted extensive experiments to validate the performance of RESQUE.
A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.
Researchers have identified clinoptilolite and biochar as cost-effective options for removing siloxane compounds from landfill gas. These natural materials can enhance the performance of adsorbents with modification techniques, offering an environmentally friendly solution to mitigate damage to energy equipment.
A research team at Hokkaido University developed novel cerium oxide-based thermal switches, surpassing prior benchmarks with high efficiency and sustainability. The switches feature a new benchmark for electrochemical thermal switches, offering broad applications in industries such as electronics cooling and renewable energy systems.
A recent study from Peking University found that modern clean energy sources may exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly for low-income households. The researchers recommend policy solutions like phased clean energy transitions and targeted energy subsidies to ensure a more equitable transition.
A POSTECH research team developed a groundbreaking strategy to enhance LLO material durability, extending battery lifespan by up to 84.3% after 700 cycles. The breakthrough addresses capacity fading and voltage decay issues.
Researchers have developed a new sodium-ion battery material that improves performance by 15% and increases energy density to 458 Wh/kg. The material, Na x V2(PO4)3, allows for stable operation and continuous voltage change, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have identified key factors driving photochemical water oxidation. By fine-tuning reaction potential and pH conditions, they enhance the efficiency of this process, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have created a hybrid nanoreactor that combines natural efficiency with synthetic precision to produce hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source. The breakthrough uses carboxysome shells and organic semiconductor materials to harness sunlight and drive hydrogen production.
The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.
The Dream Team of University of Houston students developed a comprehensive 10-year energy plan to address energy poverty in Egypt and Turkey. Their interdisciplinary approach prioritized renewable energy technologies, resulting in $5,000 prize money and recognition for their sustainability and economic feasibility.
Scientists have engineered a 'super-powered' bacterium, E. coli, with a polymer coating to increase its industrial productivity and sustainability. The new strain enhances catalysis capabilities, reducing energy use and making production more environmentally friendly.
Haotian Wang, associate professor at Rice University, is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to carbon dioxide electrochemistry. His innovative research has transformed the field of carbon dioxide electrolysis, offering practical pathways to combat climate change.
Finland's approach to Public-Private Collaboration enables effective addressing of complex issues like the energy transition through coordinated efforts among stakeholders. The Vaasa region, with its unique ecosystem orchestrations agency, drives innovation towards sustainable innovations.
The university's refurbishment project uses waste heat to provide heating to the Joseph Priestly Building and district heating system, reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to yield substantial energy cost savings and enhance the data center's capacity for high-performance computing.
A new study shows that coordinating the siting of solar farms, wind farms, and storage systems can improve efficiency and reduce costs by aligning renewable power generation with demand. The approach uses fine-grained weather data and energy system modeling to maximize utilization of renewable resources.
Researchers at King's College London developed a new method to produce biofuels from fatty acids in cooking oil, making it as effective as diesel with improved efficiency. The technology uses enzymes to break down fatty acids into alkenes, reducing the need for conventional catalysts and toxic chemicals.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a design principle for producing efficient organic solar cells with environmentally friendly solvents, reducing toxicity and increasing scalability. The study's findings pave the way for commercializing sustainable solar cell technology on a larger scale.
Experts reveal how new photocatalytic sheets and reactors can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The breakthrough could make solar energy conversion a practical option, but challenges remain, including efficiency and safety concerns.
Researchers developed engineered biochar with enhanced properties for environmental remediation and energy storage. The study highlights the potential of biochar in soil amendment, water purification, supercapacitors, and batteries, but also identifies challenges such as complex biomass composition and lack of standardized protocols.