Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

The cost of limiting global warming

Study finds real-world choices affect cost of emissions reduction, and shift them from emerging to industrialized countries.

March 16, 2015 Read more

Groundbreaking research 'measures the pulse of planet Earth' to reveal hidden patterns of climate change

International research team reveals subtle changes in Europe's climate through method used by heart surgeons.

March 16, 2015 Read more

Novel monitoring tools tackle chemical surface waters pollution

New report prepared in the context of the EU water framework directive.

March 13, 2015 Read more

Turning smartphones into personal, real-time pollution monitors

Scientists have used smartphone and sensing technology to better pinpoint where and when pollution is at its worst.

March 11, 2015 Read more

Researchers develop new approach that combines biomass conversion, solar energy conversion

A new approach to combine solar energy conversion and biomass conversion, two important research areas for renewable energy.

March 10, 2015 Read more

New carbon accounting method proposed

Researchers have developed a new method that provides policy makers with more useful information, in order to set national targets and evaluate their climate policies.

March 10, 2015 Read more

Low-impact hub generates electrical current from pure plant power

Green wall technology and semi-transparent solar panels have been combined to generate electrical current from a renewable source of energy both day and night.

March 9, 2015 Read more

Bioelectrochemical processes have the potential to one day replace petrochemistry

Researchers have found that the electrification of the white biotechnology is not merely a green dream, but an alternative to petrochemistry with realistic economical potential. Compared to classical sugar based bio-processes, bioelectrochemical processes promise improved yields, which could turn out to be a real game changer. The next generation of bio-production facilities may not only become more environmentally friendly, but also more economically competitive.

March 9, 2015 Read more

Researchers explore longer life cycle for batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are common in consumer electronics. They are one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries for portable electronics, with a high energy density, no memory effect and only a slow loss of charge when not in use. Now, researchers are exploring new energy storage technology that could give the battery an even longer life cycle.

March 8, 2015 Read more

Hidden hazards found in green products

Researchers investigated and compared volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 37 different products, such as air fresheners, cleaning products, laundry supplies, and personal care products, including those with certifications and claims of 'green' and 'organic'.

March 5, 2015 Read more

Big box stores could ditch the grid, use natural gas fuel cells instead

Study finds potential for reduced carbon emissions and lower power costs.

March 5, 2015 Read more

The internet of energy

The power grid is based on technology from the early 20th century. That needs to change.

March 4, 2015 Read more

Where you live could mean 'greener' alternatives do more harm than good

Whether it's swapping your car for an electric vehicle, or your natural gas furnace for geothermal heating, transitioning from fossil fuels to electric-powered technology is widely believed to be the best way to lower carbon emissions. But knowing where the electricity comes from to power those 'eco-alternatives' is critical. If that electricity comes from burning oil and coal, it might mean that green alternatives aren't that green after all.

March 4, 2015 Read more

Understanding electric car 'range anxiety' could be key to wider acceptance

Drivers have been slow to adopt electric vehicles due to 'range anxiety', the fear of becoming stranded with an empty battery. This phenomenon was recently addressed in a study that aims to explain range anxiety and determine whether hands-on experience can reduce drivers' stress.

March 3, 2015 Read more

New incubator network to help clean-energy entrepreneurs

The Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) have launched the Clean Energy Incubator Network. The program, funded by the Energy Department, aims to improve the performance of clean energy business incubators, connect critical industry and energy sector partners, and advance clean energy technologies emerging from universities and federal laboratories.

March 3, 2015 Read more

Water in smog may reveal pollution sources

The chemical signature of water vapor emitted by combustion sources such as vehicles and furnaces has been found in the smoggy winter inversions that often choke Salt Lake City. The discovery may give researchers a new tool to track down the sources of pollutants and climate-changing carbon dioxide gas.

March 2, 2015 Read more

Producing solar fuel using artificial photosynthesis

Researchers have taken a step closer to producing solar fuel using artificial photosynthesis. In a new study, they have successfully tracked the electrons' rapid transit through a light-converting molecule.

March 2, 2015 Read more

Key energy of the future

Researchers present their views on the potentials and challenges of synthetic fuels.

March 2, 2015 Read more