http://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 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123027.htm Scientists have used images compiled over a decade to study volcanic activity in the African Rift. A new article focuses on the section of the rift in Kenya. Surface deformation of four active volcanoes underscore possibility for human hazard, as well as the potential of geothermal resources. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111257.htm Carbon is usually typecast as a villain in terms of the environment but researchers have now devised a novel way to miniaturize a technology that will make carbon a key material in some extremely green heating products for our homes and in air conditioning equipment for our cars. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030105030.htm By taking advantage of the vagaries of the natural world, engineers have developed a novel approach that they believe can more efficiently harvest electricity from the motions of everyday life. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030105030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172421.htm As global temperatures and energy costs continue to soar, renewable sources of energy will be key to a sustainable future. An attractive replacement for gasoline is biofuel, and in two new studies, scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will be critical in developing new technologies needed to implement production on a global scale. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis -- but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106120807.htm The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable according to a new report. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106120807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144822.htm Engineers are assessing systematic production methods that could make the costs of algae oil production more reasonable, helping move the U.S. from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy replacements. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102353.htm Flemish scientists have developed a technology that can significantly increase crop yields as well as make them more resistant to unfavorable growing conditions. It is based on selecting plants that make more efficient use of energy. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132821.htm Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Julio Friedmann, in collaboration with the Center for American Progress, the Asia Society Center and with partner Monitor Group, today released the report, "A Roadmap for US-China Collaboration on Carbon Capture and Sequestration." Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095519.htm Scientist have constructed for the first time a synthetic cellulosome in yeast, which could make the production of bioethanol from biomass more efficient and economical. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160119.htm Generating energy on a large scale by mixing salt and fresh water is both technically possible and practical. The worldwide potential for this clean form of energy – 'blue energy' – is enormous. However, several essential technological developments are needed and investments in large-scale trials, a Dutch researcher says. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm A new report examines and, when possible, estimates "hidden" costs of energy production and use -- such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health -- that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160737.htm Sugarcane biomass, a significant waste product from sugar production, could be a renewable energy source for electricity production, according to researchers. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027101409.htm A road trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which could one day end up in every Australian driveway, is underway. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027101409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141110.htm Scientists take an important step in converting methane gas to a liquid, giving the potential of making it more useful as a fuel and as a source for making other chemicals. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141126.htm Scientists have identified an important but fixable error in legal accounting rules for bioenergy that could, if uncorrected, undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by encouraging deforestation. They propose a fix that accounts for the direct and indirect land use impacts of biofuels. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122954.htm Wind, water and solar energy resources are sufficiently available to provide all the world's energy. Converting to electricity and hydrogen powered by these sources would reduce world power demand by 30 percent, thereby avoiding 13,000 coal power plants. Materials and costs are not limitations to these conversions, but politics may be, say researchers who have mapped out a blueprint for powering the world. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101613.htm Scientists are looking for cover crop perennials that provide the best balance in biofuel production between agronomic success and environmental sustainability. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141718.htm Chemists have discovered a new material that allows a PEM fuel cell, known as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, to work at a higher temperature. This discovery is extremely important in terms of increasing the efficiency and decreasing the cost of PEM fuel cells. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105631.htm Could sustainable architecture address pollution, climate change and resource depletion by helping us build self-sufficient, off-grid, housing from "waste," including vehicle tires and metal drinks containers? That's the question researchers in Australia are trying to answer. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135506.htm A new type of redox flow battery presents a huge advantage for electric cars. If the rechargeable batteries are low, the discharged electrolyte fluid can simply be exchanged at the gas station for recharged fluid – as easy as refilling the gas tank. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm Researchers are capitalizing on the environmental and financial benefits of "biofuels" by using nanotechnology to further improve the cellulosic ethanol processes. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223743.htm A new report argues that conventional oil production is likely to peak before 2030, with a significant risk of a peak before 2020. The report concludes that the UK Government is not alone in being unprepared for such an event -- despite oil supplying a third of the world's energy. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081307.htm One of the unintended consequences of crop-based biofuels may be the loss of wildlife habitat, particularly the birds who call this country's grasslands home. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008091241.htm After two years of design, experimentation, fund-raising and building, the University of Arizona's Solar Decathlon team has completed construction of its 800-square-foot solar-powered house on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008091241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm Converting the rubbish that fills the world's landfills into biofuel may be the answer to both the growing energy crisis and to tackling carbon emissions, claim scientists in Singapore and Switzerland. New research reveals how replacing gasoline with biofuel from processed waste could cut global carbon emissions by 80%. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm Researchers in Louisiana are conducting innovative research on geopolymer concrete and providing ways to use a waste byproduct from coal fired power plants and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916092755.htm Growing the energy crops short rotation coppice (SRC) willow and miscanthus grass could help the United Kingdom to reduce carbon emissions and benefit wildlife, according to researchers. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916092755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095347.htm Scientists in Canada have found a way to reduce bat deaths from wind turbines by up to 60 percent without significantly reducing the energy generated from the wind farm. TransAlta has already applied the low wind mitigation strategy to the 38 turbines identified in the study area. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115459.htm The next generation of technology to turn saltwater into a fresh resource is on tap for the Navy. The Office of Naval Research is sponsoring the development of an innovative solution for generating potable water at twice the efficiency of current production for forces afloat, Marine Corps expeditionary forces and humanitarian missions ashore. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm Researchers are working to demonstrate that trees can be used to degrade or capture fuels that leak into soil and ground water. Through a process called phytoremediation -- literally a "green" technology -- plants and trees remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134834.htm Researchers have developed designs for a new kind of coal-burning power plant, called a pressurized oxy-fuel combustion system, whose carbon-dioxide emissions are concentrated and pressurized so that they can be injected into deep geological formations. This system is a way to reduce the energy penalty that all carbon-capture systems for power plants have compared to regular fossil-fuel plants, and could thus be an enabling technology to help make carbon capture and sequestration systems practical and affordable. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm A group of ambitious students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921162236.htm It is often thought that firms will react by adopting a "wait and see" strategy in order to stave off spending any unnecessary capital on unstable or uncertain investments. New research shows that this is not necessarily the case, and firms do not always postpone such investments until the last possible moment. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921162236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917111511.htm Scientists are calling for urgent research to understand the impact of renewable energy developments on marine life. The study highlights potential environmental benefits and threats resulting from marine renewable energy, such as off-shore wind farms and wave and tidal energy conversion devices. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917111511.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100004.htm The largest US subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to new research. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel and energy subsidies for Fiscal Years 2002-2008, reveals that the lion's share of energy subsidies supported energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915101353.htm In Sweden alone, 52 million tons of carbon dioxide is emitted every year. To mitigate the negative impacts of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide sequestration has come to the fore as a hot new method. However, the process is hotly debated, and according to doctoral candidate Mårten Lind at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, it is of the utmost importance that energy companies not use the method as an excuse to delay conversion to more environmentally friendly energy forms. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915101353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091333.htm In a development that holds much promise for the future of solar electricity and fuel, researchers used gold tips grown in solution to increase the electrical conductivity of cadmium-selenide nanorod crystals by 100,000 times. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910084259.htm Researchers in Sweden have managed to prove that fossils from animals and plants are not necessary for crude oil and natural gas to be generated. The findings are revolutionary since this means, on the one hand, that it will be much easier to find these sources of energy and, on the other hand, that they can be found all over the globe. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910084259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910142350.htm A team of environmental scientists demonstrated the enormous potential for wind-generated electricity in China. Using extensive metrological data and incorporating the Chinese government's energy bidding and financial restrictions for delivering wind power, the researchers estimate that wind alone has the potential to meet the country's electricity demands projected for 2030. The switch from coal and other fossil fuels to greener wind-based energy could also mitigate CO2 emissions, thereby reducing pollution. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910142350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091337.htm Atmospheric scientists have discovered a basic mode of energy transfer from the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere, which was previously unknown. The research could improve the safety and reliability of spacecraft that operate in the upper atmosphere. "It's like finding it got hotter when the sun went down," said one researcher. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911095437.htm Spain is one of the leading European countries, along with Sweden, in terms of wood production for paper paste, but this uses large amounts of energy. Spanish and Swedish scientists have compared the environmental load stemming from forestry operations, and have concluded that the Spanish sector uses more energy than the Swedish one. They are proposing improvements, such as the use of biofuels, in order to make forestry production more sustainable. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911095437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142347.htm Brewing engineers in Germany are investigating a new process combination that could enable beer makers to cut their energy consumption by as much as 20 percent. They propose a new production chain linking combined heat and power stations, which so far have proven unsuitable for breweries, with a thermo-chemical zeolite heat storage system. They further plan to model the energy balance of an entire brewery to realize savings from the cleaning system through the bottling plant. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm Americans used more solar, nuclear, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007, according to the most recent energy flow charts. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142512.htm Two new studies highlight some key issues for the future of wind energy in Spain. A team of engineers believes it is "technically viable and economically reasonable" for wind energy to account for 30% of Spain's overall energy production. Another report, meanwhile, says the number of jobs generated by this sector in the European Union has increased by 226% since 2003. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812143950.htm Scientists in Germany have developed a radar system with which it is possible to study the behavior of sea waves. This technology will be used immediately on the North Sea on the FINO3 research platform in order to determine the interactions between offshore wind power machines and swells. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812143950.htm