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Researchers on a mission | Energy
On a mission to build energy-efficient homes
Romanian environmental economist, Dr Monica Ardeleanu, is on a mission to make the world’s housing and living solutions greener, with the help of EU funding and 17 partner organisations from all over…
Researchers are using AI to improve nuclear technology across a wide range of fields, from healthcare to earthquake prediction. © bigjom jom, Shutterstock.com
Energy | Frontier research | Health | Science in society
From protecting patients to predicting disasters: AI supercharges nuclear tech
EU-funded researchers are using AI to transform nuclear technology, making medical scans safer, streamlining…
Existing cooling technology is more than a century old and bad for the environment, but researchers are developing a smarter and more sustainable system. © Martin Bergsma, Shutterstock.com
Energy | Environment | Industry
Taking the heat off: breakthrough cooling technology tackles climate challenge
EU-funded researchers are developing a smarter system of sustainable cooling, replacing toxic refrigerants…
Viticulture is a good starting point for community-based energy initiatives, according to researchers, as it is both energy-intensive and vulnerable to climate effects. Image credit - Esther Marín-González
Energy
Homemade energy gets boost to go mainstream
New rules and initiatives to support communities wanting to produce their own renewable energy could help ordinary people play a key role in the European Union’s transition to clean energy.
Prof. Damien Ernst says current emissions-cutting activities are not working and it's time to consider new strategies. Image credit - University of Liège
Interview | Energy | Environment
Governments at COP24 should focus on building a global electricity grid – Prof. Damien Ernst
Governments at the COP24 climate change conference in Katowice, Poland, which ends on 14 December, should tackle fossil-fuel reliance by building a global energy grid that connects renewable energy…
The EU should cut greenhouse gases by 80% compared to 1990 levels by 2050, according to the European Commission's low-carbon economy roadmap. Image Credit: Rachel Clarke, CC BY-NC 2.0
Environment | Energy | Policy
‘Internet of electricity’ and zero-carbon molecules will help decarbonise Europe – report
An ‘internet of electricity’, zero-carbon cities and turning European soils into carbon sinks are among a slew of ambitious ideas to decarbonise our society and slash greenhouse gas emissions…
Scientists at Hellisheidi geothermal power plant in Iceland have demonstrated a carbon capture and storage cycle at half the cost of previous estimates. Image Credit: Arni Saeberg, CarbFix
Environment | Energy | Industry
Storing CO2 underground can curb carbon emissions, but is it safe?
At first glance, it almost sounds crazy. Can we really take carbon dioxide emissions from an industrial plant and store them underground? To find out, research is currently taking place to test if…
Researchers in Europe are trying to work out how record-breaking solar cells contacts can be mass-produced. BedZed Eco village. Image credit: Flickr- Bioregional International, licensed under CC.
Energy | Industry
Record-breaking solar cells get ready for mass production
Sandwiching an oxygen-rich layer of silicon between a solar cell and its metal contact has allowed researchers in Europe to break performance records for the efficiency with which silicon solar cells…
Using a proton exchange membrane electrolyser to produce hydrogen from renewable electricity and water can help industry slash emissions. Image credit - Siemens
Energy
Can we produce enough green hydrogen to save the world?
Around a fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions are produced by industries such as steel and cement so if we’re going to work towards an emission-free society then this is a good place to start. And…
Advocates of floating offshore wind platforms say they are cheaper to run and install, less disruptive to sea life, and have greater output than near-shore alternatives. Image credit - WindFloat
Energy | Environment
Offshore wind farms to test business in deep water
As wind turbines become increasingly familiar sights along shorelines, developers of offshore floating platforms, which harness the powerful winds further out to sea, are seeking to establish their…
Trucks on Orkney carry hydrogen produced by wind- and tide-powered electrolysis in special lightweight high pressure cylinders, designed to adhere to the low weight limit of the island roads. Image credit: Colin Keldie for BIG HIT
Energy | Environment
Hydrogen use doesn’t emit carbon but its production often does. That could soon change
Hydrogen can be used to power cars, supply electricity and heat homes, all with zero carbon emissions. The snag is that the vast majority of hydrogen itself is derived from fossil fuels – a fact…
Dr Keywan Riahi said the first step in limiting global warming should be curbing energy demand. Image credit - Dr Riahi
Environment | Energy
Climate actions that lift people out of poverty are often most cost-effective
The most cost-effective climate change actions are also those that could help us achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as ending poverty and hunger, according to Dr Keywan Riahi, director…
Researchers want to make climate forecasts more accessible to help the energy and other industries better predict spikes in usage. Image credit - Pxhere, licensed under CC0
Environment | Energy
Managing energy demand spikes with seasonal forecasts of heatwaves and cold spells
The impact of heavy droughts, heatwaves and cold spells on energy demand and supplies would be lessened with seasonal climate forecasts that allow energy companies to better predict spikes in usage…

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