26 h. ago New materials could boost the energy efficiency of microelectronics

By stacking multiple active components based on new materials on the back end of a computer chip, this new approach reduces the amount of energy wasted during computation.

Politics

41 h. ago Tumbleweed aerodynamics inspire hybrid robots for harsh terrains

A new study published in Nature Communications details a hybrid robot that combines the wind-driven mobility of tumbleweeds with active quadcopter control, offering a new paradigm for energy-efficient terrestrial exploration.

Politics

6 d. ago Reservoir thermal energy storage offers efficient cooling for data centers

The rise of artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, and data processing is driving a steady increase in global data center electricity consumption. While running computer servers accounts for the largest share of data center energy use, cooling systems come in second—but a new study by researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as NREL, offers a potential solution to reduce peak energy consumption.

Politics

7 d. ago Better predicting the lifespan of clean energy equipment for more efficient design

Technology, no matter how advanced, always comes with a shelf life. Mechanical equipment used in clean-energy systems is no different. But as global efforts toward carbon neutrality accelerate, assessing the durability of infrastructure such as wind turbines, solar power plants, and nuclear facilities has become increasingly important.

Politics

8 d. ago Balancing noise suppression and climate impact: Timber shows promise

Many modern buildings are "green buildings," adhering to a complex set of standards to ensure they are environmentally friendly and sustainably designed, with minimal impact on nature and the humans that inhabit them. These standards can govern everything from energy efficiency to construction materials used for acoustic privacy between rooms.

Politics

9 d. ago Engineers develop thin film to make AI chips faster and more energy efficient

Addressing the staggering power and energy demands of artificial intelligence, engineers at the University of Houston have developed a revolutionary new thin-film material that promises to make AI devices significantly faster while dramatically cutting energy consumption.

Politics

1 week ago More efficient aircraft engines: Scientists reveal optimization potential

With its "Flightpath 2050" strategy, the European Commission has outlined a framework for the aviation industry that aims to reduce emissions as well as fuel and energy consumption. Among other things, this requires more efficient engines.

Science

2 w. ago Innovative materials boost stretchable digital displays' performance

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) power the high-end screens of our digital world, from TVs and phones to laptops and game consoles.

Politics

2 w. ago Home of the week: Refurbished 1900 Cape near Sugarloaf Ski Mountain in Maine for $315K

Painted bright blue, this Kingfield house features original flooring and an energy-efficient heat pump The post Home of the week: Refurbished 1900 Cape near Sugarloaf Ski Mountain in Maine for $315K appeared first on Boston.com.

Politics

2 w. ago The world's most efficient solar cell: Chinese researchers explain how they designed and built it

Earlier in 2025, Chinese solar manufacturer Longi announced it had built the world's most efficient solar cell. The hybrid interdigitated back-contact (HIBC) cell achieved 27.81% efficiency, which was verified by Germany's Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH).

Politics

3 w. ago How small can optical computers get? Scaling laws reveal new strategies

By studying the theoretical limits of how light can be used to perform computation, Cornell researchers have uncovered new insights and strategies for designing energy-efficient optical computing systems.

Politics

3 w. ago Cutting energy demand could be the cheapest, most efficient route to net zero, UK research says

Reducing the U.K.'s energy demand could help the country reach its net zero target faster and at half the cost compared to relying mainly on supply-side technologies, according to new research by energy experts.

Science

3 w. ago Studies reveal 95 barriers and 50 risks slowing decarbonization in the building sector

In the race against time to meet 2050 climate targets, building decarbonization looms large—but high upfront costs and a lack of public awareness are two of the biggest barriers for many countries, slowing the adoption of energy efficiency and electrification technologies. The top risks center on performance and reliability.

Events

3 w. ago Q&A: How a new modeling method could make energy systems more efficient, even in an uncertain future

Energy systems are incredibly complex, incorporating a dizzying array of power generators, distribution technologies and end-users; analyzing how all of those variables will change in the future poses challenges for long-term planning. A new method improves the computational modeling of these systems, giving policymakers new insights into which variables have the biggest impact and merit extra attention.

Politics

3 w. ago In Nebraska, Makeovers for Buildings That Don’t Price Out the Locals

In a struggling area of Lincoln, a program pays for repairs and energy efficiency upgrades in rental buildings. In return, landlords must keep rents affordable.

Politics

3 w. ago Perovskite solar cells achieve 27.2% efficiency with improved chlorine distribution

In recent years, perovskite has emerged as a promising solution for cheaper, more efficient solar energy. This advanced synthetic material is made from crystals that mimic the naturally occurring crystal perovskite (calcium titanate).

Politics

3 w. ago U.S. rig counts remain low as production efficiencies improve

U.S. rig counts remain low as production efficiencies improve  U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) (.gov)

Politics