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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

A new waterproof battery is available for the EcoFlow PowerStream balcony power plant. (Image source: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow PowerStream balcony power plant with waterproof battery arrives with discount

EcoFlow has launched a new waterproof battery in the EU for its PowerStream balcony power plant. The 2kWh energy storage solution is suitable for outdoor use and has an auto-heating feature. The kits that include the new power pac...

Polly Allcock, 13 Mar 2024 13:25

Where to put the wings? Good ideas are piling up. (Image: pixabay/fotoblend)

Wind turbine rotor blades have a recycling problem: how much longer?

Wind turbine blades must remain stable and resistant for decades. This makes them stubborn waste when it comes to disposal. However, practical solutions are on the horizon.

Mario Petzold, 12 Mar 2024 20:54

E-cars: high-capacity batteries on the move. (Image: pixabay/ClimateWarrior)

Free charging stations reduce energy costs

Consuming electricity when it is generated can be worthwhile. Ideally, the e-car would also charge itself at the same time. If you go one step further, the potential of smart grids becomes apparent.

Mario Petzold, 09 Mar 2024 16:13

A convincing performance in the endurance test: CorPower C4 has delivered. (Image: CorPower)

Wave power plant bounces in the water and delivers 600 kW

Three months of testing were successful. A buoy from CorPower was able to generate a surprising amount of electricity with time-delayed movement - and survived monster waves in between.

Mario Petzold, 08 Mar 2024 17:35

Sulphur can be used to store electricity, even a lot of it. (Image: pixabay/analogicus)

No rare earths, superior energy density: Li-S battery heals itself

Rechargeable batteries made from lithium and sulphur could far outperform current batteries, but do not achieve a significant service life. This is set to change radically with a new crystal structure and optimized properties.

Mario Petzold, 07 Mar 2024 18:39

Solar system and shade provider: Rendering of the "Arch of Time", an installation made of solar cells (source: Land Art Generator, rendering by Riccardo Mariano)

Unusual solar farms built on wasteland such as landfill sites, golf courses and car parks due to lack of space

To ensure a successful energy transition, more and more large-scale solar farms are being installed around the world at a rapid pace. However, solar power generation is a huge space-intensive process. For example, an area the size...

Nicole Dominikowski, 07 Mar 2024 11:34

They are still just schematics, but the construction is becoming more realistic - a person in orange. (Image: US ITER)

From 200 miles of superconductor to nuclear fusion

New material, new design, powerful results: A magnet that is finally strong enough for a large nuclear fusion reactor was put into operation at MIT - and ran under real conditions.

Mario Petzold, 05 Mar 2024 21:07

The Zendure AIO 2400 Balcony Solar System has a self-heating feature. (Image source: Zendure)

Zendure AIO 2400 self-heating balcony solar system now available

Zendure has launched the AIO 2400 Balcony Solar System. Customers in the EU can now purchase the product on its own or as part of a bundle containing a microinverter and solar panels. Features of the solution include self-heating,...

Polly Allcock, 04 Mar 2024 16:55

The current record holder converts 47 % light into electricity. (Image: Fraunhofer ISE)

Salt bath for solar cells: High efficiency and long life for perovskite modules

Future solar modules should be able to supply twice as much electricity as at present. However, the most promising technology with perovskite still fails in terms of longevity. This is set to change soon thanks to new studies.

Mario Petzold, 01 Mar 2024 21:24

The Hombli Smart Solar Cam 2K is now available in Europe. (Image source: Hombli)

Hombli launches Smart Solar Cam 2K security camera with solar panel

Hombli has released its Smart Solar Cam 2K in Europe. The outdoor security camera has a built-in solar panel, which, in the right conditions, can fully power the smart home device. Other features include full-color night vision, a...

Polly Allcock, 26 Feb 2024 11:02

The new SwapSolar ecosystem. (Source: BLUETTI)

BLUETTI SwapSolar portable cooler system with industry-first modular LFP batteries scores ~$300,000 in crowdfunding

BLUETTI's latest product is a portable fridge-freezer and ice-maker rather than a generator - however, it still runs on the OEM's advanced LFP tech, and, as such, is the first of its kind on the market to do so. Furthermore, the M...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 23 Feb 2024 18:53

The Zendure AIO 2400 balcony power plant will soon go on sale. (Image source: Zendure)

Zendure AIO 2400 balcony power plant with storage launching soon

The Zendure Balcony Solar System AIO 2400 will go on sale later this month, though only a limited number of units will be available. The product includes 2.4 kWh built-in storage, a dual MPPT inverter and self-heating for use outd...

Polly Allcock, 23 Feb 2024 13:47

Wastewater can be used for climate-friendly heating or beer production (image: Epic Cleantec)

Epic Cleantec produces beer and compost from wastewater and will also use it to heat buildings

Showering and flushing are not wastes but valuable resources. The company Epic Cleantec shows how wastewater can be used in a climate-friendly way to heat buildings, to brew beer and to produce a compost-like soil conditioner.

Nicole Dominikowski, 21 Feb 2024 10:34

The smallest movements are enough to allow electricity to flow. (Source: ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.)

Artificial leaves generate electricity through wind and rain

Tiny generators sway in the wind, others are minimally shaken by raindrops. And then electricity flows. Other applications are easily imaginable.

Mario Petzold, 19 Feb 2024 21:32

Bind CO2 and cool surprisingly well: trees in growth, here still in the nursery. (Source: pixabay/MonikaP)

80 years later success: reforestation with measurable impact

Dust storms and droughts in the USA led to a government reforestation project of gigantic proportions. Its effects, including a cooling of 7 °F, were traced in a comprehensive study.

Mario Petzold, 18 Feb 2024 21:28

Teslas are often rendered immobile in the extreme cold since they just won't charge till the batteries warm up. (Image source: Forbes)

Tesla takes on the weather: New software update aids supercharging in extreme cold

Perhaps Tesla owners will no longer be custodians of ‘dead robots’ that are unable to charge in winter. With software update 2024.2.6, Tesla introduces new features that focus on optimizing the charging experience in cold weather....

Sarfo Ashong-Listowell, 15 Feb 2024 21:20

The Anker SOLIX Solarbank Dual System generates up to 2160W power. (Image source: Anker)

Anker launches new powerful Solix balcony power plants with discount

The Anker Solarbank Dual System balcony power plants are now on sale in the EU, with an introductory discount offering up to €1,110 off. Each kit includes four solar panels, a microinverter and two Solarbanks with a combined 3.2 k...

Polly Allcock, 15 Feb 2024 17:35

Virtual power plants: Promising approach for more efficient use of renewable energies and reduction of CO2 emissions (symbolic image: DALL-E / AI)

Virtual power plants are shaping tomorrow's energy systems by reducing consumer costs, CO2 and grid congestion

Virtual power plants are intelligent systems that network decentralised energy sources such as solar panels, EV chargers and battery storage. The innovative technology optimises energy generation and distribution in real time to a...

Nicole Dominikowski, 13 Feb 2024 16:36

YouTube makes millions with disinformation campaigns about climate change (symbolic image: DALL-E / AI)

Climate change deniers on YouTube shift their opinion: New disinformation campaigns reap high profits

Wild claims about climate change are piling up on social media sites such as YouTube, and the platform is making a fortune out of disinformation campaigns. Now, in a major study, scientists have found that the old views of "climat...

Nicole Dominikowski, 11 Feb 2024 18:53

A lot of effort for (still) very small amounts of energy. View of the JET reactor. (Source: EUROfusion)

0.2 milligrams for the energy revolution: New record in the JET nuclear fusion reactor

The latest experiments at the Joint European Torus (JET) in the UK show just how much energy can be achieved with nuclear fusion. The comparison with coal is particularly impressive.

Mario Petzold, 10 Feb 2024 21:10

Perovskite solar panel with 25% efficiency (Image: Oxford PV)

New perovskite solar panels tested: mixed results on durability

Improving the efficiency of solar panels is a key factor in meeting the climate change targets. The first perovskite panels are due to be launched this year. However, the new class of materials has proved sensitive to heat, light ...

Nicole Dominikowski, 10 Feb 2024 15:54

Large solar fields can influence their surroundings, and in a targeted manner. (Source: pixabay/andreas160578)

Solar cells produce rain - weather models show the effects

Solar parks with gigantic dimensions are particularly worthwhile in dry, inhospitable areas with many hours of sunshine. A study using weather models shows that the dark areas have an even greater effect on the environment.

Mario Petzold, 09 Feb 2024 21:20

Nuclear fusion reduced to the bare essentials could soon be feasible. (Source: pixabay/WikiImages)

Shortcut to nuclear fusion: laser beam heats plasma directly

Nuclear fusion can be achieved without powerful magnetic fields, without gold sealing, but with a highly efficient laser. An actual energy yield is reachable, with moderate technical effort.

Mario Petzold, 08 Feb 2024 21:28

Inauguration of the low-carbon aviation fuel ethanol plant in Georgia (Image: LanzaJet)

World's first ethanol-to-sustainable jet fuel plant opens in US with $200 million investment

The world's first plant to produce sustainable aviation fuel from ethanol has been commissioned by pioneers in Illinois, USA. With an investment volume of $200 million, the plant is intended to help decarbonise the aviation indust...

Nicole Dominikowski, 08 Feb 2024 14:14

The EcoFlow PowerStream balcony power plant is receiving a firmware upgrade. (Image source: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow announces PowerStream update and teases new storage solution

Several improvements are on the way to the EcoFlow PowerStream balcony solar system. The company is already rolling out a firmware update with Solar DualCharge technology and plans to increase the AC output limit for the microinve...

Polly Allcock, 08 Feb 2024 13:36

No need for coal. Try salt water instead. (Source: pixabay/zephylwer0)

Producing iron without carbon and without CO2 - but with salt water

Around 8 percent of global CO2 emissions are attributable to iron and steel production. As much as the entire transport sector. The potential for savings is therefore huge and even a negative CO2 balance is conceivable, as new res...

Mario Petzold, 07 Feb 2024 22:00

Northern Lights CO2 storage tanks (Image: Northern Lights / Svein Ove Søreide)

$2.6 billion for controversial CCS project: European companies to store CO2 in the North Sea

$2.6 billion is being invested in a Norwegian carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. The aim is to store the carbon dioxide emitted by European industry in a pristine reservoir of saline groundwater beneath the ocean floor. The...

Nicole Dominikowski, 05 Feb 2024 20:12

Floating solar park (symbolic image: DALL-E AI)

China installed more solar panels in 2023 than any country in its entire history

By 2023, China will not only have installed more solar panels than the US in its entire history, but more than any other country in the world. According to BloombergNEF, the rapid growth of renewable energy has seen China install ...

Nicole Dominikowski, 05 Feb 2024 16:21

Nissan Energy Share set for March 1 2024 Japanese launch (Source: Nissan Global Newsroom)

Nissan Energy Share launching next month in Japan

Conceived with corporations and municipal governments in mind, Nissan's upcoming Energy Share service focuses on providing the best energy management solution for EV fleets. Set to launch in Japan on March 1st, it will deliver a c...

Codrut Nistor, 05 Feb 2024 13:25

Iron nitride magnets - a beacon of hope for more sustainable electric mobility (Image: Niron Magnetics)

Rare earth metals in short supply: new magnets for EVs and wind turbines to accelerate energy transition

EVs, wind turbines and high-end appliances often rely on permanent magnets containing 'rare earths'. As the production of these high-performance magnets could become scarce in the future due to increasing demand, scientists are wo...

Nicole Dominikowski, 04 Feb 2024 20:52

Current flow in water alone is not enough. H2 must be separated, as effectively as possible.

Optimized production of hydrogen: lower costs, higher yield

A new type of structure can considerably simplify water electrolysis for the production of hydrogen as an energy carrier. A simple modification could significantly reduce material costs while speeding up the production process.

Mario Petzold, 30 Jan 2024 20:59

The 131m SY1310A wind turbine blades, fresh off the assembly line. (Source: Sany RE)

Chinese OEM unveils the world's longest onshore wind turbine blades

At 430 feet (131m), the SY1310A is the latest engineering feat from Sany Renewable Energy that sets the record for the world's longest wind turbine blades on land. The company intends to deploy the blades on its 15 MW turbines, wh...

Sarfo Ashong-Listowell, 30 Jan 2024 07:58

Tesla: Hobbyist shows a solar roof on his electric car (Image: somid3, Reddit)

Tesla: Foldable and collapsible solar roof provides a decent range boost on sunny days

Another way to increase range: A hobbyist has equipped his Tesla with a solar roof, which can be folded up and does not have to be completely removed whilst driving. The increase in range is quite respectable.

Silvio Werner, 28 Jan 2024 23:26

Iron mining is associated with gigantic efforts. (Source: MPG/Youtube)

Iron from sludge: steel lies dormant in waste

Aluminum mining is a dirty business. Toxic red mud remains, containing millions of tons of iron. Researchers are showing how steel, chrome and more can be extracted from it at the same cost and without CO2 emissions.

Mario Petzold, 25 Jan 2024 21:19

Batteries of the future could get better. (pixabay/Joenomias)

2,000 charging cycles with organic cathode: New battery technology for EVs of the future

The rare, expensive and highly controversial mined cobalt can be replaced in batteries by widely available organic materials. The result is a durable, powerful and long-lasting battery. Lithium is also on the researchers' to-do li...

Mario Petzold, 24 Jan 2024 21:05

Inside the Varta battery research facility in Graz due to begin full operations in Q2 2024 (Source: Varta AG)

Varta battery research facility in Graz to expand later this year

Currently conducting research in the battery field with a team of around 30 people, Varta's Graz site will expand later this year. The new facility will accommodate a team of 50 members in charge of developing post-lithium solutio...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Jan 2024 16:50

The DELTA Pro Ultra and Smart Home Panel 2 combo. (Source: EcoFlow)

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra and Smart Home Panel 2 bundle unleashed with introductory discount

EcoFlow asserts that its DELTA Pro Ultra is its "most powerful whole-house backup solution to date". It can be solar-powered, or act as a residential storage solution with a capacity that can be scaled up to 90 kilowatt-hours (kWh...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 22 Jan 2024 16:24

New understanding can open up better ways to produce and use hydrogen. (pixabay/akitada31)

More hydrogen and better fuel cells: A new look at the basics

A team at MIT has investigated the fundamental chemical reactions involved in hydrogen production and is calling previous models into question. With consequences for fuel cells, batteries and the industrial production of hydrogen.

Mario Petzold, 17 Jan 2024 21:09

The Anfuote Balcony Solar Energy Storage System is modular. (Image source: Anfuote)

New Balcony Solar Energy Storage System with up to 21.6kWh battery arrives at initially reduced price

Anfuote has revealed its Balcony Solar Energy Storage System for the US and the EU. The modular solution offers an up to 21.6kWh LiFePO4 battery with a maximum power of 2,400W. Various kits are included at an introductory price, o...

Polly Allcock, 17 Jan 2024 14:29

Hyundai's S-A2 eVTOL concept had a grand unveiling at CES. (Source: Supernal)

CES 2024 | Hyundai's S-A2 eVTOL concept is as quiet as a dishwasher

Supernal, Hyundai's electric aircraft division, unveiled its second-generation eVTOL prototype at CES 2024. The S-A2 will cruise at 120 mph while emitting less than 50 decibels, and reach heights of 1500 feet with only 65 dB of no...

Sarfo Ashong-Listowell, 16 Jan 2024 05:22

Swift Solar's perovskite tandem solar cells could be commercialised in four years (Image: Swift Solar)

Next-generation solar panels with record efficiencies within reach: Perovskite tandem solar cells on the verge of commercialisation

Solar modules using perovskite tandem solar cells are highly efficient, which is why they are of great interest to some of the world's largest solar companies as a renewable energy source for power generation. There have been prob...

Nicole Dominikowski, 15 Jan 2024 22:00

Much more than just visible light can be converted into electricity. (pixabay/Bru-nO)

More light for solar cells: Novel alloy provides efficiency boost

Instead of improving the electricity yield of existing technology, a research team has been able to convert light into electricity that has not yet been used. Efficiency is expected to increase by two thirds - and all without rare...

Mario Petzold, 14 Jan 2024 20:51

First make renewable energy available and then produce hydrogen? There's a more elegant way. (pixabay/blazejosh)

Producing clean hydrogen correctly: plannable and scalable

Producing hydrogen on a large scale using electricity from coal and gas, and precisely when there is a shortage of energy elsewhere, can cause enormous emissions and endanger the power grid. A smart approach is required.

Mario Petzold, 10 Jan 2024 20:53

The Jackery Explorer System combines a rooftop tent with retractable solar panels. (Image source: Jackery)

CES 2024 | Jackery shows new Solar Generator for Rooftop Tent

The Jackery Solar Generator for Rooftop Tent, or the Jackery Explorer System, is on show at CES 2024. The new product is in concept form, with the company planning to go into production later this year. The solution comprises a ve...

Polly Allcock, 09 Jan 2024 13:23

Jackery Mars Bot: New power station on four wheels

Jackery Mars Bot: This innovative power station and solar generator is a robot with solar cells and tracking

Jackery has presented a robot on four wheels that promises particularly efficient use of solar energy and functions as a power bank. The model is also designed to operate automatically.

Silvio Werner, 06 Jan 2024 23:40

Sustainable construction could significantly reduce the price of electric vehicles. (pexels/Kindel Media)

Millions of miles with one electric motor: prototype can be used again and again

In the end, more electric cars also mean more scrap containing valuable elements and components that are still intact. The development of an electric motor that is easy to repair and dismantle should prevent such mountains of wast...

Mario Petzold, 02 Jan 2024 21:22

Geothermal power plant from Fervo Energy in Nevada (image: Google / Fervo)

Google and Fervo Energy's geothermal project provides CO₂-free power to thousands of homes

Google and Fervo Energy are working to reduce the impact of climate change with the next generation of geothermal energy. Unlike wind and solar power, geothermal energy provides a continuous supply of electricity and, with governm...

Nicole Dominikowski, 28 Dec 2023 17:15

Are nuclear reactors the future of energy transition? (Credit: Westinghouse)

Westinghouse designs eVinci microreactor to last 8 years before refueling

Unlike typical nuclear plants, the eVinci microreactor needs no water for cooling, is easy to install and works like a battery with an eight-year lifespan. The reactor stays at a stable temperature by deploying a Passive Heat Remo...

Sarfo Ashong-Listowell, 27 Dec 2023 12:50

Passive houses: the future of sustainable living? (symbolic image: Bing AI)

Passive houses use up to 90% less energy to heat and cool: one of the most energy-efficient ways to build

Passive houses can reduce heating and cooling requirements by up to 90%. This energy-saving architecture for a sustainable future began in Canada in the 1970s. Although this special type of energy-efficient construction has not ye...

Nicole Dominikowski, 26 Dec 2023 21:45