Silicon-based solar cells close to their maximum theoretical efficiency

Sam Davis writes on the Power Electronics website about the use of silicon-perovskite to boost solar-cell efficiency. After decades of research and investment, silicon-based solar cells are close to their maximum theoretical efficiency. Will perovskite be the go-to material solution? Scientists Use Silicon-Perovskite to Boost Solar-Cell Efficiency Scientists on both sides of the Atlantic … Continue reading Silicon-based solar cells close to their maximum theoretical efficiency →

Milestone in Europe in the development of a new generation of flexible, modular and energy efficient supercomputers

Christoph Hammerschmidt writes on the EE News Europe website about a new innovative supercomputer that is helping Europe catch up with other global developments. European supercomputer shines with energy efficiency Europe is catching up in developing innovative supercomputer architectures. One example of this is the new high-performance computer that is currently being launched at … Continue reading Milestone in Europe in the development of a new generation of flexible, modular and energy efficient supercomputers →

New development to remove carbon from atmosphere and turn it into a fuel

We are seeing energy transition innovations in many areas. Bob Weber from The Canadian Press writes on the National News Watch website about a new process to remove carbon from the atmosphere for one-third the cost of other companies working on the same technology. What are your views? Looking to the sky: B.C. company … Continue reading New development to remove carbon from atmosphere and turn it into a fuel →

Important breakthrough in producing carbon-free aluminium

We are all interested in seeing innovations that support the low-carbon energy transition. The aluminium industry is one of the most energy intensive and it is encouraging to see new developments that will significantly reduce carbon emissions. A news item on the Fastmarkets website explains the latest developments. Alcoa, Rio Tinto in Apple-backed JV … Continue reading Important breakthrough in producing carbon-free aluminium →

Harvesting kinetic energy

We are always looking for new innovations that will have an important impact in our energy transition. Kitty Knowles writes on the Forbes website about the efforts of Laurence Kemball-Cook to produce electricity as we pound our local pavement. The Tesla Of Smart Cities? Pavegen's On A £5m Mission To Supercharge Your Sidewalks Laurence … Continue reading Harvesting kinetic energy →

New technology needed if Canada is to meet its climate objectives

Shawn McCarthy writes on the Globe and Mail website about a new study that shows Canada needs new policies and technologies in order to reduce energy demand sufficiently to achieve emissions-reduction targets. NEB says new technologies to curb greenhouse-gas emissions insufficient to cut oil production Canada's crude production will continue to grow even if governments … Continue reading New technology needed if Canada is to meet its climate objectives →

Technology advance in converting car exhaust into renewable energy

It is encouraging to regularly read about technological advances that are helping – or should help – the energy transition. Mario L. Major writes on the Interesting Engineering website about a new device that converts heat from car exhaust into generating alternative forms of energy. Scientists Create A Device That Converts Car Exhaust Into … Continue reading Technology advance in converting car exhaust into renewable energy →

Role of graphene in improving energy efficiency

We are always looking at new technical innovations to improve energy efficiency. An article on the Wall Street Pit website describes how researchers are looking at graphene to play an increasingly important role. Energy-Saving Graphene Computers with 1,000x Speed and Efficiency Graphene is the strongest and lightest material in existence, with an amazing tensile … Continue reading Role of graphene in improving energy efficiency →

Innovation is exalted, maintenance devalued – but maintenance brings many benefits

Sometimes it is good to have a wake up call about priorities. In our throw away culture (that is slowly changing) it is time to look at the value of maintenance. Andrew Russell from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Lee Vinsel from Virginia Tech do just that in an article in the New York Times. … Continue reading Innovation is exalted, maintenance devalued – but maintenance brings many benefits →

Canadians active in a global competition to create technology that converts CO2 into valuable products

Many argue that innovation is key to us addressing the global climate challenge. Laura Kane from the Canadian Press writes on the Globe and Mail website about the activities of Canadian scientists to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their participation in a global competition. Canadian scientists turn carbon-dioxide emissions into useful products What if … Continue reading Canadians active in a global competition to create technology that converts CO2 into valuable products →