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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

At some point, the many solar cells will have to be recycled. Solutions are needed. (Image: pixabay/Andreas-Troll)

Recycle solar cells in 3 minutes - with salt water

A new recycling method for solar modules produces neither strong acids nor toxic waste. An important step towards a circular economy in photovoltaics.

Mario Petzold, 06 Jun 2024 20:10

Cheap electricity, reliable operation and simple construction: Wind farms in the sea have several advantages. (Image: pixabay/Tho-Ge)

Wind power from the sea: economic efficiency tops all other energy sources

Against the trend of rising prices, electricity from wind is costing less and less. Numerous other factors make offshore plants particularly attractive, also in combination with nuclear power.

Mario Petzold, 05 Jun 2024 20:54

Manure, chaff and husks can contribute to the energy transition and make farmers more independent. (Image: Jenny Fontaine/UIC)

Hydrogen from manure: maximum efficiency thanks to new technology

As a fuel - especially for large machines - hydrogen is likely to be of central importance in the future. However, its production is costly or dirty, something that biowaste could change abruptly.

Mario Petzold, 04 Jun 2024 21:11

A little sunlight should be enough to generate temperatures similar to those in a blast furnace. (Image: Cell Press/Device)

1,050 °C from sunlight: better blast furnaces for steel production

Instead of replacing coal with hydrogen, the direct route promises to be much more efficient. You would only need enough mirrors to capture sufficient sunlight, which has hardly been practical up to now. A new material is now set ...

Mario Petzold, 02 Jun 2024 15:11

The latest Eco Plus feature on Ecobee thermostats seeks to support the power grid. (Source: Ecobee)

Ecobee thermostats can now self-adjust to prevent power outages

Ecobee's new Community Energy Savings program will detect energy emergencies and automatically adjust your thermostat to reduce the risk of power outages. Users can also upgrade their participation to their utility's demand respon...

Sarfo Ashong-Listowell, 31 May 2024 20:51

Capturing CO2, generating electricity: a battery can do both at the same time. (Image: pixabay/catazul)

Sodium-CO2-battery stores electricity and binds carbon dioxide

The innovative energy storage system uses inexpensive materials, can absorb large amounts of electricity and binds CO2 when releasing energy. Further development of the system is already being planned.

Mario Petzold, 29 May 2024 19:24

A solar module can generate significantly more electricity on a bright ground. (Image: University of Ottawa)

Solar cells more effective with adapted background, especially in the north

Great technical solutions or innovations are not always necessary to increase the output of solar systems. Instead, more electricity can be generated with minimal effort, which works better in poor conditions.

Mario Petzold, 25 May 2024 13:47

Xiaomi has unveiled the Outdoor Camera Solar Panel (BW Series). (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi reveals new solar panel accessory on global website

Xiaomi has listed the new Outdoor Camera Solar Panel (BW Series) on its global website. The product is designed to prolong the runtime of smart home security cameras like the upcoming Outdoor Camera BW500. The solar panel’s connec...

Polly Allcock, 24 May 2024 12:30

Jackery refreshes Explorer 1000 power station with upgraded LFP batteries and faster charging

Jackery has announced its latest portable power station as a second generation of its existing Explorer 1000: the 1000 v2. It is is more compact compared to its predecessor, yet has increased maximum output thanks to updated batte...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 23 May 2024 18:01

Low-maintenance, durable and enough power for thousands of households: a Megapack. (Image: Tesla)

Tesla Megafactory for Megapack is finally being built

Construction of a factory for energy storage systems for power grids is starting in Shanghai. Production, which will amount to 40 gigawatt hours per year, is due to start in less than a year.

Mario Petzold, 23 May 2024 15:50

Anker is now accepting pre-orders for the SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Plus and Pro (above). (Image source: Anker)

Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Plus and Pro launch with discount

Anker has launched the SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Plus and the SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro, now available for pre-order in Germany. Early customers can get 22% off the RRP and a free accessory. The solar energy storage solutions are ...

Polly Allcock, 22 May 2024 12:40

Nabu is planning to sue over the expansion of the Tesla Gigafactory, and is backed by climate activists and local residents (image: Tesla)

Tesla Gigafactory faces lawsuit from nature conservation organisation despite local approval

The dispute over the expansion of the controversial Tesla Gigafactory Berlin is coming to a head. After an attempt by around 800 climate activists to storm the building, nature conservation organisation Nabu is now taking legal ac...

Nicole Dominikowski, 21 May 2024 15:37

Cacti: now for smartphone protection. (Source: Otterbox)

Otterbox' latest iPhone cases are made with Cactus Leather because why not

Otterbox hints that the latest additions to its Symmetry series for Apple devices might be the most "ethical" accessories ever made. They are described as "leather", albeit a version of the material apparently sustainably sourced ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 20 May 2024 19:24

Zinc and wood ensure the amazing loading behavior. (Image: LiU, Thor Balkhed)

8.000 charges and hardly any costs: battery made from zinc and waste presented

Inexpensive raw materials and a long service life are ingredients that every battery could do with. The new type of battery should be particularly interesting as an energy storage device and is partly made from paper production wa...

Mario Petzold, 15 May 2024 17:29

President Biden raises tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, lithium batteries, solar cells, medical PPE and syringes, and more. (Source: Whitehouse on YouTube)

President Biden raises US import tariffs on Chinese EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical supplies, semiconductors, port cranes, minerals, and metals while ignoring patients and medical providers

President Biden has raised US import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, medical supplies, semiconductors, port cranes, minerals, steel, and aluminum. The tariffs are in response to unfair Chinese trade p...

David Chien, 15 May 2024 03:16

The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel is a standalone product. (Image source: Jackery)

Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel now available with launch offer

The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel is now on sale in countries worldwide. The folding device has four monocrystalline solar cells and can be used on its own, with ports to charge three devices simultaneously. Plus, custome...

Polly Allcock, 13 May 2024 18:20

There are still many free roof areas available. (Image: pixabay/This_is_Engineering)

Expansion of wind and solar energy faster than ever before

Since 2000, the share of these two energy sources has increased by well over 6,000 percent. This makes global climate protection targets more tangible and slows things down elsewhere.

Mario Petzold, 11 May 2024 14:33

Climate activists storm Tesla Gigafactory Berlin site (image: Instagram @teslastoppen)

Elon Musk stops production: Tesla Gigafactory stormed by hundreds of climate activists

Climate activists stormed the site of Tesla's Gigafactory in Berlin yesterday morning, forcing a halt to production. Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the protest on X, calling for tougher police action against the demonstrators.

Nicole Dominikowski, 11 May 2024 13:22

Organic compounds can also convert photons. (Image: pixabay/gerhardt12)

Organic solar cells with a big leap towards practical use

Manufactured exclusively from synthetic molecules and polymers, the production costs of organic solar panels in particular could be very low. Problems with efficiency and durability should soon be a thing of the past.

Mario Petzold, 07 May 2024 17:49

Bajaj's CNG motorcycle is expected to reduce fuel costs by 50-65%, according to the company's managing director (image: Bajaj Auto)

World's first affordable CNG motorcycle to slash running costs by 50-65%

Powered by CNG (compressed natural gas), Bajaj Auto's new motorcycle is designed to offer a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol and diesel motorcycles, countering the rising price of fuel.

Nicole Dominikowski, 04 May 2024 10:52

The battery cells are called BluePack and they are blue. (Image: Natron Energy)

Sodium battery for energy storage goes into mass production

Natron Energy presented its battery cell back in 2021. Now the market launch is set to begin on a large scale. The performance data of the new type of battery is very remarkable.

Mario Petzold, 03 May 2024 15:54

Resembles a llama, like ALPACA resembles the LLAMA (Lyman-alpha measurement apparatus). (Image: pixabay/wagrati_photo)

More precision for nuclear fusion: ALPACA increases efficiency

Nuclear fusion is to be made more controllable with an elaborate measuring instrument. However, the expense and the rather simple measurement parameter involved also show that there is still a long way to go to achieve economic vi...

Mario Petzold, 03 May 2024 15:05

vPCB turning into a jelly-like substance during recycling without damaging the core electronics (Image source: Mark Stone/University of Washington)

Researchers showcase new circuit boards with almost 100% recyclability

Electronic waste has become a growing problem, and researchers at the University of Washington may just have found a solution. The team has showcased new circuit boards that are almost 100% recyclable. These new PCBs (printed circ...

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 01 May 2024 11:31

The Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 has been unveiled in Germany. (Image source: Anker)

Anker announces new SOLIX balcony power plant storage with launch offer

The Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 series has been unveiled in Europe. Three models will go on sale, each with 1,600Wh storage and upgraded features like an integrated inverter. Plus, the company is offering email subscribers a dis...

Polly Allcock, 29 Apr 2024 21:35

The new 800W Alternator Charger. (Source: EcoFlow)

Deal | Get an EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger with a new DELTA-series portable generator for up to 35% off

EcoFlow is promoting its new 800W Alternator Charger via an up-to-35% sale off its bundles with the DELTA Pro or 2-series portable generators with which it is intended to be used. The Alternator is rated to increase the amount of ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Apr 2024 19:02

Affordable and climate-friendly dream homes could be possible thanks to a new AI architect and 3D printing (image: Icon)

Cheap, climate-friendly dream homes: New AI architect and 3D printing transform construction industry

The world's largest 3D-printed housing community has been completed - and the company behind it has now developed an AI architect who designs customized homes that are then built by a robot in record time. As well as reducing cost...

Nicole Dominikowski, 27 Apr 2024 15:42

EZVIZ' latest video doorbell launches with dual-lens tech and solar power back-up

EZVIZ' latest video doorbell is its first to come with its own solar power for potentially always-on operation. The EP3x Pro is also rated to 'expand' its field of vision with dual cameras, and to keep the user alerted as to the a...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Apr 2024 15:19

The Anker SOLIX X1 Home Energy Storage System has arrived in North America. (Image source: Anker)

Anker SOLIX X1 ultra-thin home energy storage system now available

The Anker SOLIX X1 Home Energy Storage System is now on sale in the US, Canada, and Mexico. It is designed for indoor or outdoor use and can be combined with solar panels to reduce your reliance on the grid. Features include a Sto...

Polly Allcock, 23 Apr 2024 16:02

If the temperature changes, electricity is generated: just like a heat pump, only in reverse.

Heat pump on the wrist: chip converts heat into electricity for IoT and sensors

Tiny devices such as contact and temperature sensors or for weather measurement and automation are spreading rapidly. The power supply requires cables or batteries, which a new type of energy cell could change.

Mario Petzold, 22 Apr 2024 14:38

Apple intends to power its entire production chain with green energy by 2030 (Image: Apple)

Every iPhone to be charged with green energy by 2030: Apple gives update on sustainability initiative

By switching to renewable energy throughout the supply chain and investing in green energy, the company aims to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2030. However, the timing of this press release is unlikely to be a coincidence...

Tristan Hesser, 20 Apr 2024 01:24

Wind turbines sometimes supply too much electricity and then too little. (Image: pixabay/sonnydelrosario)

Electricity grid of the future: California bets on batteries

In just a few years, one of the largest power grids in the world has been radically rebuilt to meet the changing requirements of renewable energies. The dimensions appear to be quite manageable.

Mario Petzold, 19 Apr 2024 21:47

DJI has launched its first two power Stations today. (Image: DJI)

DJI Power 500 and Power 1000: First DJI power stations launched with a special charging port for drones

DJI today announced the launch of its first two power stations. The Power 500 and Power 1000 models can be used for mobile power supply and feature a special port for fast charging of drones, among other things.

Marcus Schwarten, 18 Apr 2024 18:32

Such solar cells could also extend the flight time of classic drones. (Image: pixabay/Harald_Landsrath)

Mini drone flies using only solar power: ultra-thin perovskite film makes it possible

It is the perfect demonstration of extremely lightweight solar modules with gigantic energy density: a multicopter is fitted with only solar cells, which then supply enough power for the small aircraft to take off as usual.

Mario Petzold, 18 Apr 2024 17:08

Light and radio waves can transmit energy over long distances, even from orbit. (Image: Airbus)

Solar power plants in space: SOLARIS is looking for the best concepts

Solar cells in orbit could permanently supply huge amounts of electricity around the clock, regardless of the weather and without using up land surface. Now it's all about the technical realization and financial feasibility of ele...

Mario Petzold, 17 Apr 2024 15:56

The EcoFlow PowerHeat and PowerGlow are on show at Solar Solutions Bremen 2024. (Image source: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow reveals new PowerHeat and PowerGlow smart solar-powered heating solutions

The EcoFlow PowerHeat and PowerGlow smart home heating solutions have been unveiled. The devices convert solar power to heat, with the PowerHeat acting as a space heater and the PowerGlow heating water. The products can be used to...

Polly Allcock, 17 Apr 2024 12:05

Enhanced geothermal technologies for renewable energy in Nevada (Image: Fervo Energy)

Geothermal anywhere: Advanced drilling technology for CO2-free energy could be widespread

Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity at any time of the day or night. But what was previously only possible in specific locations could soon be realised on a large scale thanks to new processes. The first companie...

Nicole Dominikowski, 15 Apr 2024 13:11

U.S. Department of Defense orders removal of China-made battery energy storage systems due to cyberattack risks. (Source: Camp Lejeune - Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)

U.S. Department of Defense proactively eliminating Chinese battery energy storage systems from use due to foreign threat risks

The U.S. Department of Defense has proactively begun eliminating all Chinese battery energy storage system from use across all branches of the military, including the Navy, due foreign threat risks. China, Russia, and other countr...

David Chien, 15 Apr 2024 06:55

180,000 gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees are at risk from renewable energy mining (symbolic image: Dall-E / KI)

Renewable energy mining endangers Africa's great apes — 2/3 of all primates at risk of extinction

Moving away from fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy is essential for a successful energy transition. But the massive mining of minerals needed to make batteries for electric cars or solar panels comes at a price: In Afric...

Nicole Dominikowski, 12 Apr 2024 16:17

Infinium’s E-fuel production plant in Texas for aviation (image: Infinium)

Bill Gates-backed company turns water and CO2 into fuel — Amazon and American Airlines among first buyers

Amazon, one of the world's biggest emitters of CO2, considers E-fuel, made from water and carbon dioxide, to be a "promising tool for reducing emissions" and has already made its first deliveries. The company, which is co-funded b...

Nicole Dominikowski, 11 Apr 2024 13:48

If water is in the air, it can be used as a power source. (AI image: DallE 3)

Electricity from humidity: great potential, difficult to implement

Wind and solar energy provide a lot of electricity, but never consistently and everywhere. A third renewable energy source - hydrovoltaics - aims to do just that, using surprisingly simple means.

Mario Petzold, 08 Apr 2024 11:23

Jackery Solar Generator 880 Pro debuts as extra-compact portable power station with $230 discount

Jackery has presented a new, more compact version of its up-to-date Explorer Pro portable power station series. The 880 Pro has a moderate capacity at 880 watt-hours (Wh), yet can deliver up to 2000W of power in a number of ways, ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Apr 2024 16:53

What it looks like inside the battery itself is rarely known. (Image: pixabay/garten-gg)

Battery passport for EVs coming to EU: data collection to optimize durability, repair and further use

How often has it been charged, how long will it last and what can be done to repair the battery in an electric car? In future, a comprehensive document for every major battery will provide information on this - and more.

Mario Petzold, 03 Apr 2024 12:20

Elon Musk announces new "Tesla LunaRoof" solar modules that also generate electricity in the dark (symbolic image: DALL-E / AI)

Elon Musk unveils Tesla LunaRoof: AI solar panel to generate electricity from moonlight

Elon Musk wants to accelerate the energy revolution with the new "Tesla LunaRoof" solar panel. Using the AI robot Hermion-G as an autonomous chemist, Stanford University has developed a novel coating for solar cells made from synt...

Nicole Dominikowski, 01 Apr 2024 14:18

Fortunately, the CO2 concentration in water is much higher than in air. (Image: pixabay/Pexels)

Filtering CO2 from the sea: saving the climate via the ocean

A third of all CO2 emissions worldwide end up in the oceans. The only problem is that the absorption capacity is decreasing and the water in the oceans is also acidifying. Part of the solution could be CCS from water.

Mario Petzold, 30 Mar 2024 19:32

Stays in motion for a long time: the FLIRT H2. (Image: Stadler Rail AG)

Hydrogen train with record ride through Colorado

Almost 2,000 miles in one go is certainly impressive as a test run. This means a world record for the Swiss train, although it was spared a few hurdles.

Mario Petzold, 27 Mar 2024 19:49

Huge piles of old smartphones, laptops, TVs, solar panels and other electronics threaten our planet according to the ITU & UN Global e-Waste Monitor Report for 2024. (Source: AI image Dall-E 3)

ITU and UNITAR release Global E-waste Monitor 2024 report warning of pending, global e-waste disaster

The ITU and UNITAR have released their Global E-waste Monitor 2024 report. Electronic waste is a growing concern worldwide as people buy, use, and dispose of ever more electronics. The report warns of a pending, global e-waste dis...

David Chien, 24 Mar 2024 23:39

Simulations of magnetism, magnetic domains and the behavior of new alloys are complex. (Image: Alexander Kovacs)

Developing magnets with AI, open source and collaboration

They are almost everywhere. Wind turbines, electric cars - also combustors - computers and smartphones all rely on permanent magnets. Extensive cooperation is intended to minimize dependence on rare earths, protect the environment...

Mario Petzold, 22 Mar 2024 20:46

The sails can be combined with almost any type of ship. (Image: Cargill)

High-tech sails for cargo ship giants: CO2 savings with room for improvement

After six months on the high seas, an initial assessment can be made. State-of-the-art, automated sails can save a lot of marine diesel. The test run was very promising and the potential is enormous.

Mario Petzold, 20 Mar 2024 19:40

Increased use of renewable energy helps cut greenhouse gases (image: Pixabay / Benita5)

Germany's CO2 emissions at record low — biggest drop since 1990

With the biggest drop in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 in 2023, Germany could still meet its climate targets. Due to exemplary sectors such as energy and industry, greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 were around 76 million tonn...

Nicole Dominikowski, 17 Mar 2024 18:21