Why Germany ditched nuclear before coal – and why it won’t go back

Understanding Berlin’s nuclear exit, one year on.

Trevelyan Wing, Fellow of the Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics and Centre Researcher at the Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance (CEENRG), University of Cambridge • conversation
April 23, 2024 • ~8 min

Colorado is latest state to try turning off the electrical grid to prevent wildfires − a complex, technical operation pioneered in California

Turning off power is a last-ditch strategy for utilities to reduce the risk that their systems could spark wildfires. In most states, deciding whether to take that step is up to utilities.

Kyri Baker, Assistant Professor of Building Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
April 12, 2024 • ~8 min

AI may develop a huge carbon footprint, but it could also be a critical ally in the fight against climate change

AI needs careful monitoring and the right policies to ensure it can benefit the fight against climate change.

Alina Vaduva, Director of the Business Advice Centre for Post Graduate Students at UEL, Ambassador of the Centre for Innovation, Management and Enterprise, University of East London • conversation
April 4, 2024 • ~6 min

Why aren’t there solar-powered cars?

It’s common to see solar panels on rooftops and fields, but they aren’t widespread on cars − yet.

Chen Liu, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Clarkson University • conversation
April 1, 2024 • ~7 min

Lessons from Fukushima: Prepare for the unlikely

An analysis of the 2011 nuclear accident reveals a need for more preparation, training, and protocols for responding to low-probability accidents.

David L. Chandler | MIT News • mit
March 21, 2024 • ~7 min

Future nuclear power reactors could rely on molten salts — but what about corrosion?

MIT researchers show that using the right metals could alleviate the corrosion problem in these promising new reactor designs.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
March 21, 2024 • ~18 min

California is wrestling with electricity prices – here’s how to design a system that covers the cost of fixing the grid while keeping prices fair

California is considering a controversial proposal for utilities to charge customers for electricity based partly on household income. Two scholars explain how this approach could benefit everyone.

Andrew L. Liu, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
March 21, 2024 • ~10 min

Six innovative ways to float skyscraper-sized wind turbines

Meet the next generation of wind turbines that can operate in deeper waters.

Emma C. Edwards, Career Development Fellow in Engineering, University of Oxford • conversation
March 21, 2024 • ~8 min

Solar power occupies a lot of space – here’s how to make it more ecologically beneficial to the land it sits on

Solar development isn’t always good for the land, but pairing it with agriculture can produce multiple benefits.

Matthew Sturchio, PhD Student in Plant and Ecosystem Ecology, Colorado State University • conversation
March 12, 2024 • ~8 min

Cutting carbon emissions on the US power grid

An online model enables users to calculate the least-cost strategy for a specific regional grid under various assumptions; outcomes vary widely from region to region.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
March 11, 2024 • ~21 min

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