Articles tagged with Energy Policy
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A survey of 37 nations shows that policy responses need to be tailored to the nation in which they are delivered, as regional factors greatly influence relationships among energy affordability, life satisfaction, health, and economic inequality.
A new study by University of Exeter expert Richard Lowes found that lobbyists and campaigners were the most influential group in shaping UK Renewable Heat Incentive policy. Strengthening lobbying regulations could provide more visibility and control over their influence.
A new study from Oregon State University researcher Hilary Boudet challenges the notion that technology is the primary driver of energy policy in the US. Societal values, personal experiences, and social networks play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of new energy technologies.
A new study led by Duke University researchers found that adopting common business practices can increase the demand for improved cookstoves in rural India. The study showed a significant increase in adoption rates, with nearly half of households purchasing stoves in intervention areas compared to zero purchases in control villages.
A new study reveals that UK viewers are increasingly opting for data-intensive streaming services, leading to a significant increase in household data demand. The research found that YouTube was the most data-demanding watching service, while smartphones were the most commonly owned devices.
A recent study from Carnegie Mellon University finds that simple green energy nudges can decrease support for more effective climate change policies, such as a carbon tax. The researchers found that when participants were also offered a nudge, their support for the tax declined significantly.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that public fear of nuclear power leads to a 40% decrease in chosen nuclear generation. The team surveyed over 1,200 US respondents and showed some with the names of energy sources and others with risk information to disentangle the root causes of public opinion.
A new study found that daily intake among adolescents and middle-aged adults may be leveling off, but use by young adults continues to rise. Energy drinks are linked to negative health consequences due to high caffeine content and added sugar.
A comprehensive study tracking 26 years of waste disposal reveals that most oil and gas waste from Pennsylvania stays within the state, posing human health hazards. The study also found that conventional drilling operations accounted for nearly one-third of all waste.
A University of Michigan study found that self-driving cars could partially or completely offset energy savings due to induced driving miles. The researchers estimated that a 38% reduction in perceived travel time cost would eliminate fuel savings, suggesting the possibility of 'backfire' and net increases in energy consumption.
Researchers found a persistent flow of total virtual energy from less-populated to energy-abundant provinces in China increased after the financial crisis. The study highlights the need for holistic policy decisions to mitigate energy's environmental impacts.
Well-managed autonomous vehicles could increase mobility, improve safety, and reduce emissions, but poorly managed ones could exacerbate environmental problems. Implementing fuel economy standards and regulations can ensure a positive outcome.
A new policy perspective published in Science warns that a ten-year delay in emissions reductions could negate natural climate solutions' benefits. Natural climate solutions like forest enhancement and carbon sequestration are not enough to meet the Paris Agreement's goals without rapid mitigation efforts.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that African-American and Hispanic-dominant neighborhoods have installed significantly fewer rooftop solar photovoltaics than white-dominant neighborhoods, even after controlling for household income and home ownership. This disparity affects the deployment of solar energy across the US.
A new study from the University of Bath found that standing for hours a day burns only about 9 calories an hour, equivalent to a stalk of celery. This suggests that replacing sitting with standing time is unlikely to lead to significant weight loss, and individuals should focus on increasing physical activity and diet instead.
Environmental organizations and social movements in Chile played a crucial role in fostering renewable energy policy, according to a new study. The authors argue that 'contingent coalitions' - collective actors with shared interests - were instrumental in promoting innovative policies and increasing the political clout of these groups.
A special issue published in Energy Efficiency Journal outlines how carbon emissions can be reduced through demand-side approaches, including transport sector strategies such as telecommuting, public transport, and vehicle electrification.
A new MIT study highlights the importance of nuclear energy in achieving deep carbon emissions reductions. The authors propose new policy models and cost-cutting technologies to make nuclear a vital component of low-carbon energy solutions.
The study analyzed global oil supply data to estimate emissions from flaring and found that it remains the most carbon-intensive part of oil production. Flaring, which involves burning unwanted gas associated with oil extraction, is often used when there are no economically viable outlets for the gas.
A natural field experiment found that social nudges decrease electricity consumption with potential policy implications for energy markets. The average effect of receiving both nudges was similar to the sum of individual effects, suggesting limited crowd-out effects.
A new study assesses tax and regulatory options to incentivize the development of 'green' blockchain technologies and discourage polluting applications. The research recommends imposing levies to reduce energy consumption and offering financial rewards for innovators developing carbon-neutral blockchain designs.
A new study from Indiana University finds that states requiring utilities to increase renewable energy see expansion of renewable facilities and generation, particularly solar. The research highlights the importance of policy design features such as stringency and planning processes in driving renewable energy development.
A study by the European Commission Joint Research Centre found that even with strong efforts, residual carbon emissions will reach over 1000 gigatons by the end of the century, exceeding the level needed to achieve the 1.5°C target. Accelerated energy efficiency improvements and electrification are necessary to limit warming.
Studies found that retiring eight fossil fuel power plants in California resulted in a significant drop of 20-25% in preterm birth rates, particularly among non-Hispanic African-American and Asian women. The researchers also observed an increase in fertility rates in the surrounding areas.
A new study estimates Bitcoin's minimum current energy usage at 2.55 gigawatts, with predictions suggesting it could consume up to 7.7 gigawatts by the end of 2018. The network's growing electricity demand raises concerns about its sustainability and impact on climate goals.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a method to identify communities that may be negatively affected by clean energy policies. The tool uses the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram to pinpoint populations at highest risk for negative socioeconomic consequences.
A series of energy price increases across the Middle East and North Africa indicates a shift away from subsidies as a means of legitimacy for autocratic regimes. The reforms aim to streamline patronage structures, allowing regimes to maintain control while reducing their reliance on oil rents.
Researchers at Imperial College London caution against relying on over-optimistic renewable energy models that predict whole systems can run on near-100% renewables by 2050. Despite increasing UK energy production from renewables, the lack of firm and dispatchable backup energy systems poses reliability issues.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will collaborate with private sector companies and local transportation agencies to develop changes in freight demand patterns and reduce energy use. The project aims to test new ideas, collect data, and inform research on energy-efficient transportation technologies and systems.
A study found that Americans spent more time at home in 2012, saving 1,700 trillion BTU in energy consumption. This increase was driven by decreased travel and non-residential space use, resulting in a net 1.8% national energy savings. The research highlights the impact of advances in information technology on American lifestyle patterns.
A new study argues that US energy colonialism is a key cause of Puerto Rico's Hurricane María crisis, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure, debt crisis, and industrial contracts. The author calls for decarbonization and community control to address energy justice and sovereignty.
A new paper by experts at Rice University's Baker Institute finds geopolitical risks to US oil supply are at their lowest since the 1970s. Climate policies have enhanced oil security through greater fuel efficiency and alternative technologies.
Researchers from UK and US institutions have set out six guiding principles for clean energy investment, emphasizing autonomy, stability, and adaptive strategies. The guidelines aim to provide more long-term stability when investing in clean energy.
A recent study reveals substantial differences in climate change views between Republican elites and their party members, with only a quarter of Republicans believing human-caused climate change. The research also finds that Republican support for climate policies varies by state, with Southern Florida showing strong backing for regula...
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Matto Mildenberger finds substantial differences in Republican and Democratic climate change views across different states and congressional districts. The research reveals varied opinions among Republicans on issues like climate policies, renewable energy, and carbon regulations, despite part...
Recent studies show that vehicle-to-grid technology can improve battery life and provide valuable clean energy, but upgrading the system is necessary. Dr. Uddin and Dr. Dubarry developed an accurate battery degradation model to predict the impact of V2G on battery health.
A new review of energy drinks highlights their advertised benefits can be outweighed by serious health risks. The study recommends restricted sales to children and adolescents and setting evidence-based caffeine limits.
Climate policies aimed at limiting global warming below 2C can reduce air pollution-related deaths by 15-40% annually, while raising crop yields by 2.5-6.6%. The report also finds that these measures could save over 300,000 lives annually by 2030.
A new report highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address growing energy demands from emerging middle classes. The study finds that adoption rates of energy-efficient materials and technologies vary greatly across countries due to differences in climate, economic power, and public perception on climate change.
A new study by MIT researchers found that cities can reduce urban emissions primarily through better building practices, not greater housing density. Implementing energy-efficient construction standards and retrofitting existing homes can lower residential emissions by up to 19% by 2030.
UTSA has launched five innovative research initiatives to support clean energy and climate action, with funding totaling over $2 million from CPS Energy. The projects aim to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create smart buildings that can optimize energy consumption.
Researchers found that young people's confusion about energy drinks suggests the need for educational campaigns. Participants suggested strategies to reduce consumption, including restrictions on sale, changing packaging, and increasing prices.
A new study by University of Sussex researchers reveals that consumer apathy and insufficient information are hindering the UK's £11 billion smart meter rollout. The programme aims to reduce national household energy consumption, but so far, only seven percent of homes have been installed.
Researchers developed an intelligent smart meter that creates significant energy and money savings for homeowners by providing personalized advice on how to reduce energy consumption. The device has been shown to significantly reduce household energy usage and bills through clear actionable information.
A study by the University of Chicago finds that air pollution in Northern China reduces life expectancy by 3.1 years, with every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase reducing it by 0.6 years.
A UCSB political science professor suggests that public support for renewable energy is strong in the US, with states having abundant resources at the top of the list. However, public opinion can sometimes fail to translate into state legislation, and framing context and local benefits as key factors can increase support. A study found...
A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.
A Pew Research Center survey finds that Americans lean towards government regulations to encourage renewable energy consumption. While there is a close divide on cutting back environmental regulations, most believe protecting the environment from energy development should be a top priority. The public also supports increasing reliance ...
The US military could bolster its energy independence by deploying solar-powered microgrids, reducing reliance on vulnerable backup systems and enhancing grid resiliency. The proposed systems would provide localized energy security, decreasing the chance of cascading failures.
Researchers created a model to measure the impact of policy on commercial solar photovoltaic adoption in California, providing new insight into energy policy. The study found that government incentives have a greater impact on larger commercial customers and smaller businesses face unique hurdles when adopting solar PV systems.
A study by PSE Healthy Energy found that many hazardous chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are also used in routine oil- and gas-field activities, including drilling, cleaning, and maintenance. These findings have major implications for chemical disclosure policies and risk assessments of oil and gas development.
To meet the 1.5C target, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to less than 25% of energy supply by 2100 and land use change must decrease. A new study suggests that a high-renewable energy scenario could peak emissions as early as 2022.
The MIT Energy Initiative's 'Mobility of the Future' study aims to understand how technology, fuel, infrastructure, policy, and consumer preference will shape future transportation. The research team will examine various government policies, vehicle automation, and emerging mobility business models.
African forests, which feed and provide subsistence means to at least 100 million people, are being cleared at a rate of over 10% by 2025 due to expanding agricultural production. The study recommends policies that prioritize forest conservation and local control of land to mitigate deforestation.
The report recommends increasing US spending on solar R&D, encouraging international collaborations with China, and reforming federal policies to prioritize cost reduction. The researchers argue that the US should capitalize on its strengths in research and development while addressing concerns around intellectual property protection.
The Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index will provide a snapshot of critical data regarding energy production and environmental performance. The index will track U.S. power producers' carbon dioxide emissions and compare them to historical data, providing insights into progress made by the power sector in reducing emissions.
Scientists have reinvented abandoned heat energy converter technology using graphene, making it seven times more efficient. The new prototype can convert heat into electricity with an electronic efficiency of 9.8%, a significant improvement over traditional methods.
Experts review successful and unsuccessful policies for low-carbon technology innovation, highlighting the impact of policy instruments on technological progress. They also discuss the importance of stakeholder collaboration in implementing smart city innovations.
Researchers have developed a hydrometallurgical method to recycle lithium batteries, recovering cobalt and lithium with reasonable efficiency. The process involves calcination, acid treatment, and leaching, resulting in useful extraction rates for the metals.
The Berkeley Tsinghua Joint Research Center on Energy and Climate Change has received a $5 million donation to support its scientific research and analysis on clean energy solutions for China. The gift also establishes the first endowed chair at Berkeley Lab, the Nat Simons Chair in China Energy Policy.