Power Industry
Articles tagged with Power Industry
How can renewable energy be most efficiently integrated into the electric grid?
The study reveals that renewable energy sources like solar panels and electric vehicles can lower emissions and costs, but also cause voltage regulation challenges due to variable output. Community-scale battery energy storage systems are the most viable solution to mitigate these technical vulnerabilities, offering a 52% cost advantag...
Researchers get a better picture of power failures during extreme wind events
A new physics-based simulation framework predicts the likelihood of failure for different transmission tower designs across entire networks with 96% accuracy. The model accounts for various factors, including wind speed and direction, and rainfall intensity, to help power companies identify vulnerable towers and reduce power outage risks.
Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab
The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance explores emerging regulatory frontiers in Latin America. The program features speakers from leading international institutions and offers a range of activities, including flash talks, poster presentations, and paper development workshops.
Electric cars can make power grids more reliable (and earn owners money) – so why aren’t we doing that?
A new study identifies the barriers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) adoption, including coordination problems, limited infrastructure, and varying regulations. V2G technology can provide backup power during periods of high energy demand and earn EV owners money for supplying energy to the grid.
Swansea University part of major £65.6 million UKRI investment to train next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists
Swansea University is part of a major £65.6 million UKRI investment to train the next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists. The DRIVERS programme will equip future nuclear professionals with advanced technical, interdisciplinary, and digital skills.
Quaise Energy supports Oregon State University work to transform clean energy with geothermal technology
Oregon State University's Experimental Deep Geothermal Energy lab will recreate extreme underground conditions in the lab with Quaise Energy's support. The goal is to learn about superhot rock geothermal energy, which could supply 63 terawatts of firm, carbon-free power.
Scientists use sunlight and liquid metal to produce clean hydrogen from water
Researchers have created a process to produce clean hydrogen from freshwater and seawater using liquid metals powered by sunlight. The method avoids many obstacles in current hydrogen production methods, including the need for purified water and high costs. The team is working to improve efficiency for commercialization.
Innovation Crossroads startup revolutionizes wildfire prevention through grid hardening
Witching Hour's technology uses robots and drones to add insulation to powerlines, reducing wildfire risk and costs. The innovative approach offers faster and more affordable solutions for utility companies and local communities.
TVA spearheads University of Tennessee Nuclear Engineering Endowment
The Tennessee Valley Authority has invested $3 million to establish a nuclear engineering chair at the University of Tennessee, advancing academic excellence and workforce development. The partnership aims to drive innovation and strengthen East Tennessee's role in nuclear energy.
What happens to eagles after rehab?
A recent study found that releasing rehabilitated Golden Eagles can be an effective means of compensating for eagle deaths due to human actions. However, the study revealed that only a few rehabilitated eagles survive and integrate into the wild population, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of rehabilitation efforts.
Lehigh University–Siemens partnership advances microgrid research for AI data centers
A PhD student at Lehigh University is working with Siemens to develop real-time monitoring and control tools for hyperscale data centers. The goal is to create a localized power network that can operate independently of the main grid, reducing power demands from artificial intelligence and increasing energy efficiency.
FAU Engineering receives $1.5m gift to launch the ‘Ubicquia Innovation Center for Intelligent Infrastructure’
The FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science has established the 'Ubicquia Innovation Center for Intelligent Infrastructure' to develop transformative technologies. The center will empower students and faculty to create AI-First solutions for a smarter, more connected world.
In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions
Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.
Energy flexibility is reshaping Finland’s electricity market
A new study from the University of Vaasa examines how Finnish households are becoming more flexible with their energy consumption, driven by digitalisation and financial incentives. The research finds that material and monetary benefits are the most effective motivators for adopting flexible energy habits.
EPB Quantum℠ adds hybrid computing to comprehensive quantum development platform
EPB Quantum℠ adds hybrid computing to its platform, enabling the analysis of trillions of operational data points from EPB's electric system. The new project aims to minimize electrical losses and voltage drops in power grids, enhancing reliability and capacity.
Equity implications of where long-term fossil fuel plants are located found to differ based on time period studied
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
KBH Energy Center to host symposium
The KBH Energy Center will host its 11th annual symposium on September 12, bringing together experts and business leaders to discuss the future of US energy. The event will cover topics such as AI's impact on energy, nuclear power's future, and emerging trends in energy news coverage.
Analysis documents changing trends in U.S. carbon emissions
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.
How to manage cybersecurity risks in the energy sector?
A new handbook from the University of Vaasa provides a comprehensive toolkit for policymakers, energy companies, and cybersecurity professionals to improve cyber resilience. The handbook emphasizes socio-cyber-physical risk management, education, awareness, cooperation, and strategic investments to reduce threats in the energy sector.
Over confidence in finance bosses leads to environmental rule-breaking
A study of nearly 600 US companies over 17 years found that firms in states with stakeholder-focused laws are better at avoiding environmental issues. CFOs' personalities, especially if they're overconfident, can lead to risky decisions harming both the environment and the company.
Green hydrogen from Africa much more costly than previously assumed
A new study by TUM reveals that African green hydrogen production is much more costly than previously assumed, with only 2% of investigated locations being competitive. To make exports to Europe viable, governments and policymakers must provide price and offtake guarantees.
Skia: Shedding light on shadow branches
Skia identifies and decodes shadow branches, storing them in a memory area to alleviate bottlenecks and improve throughput. The technique can lead to quicker performance and less power consumption for data centers.
Bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes
Fraunhofer IAF presents a bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes, enabling more efficient power electronics for energy generation and mobility. The switch can be used in grid-connected power converters and electric drive systems.
China’s EV ultrafast charging stations: Challenges, solutions, and costs
A new study explores the future of EV ultrafast charging stations in China, finding that increased power capacity does not necessarily double station loads. The researchers propose two generalized solutions: energy storage and dynamic waiting strategies, which can effectively decrease peak loads and satisfy surging demands.
Difficult and costly energy transition unless the EU invests in biomass
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
“Faster charging, longer lifespan”: Next-generation battery breakthrough from POSTECH and KIER
Researchers developed a novel anode material combining hard carbon with tin, enhancing energy storage and stability. The composite structure shows excellent performance in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, promising applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.
Breakthrough in low-power neuromorphic computing: novel 2D phase-transition memristor achieves ultrafast and energy-efficient switching
Researchers developed a novel 2D phase-transition memristor leveraging intrinsic ion migration to overcome existing device limitations. The device achieves record-low power consumption, ultrafast switching speed, and exceptional endurance, making it suitable for high-speed computing applications.
IEEE study leverages silicon photonics for scalable and sustainable AI hardware
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.
Virginia Tech receives $1.3 million grant to revolutionize energy industries in Appalachia
Virginia Tech aims to establish a hydrogen innovation hub using natural gas conversion technology, producing cleaner and more economically viable products. The project's goal is to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions by transforming potent greenhouse gases into less harmful high-value products.
Six big ideas to help avoid a US electricity crisis
The US power system lacks capacity to handle rising demand, meeting participants agreed. Six big ideas for federal and state energy policymakers consider expanding the grid, optimizing current capabilities, and controlling costs and system reliability.
Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations
Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.
Don’t use your battery until it runs out!
A recent study identified a quasi-conversion reaction on the cathode surface during discharging, leading to accelerated battery degradation. High nickel content exacerbates this effect.
Idaho National Laboratory seeks sponsor for innovation incubator to support technology commercialization
The Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a private sector sponsor to invest in an innovation incubator supporting breakthrough innovations in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and advanced materials. The program aims to provide seed-stage startups with access to INL's world-class facilities and technical expertise.
WPI researcher receives DOE award to study uranium recovery from wastewater
The grant aims to develop an electrochemical system capable of recovering uranium from wastewater, improving ecosystem health and addressing uranium security. The project will focus on designing electrode materials for efficient uranium extraction and minimizing toxic waste.
Artificial intelligence that uses less energy by mimicking the human brain
A new approach to AI developed by Texas A&M University engineers mimics the human brain's neural processes, integrating learning and memory in a single system. This 'Super-Turing AI' has the potential to revolutionize the industry by reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
POSTECH unveils world’s first dynamic shape-morphing OLED panel with built-in speaker — all while maintaining ultra-thin flexibility
The POSTECH research team developed a smartphone-type OLED panel that can transform its shape while functioning as a speaker, maintaining ultra-thin flexibility. The panel uses electrically driven piezoelectric polymer actuators to achieve complex forms without mechanical hinges or motors.
Household electricity three times more expensive than upcoming ‘eco-friendly’ aviation e-fuels, study reveals
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.
Top locations for ocean energy production worldwide revealed
A comprehensive global assessment of ocean current energy identifies high power density areas off the East coast of the U.S. and Eastern coast of Africa, suitable for generating electricity from ocean currents. The study highlights the importance of expanding data collection to refine understanding and unlock the full energy potential ...
AMS Science Preview: Data deserts, energy costs, malaria prediction
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
University of Tennessee unveils Kairos Power Training Simulator Laboratory
The University of Tennessee has unveiled a new Operator Training Simulator Laboratory in partnership with Kairos Power. The lab will provide hands-on training for reactor operators and serve as a hub for UT students entering the advanced nuclear industry. It features state-of-the-art human-machine interfaces and simulates KP-FHR dynamics.
Mapping consensus locations for offshore wind
The study identifies suitable areas for offshore wind installations, with 18% of sites acceptable from a socio-environmental perspective. Smaller projects may offer less uncertainty in their impacts, making them more robust for development.
UTA retains top-tier US research status
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has earned the prestigious R1 designation, recognizing its highest level of research activity. UTA has maintained this classification since 2015 and continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
Virginia Tech to lead $10 million critical mineral research coalition in Appalachia
The Expand Appalachia project aims to accelerate the identification and characterization of unconventional critical mineral resources throughout the region. The team will assess regional infrastructure, identify industries that could benefit from production, and develop strategies to boost economic growth and attract investment.
Scientists crack the code to longer-lasting perovskite solar technology
Researchers have discovered a way to trap iodine in perovskite solar cells using alumina nanoparticles, enhancing lifespan and stability. The modified solar cells maintained high performance for over two months under extreme conditions.
NTU Singapore and Trinasolar to advance AI-powered smart energy storage solutions
The partnership aims to develop AI-driven tools to improve investment decisions, enhance system stability through intelligent forecasting, and deploy smart optimisation algorithms. The collaboration seeks to address key challenges in smart energy storage by integrating Trinasolar's expertise with NTU's leading research.
Skin-inspired de-icing surface revolutionizes ice removal with durability and efficiency
Researchers developed a durable de-icing surface inspired by human skin's layered structure, achieving exceptional performance with low ice adhesion strength. The surface design creates extensive wrinkling at the ice-substrate interface, allowing ice to shed under its own weight without external energy inputs.
Tiny grooves re-shape future of solar cell manufacturing
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new type of back-contact solar cell design using perovskite material and tiny grooves in plastic film. The technology enables scalable, low-cost manufacturing and avoids expensive rare earth metals, making it sustainable and affordable.
UCF alum, professor team up to power next-generation AI data centers
Relativity Networks develops patent-pending HCF cable that transmits data nearly 50% faster than conventional glass fiber, expanding data center geographical optionality. UCF's College of Optics and Photonics supports the innovation through industry partnerships and research collaborations.
Avoiding the double-edged sword of energy storage technology
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.
Role of barrier films in maintaining the stability of perovskite solar cells
A recent study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the durability of flexible perovskite solar cells under damp heat conditions. The findings revealed that high humidity leads to degradation, while a high-quality barrier film retained most power conversion efficiency, making it crucial for long-term stability.
Researchers from Incheon National University propose novel approaches for improved microgrid management
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.
What to do with aging solar panels?
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.
Colorado State receives $326M from DOE/EPA to improve oil and gas operations and reduce methane emissions
The university aims to improve operational efficiency, manage emissions, and build an inventory of methane emissions through three research projects. The efforts will also support workforce development and improve air quality in local communities.
A tangled web: Fossil fuel energy, plastics, and agrichemicals discourse on X/Twitter
A study published in PLOS Climate found substantial connections between fossil fuel, plastics, and agrichemical industries on Twitter. The research analyzed over 125,300 tweets from nine key players in these industries, revealing strong inter-sector connections, particularly between fossil fuel and plastics organizations.
Mayo Clinic launches Mayo Clinic Digital Pathology to modernize pathology, speed medical breakthroughs
Mayo Clinic's Digital Pathology platform is transforming pathology by leveraging large datasets and AI models for faster, more accurate diagnoses. The partnership with NVIDIA and Aignostics aims to improve patient care and accelerate medical breakthroughs.
AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston: Feb. 13-15 (Free Reg. for Press/PIOs)
The 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston will feature expert discussions on trust in science and science diplomacy. Researchers such as Holden Thorp and Ruth Morgan will examine how to demonstrate trustworthiness and put a new framework into practice.
Binghamton University and BAE Systems sign MOU, collaborate on Energy Storage Engine
The two entities will collaborate on power electronics and energy storage research, workforce development, and testing initiatives. They aim to accelerate next-generation technologies and future workforce in the industry.
WVU research finds CEOs innovate — or don’t — based on compensation packages and input from analysts
CEOs innovate based on stock recommendations and analyst feedback, which can foster explorative activities like R&D. However, many sacrifice long-term sustainability for immediate returns, incentivized by their compensation packages.