Energy
Energy powers civilization. Developing technologies that can deliver abundant, sustainable energy is the challenge of our time and the promise of our future. Failure is not an option.
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Charting the race for energy in the Age of AI
As AI’s demand for computing power skyrockets, data centers are under immense pressure to boost efficiency and increase sustainability.
Charting the evolution of nuclear energy
Nuclear fission’s stalled growth might give way to fusion’s clean energy potential
The master plan to end EV “range anxiety” forever
A look at the history of EV charging and the tech trends that could encourage more people to make the switch to an electric car.
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Human hair makes perovskite solar cells more efficient
Perovskite solar cells featuring a layer of carbon nanodots made from human hair were more efficient and stable than those without the dots.
Artificial photosynthesis machine improves itself over time
An artificial photosynthesis device that gets more efficient with time could finally allow us to harness solar energy for uses beyond electricity.
Spinach skeleton becomes base for lab-grown meat
After spinach leaves were stripped of their plant cells, the skeletons were used as a scaffold for lab-grown meat.
What is the future of wave energy?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the first commercial-scale, utility grid-connected test site for wave energy.
Are ancient city grids still the best way to build?
Although their roots date back thousands of years, city grids are starting to inspire modern urban planners. Is the grid still the best way to build?
An explosive lake becomes a source of power
Lake Kivu in central Africa is on the verge of exploding. To prevent disaster, Rwanda is using the lake as a source of energy.
Can weather modification save us from megadroughts?
Scientists predict that the western U.S. is entering the most severe “megadrought” on record. One weather modification solution is cloud seeding.
A battery revolution could make electric cars a reality for everyone
We’ll need a new type of battery to make electric cars cheaper and convenient.
Solar panels in space could beam continuous energy back to earth
Capturing the sun’s boundless light in space could revolutionize how we distribute energy around the world.
A sweet way to recycle cotton — turn it into sugar
What’s better than recycled cotton — transforming it to sugar for reuse. Researchers have a recipe for success.
Should we genetically engineer carbon-hungry trees?
Genetically modified trees that are designed to grow faster and store more carbon could help reverse climate change.
This mass-produced solar car costs just $25,900
The Aptera solar car is expected to hit roads in 2021, but even if it’s not the next big thing in transportation, its design elements could be.
A new device can use your body heat to increase battery life
Researchers have developed a low-cost wearable device that can turn body heat into energy — improving battery life for your essential devices.
Fuel tests to begin for world’s largest fusion reactor
At the JET nuclear fusion reactor, scientists are testing a fuel that could power a $25 billion nuclear fusion device.
Massive green hydrogen projects are underway
Large-scale ventures are a big step toward testing whether we can create a marketplace for green hydrogen in a way that makes economic sense.
Elon Musk offers $100 million for direct carbon capture tech
A new Xprize competition funded by Elon Musk offers $100 million in prizes for scalable direct carbon capture technology.
Diy factory turns plastic waste into super-strong bricks
Kenyan startup Gjenge Makers turns plastic waste into plastic bricks that are stronger, lighter, and cheaper than their concrete counterparts.
Electricity and chemistry could give biofuels a big boost
Scientists found an easier way to produce a chemical reaction important in making biofuels, possibly lowering the cost of biofuel production.
Biofuel rocket launch is a first in aerospace
Startup bluShift has successfully launched a biofuel rocket, proving that biofuels could be the future of more sustainable spaceflight.
New scooter battery can charge in 5 minutes. Can it transform electric cars?
StoreDot’s battery fully charges in just five minutes, and it can be manufactured on the same production lines as today’s EV batteries.
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