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Archive for the ‘sustainability’ category: Page 163

Aug 10, 2022

Secrets of sustainable distributed-generation strategies

Posted by in categories: energy, policy, sustainability

The sad truth is that our electricity markets currently lack the ability to accept the vast amounts of renewable energy capacity to meet state targets and corporate commitments to procure clean energy. A study by Princeton University found that high-voltage transmission capacity would need to expand by 60% to meet clean energy targets, representing billions of dollars in needed utility upgrades.

However, we can avoid much of this need by siting renewable resources closer to where they are needed – at the distribution level of the grid. In order to do so, we will need to take several key steps to solve major system barriers to expanding renewable energy on the grid. The good news is that with some policy improvements – some major and some minor – renewable energy capacity at the distribution level can meet needs without the long lead time required for larger, utility-scale resources.

Aug 9, 2022

Soap molecule could help make alternative LED tech commercially viable

Posted by in categories: robotics/AI, solar power, sustainability

Adding a molecule normally used in detergent to an infrared LED could make devices that are easier to manufacture, require less energy and display richer colours than existing ones.

Solar cells and LEDs made from perovskite, a titanium and calcium crystal, have long held promise as being more efficient and easier to produce than commonly used silicon-based devices, but making them both stable and efficient enough to rival silicon’s commercial success has proved difficult.

What gives humans the advantage over our incoming robot masters? Junaid Mubeen at New Scientist Live this October.

Aug 9, 2022

This lab-grown cooking oil could replace vegetable oil

Posted by in categories: food, sustainability

The challenge: Just 100 years ago, vegetable oils were practically nonexistent in the human diet. Today, they’re a major part of it: 740 million acres — an area that would cover 90% of India — are dedicated to growing soybeans, palm trees, and other oilseed crops.

While these cooking oils can make food extra tasty, oilseed crop production releases greenhouse gasses, contributes to biodiversity loss, and consumes freshwater that could otherwise be used for drinking or to grow other food.

Continue reading “This lab-grown cooking oil could replace vegetable oil” »

Aug 8, 2022

N-type solar cell with aluminum-titanium passivating contact achieves 21.9% efficiency

Posted by in categories: solar power, sustainability

Scientists in Australia have demonstrated a new way to apply a passivating contact layer to silicon cells. They produced an n-type cell with aluminum-titanium passivating contact and 21.9% efficiency, and claimed the technique could open up new possibilities for the use of transition metal oxides in cell passivation.

Aug 8, 2022

This boomerang-shaped urban mobility vehicle fairs well for rough adventures too

Posted by in categories: sustainability, transportation

The vehicles we’ll see on the roads in a decade’s time will be radically different from what we have at present. Design language will change a lot, as hinted by the concepts and prototypes put together by big names and budding automotive designers.

The focus definitely will be on personal mobility in the most sustainable manner possible. Compact vehicles that will trade off the greatest of luxuries for a more sensible method of commuting will be the norm. This boomerang-shaped two-seater vehicle with multiple use-case scenarios is different from what we’ve seen so far. Even in the automotive landscape dominated by some really bizarre vehicle concepts.

Designer: Artem Smirnov

Aug 7, 2022

Bad news for Tesla fans: Cybertruck will be even more expensive than $40,000

Posted by in categories: Elon Musk, sustainability, transportation

Aug 7, 2022

Bill Gates’ Strange Plan to Dim the Sun

Posted by in categories: bitcoin, climatology, engineering, sustainability

Bill Gates is funding more research into dimming the sun! Check out how solar geoengineering works.


Bill Gates is a man who recently suggested the world should eat 100% synthetic beef, has argued that bitcoin is bad for the planet, co-founded Microsoft, and remains one of the richest people in the world.

He is also very interested in dimming the light from the sun to reduce or delay the effects of climate change, according to a forthcoming study from the Bill Gates-backed Harvard University Solar Geoengineering Research Program — which aims to evaluate the efficacy of blocking sunlight from reaching our planet’s surface.

Aug 6, 2022

I wore all my trash for 30 days | Rob Greenfield | TEDxUCLA

Posted by in categories: electronics, sustainability

For one month Rob Greenfield lived just like the average person and WORE every single piece of trash he created. Why? To create a visual of how much trash just one of us creates and serve as a mirror to society to self-reflect, question habits and explore alternatives to live in balance with Earth.

Rob Greenfield is an activist and humanitarian dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable and just world. He embarks on extreme projects to bring attention to important global issues and inspire positive change. His work has been covered by media worldwide including National Geographic and he’s been named “The Robin Hood of modern times” by France 2 TV. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

Aug 6, 2022

Solaris Hits A Milestone With Its 2000th Electric Bus

Posted by in categories: sustainability, transportation

Electric buses are great for municipalities. They are cheaper to operate and maintain than diesel buses, and they emit no pollutants. For passengers, they’re awesome because they’re comfortable, smooth, and relatively quiet. But, even a decade ago they were almost unheard of. The price of batteries has come down significantly in recent years, making electric buses a more viable option for many city transit agencies.

So, it’s no surprise that sales of electric buses have exploded as prices fell and made them the superior choice in most circumstances. In 2012, only 15 electric buses were put into service throughout Europe’s urban areas. In 2021, every fourth newly registered bus in Western Europe was electric. Now, they’re showing up all over the place in much greater numbers.

Continue reading “Solaris Hits A Milestone With Its 2000th Electric Bus” »

Aug 6, 2022

Elon Musk says Tesla will succeed even if he ‘was kidnapped

Posted by in categories: Elon Musk, sustainability, transportation

The bizarre remarks were an answer to a question during a Shareholder meeting. Elon Musk was ask about the fate of Tesla if he had to step down as CEO after being forced to buy Twitter.