ScienceDaily: Energy Policy News

How useful is fracking anyway? Study explores return of investment

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:13:13 EDT

The value of a fuel's long-term usefulness and viability is judged through its energy return on investment; the comparison between the eventual fuel and the energy invested to create it. The energy return on investment study finds that shale gas has a return value which is close to coal.

Electric cars in action: Small and medium-sized companies sharing fleets of electric vehicles

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:20:20 EDT

Imagine a number of different companies sharing a single fleet of electric vehicles. Researchers in Germany are busy working out just how to make this vision a reality. The Shared E-Fleet research project aims not only to work up suitable IT solutions, but also to design the smart energy management and profitable business models that are called for.

Power grid getting smarter with big battery

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:36:36 EDT

Research conducted with a large new battery promises to make the electric system smarter and more efficient.

Land-based carbon offsets: False hope? Forest and soil carbon is important, but does not offset fossil fuel emissions

Thu, 30 May 2013 09:50:50 EDT

Leading world climate change experts have thrown cold water on the idea that planting trees can offset carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. Land carbon sinks cannot solve the problem of atmospheric carbon emissions but they legitimize the ongoing use of fossil fuels.

Despite safety and other concerns, nuclear power saves lives, greenhouse gas emissions, experts say

Wed, 29 May 2013 11:13:13 EDT

Global use of nuclear power has prevented about 1.84 million air pollution-related deaths and release of 64 billion tons of greenhouse gases that would have resulted from burning coal and other fossil fuels, a new study concludes.

The US shale-gas revolution and European renewables: Divergence and cooperation in alternative energy

Wed, 29 May 2013 10:15:15 EDT

That the United States and Europe have been following different energy policies over the past few decades won’t come as a surprise. However, according to one researcher, their divergence – with the US leading ‘the shale gas revolution’ and Europe investing heavily in modern renewables – is a good thing for the development of both alternative-energy sources.

Researchers design photobioreactor to produce biofuel from algae

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:41:41 EDT

Researchers have patented a new device that allows more efficiently to cultivate microalgae and can be used as raw material for biofuel or for other valuable substances in the agri-food or pharmaceutical industry.

More emphasis needed on recycling and reuse of Li-ion batteries

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

The discovery of potential environmental and human health effects from disposal of millions of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries each year has led scientists to recommend stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling and reuse of lithium-ion battery materials.

Going green: U.S. equipped to grow serious amounts of pond scum for fuel

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:09:09 EDT

A new analysis shows that the nation's land and water resources could likely support the growth of enough algae to produce up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel a year in the United States, one-twelfth of the country's yearly needs. For the best places to produce algae for fuel, think hot, humid and wet. Especially promising are the Gulf Coast and the Southeastern seaboard.

New advance in biofuel production

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:37:37 EDT

Researchers have developed an enzyme-free ionic liquid pretreatment of cellulosic biomass that makes it easier to recover fermentable sugars for biofuels and to recycle the ionic liquid.

Researchers estimate a cost for universal access to energy

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:58:58 EDT

Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an investment of between 65 and 86 billion US dollars a year up until 2030, new research has shown. The proposed investments are higher than previous estimates but equate to just 3-4 per cent of current investments in the global energy system.

Health impact assessments prove critical public health tool: Best way to gauge impact of gas drilling on communities

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:57:57 EDT

As natural gas drilling expands, policymakers, communities and public health experts are turning to health impact assessments to predict the effects of gas drilling on communities, according to a new study.

Special E. coli bacteria produce diesel on demand

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:49:49 EDT

It sounds like science fiction but scientists have developed a method to make bacteria produce diesel on demand. While the technology still faces many significant commercialization challenges, the diesel, produced by special strains of E. coli bacteria, is almost identical to conventional diesel fuel and so does not need to be blended with petroleum products as is often required by biodiesels derived from plant oils.

Survey shows dramatic improvement in B100 biodiesel quality

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

The latest national survey of 100 percent biodiesel "blend stock" samples found that 95% of the samples from 2011-12 met ASTM International fuel quality specifications. The ASTM standards serve as guidelines for industry and are designed to ensure quality at the pump for consumers -- along with reliable operation of the nation's vehicles powered by biodiesel blends.

Cheaper natural gas-powered cars on the horizon?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:41:41 EDT

When it comes to American consumers' vehicular preferences, a chemist says the choice often boils down to simple economics more so than availability, environment or altruism.

Research uses mirrors to make solar energy cost competitive

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:39:39 EDT

Concentrating solar power technologies use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which can then be used to produce electricity, according to ongoing work by mechanical engineers. These technologies present a distinct advantage over photovoltaic (PV) cells in their ability to store the sun’s energy as thermal energy, experts say.

The future of our energy

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:48 EDT

When it comes to sustainable energy supplies hydroelectric plants are usually the best solution, according to researchers who have reviewed the economic, social and environmental impact of fuel provision.

Carbon dioxide removal can lower costs of climate protection

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Directly removing carbon dioxide from the air has the potential to alter the costs of climate change mitigation. It could allow prolonging greenhouse-gas emissions from sectors like transport that are difficult, thus expensive, to turn away from using fossil fuels. And it may help to constrain the financial burden on future generations, a new study shows.

Seemingly small research funding cuts could hinder progress in nanotechnology

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:20:20 EDT

Cuts in federal funding of nanotechnology research threaten to slow progress toward some of the field’s greatest promises, including commercialization of sustainable new energy sources that do not contribute to global warming, an international authority in the field cautioned here today.

Carbon dioxide released from burning fuel today goes back into new fuels tomorrow

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:28:28 EDT

The search for ways to use megatons of carbon dioxide that may be removed from industrial smokestacks during efforts to curb global warming has led to a process for converting that major greenhouse gas back into the fuel that released it in the first place.

Hydrogen from methane without CO2 emissions?

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:49:49 EDT

The production of hydrogen from methane without carbon dioxide emissions is the objective of a new project. Researchers are setting up a novel liquid-metal bubble column reactor, in which methane is decomposed into hydrogen and elemental carbon at high temperature.

New emissions standards would fuel shift from coal to natural gas

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:48:48 EDT

Tougher EPA air-quality standards could spur an increased shift away from coal and toward natural gas for electricity generation, according to a new study. Complying with stricter regulations on sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and mercury may make nearly two-thirds of the U.S. coal-fired power plants as expensive to run as plants powered by natural gas. The regulations would make 65 percent of U.S. coal plants as expensive as natural gas, even if gas prices rise significantly.

Survey shows many Republicans feel America should take steps to address climate change

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:50:50 EDT

In a recent survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents, a majority of respondents (62 percent) said they feel America should take steps to address climate change. More than three out of four survey respondents (77 percent) said the United States should use more renewable energy sources, and of those, most believe that this change should begin immediately.

Discovery opens door to efficiently storing and reusing renewable energy

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:23:23 EDT

Researchers have developed a ground-breaking way to make new affordable and efficient catalysts for converting electricity into chemical energy. Their technology opens the door to homeowners and energy companies being able to easily store and reuse solar and wind power. Such energy is clean and renewable, but it's available only when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing.

Discovery may allow scientists to make fuel from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:23:23 EDT

Excess carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere created by the widespread burning of fossil fuels is the major driving force of global climate change, and researchers the world over are looking for new ways to generate power that leaves a smaller carbon footprint. A new process is made possible by a unique microorganism called Pyrococcus furiosus, or "rushing fireball," which thrives by feeding on carbohydrates in the super-heated ocean waters near geothermal vents. By manipulating the organism's genetic material, scientists have created a kind of P. furiosus that is capable of feeding at much lower temperatures on carbon dioxide.

Ash from refuse could become hydrogen gas

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Every year, millions of tons of environmentally harmful ash is produced worldwide, and is mostly dumped in landfill sites or, in some countries, used as construction material. The ash is what is left when rubbish has been burnt in thermal power stations. A researcher has now developed a technique to use the ash to produce hydrogen gas.

Tests underscore potential hazards of green laser pointers

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:59:59 EDT

Using a low-cost apparatus designed to quickly and accurately measure the properties of handheld laser devices, researchers tested 122 laser pointers and found that nearly 90 percent of green pointers and about 44 percent of red pointers tested were out of compliance with federal safety regulations.

A milestone for new carbon-dioxide capture/clean coal technology

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:54:54 EDT

An innovative new process that releases the energy in coal without burning -- while capturing carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas -- has passed a milestone on the route to possible commercial use, scientists are reporting. Their study describes results of a successful 200-hour test on a sub-pilot scale version of the technology using two inexpensive but highly polluting forms of coal.

Transportation study reveals potential for deep cuts to petroleum use and carbon emissions

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:56:56 EDT

Scientists have completed an assessment of avenues to reach deep cuts in petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.

Petroleum use, greenhouse gas emissions of automobiles could drop 80 percent by 2050: U.S. report

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:16:16 EDT

A new report finds that by the year 2050, the United States may be able to reduce petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent for light-duty vehicles -- cars and small trucks -- via a combination of more efficient vehicles; the use of alternative fuels like biofuels, electricity, and hydrogen; and strong government policies to overcome high costs and influence consumer choices.

Uncertainty regarding energy prices is hampering investment in energy efficiency

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:22:22 EDT

According to the model developed by BC3 and UPV/EHU researchers, energy price uncertainty is having a negative effect on investment in energy efficiency. Furthermore, they conclude that higher prices of energy and CO2 emission allowances would encourage such investments.

Researchers map out an alternative energy future for New York

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:26:26 EDT

A new study outlines a path to statewide renewable energy conversion, and away from natural gas and imported fuel.

Carbon footprint of grid-scale battery technologies calculated

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:13:13 EST

Solar and wind power pose a challenge for the U.S. electrical grid, which lacks the capacity to store surplus clean electricity and deliver it on demand. Researchers are developing grid-scale storage batteries, but the fossil fuel required to build these technologies could negate some of the environmental benefits of new solar and wind farms, say scientists.

U.S. may face inevitable nuclear power exit

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:29:29 EST

In the third and final issue in a series focused on nuclear exits, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by SAGE, turns its attention to the United States and looks at whether the country's business-as-usual approach may yet lead to a nuclear phase-out for economic reasons.

Rethinking wind power

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:19:19 EST

“People have often thought there’s no upper bound for wind power—that it’s one of the most scalable power sources,” says an applied physicist. After all, gusts and breezes don’t seem likely to “run out” on a global scale in the way oil wells might run dry.

Saving money by using electric vehicles

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:30:30 EST

High battery costs still prevent many people from buying an electric vehicle. Is it possible to save money by using an electric vehicle instead of a conventional reference car? This question is studied by the companies of Michelin and Siemens in cooperation with research partners at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI.

NASA releases glory Taurus XL launch failure report summary

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:39:39 EST

NASA has released a summary report on findings from a panel that investigated the unsuccessful 2011 launch of the agency's Glory spacecraft.

U.S. could double energy productivity, experts say

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:07:07 EST

Researchers have long understood that using energy more efficiently can be just as beneficial as finding new ways to produce energy more efficiently.

Scientists explore new technologies that remove atmospheric carbon dioxide

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:42:42 EST

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions may not be enough to curb global warming, say scientists. The solution could require carbon-negative technologies that actually remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Environmental hazards or energy solutions? Geophysicists size up energy resources, carbon capture and fracking

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:52:52 EST

Decisions about future energy challenges are too often hindered by propaganda, half-truths and a limited grasp of the science that informs the choice and use of hydrocarbon and other resources, according to delegates at the annual conference of the British Geophysical Association.

Security risks of extreme weather and climate change

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:50:50 EST

A new study, conducted specifically to explore the forces driving extreme weather events and their implications for national security planning over the next decade, finds that the early ramifications of climate extremes resulting from climate change are already upon us and will continue to be felt over the next decade, directly impacting US national security interests.

Innovation, patenting fuels economy

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:27:27 EST

The U.S. patenting rate is higher than ever since the Industrial Revolution, according to a new report. Those cities that saw high patent levels within the last thirty years also yielded the largest increase in gross domestic product (GDP) per worker. Patent growth tends to intensify competition among industries.

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:13:13 EST

Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and over 70 percent of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031.

New coal technology harnesses energy without burning, nears pilot-scale development

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:35:35 EST

A new form of clean coal technology reached an important milestone recently, with the successful operation of a research-scale combustion system at Ohio State University.

Hydro beats nuclear and coal, beats oil and gas, review finds

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:46:46 EST

Researchers in Italy and the UK have reviewed the economic, social and environmental impact of hydro, coal, oil, gas and nuclear power. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but of these conventional electricity generation technologies, hydroelectric power appears to be the most sustainable and acceptable environmentally and economically. Nuclear and coal run a close second place but oil or gas-fired power stations are revealed to be the worst choice when considering the various factors overall.

Gun control: Focus on manufacturers, not just buyers, study shows

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:43:43 EST

As the gun control debate continues, an expert says the focus should be on those who distribute guns, not solely on those who buy them.

Business, government can span tech divide for people with disabilities

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:14:14 EST

Forging public and private partnerships that encourage broadband access for people with disabilities may help bridge a technological divide that hinders them from reaching their potential, according to an international team of researchers.

Doubling down on energy efficiency

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:25:25 EST

Spending on energy efficiency programs funded by electric and natural gas utility customers will double by 2025 to about $9.5 billion per year, according to new projections. According to the report, energy efficiency programs funded by utility customers are projected to continue expanding beyond the traditional bastions of energy efficiency in the Northeast and West.

Photovoltaics beat biofuels at converting sun's energy to miles driven

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:59:59 EST

In 2005, President George W. Bush and American corn farmers saw corn ethanol as a promising fossil fuel substitute that would reduce both American dependence on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, the 2005 energy bill mandated that 4 billion gallons of renewable fuel be added to the gasoline supply in 2006. That rose to 4.7 billion gallons in 2007 and 7.5 billion in 2012. Now a new study shows solar power is not only better in terms of energy efficiency, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions -- but it is cost competitive, too.

Concentrated solar power with thermal energy storage can help utilities' bottom line, study shows

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:30:30 EST

The storage capacity of concentrating solar power can add significant value to a utility company's optimal mix of energy sources, a new report by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggests.

Shareholder responsibility could spur shift to sustainable energy

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:24:24 EST

Allowing shareholders to be held liable for the damages that companies cause to the environment, people could help transform the world's energy system towards sustainability, according to new research.

E-waste recycling -- at whose expense?

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:28:28 EST

Computers, tablets and mobile phones are all popular consumer products. The lifespan of these devices is usually short, between two to four years. One researcher visited Pakistan to see how these common electronic devices are dismantled and recycled. She investigated the harsh living conditions of people working with e-waste.

Wind and solar power paired with storage could power grid 99.9 percent of the time

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:35:35 EST

Renewable energy could fully power a large electric grid 99.9 percent of the time by 2030 at costs comparable to today's electricity expenses, according to new research. A well-designed combination of wind power, solar power and storage in batteries and fuel cells would nearly always exceed electricity demands while keeping costs low, scientists found.

New approach could help resolve mountaintop mining issues

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:13:13 EST

A progressive approach to resolve the complex issues surrounding mountaintop mining needs to incorporate good civic science and meaningful routes for public involvement, researchers say.

Can compressed fluids increase enzyme activity in industrial bioprocesses?

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:29:29 EST

Enzymes play a crucial role as biocatalysts, increasing the speed and efficiency and decreasing the energy consumption of biochemical reactions in many industrial processes. The advantages of using compressed propane to enhance the biocatalytic activity of an industrial enzyme are described in a new article.

Synthetic fuel could eliminate U.S. need for crude oil, researchers say

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:02:02 EST

The United States could eliminate the need for crude oil by using a combination of coal, natural gas and non-food crops to make synthetic fuel, a team of researchers has found. Besides economic and national security benefits, the plan has potential environmental advantages. Because plants absorb carbon dioxide to grow, the United States could cut vehicle greenhouse emissions by as much as 50 percent in the next several decades using non-food crops to create liquid fuels, the researchers said.

Research, response for future oil spills: Lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:59:59 EST

A special collection of articles about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill provides the first comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the science used in the unprecedented response effort by the government, academia, and industry. Two overview papers and 13 specialty papers constitute a special section of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Kerosene lamps identified as big source of black carbon

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:30:30 EST

Kerosene lamps, the primary source of light for more than a billion people in developing nations, churns out black carbon at levels previously overlooked in greenhouse gas estimates, according to a new study. The new findings result in a twenty-fold increase to previous estimates of black carbon emissions from kerosene-fueled lighting. The good news is that affordable, cleaner alternatives exist.

Fracking in Michigan: Researchers study potential impact on health, environment, economy

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

University of Michigan researchers are conducting a detailed study of the potential environmental and societal effects of hydraulic fracturing, the controversial natural gas drilling process known as fracking.

Federal technology transfer in the United States

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

With new treatments for disease, test suites that safeguard computers, and even expertise to rescue miners trapped thousands of feet underground, federal laboratories have a wealth of technologies and know-how that can give US companies a competitive edge and improve quality of life.