India’s new mega-dam will roil lives downstream with wild swings in water flow every day

The hydropower dam is part of a huge effort to boost India’s homegrown energy. But it will radically disrupt the lives and livelihoods of indigenous communities in the flood plains downstream.

Parag Jyoti Saikia, Ph.D. Candidate in Socio-Cultural Anthropology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • conversation
Sept. 4, 2024 ~10 min

Could we use volcanoes to make electricity?

We don’t generate power directly from volcanoes, but their presence is a sign that there are good geothermal resources underground that can be tapped.

David Kitchen, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Richmond • conversation
Aug. 19, 2024 ~5 min


Quantum computers can accelerate the transition to net zero power grids

Researchers are studying how quantum computers can help optimise net-zero power grid operation and expansion planning.

Thomas Morstyn, Associate Professor in Power Systems, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford • conversation
Aug. 8, 2024 ~8 min

Offshore wind farms connected by an underwater power grid for transmission could revolutionize how the East Coast gets its electricity

A big roadblock to offshore wind power is getting approval for onshore transmission lines. But what if there were fewer connection points, and power could flow both ways? Plans are underway.

Erin Baker, Professor of Industrial Engineering Applied to Energy Policy, UMass Amherst • conversation
July 31, 2024 ~10 min

Paris Olympics promote sustainability for good reason: Climate change is putting athletes and their sports at risk

The 2024 Summer Games are going all in on renewable energy, recycled materials and more to shrink their carbon footprint. They’re a test bed for how big events can do better for the environment.

Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan • conversation
July 24, 2024 ~7 min

Is Britain on track for a zero-carbon power sector in six years?

The new government wants zero carbon power by 2030 – here’s what needs to happen.

Jon Gluyas, Professor of Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, Durham University • conversation
July 17, 2024 ~8 min

Can humanity address climate change without believing it? Medical history suggests it is possible

In the 19th century, many doctors might not have believed germ theory, but they switched to using protective methods anyway for a simple reason.

Ron Barrett, Professor of Anthropology, Macalester College • conversation
July 10, 2024 ~7 min

Fusion power could transform how we get our energy — and worsen problems it’s intended to solve

Some processes that support fusion energy fuel climate change and may harm the environment.

Sophie Cogan, PhD Candidate, University of York • conversation
July 5, 2024 ~6 min


The UK’s power grid needs upgrading to reach net zero – our new study shows where

Electricity networks in cities need the biggest overhaul – but the public can help.

Sheridan Few, Lecturer in Urban Energy Systems, University of Leeds • conversation
May 29, 2024 ~6 min

Why banks consider renewable energy to be a riskier investment than fossil fuels

Risk assessments used by lenders are a boon for the oil and gas industry.

Matteo Gasparini, DPhil Candidate, Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford • conversation
May 15, 2024 ~5 min

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