Solar Energy

New blockchain technology will allow everyday investors to invest in projects such as this one. Photo provided by Plural Energy.

Blockchain’s Uses in Renewable Energy

Blockchain and renewable energy technologies have been two of the most discussed technological and economic advances in the recent years. However, until now there has not seemed to be much of a crossover. New uses for blockchain technology are allowing small-scale investment in renewable energy. Rather than limiting utility-scale wind … [continued]

"Sheep and solar panels" by Oregon State University is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Sheep & Solar: A “Beautiful Symbiotic Relationship”

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is the fastest growing energy industry and one of the most environmentally promising methods to obtain a sustainable energy system. It’s quite appealing to think that less than 1% farmland is required for agrivoltaics to meet 20% of US electric generation. Of course, there are issues … [continued]

Solar panels set up vertically in Sweden by Sunna Group use an arrangement that is also expected to be useful for generating power at the South Pole. Photo by Silvana Ovaitt, NREL.

How To Power the South Pole With Renewable Energy Technologies

An opportunity exists at the bottom of the world to show the planet the importance and reliability of renewable energy. Researchers at two U.S. Department of Energy laboratories—the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Laboratory—looked at how a combination of solar modules, wind turbines, and battery storage could … [continued]

The megawatt charger on the ETCA site. June 2024. Image from Shell.

Shell Opens Megawatt Charger for Trucks & Vessels in Amsterdam

Shell has developed and commissioned its first megawatt charger at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA). Both electric trucks and electric ships can use the charging system. The capacity of the megawatt charger is approximately equal to three regular 350kW fast chargers that trucks now charge with. “We want to … [continued]

BioHome3D. Image courtesy of University of Maine

Abundant, Affordable, Climate-Friendly Homes: What Part 1 of the National Definition of a Zero Emissions…

This week, the US Department of Energy (DOE) finalized Part 1 of a national definition of a zero emissions building, focused on operational carbon emissions. The long-anticipated definition includes three key criteria: energy efficiency, no on-site emissions, and all-clean power sources. Buildings following the definition will improve peoples’ health and safety … [continued]

Success Story—@DiSCo’s Rhythm Keeps Hackers Offbeat: How an Award-Winning Software Tool Improves Cyber Defense Using…

An award-winning project expands the toolbox that helps utilities and manufacturers prevent cybersecurity attacks from affecting the U.S. electric grid. In 2019, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), in collaboration with other DOE program offices, invested $4.5 million for the development of this first-of-its-kind software … [continued]