Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 25, 2024 The crew of the Shenzhou XVII, stationed on China's space station, successfully repaired damage to the core module's solar wings caused by space debris. This repair was accomplished during the country's inaugural mission involving extravehicular maintenance, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The astronauts are set to return to Earth on April 30, following the completion of their ..read more

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 26, 2024 The potential for "super grids" to stabilize energy supply during hurricanes is being explored by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Caribbean islands, traditionally reliant on expensive imported fossil fuels, are transitioning to harnessing local solar and wind resources. However, the prevalence of hurricanes poses significant challenges to solar ..read more

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 26, 2024 A national survey conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan reveals that Americans living close to large-scale solar (LSS) farms generally view them favorably. The survey, which queried nearly 1,000 residents within three miles of LSS installations, indicated that positive attitudes towards these projects are nearly three times ..read more

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 26, 2024 Estuaries, where freshwater rivers meet the sea, are not only ideal for birdwatching and kayaking but also serve as potential sources of renewable, "blue" osmotic energy. A recent study published in ACS Energy Letters highlights a breakthrough in this field, involving a semipermeable membrane designed to harvest osmotic energy from the salt gradients between these waters, effectively converting ..read more

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 23, 2024 In the sun-drenched state of California, solar power has been both a beacon of hope and a point of contention. At the heart of this debate lies the infamous "Solar Duck Curve"-a phenomenon critics have used to demonize the impact of solar power on the energy grid. This curve, which charts the mismatch between peak solar production and peak demand, has been portrayed as a nightmare for grid manag ..read more

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Apr 22, 2024 A novel DC-DC power converter developed by Kobe University promises enhanced energy storage and conversion efficiency, marking a key step in advancing microgrid technologies. This new converter, designed to integrate seamlessly with various DC energy sources, improves system stability and simplicity with an unprecedented operational efficiency. Electric power is classified into two types ..read more

London, UK (SPX) Apr 19, 2024 A study conducted by The University of Manchester highlights significant health and environmental risks from the informal recycling of lead-acid batteries used in off-grid solar systems in Malawi. These batteries are essential for providing electricity in regions without traditional power grids, a crucial step towards broader electricity access across sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers noted ..read more

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Apr 22, 2024 Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), led by Prof. XU Jixian, have developed a novel stabilizer, dimethylammonium formate (DMAFo), for air-processed p-i-n perovskite solar cells. This innovation significantly inhibits the oxidation of iodide ions and the deprotonation of organic cations, as detailed in their recent publication in Nature Energy. The power ..read more

Madrid, Spain (SPX) Apr 19, 2024 Lithium, known for its reactivity and essential role in lithium-ion batteries, is critical for sustainable energy technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Given the surge in lithium demand, researchers are looking into less conventional sources beyond the primary ones such as pegmatites and volcanic clays. A promising avenue is being explored by a team from ..read more

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 22, 2024 Despite decreasing costs and increasing accessibility of solar home systems, significant obstacles hinder their widespread use in remote areas of developing countries, such as Ethiopia, where they could greatly improve health and education. Inexpensive, yet uncertified and inferior solar panels, along with limited government engagement in rural energy transition, impede access to dependabl ..read more