DATE FORMAT: M. d, Y H:i:s

ScienceDaily: Renewable Energy News

Frogs, foam and fuel: Solar energy converted to sugars

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EDT
In natural photosynthesis, plants take in solar energy and carbon dioxide and then convert it to oxygen and sugars. The oxygen is released to the air and the sugars are dispersed throughout the plant -- like that sweet corn we look for in the summer. Unfortunately, the allocation of light energy into products we use is not as efficient as we would like. Now engineering researchers are doing something about that.

Oldest measurement of Earth's magnetic field reveals battle between sun and Earth for our atmosphere

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST
Scientists have discovered that the Earth's magnetic field 3.5 billion years ago was only half as strong as it is today, and that this weakness, coupled with a strong wind of energetic particles from the young Sun, likely stripped water from the early Earth's atmosphere.

Waste could generate up to 7 percent of electricity in Spain

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST
Researchers have calculated the energy and economic potential of urban solid waste, sludge from water treatment plants and livestock slurry for generating electricity in Spain. These residues are alternative sources of renewable energy, which are more environmentally friendly and, in the case of solid urban waste, more cost effective.

More, better biodiesel

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST
Higher yields of better-performing biodiesel could be produced using a new method.

New process yields high-energy-density, plant-based transportation fuel

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST
A team of engineers has developed a highly efficient, environmentally friendly process that selectively converts gamma-valerolactone, a biomass derivative, into the chemical equivalent of jet fuel.

Intelligent energy management for the home

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST
In order to save energy, consumers need to be able to obtain up-to-date information at any time about the energy consumption of their appliances, and be able to control them while away from home. Scientists have developed two new applications that help consumers manage their power use.

Neighborhood grids promise energy gains

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST
Researchers are creating technology that will treat neighborhoods like a miniature power grid, sharing energy generated at each house according to need. Allied to a host of other developments, the concept promises huge energy savings.