https://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 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:35:42 EST Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:35:42 EST 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/renewable_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/2026/02/260221000325.htm Deep in the Arctic north, drained peatlands—once massive carbon vaults built over thousands of years—are quietly leaking greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But new field research from northern Norway suggests there’s a powerful way to slow that loss: raise the water level. In a two-year study, scientists found that restoring higher groundwater levels in cultivated Arctic peatlands dramatically cut carbon dioxide emissions, and in some cases even tipped the balance so the land absorbed more CO₂ than it released. Sun, 22 Feb 2026 02:51:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000325.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210082917.htm Methane levels in Earth’s atmosphere surged faster than ever in the early 2020s, and scientists say the reason was a surprising mix of chemistry and climate. A temporary slowdown in the atmosphere’s ability to break down methane allowed the gas to linger, while unusually wet conditions boosted emissions from wetlands, rivers, lakes, and rice fields around the world. Pandemic-related changes in air pollution played a key role, indirectly weakening the atmosphere’s natural “clean-up” process. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:48:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210082917.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030548.htm Researchers have found that manganese, an abundant and inexpensive metal, can be used to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into formate, a potential hydrogen source for fuel cells. The key was a clever redesign that made the catalyst last far longer than similar low-cost materials. Surprisingly, the improved manganese catalyst even beat many expensive precious-metal options. The discovery could help turn greenhouse gas into clean energy ingredients. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:08:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030548.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043053.htm New research reveals that Earth’s solid inner core is actually in a superionic state, where carbon atoms flow freely through a solid iron lattice. This unusual behavior makes the core soft, matching seismic observations that have puzzled scientists for decades. The mobility of these light elements may also contribute energy to Earth’s magnetic field. The findings reshape models of Earth’s interior and could apply to other rocky planets. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:32:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043053.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/2025/09/250926035016.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/2025/07/250729001217.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/2025/07/250716000858.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/2025/05/250529124856.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/2025/05/250520161838.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/2025/05/250515191232.htm The latest study finds that emissions of the potent greenhouse gas might be higher than previously estimated. Thu, 15 May 2025 19:12:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515191232.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/2025/05/250506131145.htm Scientists have found a new way to produce sugar from corn stalks and other crop waste, potentially opening a new pathway to sustainable biofuels. Tue, 06 May 2025 13:11:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131145.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/2025/04/250423164047.htm In the soils of Earth's wetlands, microbes are in a tug-of-war to produce and consume the powerful greenhouse gas methane. But if the Earth gets too hot, it could tip the scale in favor of the methane producers, according to a new study. Scientists made the discovery as part of a futuristic climate experiment that raised carbon dioxide and temperature in a Maryland marsh. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:40:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164047.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131224.htm Researchers are testing a new type of cattle feed that could help dairy cows release less methane gas from burps and flatulence and use nutrients more efficiently. Because methane traps heat in the atmosphere, reducing these emissions could make dairy farming more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:12:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131224.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/2025/04/250411110037.htm Earth's rocky layers are mysteriously low in nitrogen compared with carbon and argon. A scientific team explored our planet's molten youth using advanced quantum mechanical simulations, revealing nitrogen's secret: under extreme pressure, it chose to hide in the iron core 100 times more than the mantle. This solved why Earth's volatile ratios involving nitrogen look odd. The findings suggest the necessary ingredients for developing a habitable world may have been settled in the early Earth. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:00:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110037.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/2025/04/250409154848.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/2025/04/250403123059.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/2025/04/250402122031.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/2025/03/250323235833.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/2025/03/250318141820.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/2025/03/250312125021.htm Scientists have developed an innovative solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge -- a by-product of wastewater treatment -- into green hydrogen for clean energy and single-cell protein for animal feed. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:50:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312125021.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311121324.htm Zeolites, crystalline materials widely used in the petrochemical industry, serve as pivotal catalysts in the production of fine chemicals, with aluminium being the source of active sites within zeolite structures. A research team has revealed the precise location of aluminium atoms in the zeolite framework. This discovery could facilitate the design of more efficient and stable catalysts, aimed at increasing the yield of petrochemical products, achieving efficient renewable energy storage, and controlling air pollution. This advancement will further promote the application of zeolites in relevant fields. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:13:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311121324.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305135241.htm Engineers have developed a method to utilize aluminum to improve performance of water electrolysis catalyst. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:52:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305135241.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305135131.htm A research team has developed a groundbreaking new method of producing carbon fiber while drastically reducing its energy footprint. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:51:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305135131.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304114048.htm Hydrogen energy is widely recognized as a sustainable source for the future, but its large-scale production still relies on expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts. In order to address this challenge, researchers have developed Bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI), a novel two-dimensional electrocatalyst that effectively facilitates the hydrogen evolution reactions while minimizing the use of precious metals like platinum, paving the way for affordable hydrogen production. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:40:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304114048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141232.htm Researchers have published a new study showing an advanced new methane flare burner, created with additive manufacturing and machine learning, eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:12:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141232.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225122347.htm A new study has revealed key factors limiting the efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting using a titanium dioxide photoanode for clean hydrogen production. Researchers combined intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy with the distribution of relaxation times analysis to analyze charge carrier dynamics. They identified distinct behaviors related to light intensity and recombination at different applied potentials and discovered a previously unreported 'satellite peak,' offering new insights for improving material design and hydrogen production efficiency. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:23:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225122347.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225121528.htm Researchers have developed a battery that can convert nuclear energy into electricity via light emission, a study suggests. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:15:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225121528.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111130.htm A mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste has been developed. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:11:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111130.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219110104.htm Arctic glaciers are leaking significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Glacial melt rivers and groundwater springs are transporting large volumes of methane from beneath the ice to the atmosphere. This previously unrecognized process could contribute to Arctic climate feedbacks, accelerating global warming. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:01:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219110104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250214123734.htm Companies around the world are underestimating their total greenhouse gas footprints because of inconsistent accounting standards for methane emissions, finds a new study. Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:37:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250214123734.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213144317.htm Researchers have developed a reactor that pulls carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel, using sunlight as the power source. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:43:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213144317.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143557.htm Researchers have quantified the role of the 'hydrogen economy' in making our society more sustainable. They present the results of extensive modelling of pathways to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050. They conclude that when it comes to providing a sustainable primary source of energy, electrification will prove to be the most cost-efficient route for most economic sectors with an average total share of around 60% in final energy consumption. In contrast, the projected share of direct hydrogen use will be 10% at the highest. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:35:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143416.htm A research team has shown that methanogens, micro-organisms ubiquitous in low-oxygen environments like aquifers, soil and even permafrost, can propel their growth by dissolving calcium carbonate, one of the Earth's most abundant minerals. The discovery paints a clearer picture of carbon flow through the environment and offers new information to guide bioenergy development. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:34:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143416.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210132238.htm Earth's inner core is undergoing structural transformation. Located 3,000 miles below the Earth's surface, the inner core is anchored by gravity within the molten liquid outer core. Until now the inner core was widely thought of as a solid sphere. A new study indicates that the near surface of the inner core may undergo viscous deformation, changing its shape and shifting at the inner core's shallow boundary. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:22:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210132238.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205142754.htm Reducing sulphur in the air may inadvertently increase natural emissions of methane from wetlands such as peatlands and swamps, a new study has found. The resulting additional future release of 20-34 million tons of methane each year from natural wetlands would mean targets to reduce human-caused emissions need to be more stringent than currently set out in the Global Methane Pledge. Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:27:54 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205142754.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142142.htm Rice cultivation is responsible for around 12% of global methane emissions, and these emissions are expected to increase with global warming and as the human population continues to grow. Now, scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. They report that this information enabled them to breed a new strain of rice that emits up to 70% less methane. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:21:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142142.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130135426.htm The world is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, yet it also plays a crucial role in the strategies needed to mitigate and adapt to its effects, contributing to the achievement of ambitious climate goals. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:54:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130135426.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129162212.htm Turning environmental waste into useful chemical resources could solve many of the inevitable challenges of our growing amounts of discarded plastics, paper and food waste, according to new research. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:22:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129162212.htm