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Clean technology can partially make up for weak CO2 pricing

Clean technology support can to some extent make up for weak CO2 pricing and hence help keep the two degrees target within reach, a new study shows. Even if the world climate summit in Paris later this year is successful in striking a climate deal, it might not bring about sharp greenhouse-gas cuts in the near-term. However, emission targets could be strengthened by complementary policies.

Feb 2nd, 2015

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A long-lasting obstacle of solid oxide fuel cells has been overcome

One of the major drawbacks of carbon-fueled battery cells is the intrinsic presence of CO2, which impedes CO oxidation and, therefore, lowers the energy density of the cell. Researchers describe a novel dual-phase ion-conducting ceramic membrane that is absolutely gas-tight but highly permeable for CO2.

Jan 30th, 2015

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Running fuel cells on bacteria

Researchers in Norway have succeeded in getting bacteria to power a fuel cell. The 'fuel' used is wastewater, and the products of the process are purified water droplets and electricity.

Jan 30th, 2015

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Jet fuel from algae?

A common algae commercially grown to make fish food holds promise as a source for both biodiesel and jet fuel, according to a new study.

Jan 29th, 2015

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NREL reports examine economic trade-offs of owning versus leasing a solar photovoltaic system

Two new reports from the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) examine the economic options customers face when deciding how to finance commercial or residential solar energy systems. NREL analysts found that businesses that use low-cost financing to purchase a photovoltaic (PV) system and homeowners who use solar-specific loans can save up to 30 percent compared with consumers who lease a PV system through a conventional third-party owner.

Jan 27th, 2015

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Model analyzes water footprint of biofuels

A new version of an online tool created by Argonne National Laboratory will help biofuels developers gain a detailed understanding of water consumption of various types of feedstocks, aiding development of sustainable fuels that will reduce impact on limited water resources.

Jan 15th, 2015

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Energiewende: Integrating renewable energies

The transformation of the energy system in Germany is a long-term challenge facing society. A number of political and economic aspects have to be considered. The new research program SCI of the Helmholtz Association aims at developing the technologies required for this purpose. The budget for the project period of five years totals about EUR 310 million.

Jan 15th, 2015

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Research for the energy turnaround

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is launching two National Research Programmes to explore scientific and technological as well as social and economic aspects of implementing Energy Strategy 2050.

Jan 15th, 2015

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New material, technique efficiently produce hydrogen, syngas fuel feedstock

A team of chemical engineering researchers has developed a technique that uses a new catalyst to convert methane and water into hydrogen and a fuel feedstock called syngas with the assistance of solar power. The catalytic material is more than three times more efficient at converting water into hydrogen gas than previous thermal water-splitting methods.

Jan 14th, 2015

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