From watts to warheads: Secretary of energy oversees big science research and the US nuclear arsenal

The Energy Department has a dual mission with a heavy science focus and manages large, expensive programs, many of which are behind schedule and over budget.

Margaret E. Kosal, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
yesterday ~12 min

Five climate change stories to keep an eye on this year

A court ruling, a climate summit, and a potentially unstoppable transition.

Will de Freitas, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition • conversation
Jan. 9, 2025 ~8 min


Nuclear fusion could one day be a viable clean energy source – but big engineering challenges stand in the way

Even once researchers can reliably get more power out of a fusion reaction than they put in, they’ll still need to overcome engineering challenges to scale up fusion energy.

Farhat Beg, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Jan. 8, 2025 ~9 min

Interior secretary manages vast lands that all Americans share − and can sway the balance between conservation and development

The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of all US land. Its secretary mediates among many competing uses for it, from recreation to energy production.

Emily Wakild, Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for the Environment and Public Lands, Boise State University • conversation
Jan. 8, 2025 ~10 min

How hard is it to prevent recurring blackouts in Puerto Rico?

Using the island as a model, researchers demonstrate the “DyMonDS” framework can improve resiliency to extreme weather and ease the integration of new resources.

David Chandler | MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems • mit
Jan. 7, 2025 ~8 min

Biological computers could use far less energy than current technology – by working more slowly

Human biology is vastly more energy efficient than today’s computing.

Heiner Linke, Professor of Nanophysics, Lund University • conversation
Dec. 18, 2024 ~8 min

MIT spinout Commonwealth Fusion Systems unveils plans for the world’s first fusion power plant

The company has announced that it will build the first grid-scale fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
Dec. 17, 2024 ~6 min

New climate chemistry model finds “non-negligible” impacts of potential hydrogen fuel leakage

MIT study confirms the climate impacts of hydrogen, recommends leak prevention be a priority as infrastructure for handling this clean-burning fuel is built.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Dec. 16, 2024 ~12 min


Will AI save the planet? Why the evidence is flawed

A new report questions the research that concludes AI is good for the planet - the reality is not that clear-cut.

Jo Lindsay Walton, Principal Research Fellow in Arts, Climate and Technology, University of Sussex • conversation
Dec. 16, 2024 ~7 min

Wrong trees in the wrong place can make cities hotter at night, study reveals

While trees can cool some cities significantly during the day, new research shows that tree canopies can also trap heat and raise temperatures at night. The

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Dec. 10, 2024 ~6 min

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