Material & Energy

Trade Associations Encourage Exploration of Alternatives to Electric Vehicles

An unexpected alliance composed of 100 petroleum, ethanol, farm, and retail organizations has called on the Biden administration to reevaluate its proposed "tailpipe" rule, which aims to make electric vehicles (EVs) the dominant new car and pickup truck choice by 2032. This diverse group raised concerns about the rule's implications for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. It hinted...

Fluid Material Controls Light and Heat Passage in Windows

Scientists have developed a new type of dynamic window that can switch between three modes, selectively blocking light and/or heat. Credit: PixaobayWindows are essential for allowing both light and heat into a space, but there are situations where you may not want both simultaneously. Recently, engineers from North Carolina State University (NCSU) have created...

The Objective of Implementing Active Wind Turbine Control is to Reduce Bird Fatalities by 80%

Credit: PixaobayOne inconvenient reality faced by the clean energy sector, which appears to be a matter of significant concern for the fossil fuel industry, is the undeniable fact that wind turbines cause bird fatalities. Researchers suggest that more intelligent turbine designs could substantially reduce this impact.Quantifying the number of birds that collide with the...

Understanding Carbon Capture and Storage: Can It Effectively Reduce Emissions?

Credit: Unsplush.Carbon capture potential? The UK supports carbon capture projects for net zero goals and adds two more projects for negotiations without additional funding.Carbon capture potential? What does CCS Involve?Carbon capture and storage (CCS) consists of two primary categories. Point-source CCS captures CO2 emissions at the origin, like a smokestack, whereas direct air...

Enhanced Compostability for Sustainable Plastics

Scientists at Michigan State University's renowned School of Packaging have devised an innovative technique to enhance the biodegradability of a promising sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.Under the guidance of Rafael Auras, the team has created a compostable bio-based polymer blend suitable for both home and industrial composting. Their achievement is documented in ACS Sustainable...

Ethanol Sparks Nanosensor Revolution

Engineers at Macquarie University have introduced an innovative method to drastically reduce the carbon footprint, cost, and time associated with manufacturing nanosensors. This advancement enhances efficiency and adaptability in the trillion-dollar global nanosensor industry.The team's breakthrough involves using a mere droplet of ethanol to treat individual sensors, departing from the traditional high-temperature heating process....

5 Reasons to Halt Biomass Imports for Bioenergy

Incorrect way of using biomass for energy generation.Co-authored by Rita Frost, this post delves into the environmental impacts of biomass. Whether using wood or fossil fuels for energy, both contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change.The practice of importing biomass or fossil fuels for energy production has significant consequences for climate change...

EPFL Engineers Demonstrate Path to Net-Zero Emissions in Crucial Industrial Sectors

Credit: Unsplush.Engineers at EPFL in Sion, Switzerland, have made significant strides in addressing carbon emissions from essential industrial sectors. Integrating carbon capture and mineralization directly within industries has showcased the potential for achieving net-zero and net-negative emissions.This research, carried out by the Laboratory of Industrial Process and Energy Systems Engineering (IPESE), focuses on key...

Public Support Hydrogen and Biofuels to Decarbonize Global Shipping

Credit: Unsplash.A recent study conducted by the University of Southampton examined public attitudes towards alternative fuels for decarbonizing global shipping. The findings revealed that the general public supports the use of hydrogen and biofuels in this industry.Nuclear power was seen as a preferable alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO), but the public perceived it as...

The Petroleum and Gas Drilling Engineer, Talks about Renewable Energy

"I believe that renewable energies are the solution to climate problems. Human irresponsibility, through less environmentally-friendly practices and the emission of harmful gases, is the root cause of the climate changes occurring worldwide"- Verônica ChoconezaVerônica ChoconezaStartup Nzolani Renewable CEO,Veronica.Veronica Choconesa is an engineer who works with drilling for oil and gas. She cares a...