Articles tagged with Wind Power
A new study identifies four major factors leading to disputes over wind farms in Ontario, including socially mediated health concerns, financial benefits distribution, lack of meaningful engagement, and landscape impact. The research offers recommendations for addressing these issues to promote community acceptance of wind energy devel...
A comprehensive USGS study finds that human-related mortality in bats is on the rise globally, with wind turbine collisions and white-nose syndrome being primary causes. This trend may not be sustainable and highlights the need for policy and conservation actions to reduce human impact on bat populations.
A fully renewable energy system is achievable and economically viable for Russia and Central Asia by 2030, with costs comparable to European nuclear technology or carbon capture and storage. The region can expect a 20% reduction in electricity costs through integrated energy sectors.
A study by McGill University researchers proposes using metal powders as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for generating electricity and powering transportation. The use of metal powders in external-combustion engines could provide a zero-carbon solution with recyclable fuels that store clean primary energy.
The UN report concludes that green energy technologies can significantly reduce global pollution if chosen wisely. Renewable electricity generates much lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, with wind and solar power producing only 5-6% of the emissions created by coal-fired plants.
Scientists at the University of South Carolina have created a new catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into carbon monoxide, a potential fuel source. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are more stable and cost-effective than traditional metal-based catalysts.
Researchers analyzed four Canadian cities using RETScreen software and found that geothermal heat pumps are most viable in Halifax. The study suggests that the systems could provide significant financial savings, breaking even within 7 years.
Large-scale wind power generation can reduce breeding success of white-tailed eagles by causing collision mortality. Preventive measures are needed to protect vulnerable species and ensure sustainable energy production.
The US lags behind Europe in offshore wind power deployment, with only land-based wind and solar reaching new heights since 2005. Researchers from the University of Delaware urge policy changes, tax incentives, and research focus on U.S.-specific barriers to overcome current obstacles.
A recent study reveals that offshore wind farms could be more risky for gannets than previously believed, with the birds' feeding grounds overlapping extensively with planned wind farm sites. The researchers estimate that up to 1,500 breeding birds could be killed each year at two planned wind farms.
A new Harvard study finds that the supply of wind and solar power could be increased tenfold without additional storage, making gas turbines cost-effective carbon mitigation candidates. Low capital cost and good emissions performance also make them a viable alternative to intermittent renewables.
A recent study published in Renewable Energy predicts that the Midwest region will experience a 2% increase in wind energy density by 2038-2070 due to climate change. This is expected to provide additional power for residents, with some counties projected to gain enough energy to run multiple appliances continuously.
The EOLO group has developed a novel method for predicting wave energy up to 16 hours in advance, using a combination of historical measurements and machine learning algorithms. This technique has shown higher reliability than existing methods for forecasting swell and storms in the Bay of Biscay.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that large wind farms can trigger a slowdown effect in atmospheric flow, resulting in less renewable energy generated. This phenomenon, known as the 'turbulence-attenuation effect,' affects wind turbines' ability to generate electricity.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have developed an artificial leaf that can harness sunlight to produce hydrogen fuels, achieving a high efficiency rate. The system consists of three components: photoanode, photocathode, and membrane, which work together to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas.
A new study maps potential wind-power sites and nesting patterns of golden eagles, revealing 'sweet spots' where wind power can coexist with eagle habitats. The research provides a framework for industry and managers to assess potential development and minimize bird deaths.
Wind energy pricing has reached new lows in the US, with turbines becoming economically viable in more locations. The report highlights improvements in turbine scaling and manufacturing costs, making wind power a credible source of new electricity generation.
Researchers developed a novel surface structure with gradient features to control droplet bouncing, enabling anti-icing capabilities for various applications. The new surface design prevents ice formation and reduces the contact time between droplets and surfaces.
Student teams at Stanford University have won grants to develop and commercialize innovative energy technologies, including a miniature ultrasound sensor for windmill blades that can detect potential failures. The projects aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency in clean energy sectors, with the goal of creating sustainable entrepre...
A new statistical technique predicts wind speeds more accurately than existing methods, even with limited data. The model uses non-Gaussian distributions and nonlinear correlations to improve accuracy, doubling predictions in some cases.
A five-year regional smart grid pilot project in the Pacific Northwest improved energy efficiency and reduced power costs by up to $235,000 annually. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of transactive control technology in improving reliability and reducing peak demand.
Switzerland seeks to replace nuclear power with a mix of renewable energy sources, including wind, photovoltaics, and hydropower. The country aims to be largely independent of fossil fuels by 2034, reducing carbon intensity through efficient production processes and substantial reductions in consumption.
Researchers have found that wind turbines can be installed under viaducts to produce electricity, offering a new source of renewable energy. The study suggests that this concept could be applied in heavily built-up territories or natural areas with limited space for new constructions.
Researchers have developed a prototype coating for wind turbine blades that mimics the intricate structure of an owl's wing, reducing noise production by up to 30dB. The coating, made of 3D-printed plastic, has shown promising results in wind tunnel tests, potentially leading to more efficient and quieter wind turbines.
In 2014, renewables made up 59% of net additions to global power capacity, reaching 27.7% of the world's power generating capacity. This milestone marked the first time in four decades that the world economy grew without a parallel rise in CO2 emissions.
Researchers create two novel devices that harness the power of evaporation to generate electricity and propel self-sustaining devices. The floating piston-driven engine generates enough electricity to cause a light to flash, while the rotary engine drives a miniature car.
The partnership aims to enhance the operation and development of testing facilities, enabling better understanding of wind turbine drivetrain systems. The collaboration will also promote public-private partnerships and workforce education in the energy industry.
A fully renewable energy system featuring high shares of wind and solar energy is economically feasible for Finland by 2050, producing over 166 TWh of electricity annually. The system also includes power-to-gas technology and energy storage solutions, with total annual costs estimated at around 25 billion euros.
A study found that consumers in a wind power program valued community membership over direct personal benefits, driven by a sense of shared risk and responsibility. Participants felt connected to others who lived environmentally conscious lives, influencing their actions and behaviors.
Researchers found that migratory birds' social hierarchy plays a significant role in avoiding collisions with obstacles like wind turbines. The study's computer simulations revealed that groups with a single well-informed leader are more likely to avoid such hazards.
Researchers aim to identify annoying features of wind power plants from people's experiences in Finnish climatic conditions. A real-time feedback system and statistical models will be used to model the formation and dissemination of sound.
Noise levels during pile driving could damage harbour seals' hearing, with half of tagged seals exposed to damaging levels. The study used GPS data loggers and models revealed the impact on the UK's marine life.
Researchers found that Chinook winds precede significant shifts in wind power output, allowing grid operators to better manage energy supply. The study's findings have implications for wind energy's success on a massive scale.
A University of Utah team has been awarded a $400,000 grant to study new methods for developing geothermal energy in areas where it's not currently feasible. The goal is to discover ways to create underground flow that will allow communities to construct sustainable and clean geothermal systems.
The US saw net job growth in electricity generation between 2008 and 2012, with natural gas, solar and wind-energy jobs rising by nearly 200,000. However, coal jobs declined significantly, particularly in regions hardest hit by the industry's decline.
A new zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery boasts an energy density exceeding other flow batteries of its kind and size. This design enables efficient long-duration energy storage for urban grids, enhancing resiliency and flexibility.
A new study from the University of Guelph analyzed over 7,000 home and farm sales in Ontario and found that wind farms have no statistically significant impact on property values. The research used a unique method to capture property value fluctuations before, during, and after wind farm development.
Researchers say that improved storage technologies and hybrid systems could address the variable nature of alternative energy, making them more cost-effective and efficient. Advanced energy storage and smart-grid connections are being explored to match different forms of renewable energy and provide a consistent power supply.
Carter Abney has developed a new method to extract uranium from seawater using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could provide a sustainable energy source. The technology also has implications for reducing radioactive waste by removing minor actinides, extending nuclear power capabilities.
Researchers at WSU are building a comprehensive 'smart city' laboratory to test smart grid technologies. The lab will simulate various systems and components, including windmills, solar panels, fuel cells, and power substations.
A study recommends ongoing assessment of offshore wind farm impacts on marine species, particularly sound emissions and behavioral responses. The researchers suggest targeted data collection to inform regulatory decisions, minimizing negative environmental impacts.
The Simulator for Wind Farm Applications (SOWFA) tool simulates complex variables to optimize wind farm energy production. It enables developers to improve individual turbine performance and reduce wake losses, potentially cutting costs by billions of dollars.
A global life cycle assessment of renewable energy future reveals significant reductions in air pollution and improvement in human health. The study finds that a shift to low-carbon technologies will increase demand for raw materials, but these demands are manageable and do not outweigh the benefits.
Two massive buoys equipped with meteorological and oceanographic equipment will be deployed off the US coastline to evaluate the power-producing potential of offshore winds. The buoys will provide accurate wind speed and direction data, enabling better understanding of air-sea interactions and turbine performance.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that wind energy produced savings of between 25 and 45 euros per megawatt hour in the early stages of renewable energy integration. However, as the penetration of renewable energy grew exponentially from 2010 onwards, the regulatory costs rose excessively, imposing a positive net co...
A new Stanford study outlines a plan to convert California's all-purpose energy infrastructure to renewable energy by 2050. The plan could create tens of thousands of jobs and save billions in pollution-related health costs while reducing air pollution mortality and global warming emissions.
A study published in Fire Safety Science found that wind turbines experience a significant number of fires annually, with estimates suggesting ten times more fires than reported. The research highlights the need for improved fire protection engineering solutions to address this issue.
Researchers tracked seals' movements using GPS and found some individuals repeatedly visiting offshore wind farms, where they foraged on turbines and pipelines. This behavior suggests that man-made structures serve as attractive hunting grounds, potentially impacting seal populations and prey availability.
A new study by Monash University found that implementing efficiency measures addressing climate change can reduce water consumption. Energy efficiency measures, such as wind power and solar photovoltaics, were identified as key options for saving water while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Australian researchers advise incorporating water use into climate change policies, as energy-efficient technologies can also reduce water consumption. The study analyzed 74 options and found that renewable options and energy efficiency measures can help save nearly 100 Mmᶾ of water in Australia annually.
Finland is developing a new energy system for storing solar and wind energy, targeting greenhouse gas reduction and energy self-sufficiency. The NEO-CARBON ENERGY project aims to create Finnish companies' international RÝ competitiveness and explore business opportunities in the global market.
Eranda Nikolla's research aims to improve energy efficiency and lessen environmental pollutants by developing robust solid-state electrochemical systems. Her project will utilize a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques to design efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion, producing syngas.
A global study suggests that capturing CO2 emissions is essential to meet ambitious climate targets. Bioenergy and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies can help reduce non-electric energy-related emissions, but their risks need to be investigated further.
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.
Researchers developed a water-based organic battery that is long-lasting, cheap, and environmentally friendly. The battery uses no metals or toxic materials and can store large amounts of energy, making it a potential solution to the nation's renewable energy challenges.
A team of University of Minnesota researchers used natural snow to measure airflow around large wind turbines, revealing significant differences in patterns at the large-scale compared to lab measurements. This technique is crucial for improving wind energy efficiency, which can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
The US Department of Energy has renewed funding for Brookhaven's Center for Emergent Superconductivity, aiming to understand the fundamental nature of superconductivity in complex materials. This could revolutionize energy distribution and storage by enabling efficient transport and storage of vast quantities of energy.
The Sopcawind project develops a multidisciplinary database to analyze the impact of wind farms on telecommunications systems, ensuring fluid design processes and minimizing potential interference. The tool facilitates wind farm development while preserving existing telecommunications systems.
Renewable energy capacity surged globally, driven by supportive policies in emerging economies. Over 95 nations now have renewable energy growth policies in place, accounting for 56% of net additions to global power capacity. Renewables accounted for 22% of the world's power production and 19% of global final energy consumption.
A new concept for counter-rotating wind turbines in tandem arrangements has been developed to improve power production performance. Experimental studies have shown that this configuration can increase energy utilization by up to 20%, particularly beneficial for onshore wind farms with smaller spacing between turbines.