Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
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.
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 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.
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.
The US Energy Department has granted over $1.8 million to a researcher studying terpenoids in plants as a potential fuel source. The goal is to create a sustainable fuel production method that can be easily extracted from plants, reducing dependence on oil fields.
The study reviews current methods in bioenergy production and highlights the need for innovative solutions to overcome challenges. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable land use management to create a biomass-to-energy industry with minimal environmental impact.
Scientists have identified a gene family that can help breed grasses with improved properties for diet and bioenergy. The research, published in PNAS, could lead to the production of multi-use crops where grain is used for food and feed while straw is used to produce energy efficiently.
The Office of Naval Research is exploring alternative energy sources, including fuel cell vehicles and high-efficiency trash disposal technology. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency for the military.
The article finds that integrating climate policy with energy sustainability objectives can lead to significant synergies and cost savings. By adopting an integrated approach, major benefits can be achieved in terms of reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.
A University of Houston physicist is part of a multi-institution team that has received an $18.5 million grant to develop new solar power technologies. The center aims to accelerate the US's commercialization of solar energy through cutting-edge research and partnerships with industry.
Researchers at University of Toronto have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the alignment of energy levels in advanced materials, enabling more efficient organic solar cells and OLEDs. This discovery is crucial for developing sustainable technologies that can secure our energy future.
Students at the University of Washington have developed a low-technology solution to turn slash piles into biochar, a crumbly charcoal-like product that helps farmers' soil hold water and nutrients. The new method is estimated to be cost-effective and could transform what was once a big problem into a money-making engine for landowners.
The Danforth Plant Science Center has been awarded a $5.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to research the oilseed plant camelina as a potential replacement for petroleum-based fuels. The project aims to develop an enhanced variety of camelina that produces more oil per acre, increasing its carbon uptake and efficiency.
The Precourt Institute and TomKat Center are funding eight faculty seed grants for innovative renewable energy technologies, including lithium-air batteries and solar thermal energy systems. Researchers will explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make large-scale solar power more competitive.
The university aims to help students address fundamental issues of sustainability in vehicle design and development. The GATE Center will integrate graduate education and research to overcome technology barriers, fostering an engineering workforce capable of commercializing advanced automotive technologies.
The average installed cost of residential and commercial PV systems fell by 17% and 11%, respectively, between 2009 and 2010. Non-module costs also decreased, with a 18% drop from 2009 to 2010. Large utility-scale PV projects showed even lower costs, ranging from $3.80/W to $4.40/W.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering water usage in bioenergy crop production, particularly with large grasses like miscanthus or switchgrass. The research found that these crops can increase net water use due to higher transpiration rates and land conversion's impact on hydrology.
The American Chemical Society showcased a large number of scientific reports on sustainability and green chemistry at its meeting. Over 150 researchers presented their findings, addressing topics such as water pollution control and innovative solutions for sustainable production.
In June 2010, Berkeley Lab scientists quickly developed a simplified conceptual model and a coupled numerical model to estimate oil flow from the damaged wellhead. Their simulations predicted an oil flow rate of 60,000 to 100,000 barrels per day, which was later confirmed by a final estimate in August 2010.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a unique luminescence property in tetrapod nanocrystals that breaks Kasha's rule. The cadmium-selenide/cadmium-sulfide core/shell tetrapods emit light from multiple excited states, showing promising potential for optical sensing and LED applications.
The University of Maryland and Maryland Municipal League team up to help communities plan and implement green practices, earning a 'certificate of sustainability' and potential state grants. Communities can navigate the process at their own pace, with no upfront costs.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia argue that greater focus on the energy requirements of the water sector is crucial for meeting sustainability goals. The study highlights the need to integrate energy use into water resource management and understand its role in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership has launched initiatives to bring clean, reliable electricity to 2.5 billion people with little or no access. Successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) involve governments creating policies to attract business financing and using technology suitable to the location.
The University of Southampton is part of a £4.57 million project to evaluate biomass as a sustainable energy source in the UK. The research aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a cost-effective energy system by 2050.
A new Berkeley Lab study forecasts China's energy use will level off, even as its population edges past 1.4 billion, due to saturation in energy demand for appliances and housing. The report also predicts significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through increased adoption of electric cars, nuclear power, and improved energy e...
A Berkeley Lab study found that homes with solar PV systems in California sell for an average of $17,000 more than similar homes without the system. The research analyzed over 72,000 home sales and controlled for various factors to show a significant impact of PV systems on home prices.
PSERC is investigating innovations in network architectures and planning approaches to achieve sustainable energy systems with high penetrations of renewable resources. The future grid will be more complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic due to the variability of renewable energy production.
Researchers at The University of Nottingham are working to make rural living more sustainable in both the UK and India. They aim to develop community-scale hybrid renewable energy systems using small-scale energy generation, tailored business models, and mobile technologies to promote economic growth in rural communities.
A new study reveals that alumina nanoparticles enhance biodiesel combustion, increasing fuel efficiency while decreasing nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. Researchers are now exploring other types of nanoparticles for potential engine lubrication and cooling systems.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are advancing systems biology research to improve understanding of cellular networks and their behavior. By integrating experimental and computational technologies, they aim to bridge the gap between correlative analysis and mechanistic insights.
At this year's AAAS meeting, Caltech researchers will present topics ranging from solar and renewable energy solutions to the latest advancements in bioengineering. Nathan Lewis will discuss strategies for achieving clean energy goals and generating clean fuels from sunlight and water.
Baden-Wuerttemberg invested 4.4% of its GDP in research and development, earning it the title of Europe's most innovative region. The state will present its success stories and future potentials on energy efficiency at the meeting.
The LRC will test LED-based off-grid lighting products, evaluating performance and reliability criteria. The results will help manufacturers and buyers identify good quality products and prevent market spoiling.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for reporting solar data, allowing policymakers and businesses to understand solar resources. The method presents solar data in a geographic information system (GIS) format, providing daily, monthly, and yearly averages.
A special edition of the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology is now online, focusing on environmental policy past, present, and future. The issue includes articles on topics such as energy sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change.
A study reviews nuclear power economics and concludes that the current fuel cycle is unsustainable due to uncertainty about waste management. Reprocessing and recycling of spent fuel is an alternative, but its implementation is controversial due to proliferation risks and high costs.
A study by Diandong Ren finds that rising global temperatures decrease wind speeds, reducing the power output of wind turbines. This means that more wind turbines are needed to achieve the same amount of energy production, highlighting the need for a switch to renewable energy sources earlier.
José Goldemberg's groundbreaking research on biofuels has significantly contributed to science and scientific innovation. His work demonstrated the potential of sugarcane-based ethanol as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in Brazil.
The UK aims to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 with a focus on community-based initiatives. Seven projects have received funding to address energy demand and promote sustainable practices in communities across the country.
Researchers have found wind farms' effects on local temperatures and proposed strategies for mediating those effects, increasing the potential to expand wind farms. The study identified two possible mediation strategies: low-turbulence rotors or locational deployment in regions with natural mixing in the atmosphere.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new manufacturing approach to reduce solar energy costs using continuous electronic sheets and roll-to-roll processing techniques. The hybrid material enables high-quality production with lower costs, making it competitive with silicon-based products.
Scientists have identified two plant enzymes that make it easier to extract sugars from wood, straw, and other non-edible parts of plants. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable production of biofuels with lower impact on the food chain.
The biopharmaceutical industry is shifting towards more sustainable operations, with companies adopting environmentally friendly practices that also offer economic benefits. Key findings include the potential for waste reduction through process intensification and purification bottlenecks.
Researchers have successfully improved the ability of zinc oxide solar cells to absorb visible light using a blended mixture of off-the-shelf dyes. The best result came from a blend that boosted efficiency by nearly eight percent, paving the way for custom dye blends to be formulated for specific solar cell applications.
Researchers estimate that harnessing 10% of Australia's near-shore wave energy could generate enough electricity to meet half of the country's present-day consumption. This could contribute significantly to Australia's goal of producing 45,000 gigawatt-hours/year of additional renewable energy by 2020.