Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

Bio-inspired design may lead to more energy efficient windows

Researchers describe a novel process to cut down on heat loss during the winter and keep buildings cool during the summer. Their 'bio-inspired approach to thermal control for cooling (or heating) building window surfaces' calls for attaching optically clear, flexible elastomer sheets, bonded to regular glass window panes.

August 2, 2013 Read more

Models for a more effective response to climate change

The overall aim of the EU-funded CLIMSAVE project, ('Climate change integrated assessment methodology for cross-sectoral adaptation and vulnerability in Europe'), is to help in the assessment of the impact of climate change over a range of environmental and economic areas in different regions.

August 2, 2013 Read more

Kick-starting Europe's electric vehicle industry

Although e-vehicles make up only a tiny fraction of the European car fleet at present, sales are expected to grow exponentially over the coming years, thanks, in no small measure, to advances in e-vehicle technology.

August 2, 2013 Read more

Radically new water splitting technique to produce hydrogen fuel

A University of Colorado Boulder team has developed a radically new technique that uses the power of sunlight to efficiently split water into its components of hydrogen and oxygen, paving the way for the broad use of hydrogen as a clean, green fuel.

August 1, 2013 Read more

Key factors for wireless power transfer for electric vehicles

Technology may one day be used to charge electric vehicles as they drive on highway, allowing unlimited range.

July 31, 2013 Read more

Turning waste paper to biofuels

Researchers have successfully produced bioethanol from waste paper, as part of efforts to turn waste into valuable products.

July 31, 2013 Read more

Growth of global solar and wind energy continues to outpace other technologies

New Worldwatch Institute study examines the global market for solar and wind energy production.

July 31, 2013 Read more

Low cost of reducing international aviation emissions should encourage more ambitious targets

New analysis shows that carbon credits can play a vital role in helping international aviation achieve carbon-neutral growth.

July 30, 2013 Read more

Planetary 'runaway greenhouse' more easily triggered, research shows

It might be easier than previously thought for a planet to overheat into the scorchingly uninhabitable 'runaway greenhouse' stage, according to new research.

July 30, 2013 Read more

Sequestration and fuel reserves

A technique for trapping the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide deep underground could at the same be used to release the last fraction of natural gas liquids from ailing reservoirs, thus offsetting some of the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels.

July 30, 2013 Read more

Lifelike cooling for sunbaked windows

Adaptable microfluidic circulatory system could cut air-conditioning costs.

July 30, 2013 Read more

Improving solar hydrogen production

Using a simple solar cell and a photo anode made of a metal oxide, scientists have successfully stored nearly five percent of solar energy chemically in the form of hydrogen. This is a major feat as the design of the solar cell is much simpler than that of the high-efficiency triple-junction cells based on amorphous silicon or expensive III-V semiconductors that are traditionally used for this purpose.

July 29, 2013 Read more

Eliminating 'range anxiety' through better batteries

Scientists are looking to improve upon the lithium ion battery, a rechargeable battery that works well in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but still needs improvement for all-electric vehicles.

July 29, 2013 Read more

Insurance business to ride renewable energy wave

The renewable energy industry could be spending three times as much on insurance every year by 2020 to mitigate risks to projects, says a new report.

July 26, 2013 Read more

Deep geologic carbon dioxide storage test at Wallula underway

An injection of carbon dioxide, or CO2, has begun at a site in southeastern Washington to test deep geologic storage.

July 26, 2013 Read more

A melting Arctic could cost us $60 trillion

Arctic sea ice is retreating, with projections suggesting that the summer months will be substantially ice-free within the next few years. Nations are waking up to the possibilities for shipping and resource exploration this brings. But for all the potential economic benefits they glimpse, none have taken on board the hidden costs of an Arctic thaw.

July 26, 2013 Read more

Fraunhofer Center for Energy Innovation CEI established in the USA

The mission of the Fraunhofer Center for Energy Innovation CEI at the University of Connecticut is to develop advanced technologies related to energy storage, fuel cells, in-stream hydro, power management and distribution through contract research.

July 26, 2013 Read more

EU offshore wind installation grows to 6,040 MW in first half 2013

Total offshore capacity in Europe is now at 6,040 MW in 58 wind farms across ten countries - up from 4,336 MW in June 2012.

July 25, 2013 Read more