Technology innovation gives government leverage to drive down emissions fast – here's how

Technology innovation is one of the Biden administration’s most powerful tools for accelerating progress on climate change. Recent successes in renewable energy and batteries show how this can work.

Jessika E. Trancik, Associate Professor, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology • conversation
April 7, 2021 ~8 min

The US is worried about its critical minerals supply chains – essential for electric vehicles, wind power and the nation's defense

Right now, the nation is almost entirely dependent on other countries for minerals that are used in everything from wind turbines to strike fighters and satellites.

Morgan Bazilian, Professor of Public Policy and Director, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines • conversation
April 6, 2021 ~9 min


Solar panels in Sahara could boost renewable energy but damage the global climate – here's why

In a bid to ditch fossil fuels, some countries are considering carpeting deserts with solar panels.

Benjamin Smith, Director of Research, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University • conversation
Feb. 11, 2021 ~7 min

Cheaper solar power means low-income families can also benefit – with the right kind of help

Solar power doesn't have to be just for the wealthy anymore. With the right kind of financial incentives, households at all income levels can benefit from affordable clean energy.

Ryan Wiser, Senior Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • conversation
Jan. 19, 2021 ~8 min

Solar panels capture more sunlight with capsaicin - the chemical that makes chili peppers spicy

Chemicals found in food and solar cell technology have an interesting history – as my own research shows.

Jon Major, Research Fellow, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool • conversation
Jan. 13, 2021 ~6 min

Solar energy converter creates power and heat for cheap

A new hybrid solar energy converter generates electricity and steam with high efficiency and low cost, researchers report.

Barri Bronston-Tulane • futurity
July 27, 2020 ~3 min

Device is like a router for solar homes in blackouts

A new device for blackouts improves energy delivery between home solar-power systems and the electrical grid, report researchers.

Vandana Suresh-Texas A&M • futurity
July 27, 2020 ~7 min

Special solar panels could work when the sun goes down

What if solar panels could generate power when there's no sunlight? It could be possible with the right solar cell, reasearchers say.

Andy Fell-UC Davis • futurity
Jan. 30, 2020 ~3 min


‘Detours’ might lead to better batteries

Defects could actually make batteries better, which could affect transportation, electronics, and solar power energy storage, researchers report.

Mike Williams-Rice • futurity
Dec. 31, 2019 ~4 min

Durable or recyclable? These goals tend to clash

"What we have found is that sometimes when you design for recyclability, you give up on durability, and when durability is the goal, recyclability is sacrificed."

Josh Brown-Georgia Tech • futurity
April 12, 2019 ~5 min

/

4