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.
China scientists’ breakthrough flow battery hits 850 cycles, retains 99.95% capacity
With new organic molecules, the organic flow battery performed well for 600 cycles without a drop in capacity.
8.5 million sqft of rooftop space in US to host 100 MW of solar power
Solar Landscape’s STEP-UP program has trained over 2,500 individuals, boosting workforce diversity in the clean energy sector.
150 MW geothermal energy to power Meta’s data centers in first US project
Meta said the new partnership with Sage Geosystems will significantly expand the use of geothermal power in the US.
Stanford makes semi-transparent solar cell with 22% efficiency using tungsten
Semi-transparent and flexible solar cells have a range of applications in aerospace, architecture and in wearables.
Scientists recover almost 99% of pure silver from dead solar cells
Aluminum and steel used with solar panels are easy to recover but recovering copper and silver is time and energy intensive.
Buildings to homes: Microsoft grabs 100% of Singapore’s largest solar project
Microsoft has encountered challenges in its pursuit to become carbon-negative by 2030, with a 30% increase in emissions last year compared to 2020 levels.
Japan’s manganese-boosted EV battery hits game-changing 820 Wh/Kg, no decay
Manganese anodes in Li-ion batteries achieved 820 Wh/kg, surpassing NiCo batteries’ 750 Wh/kg.
Astron’s hydrogen engine achieves record 60% efficiency with 0 emissions
Hydrogen burnt as fuel produces only water as byproduct offering a sustainable mode of transportation.
US’ commercial fusion energy goal can be achieved with new fuel recycling method
A new efficient fuel recycling method could help the United States, which has set a goal of enabling a fusion pilot plant, led by the private sector, on a decadal timescale.
Artificial sun: Nuclear fusion closes in, new method can tackle key challenges
This ptychographic imaging technique generates images by analyzing scattered photon patterns, enabling researchers to precisely resolve the 3D nanostructure of a copper foam, crucial for fusion experiments.
New EV battery transforms waste energy into power for extended range
DEOGAM is currently field-testing their innovative battery in 500 Hyundai Ioniq 5 taxis on Jeju Island, South Korea.
EV cooling efficiency increases 4x with new electricity-free heat pipe tech
Within an LHP, heat is efficiently transported across considerable distances using a working fluid and a porous wick structure.
Nuclear reactor one mile below ground: Safe design to offer low cost energy
To generate power, the reactor follows a process similar to pressurized water reactors.
MIT develops low-cost, high-energy batteries using disordered rock salt cathodes
The new material family primarily comprises manganese, an earth-abundant element less expensive than nickel and cobalt.
US creates new resin for recyclable wind turbine blades to end landfill waste
The researchers used this biomass-derivable resin to create a prototype 9-meter blade.
US creates metasurfaces that show ‘unprecedented’ light control capability
Thermal radiation is usually unpolarized and has limited applications. By combining thermal emissions and control, researchers have achieved a compact optical system.
New nanogenerators achieve 140-fold power density gain, could rival solar cells
If a traditional nanogenerator produces ten milliwatts of power, this new technology could increase that output to over 1,000 milliwatts.
Stanford’s new method makes lithium extraction 40% cheaper, sustainable
The direct lithium extraction techniques are gaining popularity for their environmental compatibility, and efficiency.
US perfects lithium vapor cave, breaks nuclear fusion reactor heat barrier
Multiple computer simulations have now determined that the ideal location for the lithium vapor cave is near the bottom of the tokamak, by the center stack.
Breakthrough: 25% hidden EV battery power unlocked by tracking lithium ions
The main reason why LFP batteries constantly store 25% less energy than their estimated capacity has been found.