energy
From fusion to hydrogen to solar to wind, we cover the latest energy news and bring you the updates you need to know. Follow Interesting Engineering for all things energy-related.
‘Natural cement’: Scientists electrocute sand to stop coastline erosion
Calculations estimate that the cost of electrically cementing one cubic meter of ground ranges from $3 to $6.
Shopping centers, factories can produce 25% of Australia’s power, reduce emissions
Rooftop solar produced 70% more electricity in Australia than either hydro generators or solar farms.
Portable air-to-drinking water converter fits in bag, ready for military use
The system’s efficiency stems from a unique four-step moisture collection cycle: absorption, vaporization, condensation, and sterilization.
New bendable bifacial perovskite solar cell offers 27% efficiency
Built with layers of materials, either printed or coated from liquid inks or vacuum-deposited, perovskite solar cells are thin-film devices.
Lotus-inspired reactor turns carbon emissions into useful chemicals, fuel
Presence of water during CO2 conversion generates hydrogen and can even fail the device.
MIT unveils new wind turbine model to enhance power in tough conditions
The new model is based on fundamental physics and can be used to optimize the design and operation of rotors in various applications.
World’s largest solar farm to power 3 million homes, send energy to Singapore
The Australia-Asia Power Link will generate four gigawatts per hour for domestic use, with excess power sent to Singapore.
Cow-dung powered ships being tested in Japan for clean energy experiment
If successful, this clean energy source could help in achieving Japan’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
MIT’s breakthrough metal makes nuclear fusion reactors resilient to harsh heat
Neutrons released from fusion reaction damages the vessel and can develop cracks in 6-12 months.
Energy game-changer: 85% efficient green electricity-powered reactor unveiled
Scientists developed an electrified, scalable reactor infrastructure for thermochemical processes, allowing ideal heating and heat-transfer properties.
Students create unique solar EV chargers at college that power campus as well
The charging infrastructure is also built to offer benefits even when vehicles are not connected to the chargers.
Leaf-shaped solar concentrators to enable flexible, scalable renewable energy
The new leaf model design improves photon collection efficiency, reduces losses, and makes the system more adaptable and replaceable.
UK startup’s yachts to use underwater turbines for green hydrogen production
The UK startup plans to equip the future vessels with refueling at sea capability to enhance production time.
Coffee, old cans, seawater — a perfect recipe for quick hydrogen production
Using ground coffee, accelerated the green hydrogen production process in seawater, facilitating recovery of the activator alloy.
World’s largest solar microgrid to power Saudi Arabia’ Red Sea Project
Huawei’s FusionSolar Smart String Energy Storage Solution will power the Red Sea City’s off-grid, clean energy needs.
China limits exports of antimony that’s used in nuclear weapons, EV batteries
China will restrict antimony exports from September 15 to protect its security and interests.
Tokamak Energy advances vanadium alloys development for fusion breeder blankets
Vanadium base alloys are the leading candidate materials for breeder blanket structures in fusion power plant designs.
Clean lithium extraction possible with new zero-water, zero-chemical method
This entire process operates on renewable energy, eliminating the need for any harmful chemicals.
This temperature monitoring tech to prevent fire, make lithium batteries safer for EVs
TTape helps detect hotspots vulnerable to thermal runaway on lithium-ion batteries to prevent fire, and explosions and also extend the lifespan of the batteries.
Molten salt nuclear reactor gets boost with new plasma bubble breakthrough
The newly developed “plasma bubble spectroscopy” technique employs a specially designed probe capable of enduring the harsh conditions of the molten salt environment.