Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.
A recent study from the University of Florida found that companies ignoring climate risks tend to face market penalties, whereas those proactively managing risks fare better. The research analyzed textual data from nearly 5,000 US public companies and discovered a costly divide between proactive and non-proactive firms.
A new study found that AI systems produce much less CO2e per page of text generated compared to human writers and illustrators. DALL-E2 emits approximately 2,500 times less CO2e than a human artist for illustration tasks. The authors suggest collaboration between AI and human efforts for the most beneficial outcome.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for a just and sustainable future, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality. The authors advocate for a global cultural shift that prioritizes kinship with nature and communal well-being to avoid devastating consequences.
A team of researchers from Kyushu University has developed a novel iridium-based compound that can efficiently store electrons from hydrogen in a solid state. The stored electrons can be extracted and used to catalyze useful chemical reactions, such as cyclopropanation, with significant advantages over conventional techniques.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that smart utility meters can improve energy efficiency in manufacturing, but only if managers actively use the technology. The research used event system theory to understand the impact of proactive changes on business outcomes.
The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.
A Simon Fraser University professor has led a team in developing a comprehensive roadmap for next-generation printable sensor technologies. These technologies could enable everyday objects and environments to acquire sensing capabilities, paving the way for advancements in sustainability and quality of life.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that combining cryptocurrency mining with green hydrogen technology can significantly boost renewable energy production. The approach, known as the 'dynamic duo,' has the potential to accelerate wind and solar capacity growth across the US.
Researchers discover that methane sulphonic acid (MSA) hydrolysis can produce higher yields of xylose and activated carbon from hemp seed hulls compared to traditional methods. The use of MSA also leads to the formation of high surface area activated carbon with improved delignification properties.
A recent PNAS study finds that wind turbine visibility reduces home values by up to 8%, but this effect decreases with distance and age of turbines. The study's findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy development and community-friendly projects.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to break down lignin into small molecules similar to oxygenated hydrocarbons. This process could lead to the creation of renewable chemicals that replace traditional petroleum-based products.
A recent study found that wind turbines have a limited impact on US property values, dropping by up to 8% when built less than 2 kilometers away. However, this effect diminishes over time as people become more accustomed to the presence of turbines.
The US Department of Energy's Billion-Ton Report suggests that the country could produce over 1 billion tons of plant-based biomass per year for renewable fuels while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. This would triple the current bioeconomy capacity, enabling the production of ...
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a novel catalyst that enhances the efficiency of reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen. The catalyst, called nickel-iron-oxalate (O-NFF), successfully lowers the voltage required for hydrogen generation and promotes the urea oxidation reaction.
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
Researchers developed a new cathode material composed of sulfur and iodine, increasing electrical conductivity by 11 orders of magnitude and possessing a low melting point. The new material can be easily re-melted to repair damaged interfaces, addressing cumulative damage during repeated charging and discharging.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a mutually beneficial relationship between an algae and three bacteria that produces hydrogen and biomass while cleaning wastewater. The combination, composed of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii alga and Microbacterium forte sp. nov., Bacilluscereus, and Stenotrophomonas goyi sp. nov., yield...
Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.
The Zero-Energy Switchable Radiative Cooler (ZESRC) is a temperature-responsive solution that balances building temperatures sustainably. Field experiments demonstrate its effectiveness across seasons, reducing energy consumption by 14.3% compared to other devices.
Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.
Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining uses vibration, laser, electricity, etc. to improve machinability and reduce process forces in processing difficult-to-cut materials and components. The technology provides a feasible way to enhance material removal rate and surface quality.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that EU countries have made progress towards achieving the 2030 sustainable energy goal, but some countries still have a long way to go. Malta made the greatest progress, while Bulgaria is furthest from meeting its targets.
A global survey of 200+ major cultural organizations reveals significant room for improvement in social and environmental sustainability. However, top performers like the National Galleries of Scotland and Sydney Opera House showcase successful integration of sustainability into strategy and operations.
Researchers warn that AI tools used in radiology contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through energy consumption and data storage. To minimize these impacts, experts recommend sharing resources, selecting sustainable hardware, and using data compression techniques.
Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
Researchers at UNIST have introduced non-solvating electrolytes to significantly improve the performance and lifespan of organic electrode-based batteries. The study achieved remarkable improvements in capacity retention and rate performance, with over 91% capacity retention after 1000 cycles.
The researchers have developed a Na-ion battery containing organic materials that can charge quickly, store a large amount of energy, and last longer. They also improved the cathode material using design principles from previous studies, resulting in high-energy density and fast charging capabilities.
The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.
A new research proposes a hemispherical shell shape to optimize organic photovoltaic cells, achieving a 66% increase in light absorption and improved angular coverage. The study presents advanced computational analysis, revealing the remarkable capabilities of this innovative design.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new photosensitizer that doubles the yield of fumaric acid from CO2, creating biodegradable plastics with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation reuses waste resources to produce fumaric acid, a key component of sustainable packaging materials.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a new solid material that rapidly conducts lithium ions, replacing liquid electrolytes in current battery technology. The discovery provides a platform for optimising chemistry to enhance material properties.
Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a way to efficiently convert low-grade heat into electricity using lignin-derived membranes. The breakthrough technology has significant potential for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications, reducing waste heat's environmental impact.
Jian Shi, a UH researcher, has developed a carbon-driven framework called "ZERO-Accelerator" to expedite the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. The framework integrates novel mechanisms and algorithms into current power grid operational practices to achieve a 24/7 zero-carbon power grid.
Researchers develop electrochemical method to release hydrogen stored in hydrogen boride sheets, achieving high Faradaic efficiency. The process is expected to contribute to the development of safe and lightweight hydrogen carriers with low energy consumption.
JET's final deuterium-tritium experiments demonstrated high fusion power consistently produced for 5 seconds, setting a world-record of 69 megajoules using 0.2 milligrams of fuel. The facility has reliably created fusion plasmas with the same fuel mixture as commercial fusion energy powerplants.
Researchers at Imperial College London created a novel molecular toolkit to enhance compound production in yeast communities. The toolkit allowed them to split the resveratrol production pathway, resulting in enhanced production and more stable partnerships between yeast strains.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new technique to study the breakdown of cellulose by enzymes, revealing that hydrogen bonds in the complex molecule act as obstacles. The approach uses infrared light and operando spectroscopy to provide real-time snapshots of the sample, overcoming past limitations.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that big oil companies are relentless in expanding their extractive operations, deploying new technologies and seeking favorable locations. This leads to significant social and environmental costs, with local communities fighting against extraction activities.
New research reveals that governments and businesses rely on unsustainable amounts of future CO2 removal, posing risks to food security, human rights, and natural ecosystems. The study calls for policymakers to set separate targets for emission reductions and removals, prioritizing restoring natural ecosystems.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.
West Virginia University engineer Yuhe Tian is developing powerful artificial intelligence tools that can reimagine the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. She aims to harness quantum intelligence to innovate environmentally friendly chemical plant designs.
Researchers have developed a novel optical neural network architecture that achieves nonlinear optical computation by precisely controlling ultrashort pulse propagation in multimode fibers. This approach streamlines the need for energy-intensive digital processes, achieving comparable accuracy with significantly reduced parameters.
A study of 38 Ontario municipalities found that almost all publish their sustainability goals but under half formally report on progress. Researchers from the University of Waterloo aim to help Canadian municipalities monitor and measure their climate mitigation efforts through a new partnership.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have achieved a breakthrough in RFD, increasing the salt removal rate by approximately 20% while lowering its energy demand. The system can store affordable renewable energy and produce potable drinking water, promising a sustainable solution to the global water crisis.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new, sustainable way to create conductive inks for use in organic electronics. The new process uses benign solvents like water and has been shown to improve material properties and device performance.
Researchers create supramolecular ink, a game-changing technology for OLED display manufacturing, enabling more affordable and environmentally sustainable products. The material can also be used in wearable devices, luminescent art, and 3D printing.
A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.
Artificial leaf-shaped generators, called 'power plants', capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. They also collect energy from falling raindrops, producing high voltage but short-lived power output.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The new catalyst, SA Zn-RuO2, has improved stability and reactivity compared to commercial RuO2, with reduced energy consumption and increased durability.
Researchers used AI to optimize a carbon capture system at a coal-fired power station, capturing 16.7% more CO2 and using 36.3% less energy from the grid. The system can adapt to changing weather conditions, reducing energy consumption while increasing carbon capture efficiency.
Researchers at Lancaster University found that tidal range schemes can protect estuaries and coastal areas from sea level rise by harnessing high tides and maintaining low tide levels. These barrages can provide jobs, reliable power, and reduced costs while conserving habitats.
Researchers at KAUST Solar Center have developed a roadmap for commercializing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, which combine efficient light absorption and long-term stability. The technology has the potential to meet Saudi Arabia's solar targets and exceed $10 billion in market value within a decade.
Researchers at NREL found a correlation between electric vehicle ownership and the adoption of solar panels, with EV owners more likely to invest in photovoltaics. The study suggests that the two technologies have complementary nature, playing a pivotal role in energy systems resiliency.
The report highlights key applications and pathways to commercialization for emerging PV technologies, including new materials and device concepts. It also discusses strategies to exceed current limits in solar PV energy conversion and challenges facing efforts to scale up globally.
A £2.6 million center, led by the University of Leicester, will provide doctoral-level training in mineral resources to tackle challenges of sustainable energy generation and use. The Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET) aims to develop secure and sustainable supply of critical mineral resources.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts using Turing structures. This approach effectively resolves the instability problem associated with low-dimensional materials in catalytic systems, enabling efficient and long-lasting hydrogen production.
A new study by GIST researchers provides efficient hydrogen storage solutions using clathrate hydrates, overcoming limitations such as limited gas storage capacities and slow formation rates. The study offers crucial insights for developing clathrate hydrate-based technologies for carbon dioxide separation and hydrogen storage.