Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
A new research programme, Towards Biosolar Cells, aims to increase photosynthetic efficiency and produce fuels from sunlight. The project will combine natural and technological components to create solar collectors that supply fuel.
A University of Oregon professor has developed a Green Classroom Toolbox to improve energy efficiency in existing US schools. The toolbox provides evidence-based renovation guidelines that consider both human performance and environmental impacts, aiming to enhance student learning.
Washington University and the Danforth Plant Science Center will be home to two new multimillion-dollar Energy Frontier Research Centers, pursuing advanced scientific research on energy. The centers aim to study forms of energy based on light harvesting and energy funneling.
The study found that solar lanterns significantly reduced kerosene and electricity costs, with annual savings ranging from $150 to $250. Solar lanterns also improved household work efficiency for women and increased school hours for children, benefiting rural Indian communities.
Scientists have mapped large rock formations in the United States that can absorb CO2, potentially increasing carbon sequestration at a faster pace. The ultramafic rocks contain minerals that react naturally with carbon dioxide to form solid minerals, offering a new technology to store heat-trapping carbon dioxide.
Blacksburg, VA-based Louis A. Madsen will focus on revealing new aspects of charged polymers in water purification and fuel cells through detailed analysis and computer modeling techniques. His project aims to improve the performance of advanced polymers for sustainable energy production and distribution.
The study found that plant and forestry waste, dedicated energy crops, and cellulosic ethanol could sustainably produce 90 billion gallons of ethanol by 2030. Cellulosic biofuels could compete with oil without incentives at $90 per barrel, assuming reduced costs.
German scientists suggest biomass as a major source of energy, meeting global demand sustainably and economically. Afforestation on degraded land can produce enough biomass to replace fossil fuels, reducing CO2 emissions.
The Iowa State researchers are developing a computer model to help create a 40-year national plan for optimizing the country's energy and transportation systems. The model will consider various energy sources and transportation technologies to balance cost, sustainability, and resiliency.
A new technology has successfully tested tiny solar cells that can power microscopic machines, detecting chemical leaks and toxins. The organic polymer-based solar cells provide a promising renewable energy source for various applications.
The Precourt Institute has awarded seven Stanford faculty members $824,000 in seed grants to develop energy-efficient technologies and behaviors. The research projects will focus on promoting energy efficiency within buildings, transportation, and other areas.
Subhash Singhal, PNNL's fuel cell director, received the 2008 Grove Medal for his sustained contributions to fuel cell technology. The award honors achievements in fuel cell science & technology, recognizing Singhal's leadership and research.
David A. Gonzales II wins ConocoPhillips Energy Prize for his innovative Layered MagWheel technology, increasing energy conversion and efficiency. The prize recognizes new ideas to improve energy development and use.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that can return excess energy to the grid, improving sustainability and resilience. This project aims to create a new technology coupling transportation and power grid infrastructures.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing new rechargeable lithium batteries to enhance hybrid electric cars. These advancements aim to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and increase efficiency in urban driving.
The new interdisciplinary journal focuses on sustainable energy solutions, with a rigorous peer-review process and rapid publication. The inaugural issue features articles on solar cells, hydrogen storage, and thermochemical biofuel production, among others.
A Stanford study reveals that reviving abandoned agricultural land for biofuel production could ease the global energy crunch without exacerbating food shortages or climate change. The researchers estimate up to 1-1.2 billion acres of fallow cropland globally, with potential for biomass energy conversion.
Scientists estimate that globally up to 4.7 million square kilometers of abandoned lands could be used for sustainable bioenergy production, with a potential yield of nearly half the land area of the United States. The researchers found that biomass from these lands could provide energy equivalent to about 41 exajoules, which would sat...
A panel of industry representatives emphasizes the importance of biotechnology in creating sustainable industries. Key findings include the potential for biomaterials and sustainable industrial processes to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and promote environmentally sound agricultural methods.
Researchers will explore strategies for closing energy and nutrient cycles in small family dairy farms. Initial studies suggest that intensive management of manure, changing bedding methods, and increasing on-site grain production can achieve energy independence and a closed nitrogen system.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that popular biofuel sources like corn-based ethanol may have negative environmental impacts. The authors recommend promoting sustainable alternatives such as switchgrass or algae-based fuels, and implementing policies to minimize land usage and energy consumption.
Researchers found that smaller primates have an evolutionary edge due to their ability to climb with minimal energy expenditure. This discovery challenges the longstanding assumption that climbing is energetically expensive for all primates.
Geothermics shifts under Elsevier's leadership to promote geothermal resources as a sustainable energy source. The journal will continue to publish leading peer-reviewed research and critical technical reference studies in geothermal science and technology.
Bruce Logan, a renowned microbial fuel cell scientist, has been named a KAUST Investigator, receiving up to $10 million over five years to develop sustainable energy and water technologies. His research focuses on converting waste into electricity or hydrogen while cleaning water.
The four-year project aims to make thin-film light absorbing cells for solar panels from sustainable and affordable materials, reducing costs by one millionth of a metre. Researchers will experiment with low-cost materials and nanotechnology to capture increased amounts of energy from the sun's rays.
The Carnegie Mellon team's winning letter addressed the presidential hopefuls' positions on environmental policies, calling for strong leadership to drive a sustainable energy solution. The students won a $10,000 scholarship and will attend the Energy Efficiency Forum.
Arizona State University has partnered with BP and Science Foundation Arizona to develop a renewable source of biofuel using photosynthetic bacteria. This project aims to produce sustainable high-energy fuel that can be used in conventional engines, reducing our transportation economy's dependency on oil.
Argonne's collaboration with China aims to develop clean vehicle technologies and improve air quality in Beijing. The partnership is expected to address climate change, promote energy security and economic growth.
The University-National Park Energy Partnership Program has funded nearly 70 projects at over 30 national parks, saving energy bills and educating future energy professionals. Students conduct energy audits, data analysis, and implement renewable energy measures such as solar and wind turbines in historic sites.
Researchers are exploring nanoscale materials to mimic the architecture of grass and photosynthesis for efficient solar energy production. Tiny nanoparticles can be embedded in everyday products like house paint and roof tiles to create sustainable solar cells.
The Lancet Series on Energy and Health emphasizes the need for policies promoting clean energy access to improve public health and mitigate climate disruption. Key targets include universal access to modern fuels, electricity supply, and improved cooking stoves by 2015.
Researchers found that opinions about new technologies are related to each other and can be influenced by the context. Promoting one energy source can affect others.
A trend analysis from the UN Environment Programme reports a surge in investment in renewable energy, with wind, solar, and biofuels attracting the greatest investment dollars. The sector's growth is driven by global concerns such as climate change, increasing energy demand, and energy security.
Regenerative agriculture involves reduced inorganic fertilizer use, increased on-farm energy generation, and more human labor. This approach may also reduce overcropping and groundwater contamination.
A UN-led pilot project has improved the lives of 100,000 people in poverty-stricken rural India by providing household financing for solar home systems. The project expanded to other developing countries, including Tunisia, China, Indonesia, and Egypt.
A new £4.2 million research project at Imperial College London aims to develop renewable and cost-effective methods of producing hydrogen for fuel cells. The project will explore both biological and chemical solar-driven processes to achieve this goal.
Florida State University is designing a new, 571-acre community called Sky with integrated renewable energy systems and sustainable design. The community will feature geothermal loops, solar collectors, fuel cells, and advanced wastewater treatment facilities to minimize its environmental footprint.
Dutch researcher Saikat Mazumder developed a method to estimate CO2 storage in coal using CT scans, improving understanding of crack patterns and gas absorption. Coal was found suitable for filtering out carbon dioxide from waste gases and storing it.
Researchers will present on alternative energy sources, genetically-engineered crops, and new water purification processes. The symposium aims to address the world's growing demand for clean water and explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
The CRADA team, comprising Argonne National Laboratory, USCAR and the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council, has been awarded the Plastics Recycling and Sustainability Award. The team's work focuses on mechanical recycling technologies and chemical conversion of end-of-life vehicle materials to fuels and chemicals.
The Altran Innovation Conference focused on technology challenges, with industry experts discussing the need for improved researcher incentives and increased investment in R&D. Innovations showcased included solar-powered technologies, drone capabilities, and sustainable energy solutions.
The Dutch government excels in knowledge development and diffusion, but struggles to create a reliable market for sustainable energy. This leads to high-risk entrepreneurship and fewer technological successes.
Dutch researcher Rachel van Ooteghem's innovative control system optimizes climate conditions in a solar greenhouse, leading to a 39% increase in crop yield and a 52% reduction in gas usage. The system uses sustainable energy and minimizes waste heat, resulting in lower costs for growers.
Rising carbon dioxide levels pose unprecedented risks to climate change, as evidenced by an 800,000-year Antarctic ice core record. Human activity has increased CO2 beyond natural ranges, raising concerns about future sinks' effectiveness.
The Implementation Action Plan (IAP) outlines key activities for sustainable chemistry, focusing on bio-based economy, energy, and more. The plan aims to realise visionary projects and create a supportive environment for innovation and research.
A Rensselaer researcher has received a $300,000 NSF grant to study miniaturized solar-powered heating and cooling systems that can be applied to existing buildings. The goal is to create a thin-film system for efficient thermal control, potentially rendering traditional air conditioning and heating equipment obsolete.
Energy ministers from Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to work together to enhance the security, reliability, and sustainability of the country's energy systems. They also emphasized the importance of collaborating with industry to develop real and sustainable solutions to meet Canada's energy needs.
Dirk Inzé's pioneering work on plant cell division has revealed similarities to human cell regulation, shedding light on the mechanisms driving cancer and informing potential treatments. His research also explores the potential of plants to produce sustainable energy through photosynthesis, offering a promising solution for the world's...
Scientists have developed a new technique to track molecular energy transfer in photosynthesis, revealing distinct energy pathways and quantum mechanical effects. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient artificial photosynthesis systems and sustainable energy sources.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $12 million to the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (CAST) at Virginia Tech to develop advanced separation technologies for efficient coal cleaning. The project aims to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and mercury content, while increasing domestic energy production.
A thermodynamic approach was used to investigate biomass gasification, resulting in a more efficient process. The study found that roasted biomass is more suitable for gasification than untreated biomass, with improved properties for efficiency.
Scientists have discovered that zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, plays a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive solar energy. The study used ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to follow the movement of absorbed excitation energy and found that zeaxanthin interacts with chlorophyll molecules to dissipate excess energy.
The Stanford University Program on Energy and Sustainable Development has received a grant from BP to accelerate research on market-based policies addressing global warming. The partnership aims to complement technical research with similar work on the legal, political, and institutional dimensions of energy value derivation.
Researchers have found that traditional Chinese approaches combined with modern techniques can provide the same living conditions as high-rise structures while reducing energy consumption. The design incorporates natural ventilation, solar heating, and green spaces to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment.
The MIT worldwide mobility study highlights the need to reinvent public transport and create a portfolio of mobility options to address chronic gridlock, pollution and environmental damage. The study also warns of the growing impact of air and freight transportation on carbon emissions.
Modern wind turbines equipped with power electronics converters can boost voltage and stabilize mains voltage, even in the absence of wind. The technology uses reactive power compensation to adjust voltage without significant energy loss.