https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ Energy Sources. News and Research. Articles on everything from hydrogen powered cars and solar energy systems to nuclear reactors and fossil fuels. en-us Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:53:00 EDT Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:53:00 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303050622.htm Fusion energy may be one of the most promising clean power sources of the future—but only if scientists can precisely measure the extreme, fast-moving plasmas that make it possible. A new U.S. Department of Energy–sponsored report urges major investment in advanced diagnostic tools—the high-tech “sensors” that track plasma temperature, density, and behavior inside fusion systems. Bringing together 70 experts from universities, national labs, and private industry, the workshop identified seven priority areas ranging from burning plasma to full-scale pilot plants. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:50:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303050622.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118212039.htm A nationwide analysis has uncovered how sprawling fossil fuel infrastructure sits surprisingly close to millions of American homes. The research shows that 46.6 million people live within about a mile of wells, refineries, pipelines, storage sites, or transport facilities. Many of these locations release pollutants that may affect nearby communities, yet mid-supply-chain sites have rarely been studied. The findings reveal major gaps in understanding how this hidden network affects health. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:09:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118212039.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251105050712.htm A new copper-magnesium-iron catalyst transforms CO2 into CO at low temperatures with record-breaking efficiency and stability. The discovery paves the way for affordable, scalable production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:56:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251105050712.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230947.htm New research reveals that Earth’s continents owe their stability to searing heat deep in the planet’s crust. At more than 900°C, radioactive elements shifted upward, cooling and strengthening the landmasses that support life. This ancient heat engine also distributed valuable minerals, giving scientists new clues for exploration and for spotting potentially habitable planets. Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:05:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040325.htm Humanity has reached the first Earth system tipping point, the widespread death of warm-water coral reefs, marking the beginning of irreversible planetary shifts. As global temperatures move beyond 1.5°C, the world risks cascading crises such as ice sheet melt, Amazon rainforest dieback, and ocean current collapse. Scientists from the University of Exeter warn that these interconnected tipping points could transform the planet unless urgent, systemic action triggers “positive tipping points,” like rapid renewable energy adoption. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:18:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040325.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081814.htm Solar energy is now the cheapest source of power worldwide, driving a massive shift toward renewables. Falling battery prices and innovations in solar materials are making clean energy more reliable than ever. Yet, grid congestion and integration remain key challenges. Experts say smart grids and sustained policy support are crucial to accelerate the transition. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:18:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035016.htm Bio-tar, once seen as a toxic waste, can be transformed into bio-carbon with applications in clean energy and environmental protection. This innovation could reduce emissions, create profits, and solve a major bioenergy industry problem. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:49:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035016.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000244.htm Barrels dumped off Southern California decades ago have been found leaking alkaline waste, not just DDT, leaving behind eerie white halos and transforming parts of the seafloor into toxic vents. The findings reveal a persistent and little-known legacy of industrial dumping that still shapes marine life today. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:02:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250904103920.htm New research reveals that carbon made it possible for Earth’s molten core to freeze into a solid heart, stabilizing the magnetic field that protects our planet. Without it, Earth’s deep interior — and life above — might look very different. Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:31:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250904103920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085150.htm Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking nickel-based catalyst that could transform the way the world recycles plastic. Instead of requiring tedious sorting, the catalyst selectively breaks down stubborn polyolefin plastics—the single-use materials that make up much of our daily waste—into valuable oils, waxes, fuels, and more. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:02:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085150.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828060040.htm In just one afternoon, scientists used a nanoparticle “megalibrary” to find a catalyst that matches or exceeds iridium’s performance in hydrogen fuel production, at a fraction of the cost. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:20:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828060040.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113528.htm Roughly two-thirds of all atmospheric methane, a potent greenhouse gas, comes from methanogens. Tracking down which methanogens in which environment produce methane with a specific isotope signature is difficult, however. UC Berkeley researchers have for the first time CRISPRed the key enzyme involved in microbial methane production to understand the unique isotopic fingerprints of different environments to better understand Earth's methane budget. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:27:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113528.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100919.htm Over 300 million years ago, Illinois teemed with life in tropical swamps and seas, now preserved at the famous Mazon Creek fossil site. Researchers from the University of Missouri and geologist Gordon Baird have reexamined a vast fossil collection, uncovering three distinct ancient environments—freshwater, transitional marine, and offshore—each with unique animal life. Their findings, enhanced by advanced imaging and data analysis, reveal how sea-level changes, sediment conditions, and microbial activity shaped fossil formation. Sat, 09 Aug 2025 11:23:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100919.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011823.htm Plastic pollution is a mounting global issue, but scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have taken a bold step forward by creating a new bioplastic inspired by the structure of leaves. Their innovation, LEAFF, enhances strength, functionality, and biodegradability by utilizing cellulose nanofibers, outperforming even traditional plastics. It degrades at room temperature, can be printed on, and resists air and water, offering a game-changing solution for sustainable packaging. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 01:18:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729001217.htm Researchers are exploring AI-powered digital twins as a game-changing tool to accelerate the clean energy transition. These digital models simulate and optimize real-world energy systems like wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. But while they hold immense promise for improving efficiency and sustainability, the technology is still riddled with challenges—from environmental variability and degraded equipment modeling to data scarcity and complex biological processes. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:05:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729001217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm What would happen if a nuclear war triggered a climate-altering catastrophe? Researchers have modeled how such a scenario could devastate global corn crops cutting production by as much as 87% due to blocked sunlight and increased UV-B radiation. Using advanced climate-agriculture simulations, they propose a survival strategy: emergency resilience kits containing fast-growing, cold-tolerant seeds that could keep food systems afloat not just after nuclear war, but also after volcanic eruptions or other mega-disasters. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm Scientists in Australia have uncovered the biological triggers behind oil production in oats, a discovery that could revolutionize how oats are processed and marketed. By using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, researchers identified key enzymes that drive oil synthesis in oat grains. This opens the door to developing low-oil oat varieties that are easier to mill and better suited for high-demand markets like plant-based foods and oat flour. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:39:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000858.htm An ancient glacier high in the French Alps has revealed the oldest known ice in Western Europe—dating back over 12,000 years to the last Ice Age. This frozen archive, meticulously analyzed by scientists, captures a complete chemical and atmospheric record spanning humanity’s transition from hunter-gatherers to modern industry. The core contains stories of erupting volcanoes, changing forests, Saharan dust storms, and even economic impacts across history. It offers a rare glimpse into both natural climate transitions and human influence on the atmosphere, holding vital clues for understanding past and future climate change. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000858.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081540.htm At Flinders University, scientists have cracked a cleaner and greener way to extract gold—not just from ore, but also from our mounting piles of e-waste. By using a compound normally found in pool disinfectants and a novel polymer that can be reused, the method avoids toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide. It even works on trace gold in scientific waste. Tested on everything from circuit boards to mixed-metal ores, the approach offers a promising solution to both the global gold rush and the growing e-waste crisis. The technique could be a game-changer for artisanal miners and recyclers, helping recover valuable metals while protecting people and the planet. Fri, 27 Jun 2025 02:02:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620231645.htm Researchers in South Korea have developed a powerful and affordable new material for producing hydrogen, a clean energy source key to fighting climate change. By fine-tuning boron-doping and phosphorus levels in cobalt phosphide nanosheets, the team dramatically boosted the efficiency of both sides of water-splitting reactions. This advancement could unlock scalable, low-cost hydrogen production, transforming how we generate clean fuel. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:16:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620231645.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172908.htm Australia can reach net-zero emissions and still protect its natural treasures but only if everyone works together. New research from Princeton and The University of Queensland shows that the country can build the massive amount of renewable energy infrastructure needed by 2060 without sacrificing biodiversity, agriculture, or Indigenous land rights. But the path is delicate: if stakeholders clash instead of collaborate, the result could be soaring costs and a devastating shortfall in clean energy. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:29:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172908.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123805.htm A new method for predicting underwater landslides may improve the resilience of offshore facilities. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:38:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124856.htm As the world shifts toward sustainable energy sources, 'green hydrogen' - hydrogen produced without emitting carbon - has emerged as a leading candidate for clean power. Scientists have now developed a new iron-based catalyst that more than doubles the conversion efficiency of thermochemical green hydrogen production. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:48:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm Researchers have designed a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system that could help make zero-emission aviation a reality. Their work outlines a scalable, integrated system that addresses several engineering challenges at once by enabling hydrogen to be used as a clean fuel and also as a built-in cooling medium for critical power systems aboard electric-powered aircraft. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm Engineers developed a membrane that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size, an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation. Thu, 22 May 2025 16:25:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161115.htm In 2022 a team discovered that high levels of OH radicals can be generated indoors, simply due to the presence of people and ozone. This means: People generate their own oxidation field and change the indoor air chemistry around them within their own personal space. Now, in a follow-up study again in cooperation with an international research team, they found that commonly applied personal care products substantially suppress a human's production of OH radicals. These findings have implications for the indoor chemistry, the air quality of occupied spaces, and human health, since many of the chemicals in our immediate vicinity are transformed by this field. Wed, 21 May 2025 16:11:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520161838.htm Increasing renewable energy may not reduce the use of fossil fuels in the United States, according to a new study . Tue, 20 May 2025 16:18:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520161838.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519204507.htm The average energy project costs 40% more than expected for construction and takes almost two years longer than planned, finds a new global study. One key insight: The investment risk is highest for nuclear power plant construction and lowest for solar. The researchers analyzed data from 662 energy projects built between 1936 and 2024 in 83 countries, totaling $1.358 trillion in investment. Mon, 19 May 2025 20:45:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519204507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180732.htm A team of engineers has developed a system that could transform desalination practices, making the process more adaptable, resilient and cheaper. The new system is powered by sunlight and uses a creative approach to heat recovery for extended water production -- with and without sunshine. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:07:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112301.htm Researchers have detailed the geological ingredients required to find clean sources of natural hydrogen beneath our feet. The work details the requirements for natural hydrogen, produced by the Earth itself over geological time, to accumulate in the crust, and identifies that the geological environments with those ingredients are widespread globally. Hydrogen is $135 billion industry, essential for making fertilizer and other important societal chemicals, and a critical clean energy source for future low carbon emission technologies, with a market estimated to be up to $1000 billion by 2050. These findings offer a solution to the challenge of hydrogen supply, and will help industry to locate and extract natural hydrogen to meet global demands, eliminating the use of hydrocarbons for this purpose. Tue, 13 May 2025 11:23:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112301.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122255.htm Researchers have developed two unique energy-efficient and cost-effective systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to generate hydrogen. The unique systems reveal new pathways to economically generate 'green' hydrogen, a sustainable and renewable energy source, and the potential to remediate nitrogenous waste in aquatic environments. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122255.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122012.htm The marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis feeds on oil, multiplying rapidly in the wake of oil spills, and thereby accelerating the elimination of the pollution, in many cases. It does this by producing an 'organic dishwashing liquid' which it uses to attach itself to oil droplets. Researchers have now discovered the mechanism by which this 'organic dishwashing liquid' is synthesized. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:20:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508161141.htm A new study analyzes the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that showed that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing and able to implement cleaner and more efficient business practices within their operations -- without legal enforcement -- if they receive the proper training and support, and if those changes are aligned with their profit motives. The study is the first to rigorously demonstrate successful strategies to improve efficiency within the traditional brick kiln industry. Thu, 08 May 2025 16:11:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508161141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502182509.htm New research shows that elevation changes and earthquakes in Italy's Campi Flegrei volcanic area are caused by rising pressure in a geothermal reservoir -- not magma or its gases, as commonly thought. Channeling water runoff or lowering groundwater levels could reduce risks for surrounding communities. Fri, 02 May 2025 18:25:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502182509.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142018.htm Scientists have developed a carbon-free, energy-saving method to extract nickel for batteries and stainless steel. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:20:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429103149.htm The global energy system may be faced with an inescapable trade-off between urgently addressing climate change versus avoiding an energy shortfall, according to a new energy scenario tool. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:31:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429103149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220921.htm Researchers have developed a new catalyst design capable of pushing the projected fuel cell catalyst lifespans to 200,000 hours. The research marks a significant step toward the widespread adoption of fuel cell technology in heavy-duty vehicles, such as long-haul tractor trailers. While platinum-alloy catalysts have historically delivered superior chemical reactions, the alloying elements leach out over time, diminishing catalytic performance. The degradation is further accelerated by the demanding voltage cycles required to power heavy-duty vehicles. To address this challenge, the team has engineered a durable catalyst architecture with a novel design that shields platinum from the degradation typically observed in alloy systems. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:09:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220921.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423163904.htm Paper shares innovative natural capital accounting approach to valuing the benefits of ecosystems in Colombia's Upper Sin Basin to key economic sectors. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:39:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423163904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131539.htm Biodegradation is an important natural process during oil spill cleanup. A new study revealed that using spill treating agents does not negatively impact naturally occurring biodegradation. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:15:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131539.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135918.htm Researchers have helped overturn the popular theory that water on Earth originated from asteroids bombarding its surface; Scientists have analyzed a meteorite analogous to the early Earth to understand the origin of hydrogen on our planet. The research team demonstrated that the material which built our planet was far richer in hydrogen than previously thought. The findings support the theory that the formation of habitable conditions on Earth did not rely on asteroids hitting the Earth. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:59:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135918.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135601.htm When two materials come into contact, charged entities on their surfaces get a little nudge. This is how rubbing a balloon on the skin creates static electricity. Likewise, water flowing over some surfaces can gain or lose charge. Now, researchers have harnessed the phenomenon to generate electricity from rain-like droplets moving through a tube. They demonstrate a new kind of flow that makes enough power to light 12 LEDs. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:56:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135601.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415160352.htm Researchers conducted three years of extensive fieldwork to develop the first data-driven map of both newly documented and predicted peatlands across Colombia's eastern lowlands. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:03:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415160352.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410131008.htm The transition to electric vehicles won't reduce carbon emissions unless countries clean up their electricity grids. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:10:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410131008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409173108.htm New technology could enable more sustainable and cheaper production of bio-oils to replace petroleum-based products in electronic, construction and automotive applications. The technology, known as PYROCOTM, uses high temperatures without oxygen to convert treated sewage (biosolids) into a carbon-rich product called biochar, which can act as a catalyst to produce phenol-rich bio-oil. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:31:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409173108.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409154848.htm Engineers have hit the trifecta of sustainability technology: A group has developed a low-cost method to produce carbon-free 'green' hydrogen via solar-powered electrolysis of seawater. A happy byproduct of the process? Potable water. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:48:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409154848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115055.htm Researchers analyzed trade-related risks to energy security across 1,092 scenarios for cutting carbon emissions by 2060. They found that swapping out dependence on imported fossil fuels for increased dependence on critical minerals for clean energy would improve security for most nations -- including the U.S., if it cultivates new trade partners. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:50:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115055.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114526.htm Preparing catalysts by sending hot, steamy car exhaust over them could improve their efficiency and reduce the amount of rare and expensive metals required in vehicle catalytic converters and many other emission control and industrial processes. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:45:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114526.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403123059.htm A genomic study of hydrogen-producing bacteria has revealed entirely new gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:30:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403123059.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403122636.htm A new method to recycle wind turbine blades without using harsh chemicals resulted in the recovery of high-strength glass fibers and resins that allowed researchers to re-purpose the materials to create stronger plastics. The innovation provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to recycle wind turbine blades to create useful products. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:26:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403122636.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122031.htm When spring arrives and the heating season comes to an end, keeping warm becomes less of an issue. However, scientists remind us that it is not just a seasonal necessity -- heat is also a valuable energy resource that can be stored and used when needed most. Researchers have discovered an innovative solution beneath our feet: using soil as an efficient thermal energy storage system. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:20:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122031.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141734.htm The reuse of human urine would allow for the production of sustainable fertilizers for urban agriculture, with significant environmental benefits, a new study concludes. The research evaluates the environmental impact of nitrogen recovery from the yellow waters of buildings. In addition to promoting sustainable agriculture, it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:17:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141734.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325114922.htm Technology makes pesticides stick to plant leaves. With the system, farmers could significantly cut their use of pesticides and fertilizers, saving money and reducing runoff. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:49:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325114922.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250323235833.htm Existing tax policies during the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources will lead to major energy injustices and skewed priorities, new research shows. Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:58:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250323235833.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320145018.htm Engineers have developed an approach for recycling cement waste into a sustainable, low-carbon alternative that is comparable in performance to the industry standard. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:50:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320145018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143654.htm Researchers injected CO2 gas into seawater while applying an electrical current. The process transformed dissolved ions, minerals in seawater into clusters of solid particles. The clusters hold over half their weight in CO2 to become a carbon sink. Material could replace sand in concrete and be used in other construction materials while trapping CO2. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:36:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143654.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143023.htm Regulations finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2024 could cut emissions from the power sector by 51% over 2022 levels, compared to only 26% without the rules, according to a new analysis. The study helps identify the likely effects of current regulations, highlights the impact of potential repeal on U.S. emissions, and quantifies the overall efficiency of emissions reductions achieved by the current rules. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:30:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143023.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141820.htm In advancing sustainable energy solutions, an international collaborative team of scientists has achieved a significant milestone in low-carbon chemical conversion. In their recent publication in Nature, the team, led by Professors Zhengxiao GUO of Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Weixin HUANG of University of Science and Technology of China, Richard CATLOW of University College London and Junwang TANG of Tsinghua University, have discovered a photocatalytic approach to converting methane to ethanol with high selectivity of around 80% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3% in a single run using a packed-bed flow reactor. The system achieves an impressive apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.4%, which measures how effectively it converts incident photons into electrons that participate in the reaction under specific wavelength conditions. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:18:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141007.htm Moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind and solar will require better ways to store energy for use when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. A new study by researchers at Penn State found that taking advantage of natural geothermal heat in depleted oil and gas wells can improve the efficiency of one proposed energy storage solution: compressed-air energy storage (CAES). Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:10:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141007.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317163739.htm Until now, a global evaluation of ocean current energy with actual data was lacking. Using 30 years of NOAA's Global Drifter Program data, a study shows that ocean currents off Florida's East Coast and South Africa have exceptionally high-power densities, ideal for electricity generation. With densities over 2,500 watts per square meter, these regions are 2.5 times more energy-dense than 'excellent' wind resources. Shallow waters further enhance the potential for ocean current turbines, unlike areas like Japan and South America, which have lower densities at similar depths. Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:37:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317163739.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317163638.htm A team of scientists have elucidated an ancient mechanism of cellular respiration. To that end, they studied bacteria that feed on the gases carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and turn them into acetic acid -- a metabolic pathway that emerged very early in evolution. The international team has now been able to resolve the mystery of how the microbes use this process to generate energy. Their findings are also interesting for another reason: Since the microorganisms remove CO2 from their environment, they are seen as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:36:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317163638.htm