3 d. ago Carbon nanotubes could power a new generation of flexible solar panels

Perovskite solar cells can be made not only more robust but also more efficient, scalable and cheaper to manufacture by replacing the indium tin oxide (ITO) in the device, according to research led by the University of Surrey. The team suggests that replacing the ITO—one of the most fragile and expensive materials in photovoltaics—with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) could take perovskite solar cells to the next level, creating truly flexible, affordable and durable panels.

Politics

1 week ago What are small modular reactors, a new type of nuclear power plant sought to feed AI's energy demand?

As U.S. electricity demand rises and technology companies seek to build more and larger data centers to drive artificial intelligence systems, the main question arising is how to generate all that power.

Events

1 week ago Google plans to power a new data center with fossil fuels, yet release almost no emissions

As AI data centers spring up across the country, their energy demand and resulting greenhouse gas emissions are raising concerns. With servers and energy-intensive cooling systems constantly running, these buildings can use anywhere from a few megawatts of power for a small data center to more than 100 megawatts for a hyperscale data center. To put that in perspective, the average large natural gas power plant built in the U.S. generates less than 1,000 megawatts.

Politics

2 w. ago Silicon could power the next generation of lithium‑ion batteries

By adding silicon to battery anodes, energy storage can be doubled or even tripled. Ph.D. student Ali Abo Hamad at FSCN Research Center has developed a sustainable method to make silicon suitable for next-generation batteries.

Politics

2 w. ago New transmission towers are crucial for renewables—but contentious: Here's where they could go

Solar and wind now provide 99% of new generating capacity in Australia. Renewables supply more than 40% of power to the main grid.

Politics

3 w. ago Study shows waste cardboard is effective for power generation

A new study has shown for the first time that waste cardboard can be used as an effective source of biomass fuel for large-scale power generation.

Politics

3 w. ago Eating just a handful of plastic can be fatal for marine animals, a study finds

Scientists have long known that plastic waste is bad for marine animals. A new study quantifies how little ingested plastic it takes to be a lethal dose.

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 MIT researchers use CT scans to unravel mysteries of early metal production

The team adapted the medical technique to study slag waste that was a byproduct of ancient copper smelting.

Politics

4 w. ago Texas startup raises $5.5M for revolutionary solar towers that produce 50% more energy

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

Technology