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Hydrogen: Innovative process makes eco-friendly fuel safe to transport (image source: Hydrogenious)

Safe hydrogen: First company eliminates explosion risk and receives €72.5 million in funding

Hydrogen is an energy source with great potential, but its explosive nature has made it difficult to control. A German company has now found a solution that could revolutionise the use of hydrogen and is being funded to the tune o...

Nicole Dominikowski, 09 Sep 2024 12:59

The EcoFlow Power Kits 5 kVA 48 V are coming soon. (Image source: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow announces new Power Kits with up to 45 kWh capacity

The EcoFlow Power Kits 5 kVA 48 V have been revealed and are expected to launch later this year. These energy storage solutions for caravans and motorhomes offer expandable storage up to 45 kWh, which the company estimates would p...

Polly Allcock, 02 Sep 2024 16:45

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 can now be pre-ordered at EU retailers. (Image source: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow’s new powerful DELTA Pro 3 portable power station appears in more countries

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 portable power station can now be pre-ordered from various third-party retailers in the EU. The model, already available in the US, is expected to officially launch in Europe later in September. The powerfu...

Polly Allcock, 02 Sep 2024 13:33

Some Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 models now support two Shelly smart meters. (Image source: Anker)

Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 now supports Shelly 3EM products

A recent update for the Anker app has brought a new feature to the Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro and Solarbank 2 E1600 Plus. The release is said to provide support for the Shelly 3EM and Shelly 3EM Pro smart energy meters with...

Polly Allcock, 02 Sep 2024 13:16

The new car-seat material. (Image source: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen teases new hemp-derived leather alternative for next-gen car interiors

Ready for the hemp-based car seat of the future? Volkswagen has collaborated with Revoltech to unleash this concept on next-gen car interiors. The partners assert that the material, derived from by-products of industrial concerns,...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 31 Aug 2024 16:31

Numerous environmental activists arrested in Serbia during protests against construction of lithium mines (image source: YouTube / Reuters)

100,000 people in the streets: Mass protests escalate against Europe's largest lithium mine

Despite massive protests by around 119,000 people against the mining company Rio Tinto, Europe's largest lithium mine is now to be built in Serbia. Environmental activists fear an ecological and humanitarian catastrophe - numerous...

Nicole Dominikowski, 30 Aug 2024 13:39

More cables alone do not ensure stability. (Image source: pixabay/michaltrnka360)

Creating more resilient power grids requires just 2 simple tricks

Heat, drought and heavy rain cause problems for the infrastructure. However, even simple measures can help to significantly reduce the likelihood of power outages. And renewable energies are both the problem and the solution.

Mario Petzold, 27 Aug 2024 14:58

In some cases, the technical principles for achieving nuclear fusion are completely different. (Image source: GCO)

Various techniques for nuclear fusion await breakthrough with radically new ideas or better concepts

It is not enough to obtain more energy than was put in. And it is also not enough to generate a stable nuclear fusion reaction. But what exactly is the status of ideas for successful nuclear fusion?

Mario Petzold, 15 Aug 2024 19:39

perovskite solar modules promise 50 percent more yield on the same surface area, if they last. (Image source: Mario Petzold)

Highly efficient perovskite solar cell with decent long-term durability unveiled

The development, which finally combines high efficiency and a long service life, performs over 50 percent better than current commercial perovskite modules. At the same time, nothing stands in the way of scalability for rapid depl...

Mario Petzold, 13 Aug 2024 23:10

This is how AI imagines many solar cells in front of mountains and water - ideal for solar power and its storage. (Image source: DallE 3)

100 percent solar energy: Indonesia plans for the future

Perfect location, ideal conditions and little wind. The island state with the world's fourth largest population can become a prime example of a sustainable energy policy - without great effort and surprisingly low energy costs.

Mario Petzold, 13 Aug 2024 22:04

The system is similar to a heat pump and air conditioning system, but requires no electricity. (Image source: Nagano Lab)

Heat pipe with 10 kW output works without electricity

It is the world's largest heat transfer system that works completely without electricity or any other form of energy supply. The efficiency of electric cars, servers and heat pumps could increase significantly thanks to passive co...

Mario Petzold, 13 Aug 2024 21:04

The Anker SOLIX Smart Plug provides real-time current monitoring. (Image source: Anker)

Anker launches new SOLIX Smart Plug for balcony power plants

Anker has unveiled a new SOLIX Smart Plug in Europe. The accessory allows you to monitor energy consumption in real time, with further insights and controls offered in the accompanying app. The device can be bought as a single uni...

Polly Allcock, 12 Aug 2024 20:46

It's well known that microwaves are good at heating things up. (Image source: Kyle Palmer/PPPL)

Nuclear fusion becomes more efficient and feasible with microwaves

It is not only the energy required to heat the plasma that could be drastically reduced. The structure, especially inside the fusion reactor, would also become significantly more simplistic.

Mario Petzold, 12 Aug 2024 20:43

New materials and a unique manufacturing process as a solution. (Image source: GIST)

Zinc-bromine battery achieves 10,000 cycles with innovative electrode

Non-flammable, high cell voltage and a simple, cost-effective design: This battery technology is actually very promising, but the life-span is extremely short. A newly developed electrode is set to change this.

Mario Petzold, 08 Aug 2024 17:28

FOSSiBOT F3600 Pro debuts as up-to-7,200W portable power station with modular expansion system

The FOSSiBOT F3600 Pro has launched as the first portable portable power station of its line that can connect to custom Expansion Batteries for a total capacity that can be extended to 11,520 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Even on its own,...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 07 Aug 2024 18:52

Hydrogen is versatile, but producing it is difficult. (Image source: YouTube/Toyota Deutschland)

Extremely efficient photocatalysis converts tap water into hydrogen using only sunlight

The new method produces at least 15 times more hydrogen. Neither electricity nor natural gas need to be used, meaning that production is completely sustainable.

Mario Petzold, 06 Aug 2024 11:44

By packaging the KIB tech in the ubiquitous 18650 format, it can be tested in a variety of applications (Image source: Group1)

First ever potassium-ion 18650 battery unveiled, outperforms Li-ion counterparts and is cobalt-free

Texas-based battery tech startup Group1 has launched the world’s first potassium-ion battery (KIB) in the popular cylindrical 18650 format. The battery outperforms Li-ion ones in key areas like charging speed, safety and number of...

Vishal Bhardwaj, 05 Aug 2024 13:50

Radio waves come from many sources in the city. The distance is crucial. (Image source: pixabay/OpenClipart-Vectors)

Power generation from radio waves shows way for smart devices without a battery

A tiny chip drives a temperature sensor - thanks to the many different radio waves in our environment. In order for this to work, the researchers had to solve a crucial problem.

Mario Petzold, 02 Aug 2024 21:29

More can be recovered from old batteries than just the raw materials. (Image source: pixabay/Alexas_Fotos)

Recycling within seconds can make future batteries considerably more sustainable

Magnetic separation not only promises cost-effective dismantling of batteries. At the same time, the price of basic parts for new batteries would fall - not to mention the savings in raw materials.

Mario Petzold, 02 Aug 2024 11:54

Light indoors is structured differently than outdoors, so the solar cell must also be designed differently. (Image source: pixabay/pruzi)

Indoor solar cell achieves 37 percent efficiency

Artificial light is different from sunlight. Above all, it is not efficiently converted into electricity by solar modules. A new type of perovskite solar cell is set to change this thanks to its high efficiency.

Mario Petzold, 29 Jul 2024 10:28

Green Navy's electro-propulsion systems provide a range of 300km at 8.3 knots, which is approximately 36 sailing hours. (Source: Green Navy)

French firm Green Navy's 'Prometeo' is Europe's first electro-hydrogen propulsion-powered catamaran

Green Navy's Prometeo, first appearing in a June 7 press release, is the first catamaran in Europe to be powered by electro-hydrogen propulsion. This vessel marks a key step towards decarbonizing maritime transport. By combining e...

Anubhav Sharma, 27 Jul 2024 23:29

Both BaseCharge models feature a variety of power outputs, including a wireless charging surface (Image source: BioLite)

BioLite BaseCharge+: Upgraded portable power stations recharge up to 4x faster yet cost up to 30% less

BioLite has just upgraded its two portable power stations. The BaseCharge 1500+ and BaseCharge 600+ recharge up to 4 times faster than before, from both solar panels and power outlets. Both models also get a significant price drop...

Vishal Bhardwaj, 26 Jul 2024 16:46

Eve launches a smarter weather station (Image source: Eve Systems)

Eve Weather is now compatible with Matter

Eve’s compact smart weather station joins the list of Thread devices from the smart home manufacturer that support Matter. The new Matter-compliant version of Eve Weather retains all the features of the original weather station – ...

Sarfo Ashong-Listowell, 24 Jul 2024 16:56

Li-metal batteries promise more power for the same weight. (Image source: pexels/Lensmagicians)

Lithium metal battery with over 500 Wh/kg developed

Batteries in electric cars, but also for any other mobile use, require a high energy density. However, this is often associated with a shorter service life, which a new type of structure aims to change.

Mario Petzold, 12 Jul 2024 21:22

The iridescent opening inspires materials research. (Image source: youtube/Yale University)

Giant clam outperforms solar cell, converts 67 percent of sunlight

With a mixture of targeted light scattering and adaptation to the respective light conditions, the sea creatures convert a large proportion of the light into usable energy. A model for future solar modules.

Mario Petzold, 10 Jul 2024 21:16

The field is set to grow once again to a total of 40 acres. (Image source: Kehua)

Huge battery storage system with solid-state accumulators connected to the power grid

Both the base load and the quantities of electricity required at peak times could easily be provided by batteries. The necessary quantities alone are gigantic. Now there is another taste of what is possible.

Mario Petzold, 07 Jul 2024 20:37

Unfold and unfold, and the e-car charges. (Image source: Gosun)

Mobile solar system for charging EVs without a charging station presented

It looks like a roof box, but has a plug for the car's charging connection. This means that the battery can be charged anywhere, albeit rather modestly.

Mario Petzold, 05 Jul 2024 13:02

First, it produces electricity and then pure hydrogen: a tandem PEC reactor. (Image source: Fraunhofer IKTS)

Compact solar-powered reactor for easy hydrogen production developed

As with a solar cell, only a little sunlight is needed, but then hydrogen flows instead of electricity. And unlike photovoltaics, this can be stored for a long time. But there are still a few challenges.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 12:58

Santorini, for example, is completely covered in light colors to reflect the warmth of the sun directly. (Image source: pixabay/Yolanda)

Cooling house facade manipulates heat radiation to great effect

It is not a new idea, and the material already exists. However, one very special property makes it more effective than traditional facade insulation - especially in summer, but not only.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 09:58

Lots of hoses and even more cables for automated experiments. (Image source: Empa)

CO2-based e-fuels become much easier to study thanks to new technique

Synthetic fuels could be useful in two ways: as storage for surplus renewable energy and as a climate-neutral fuel with enormous energy density. However, the efficiency of their production is appallingly poor.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 08:57

Concrete is easy to shape, stable and durable. Only the production process could be optimized. (Image source: pixabay/Pexels)

Concrete stores CO2 and becomes more durable and stronger in the process

A small modification during production was enough to store a considerable amount of CO2 in fresh cement. The researchers were quite surprised by the strength of their product.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 08:29

Deal | New sub-$400 Smart Portable Power station with compact form-factor makes debut

BLUETTI touts its latest portable generator as the ideal camping (or blackout) companion due to its compact size, ability to charge quickly using solar panels and up-to-date LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries. The new, up-to-700W addition to...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Jul 2024 17:23

Using nature as a model to get more energy out of light. (Image: pixabay/MabelAmber)

Not a solar cell, but a light-harvesting system with 38 percent efficiency developed

Following the example of nature, photosynthesis, a system was developed that captures as much light as possible and converts it as efficiently as possible. It is also wafer-thin.

Mario Petzold, 27 Jun 2024 20:58

The Solaris Urbino with Toshiba storage was already Bus of the Year in 2017. (Image: Toshiba)

Niob-based battery for fast charging and extreme conditions presented by Toshiba

With a charging time of just 10 minutes, practical energy density and a new type of anode, the battery is primarily intended for use in large, heavy vehicles. It is also reliable in a wide range of conditions.

Mario Petzold, 26 Jun 2024 16:18

It is still a laboratory process, but lithium production from geothermal energy is to be expanded. (Image: LevertonHELM)

"Clean" lithium for battery production can be extracted directly from water

Geothermal energy not only supplies heat and electricity. Almost pure lithium carbonate could be extracted from the deep water to produce batteries.

Mario Petzold, 25 Jun 2024 17:25

Batteries for electric cars need graphite, which Bill Gates is making from methane in a new process (symbolic image: DALL-E / KI)

Bill Gates' company produces key material for EV batteries from a surprising source: methane

Bill Gates' company Molten Industries produces graphite, a key material for lithium-ion batteries, from natural gas in a cost-effective and CO2-free process. The new technology is designed to help decarbonise while supporting the ...

Nicole Dominikowski, 25 Jun 2024 16:42

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Pro released with limited-time discounts and free gifts

The DELTA 3 Pro is a new smart portable generator rated to store up to 4,000 watts (W) of back-up power, which can be restored in as little as 50 minutes thanks to EcoFlow's new X-Stream fast-charging technology. It has just becom...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 25 Jun 2024 14:11

The cells are a long way from the theoretical maximum, but they last. (Image: youtube/Oxford PV)

Solar cell with 27 percent efficiency thanks to perovskite layer goes into production

No laboratory value, no theoretical maximum: In Brandenburg, Germany, the production of high-performance solar modules using the tandem process begins.

Mario Petzold, 21 Jun 2024 22:45

Small but extremely powerful: a stable perovskite solar cell. (Image: youtube/Rice University)

Perovskite solar cell passes endurance test - and is efficient

Durable or high-yield: until now, that was the choice with perovskite modules. A new method has now combined both - albeit on a not entirely practical scale.

Mario Petzold, 19 Jun 2024 17:28

Using surplus electricity from the summer in winter? (Image: pexels/Pixabay)

"Liquid battery" to support entire power grids

With more wind and solar power, gigantic storage options must also be created. A new principle for producing liquid fuels should help - completely without pure hydrogen.

Mario Petzold, 19 Jun 2024 17:18

The modules could generate 50 percent more electricity on the same surface area. (Image: Longi)

34.6 percent efficiency confirmed for perovskite tandem solar cell

The manufacturer Longi has presented an outstandingly powerful solar cell with perovskite and silicon. Its efficiency has already been confirmed, giving an idea of the technology's potential.

Mario Petzold, 16 Jun 2024 21:40

The Anker SOLIX PS100 and PS200 (above) solar panels are now available in Europe. (Image source: Anker)

Anker launches new SOLIX PS100 and PS200 foldable solar panels

Anker has brought two new SOLIX solar panels, the PS100 and the PS200, to Europe following their launch in North America earlier this year. The devices are said to have a 23% conversion efficiency and are compatible with a wide ra...

Polly Allcock, 15 Jun 2024 18:01

More chaotic, but more controllable than previously assumed: very, very hot plasma. (Image: Dave Pugmire, Jong Youl Choi/ORNL)

Nuclear fusion is becoming more efficient: Plasma could be more controllable than assumed

Unlike the small nuclear fusion reactors used for research, the plasma in ITER could require constant shutdowns. New calculations suggest that this decades-old assumption is wrong.

Mario Petzold, 14 Jun 2024 16:57

Solar modules can also look like this. (Image: Fraunhofer/Piotr Banczerowski)

Solar systems in different colors presented - butterfly as a model

Innovative photovoltaic modules can be produced in different colors. This ensures only minimal efficiency losses, but opens up many additional application possibilities.

Mario Petzold, 14 Jun 2024 16:47

The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 will be launched soon. (Image: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Powerful and particularly quiet power station with 4,000 W coming soon

EcoFlow will soon be launching a new flagship solar generator. Initial information about EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 indicates it will come with 4,000 W of power.

Marcus Schwarten, 13 Jun 2024 14:39

New materials can improve the efficiency, service life or price of semiconductors. (Image: pixabay/PublicDomainPictures)

New method will search for better solar cells, transparent technology and more

An automated process, a hyperspectral camera and the prospect of further optimizations are driving semiconductor development. And it is not only further improvements in photovoltaics that are to be tackled.

Mario Petzold, 12 Jun 2024 21:21

Bill Gates at the TerraPower groundbreaking of the Natrium sodium-cooled reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming. (Source: Bill Gates blog)

Bill Gates’ TerraPower starts construction on sodium-cooled Natrium nuclear power plant to help meet surging electricity demand from AI, EV, and cryptocurrency use

Bill Gates’ TerraPower has started construction on its sodium-cooled Natrium nuclear power plant in Wyoming. Partnering with the US Dept. of Energy, the project reactor will provide 345-megawatts of electricity to help meet surgin...

David Chien, 12 Jun 2024 05:17