Category: Energy & Green Tech

Sky-high prices? Estimating the cost of climate-neutral aviation in the future Aviation currently contributes to about 4% of the global warming that has been observed. As demand for flights is likely to continue to increase, researchers and governments are looking for solutions to make aviation climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest. Go to techxplore

AI predicts properties of molten salts for modeling safer and more sustainable nuclear power reactors Researchers from Skoltech and the Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry of UB RAS have developed and tested a model based on machine learning that predicts the properties of molten salts. These compounds are already used in metallurgy and hold promise…

New research helps eliminate dead zones in desalination technology and beyond Engineers have found a way to eliminate the fluid flow “dead zones” that plague the types of electrodes used for battery-based seawater desalination. The new technique uses a physics-based tapered flow channel design within electrodes that moves fluids quickly and efficiently, potentially requiring less…

New technique enables rapid evaluation of fuel cell catalyst durability, identification of degradation mechanisms Researchers at the College of Engineering at Seoul National University have developed an innovative technology for rapid durability assessment and identification of degradation mechanisms of hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. Go to techxplore

Biophotovoltaics: A step forward in sustainable energy technology In a study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers have advanced our understanding of biophotovoltaic (BPV) systems—innovative devices that merge photosynthetic microbes with electrochemical systems to convert sunlight into electricity. Using the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the study provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms…

Tech sector’s energy transition draws attention at Vegas show With its focus on innovative products and cutting-edge technology, the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has not historically paid much attention to energy companies. Go to techxplore

Five ways to make aviation more sustainable right now Many of us feel guilt when we fly because it is a very obvious source of carbon emissions. Aviation causes around 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But we do not perhaps feel the same guilt when we walk into a new building, even though global…

An AI tool may help optimize methane storage solutions A new approach harnesses machine learning to search for materials to store methane, helping accelerate the adoption of methane as a cleaner alternative fuel for vehicles. The University of Michigan-led study is published in Physical Review Materials. Go to techxplore

Lithium-sulfur batteries: Study uncovers key degradation insights Lithium-sulfur batteries have a number of advantages over conventional lithium batteries: they use the abundant raw material sulfur, do not require the critical elements cobalt or nickel, and can achieve extremely high specific energy densities. Prototype cells are already achieving up to 500 Wh/kg, almost twice as much…

‘Lost year’: Germany electric car sales go into reverse Sales of new electric vehicles in Germany plunged last year, official figures showed Monday, as a slow switch to battery-powered cars deepened the woes of the country’s flagship auto industry. Go to techxplore

Emerging field of ‘energy meteorology’ sheds light on solar farms’ desert impact Rooftop solar panels are popular in many parts of the world, but power is generated much more cheaply and efficiently in utility-scale solar farms. Often, though, these large-scale solar farms are deployed in desert habitats, which contain native flora and fauna that are…

UK, Germany electricity cleanest on record in 2024 Britain and Germany produced their cleanest electricity on record last year, with renewables reaching record highs, according to data released Thursday. Go to techxplore

Researchers create triple-layer lithium battery resistant to fire and explosion A research team has developed a lithium metal battery using a triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte that offers greatly enhanced fire safety and an extended lifespan. This research holds promise for diverse applications, including in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. The research is published…

First self-charging supercapacitors developed: Storage device capable of storing solar energy efficiently A joint research effort has developed a high-performance self-charging energy storage device capable of efficiently storing solar energy. The research team has dramatically improved the performance of existing supercapacitor devices by utilizing transition metal-based electrode materials and proposed a new energy storage technology…

France’s most powerful nuclear reactor finally comes on stream France on Saturday connected its most powerful nuclear power reactor to the national electricity grid in what leaders hailed as a landmark moment despite years of delays, budget overruns and technical setbacks. Go to techxplore

Heat waves and bushfires can be a dangerous mix for the electricity grid: How to shore up supplies The Australian summer has started to unleash its power. On Monday, the Victorian town of Walpeup reached 47.1°C, and towns in Queensland, western New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory all hit temperatures above 45°C.…

Machine learning helps researchers develop perovskite solar cells with near-record efficiency An international team of scientists has used machine learning to help them develop perovskite solar cells with near-record efficiency. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes how they used the machine-learning algorithm to help them find new hole-transporting materials to…

Rising carbon emissions may lead to decreased wind power potential in autumn in South Korea As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, a recent study has shed light on the potential impacts of climate warming in East Asia on the regional future wind power potential (Wpot). Go to techxplore

Researchers unlock potential of desert plants for cleaner efficient energy Researchers have found a more sustainable way to produce energy using plants that can survive in dry conditions such as deserts. Go to techxplore

Chinese firms take on EV truck challenges Dominant in the electric car sector, Chinese companies have been quietly consolidating their position in the lesser-watched trucking scene—but foreign tariffs and a perceived quality gap could signal roadblocks ahead, experts warn. Go to techxplore

Prototype device produces critical fertilizer ingredient from thin air, cutting carbon emissions The air around us contains a powerful solution for making agriculture more sustainable. Researchers at Stanford University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia have developed a prototype device that can produce ammonia—a key fertilizer ingredient—using wind energy to…

EU conservatives seek to stall 2035 combustion engine ban The largest group in the European Parliament, the conservative EPP, joined calls Wednesday to “reverse” a ban on combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035, citing the struggles of the automotive industry. Go to techxplore

High efficiency meets sustainability: Next-generation tandem solar cells The development of perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells made of stable materials and manufactured using scalable production processes is the basis for the next technological leap in the photovoltaic industry. Go to techxplore

EPA awards $144 million to California to phase out big diesel trucks The Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $144 million in grants to fund 13 projects in California to help the state wean off fossil fuels and phase out big rigs that run on diesel. Go to techxplore

Stabilizing ligand enables 22% efficiency in all-inorganic perovskite cells An international team of physicists, chemists and electronic engineers reports that a stabilizing ligand enables all-inorganic perovskite cells with an efficiency of up to 22%. In their study, published in the journal Nature, the group came upon the idea of introducing para-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide (PTSH) as a…

Investigating sodium superionic conductors for solid-state sodium batteries Life would be easier if batteries charged in seconds, stored more energy, lasted longer, and were overall safer to use. As such, highly efficient solid-state batteries are currently a hot topic in the field, with many car companies even promising to offer them in future vehicles. Go…

New type of battery could outlast EVs and still be used for grid energy storage There’s a big push underway to increase the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries powering EVs on the road today. By law, in the US, these cells must be able to hold 80% of their original full charge after eight years of…

Recovering rare earth metals from waste permanent magnets Korea imports 95% of its core minerals such as lithium, nickel, and rare earths. Rare earths, in particular, are characterized by chemical, electrical, magnetic, and luminescent properties that can be achieved by adding only a small amount, and their use has recently increased significantly as core materials…

Poll measures support for revenue-sharing plan on renewable energy Democrats and Republicans don’t see eye-to-eye on much. And they often don’t agree on various aspects of renewable energy. But a recent report finds there is one area in which they’re pretty much in sync: how certain national proceeds should be divvied up. Go to techxplore

Burned rice hulls could help batteries store more charge A closer inspection of ash from burned rice hulls, the hard outer layer of rice grains, revealed a form of carbon that could nearly double the energy density of typical lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries. Go to techxplore

Monitoring system could help cities manage emissions without banning older vehicles How can vehicle emissions be reduced without necessarily having to change cars? A new monitoring system, developed by Politecnico di Milano and described in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, offers a concrete answer that makes sustainable mobility accessible to all. Go…

Nitrogen-doped catalyst technology could accelerate hydrogen fuel cell commercialization A research team has developed a breakthrough technology that dramatically improves the durability of alloy catalysts, a critical component in fuel cells. By incorporating nitrogen into the alloy structure, the team addressed the high cost and low durability of platinum (Pt) catalysts, two major obstacles to…

Nonproliferation innovation makes international impact at Kazakh nuclear site Kris Gaines is on a nonproliferation mission: to make it easier for more countries to eliminate highly enriched uranium, or HEU, thus neutralizing the inherent threat of its potential for nefarious use. As a nuclear nonproliferation specialist and project manager at the Department of Energy’s Oak…

Proton batteries: An innovative option for the future of energy storage A team of scientists at UNSW Chemistry have successfully developed an organic material that is able to store protons—and they have used it to create a rechargeable proton battery in the lab. Go to techxplore

Energy strategy could help advance low-carbon road transport while keeping it economically competitive Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have presented a concept for decarbonizing transport while keeping it economically competitive. Increasing the utilization of carbon dioxide from biogas plants plays an important role. Go to techxplore

Scientists predict bright future for fly ash in water treatment The world has the potential today to sustainably manage nearly one billion tons of ash waste it produces every year and turn it into a useful material for water treatment applications, according to a study by scientists from the University of Sharjah published in the…

Glittering dreams: India’s big push for solar power Vast lines of solar panels reflect the blazing sun in India’s western deserts, a dazzling ocean broken only by bristling wind turbines. Go to techxplore

Electric vehicle fires: How worried should we really be? Electric vehicles (EVs) bring not just environmental promise, but also raise critical safety questions—chief among them, the fire risks posed by their lithium-ion batteries. While indispensable for powering EVs, these batteries present unique challenges, especially in confined spaces like parking garages, where the potential for fires…

Balloon system can produce localized solar electricity for the ground below A team of engineers and environmental scientists from Mälardalen University, in Sweden, Southwest Jiaotong University, in China and Guizhou University, also in China, has developed a balloon system for producing and delivering electricity to the ground below. Their work is published in the journal…

Engineers unveil catalyst innovations for sustainable turquoise hydrogen solutions Dr. Woohyun Kim’s research team from the Hydrogen Research Department at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully developed an innovative nickel-cobalt composite catalyst that can accelerate the production and commercialization of turquoise hydrogen. The findings are published in the journal Fuel Processing Technology.…

Live in an apartment and want to charge an electric car at home? Here are four ways to help that happen Being able to charge your car at home is a big drawcard for many electric vehicle buyers. But it’s rare to find chargers installed at apartment complexes in Australia. Go to boat international

Monash University engineers have developed an ultra-fast charging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery, capable of powering long-haul EVs and commercial drones.

A recent collaboration has led to the development of a technique to drastically enhance the performance of perovskite solar cells using hydrogen-bonding additives. This research demonstrates that hydrogen bonding can extend the lifespan of solar cell materials while simultaneously achieving improved efficiency and stability.

The planned reopening of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant is praised as a boon for Pennsylvania and a boost for AI, but it is loathed by residents still haunted by a near-catastrophic meltdown there in 1979.