Fuel cell systems are an efficient way of converting chemical energy into electricity so as to reduce emissions and protect the environment. EU-funded research has advanced existing components and designs to develop an optimised version - boosting product lifetime and efficiency, and potential commercial uptake of a sustainable energy solution.
So much waste ... what could we do with it, beyond producing energy and compost? EU-funded researchers are looking into ways to turn biowaste generated in our cities - notably by homes, restaurants and shops - into a number of bio-based products by means of integrated biorefineries.
Basking in more than 3300 hours of sunlight per year, Cyprus has the highest solar power potential in the European Union but currently imports most if its energy. An EU-funded project is helping the Mediterranean country better harness the power of the sun to meet its growing electricity needs and spur research and innovation linked to this renewable - and clean - resource.
EU-funded researchers have developed strategies to protect and valorise natural and cultural heritage sites in Latin America with the aim of achieving sustainable growth in the surrounding areas. The project found that the involvement of local communities in protecting their own heritage was crucial.
An EU-funded project has developed a new, eco-efficient waste treatment process for nickel plating that cuts industry costs and contributes to the resource conservation objectives of the circular economy. In addition to clear environmental benefits, it also gives a sharper competitive edge to European SMEs.
Forests are versatile renewable resources, but load-carrying forestry machines can damage the soil. An EU-funded project has developed a tracked, off-road timber transporter, or forwarder, that exerts less pressure on soil, as well as a device to measure soil disturbance - part of a sustainable solution to protecting Europe's valuable forests.
EU-funded researchers have developed new marine sensors to meet the growing need for real-time data on the state of our oceans. Such timely and accurate information will help scientists and policymakers react quickly to ecological threats and ensure that environmental policies are properly implemented.
Brominated organic chemicals, man-made chemical compounds added to many consumer products to make them less flammable, have raised numerous health and environmental concerns in recent years. An EU-funded project is evaluating a commercially ready tool to test for the presence of these harmful substances and prevent them from affecting ecosystems and human health.
Enhanced knowledge and understanding of political ecology should help EU governments achieve better, forward-looking and more sustainable management of their environment. An EU-funded network is training the next generation of researchers in this emerging field of social science.
An EU-funded project has gained new insights into abnormal protein deposits linked to some 40 diseases, including Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cancer. The cutting-edge research has contributed to promising new techniques to treat these potentially devastating diseases.
