http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/renewable_energy/ Renewable Energy Sources. Read the latest research on renewable sources of energy such as solar energy, wind power, nuclear energy, hydrogen fuel, ethanol, methane and other alternative energy sources. en-us Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:05:01 EST Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/renewable_energy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209111755.htm A newly developed 9 cubic millimeter solar-powered sensor system is the smallest that can harvest energy from its surroundings to operate nearly perpetually. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209111755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101734.htm Smart control units that learn householders' energy habits and provide immediate feedback on consumption could give home energy savings of up to 20 percent without compromising comfort. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127144545.htm Researchers have developed a microbe that can produce an advanced biofuel fuel directly from biomass. Deploying the tools of synthetic biology, the researchers engineered a strain of E. coli bacteria to produce biodiesel and other important chemicals derived from fatty acids. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127144545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125150645.htm Scientists are helping to find answers to one of the most difficult problems facing the world today: generating energy without accelerating climate change or harming food production. Researchers are investigating biofuels generated from wastes. These are seen by many as the 'green alternative' to using fossil fuels. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125150645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127110421.htm A unique research project in the UK is investigating how coppiced trees and grass crops can be used both to generate renewable energy and to trap carbon in the soil over the long term. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127110421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125173248.htm Researchers have developed an advanced "closed-loop control" approach for preventing diesel engines from emitting greater amounts of smog-causing nitrogen oxides when running on biodiesel fuels. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125173248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125094641.htm Scientists have found a way to increase fermentable sugar stores in plants which could lead to plant biomass being easier to convert into eco-friendly sustainable biofuels. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125094641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126084103.htm Two years ago, Risø DTU had the opportunity to set up measurement masts on the small peninsula of Bolund at Roskilde Fjord. Within a few months unique data on wind flow in complex terrain was collected. The data can be used to check the different wind calculation programs around the world. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126084103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121135856.htm With many companies investing heavily in algae-based biofuels, researchers have found there are significant environmental hurdles to overcome before fuel production ramps up. They propose using wastewater as a solution to some of these challenges. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121135856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118132130.htm Offshore wind power and wave energy foundations can increase local abundances of fish and crabs. The reef-like constructions also favor blue mussels and barnacles. What's more, it is possible to increase or decrease the abundance of various species by altering the structural design of foundation. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118132130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114730.htm When it comes to pumping up the appeal of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, some regions are more ripe for the cars than others, and some consumers' buttons need more pushing than others -- an important policy distinction when shaping subsidies, two energy policy experts say. Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114428.htm Scientists have developed an innovative device which will make the production of alternative biofuels more energy efficient. Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100105170942.htm Ecosystems of terminus lakes around the world could benefit from a new system being developed to desalinate water using a specialized low-cost solar pond and patented membrane distillation system powered by renewable energy. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100105170942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104092454.htm Researchers in Denmark have recently completed the world's first successful test on a wind turbine with a laser-based anemometer built into the spinner in order to increase electricity generation. The results show that this system can predict wind direction, gusts of wind and turbulence. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104092454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215160853.htm On beautiful, sunny days with quiet weather conditions a strong wind develops in the evening at a height of about 200 meters. Scientists have now mapped how such a powerful wind develops high in the air. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215160853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130103634.htm Cities can progress from consuming energy and emitting greenhouse gases to actually producing energy while saving on GHG emissions, due to substitution of fossil fuels elsewhere. These findings are based on research in the city of Aalborg in Northern Denmark. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130103634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203101422.htm A new type of natural-gas electric power plant could provide electricity with zero carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, at costs comparable to or less than conventional natural-gas plants, and even to coal-burning plants. But that can only come about if and when a price is set on the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases -- a step the US Congress and other governments are considering as a way to halt climate change. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203101422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091127124853.htm The best coastal areas in the Iberian Peninsula in terms of harnessing wave energy are the Costa da Morte and Estaca de Bares, in La Coruña, Galicia, according to two pioneering studies. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091127124853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202153806.htm A major new report finds that proximity to wind energy facilities does not have a pervasive or widespread adverse effect on the property values of nearby homes. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202153806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123083704.htm In a provocative new study, a scientist argues that rising carbon dioxide emissions -- the major cause of global warming -- cannot be stabilized unless the world's economy collapses or society builds the equivalent of one new nuclear power plant each day. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123083704.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. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm It's the year 2060, and 75 percent of drivers in the Greater Los Angeles area have hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that emit only water vapor. Look into Shane Stephens-Romero's crystal ball -- a computer model called STREET -- and find that air quality has significantly improved. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 60 percent lower than in 2009, and levels of microscopic soot and ozone are about 15 percent and 10 percent lower, respectively. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles. New findings however, show that photosynthesis may function as that clean, sustainable source of hydrogen. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.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. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111257.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. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112191511.htm Some countries already get a substantial share of their electricity consumption from wind power: Denmark 20%, Spain and Portugal 11%, Ireland 9%, and Germany 7%. Power systems have to cope with variable electricity consumption. Variable wind power will increase variations that the power system has to manage. According to a recent IEA WIND report, wind energy is rather smoothly integrated as system operators get on-line production levels and forecasted production estimates in their control rooms. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112191511.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/2009/11/091111121854.htm South Africa is the 30th place in the world to have a detailed map of the country’s wind resources. The map shows the best locations for wind turbines and is a prerequisite for funding wind farms. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111121854.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/2009/10/091027101409.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/2009/10/091018141718.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/2009/10/091008131858.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/2009/10/091008091241.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/2009/09/090929100654.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/2009/09/090928095347.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/2009/09/090917111511.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/2009/09/090910142350.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/2009/07/090720134556.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 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm Expansion of renewable energies should appreciably improve the health status of the 700,000 US workers employed in the energy sector, according to one expert. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm