Silicon cell breakthrough turns two solar competitors into allies

A study on a pioneering “advanced processing technology” at the University of New South Wales aimed at enhancing the efficiency of first-generation silicon solar cells has opened the doors for two solar companies to become partners. Suntech Power and Hanwha Solar will work on a concerted research with the University of New South Wales’ School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering....

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Waste oil boosts bioplastic production process

Researchers from the University of Wolverhampton are using waste cooking oil as a starting material to create bioplastics. The polyhydroxyalkanoate family of polyesters can be synthesized by bacteria, with poly 3-hydroxybutyrate or PHB as the most commonly produced polymer. These bacterial bioplastics are biodegradable and can be used as a replacement for petroleum-derived plastics.

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RTI International develops low-cost solar material using quantum dots

A new solar material developed by RTI International can be produced for less than $20 per square meter, reducing the cost of solar energy and speeding up its market adoption, the company said. RTI solar cells are formed using solutions of semiconductor particles known as colloidal quantum dots. They were created using cheaper materials and processing technologies,...

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D.O.E. announces $10 million for CSP

The Department of Energy announced new investments totaling $10 million over five years for two university-led projects to advance innovative concentrating solar power system technologies, as part of the department's SunShot Initiative. The projects will be focusing on improving heat transfer fluids, a key component of CSP systems that gather thermal energy from the sun...

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Exclusive: Drexel develops storage device to keep renewable energy flowing

Harnessing the power of the sun and wind offers us access to an unlimited source of clean energy. Unfortunately, they’re not uninterruptable sources. At night or when the sun is obscured by clouds and shadows, the power from a solar power system falters. When the wind doesn’t blow or when it’s blowing too strong, a wind turbine is brought to a stop. In order for more wind and solar energy...

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Artificial photosynthesis: Mimicking nature for a greener future

Sometimes, Mother Nature knows best. When it comes to harnessing the power of the sun, scientists are developing systems that mimic the processes found in nature. Scientists with consumer electronics giant Panasonic recently developed an artificial photosynthesis system that can create a useful industrial chemical for the agricultural and textile industry. The key to the system is a nitride semiconductor and a metal catalyst.

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Genetically modified algae should be studied for possible negative effects on environment

Genetically engineered algae might be a boon for the biofuel industry, but they could be a bane to the natural ecosystem if they find their way out of their man-made habitats. Scientists from Ohio State University caution that the environmental risks of genetically engineered algae must also be considered before widespread cultivation. According to Allison Snow, a professor of evolution,...

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G.E. pledges $10 million for low carbon solutions in Australia and New Zealand

General Electric pledged $10 million in investments to fast track the growth of a low carbon economy in Australia and New Zealand. The company announced the launching of their ecomagination Challenge by which innovators, academics, businesses and inventors in the regions can submit ideas for low carbon solutions and clean technologies. Five of the ideas with the greatest potential for commercial development..

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Modified bacterium converts carbon to isobutanol – M.I.T.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have genetically engineered the soil bacterium Ralstonia eutropha to produce isobutanol which can be substituted or blended with gasoline for a lower-emitting transportation fuel. According to Christopher Brigham, a research scientist at M.I.T.’s biology department, in the microbe’s natural state,

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NASA goes green with new propellant technology

A third party manufacturer has been chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to demonstrate a high performance "green" propellant alternative to the highly toxic fuel hydrazine, signaling the entry into a new era of innovative and nontoxic green fuels. The Green Propellant Infusion Mission proposal done by a team led by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation of Boulder,

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