Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

Hematite 're-growth' smoothes rough edges for clean energy harvest

Finding an efficient solar water splitting method to mine electron-rich hydrogen for clean power has been thwarted by the poor performance of hematite. But by 're-growing' the mineral's surface, a smoother version of hematite doubled electrical yield, opening a new door to energy-harvesting artificial photosynthesis, according to a new report.

June 16, 2015 Read more

Leaving on a biofueled jet plane

Researchers have developed a catalytic process for converting sugarcane biomass into a new class of aviation fuel and lubricant base oils that could help biorefineries achieve net life-cycle greenhouse gas savings of up to 80 percent.

June 15, 2015 Read more

New calculations to improve CO2 monitoring from space

How light of different colours is absorbed by carbon dioxide can now be accurately predicted using new calculations. This will help climate scientists studying Earth's greenhouse gas emissions to better interpret data collected from satellites and ground stations measuring CO2.

June 15, 2015 Read more

NASA releases detailed global climate change projections

NASA has released data showing how temperature and rainfall patterns worldwide may change through the year 2100 because of growing concentrations of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.

June 13, 2015 Read more

A smart facade that saves energy and reduces bills

Using a novel energy efficient facade improves the comfort of residents while saving them money.

June 12, 2015 Read more

Carbon capture from cement production

The cement industry is one of the largest sources worldwide of carbon emissions, accounting for around five per cent of global emissions. New technologies may help substantially lower these emissions.

June 12, 2015 Read more

Cutting carbon emissions could have indirect effects on hunger

A new study has found for the first time that efforts to keep global temperatures in check will likely lead to more people going hungry. That risk, they say, doesn't negate the need for mitigation but highlights the importance of comprehensive policies.

June 10, 2015 Read more

When will we have better batteries than lithium-ion for gadgets and electric vehicles?

In recent years lithium-ion batteries have gathered bad press. They offer disappointing battery life for modern portable devices and limited driving range of electric cars, compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries also have safety concerns, notably the danger of fire. This situation raises legitimate questions: What is coming next?

June 10, 2015 Read more

Engineers develop state-by-state plan to convert US to 100 percent renewable energy

The 50 individual state plans call for aggressive changes to both infrastructure and the ways we currently consume energy, but indicate that the conversion is technically and economically possible through the wide-scale implementation of existing technologies.

June 9, 2015 Read more

Diamond-like coatings save fuel

Coating engine components with hard carbon reduces friction to almost zero - a development that could save billions of liters of fuel worldwide every year. Now researchers have developed a new laser method to apply the coating on the production line.

June 9, 2015 Read more

The shorter road to having it all: Fuel efficiency and cleaner exhausts

Five scientists review the state of research on two catalysts that can work in lean-burn engines.

June 8, 2015 Read more

Turning paper industry waste into chemicals

Researchers have found a more eco-friendly way to derive lignin - a paper industry waste product - from wood and convert it into chemical building blocks. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other products.

June 8, 2015 Read more

Bad air day? Low-cost pollution detectors to tackle air quality (w/video)

Pollution causes 30,000 people a year in the UK to die early yet most of us are unaware of the degree to which we are exposed to it. Low-cost pollution detectors could provide the answer.

June 2, 2015 Read more

A pan-European CO2 storage site in the North Sea?

Norway has the best geological 'CO2 sponge' in the world, says expert of climate technology.

June 2, 2015 Read more

Calcium batteries might be more powerful than lithium batteries

The European ACABA (Advanced Calcium Batteries) project is creating calcium batteries that can compete with lithium batteries.

June 1, 2015 Read more

Hybrid vessels will soon be on the market

Hybrid cars have been a success. The shipping industry is now moving in the same green direction.

May 29, 2015 Read more

Designing the wind turbine of the future

Three innovative components can pave the way for cheaper wind energy generation.

May 28, 2015 Read more

European Commission launches platform for promoting sustainable energy

Today, the European Commission is launching the European Smart specialisation platform on energy, which will support regions and Member States in using Cohesion Policy funding more effectively for promoting sustainable energy. The Platform will help regions to share their expertise on sustainable energy investments and especially on the deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies.

May 26, 2015 Read more