Articles tagged with "clean-energy-technology"
2025 US Geothermal Market Report Documents Industry Growth - CleanTechnica
The 2025 US Geothermal Market Report, published by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, highlights significant growth and technological advancements in the geothermal energy sector over the past four years. Installed geothermal power capacity in the US reached 3,969 megawatts-electric (MWe) in 2024, marking an 8% increase since 2020, compared to only about 1% growth from 2015 to 2019. Between 2021 and 2024, 26 new power purchase agreements (PPAs) were signed—more than double the number in the previous five years—totaling over 1,000 MWe of new capacity commitments. Notably, 11 of these PPAs involve next-generation geothermal systems that can be developed in areas lacking natural hydrothermal resources, and several PPAs support power supply to AI-driven data centers. The report also documents improvements in enhanced geothermal system (EG
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyenergy-storagepower-purchase-agreementsenhanced-geothermal-systemsclean-energy-technologySolar-powered system uses agricultural waste to produce hydrogen fuel
Researchers from China Agricultural University and Nanyang Technological University have developed a novel solar-powered system that produces green hydrogen at a cost of $1.54 per kilogram ($0.70 per pound), undercutting fossil fuel prices and potentially resolving the economic barrier between clean energy and natural gas. The innovation replaces the energy-intensive oxygen production step in traditional water electrolysis with the oxidation of glucose derived from agricultural waste such as cotton and wheat stalks. This substitution reduces the required voltage by 400 millivolts and generates formate, a valuable industrial chemical, as a co-product, further offsetting costs. The system employs a cobalt oxyhydroxide catalyst doped with 5% copper, which directs glucose oxidation to produce formate efficiently while preventing its breakdown into carbon dioxide. This membrane-free design eliminates oxygen production, reducing explosion risks and removing the need for costly separation membranes. Demonstrated with raw agricultural extracts and powered by concentrated sunlight using triple-junction solar cells, the device achieved a hydrogen
energygreen-hydrogensolar-powerrenewable-energyelectrolysisagricultural-wasteclean-energy-technologyUS city turns wastewater into heat and cooling for schools, offices
A redevelopment project in Denver’s National Western Center has transformed nearby sewer infrastructure into a sustainable energy source by capturing heat from wastewater to provide heating and cooling for classrooms, an equestrian center, and a veterinary hospital. The system leverages the consistent year-round temperature of sewage—around 70°F—to efficiently transfer heat via a sealed heat exchanger without mixing wastewater with clean water. This approach reduces reliance on traditional boilers and chillers, cutting energy use and emissions, with auxiliary cooling towers and boilers only used during extreme weather. Denver’s advantage came from its proximity to major sewer lines in a low-lying industrial area, simplifying installation and boosting efficiency. The project exemplifies how existing urban sewer infrastructure can be repurposed to lower costs and environmental impact, a concept applicable to many cities worldwide. Experts note that wastewater heat recovery is an underutilized resource with significant potential, especially for buildings with centralized hot-water systems such as apartments, laundromats, and factories. Similar systems are already operating in parts of
energywastewater-heat-recoverysustainable-energyheat-exchangerrenewable-energybuilding-heating-and-coolingclean-energy-technologyNuclear reactors to get a boost from US tech that also reduces waste
Researchers at the University of Mississippi, led by Associate Professor Samrat Choudhury, have developed a novel approach to improve nuclear reactor fuel by embedding metallic fission fuel with uranium nitride nanoparticles. This innovation aims to enhance the lifetime and safety of nuclear fission reactors by trapping fission products within the fuel matrix, thereby preventing damage to the reactor’s cladding—a protective layer that degrades over time due to contact with swollen metallic fuel. By capturing fission gases and byproducts, the nanoparticle-enhanced fuel can remain in the reactor longer, increasing fuel burnup and efficiency while reducing the generation of radioactive waste. Nuclear fission, despite its ability to produce large amounts of carbon-free energy on a small land footprint compared to renewables, faces adoption challenges largely due to concerns about radioactive waste. The new technology could slow the accumulation of spent fuel and extend reactor lifetimes, making nuclear energy more attractive and sustainable. However, the researchers must still validate their nanoparticle-laced fuel under
energynuclear-energynuclear-reactorsradioactive-waste-reductionuranium-nitride-nanoparticlesfuel-efficiencyclean-energy-technologyMicroreactor startup Antares raises $96M for land, sea, and space-based nuclear power
Nuclear startup Antares has secured $96 million in Series B funding to advance its small modular reactor (SMR) technology designed for land, sea, and space applications. The funding round, led by Shine Capital and including both equity ($71 million) and debt ($25 million), reflects growing investor interest in nuclear power amid a broader resurgence in the sector. Antares is developing a reactor utilizing TRISO fuel and aims to demonstrate its reactor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) next year, with plans to achieve full-power operation by 2027. The company is also among 11 participants in the DOE’s reactor pilot program, which targets operational reactors by mid-2026, a notably accelerated timeline for the nuclear industry. This funding and development come amid a wider revitalization of nuclear energy, including both small modular reactors and large nuclear plants. Other startups like Deep Fission, Aalo Atomics, and TerraPower have recently made significant progress or raised capital, while major corporations
energynuclear-powermicroreactorsmall-modular-reactorTRISO-fuelDepartment-of-Energyclean-energy-technologyUS' stealthy submarine could be built with key tech from Tokamak Energy
The article discusses a collaboration between British fusion energy company Tokamak Energy and U.S. defense contractor General Atomics to develop advanced high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology for next-generation undersea magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pumps. These pumps use electromagnetic fields to propel seawater without any rotating mechanical parts, enabling submarines to operate with significantly reduced noise and enhanced stealth. Tokamak Energy is responsible for the simulation, design, and fabrication of the HTS magnets, leveraging its proprietary modeling tools and extensive magnet testing rooted in its fusion energy research. This technology represents a significant advancement in submarine propulsion by addressing previous limitations in magnet and electrode performance. General Atomics will integrate the magnet system with auxiliary components and collaborate with HRL Laboratories, which is developing novel electrode materials under DARPA’s PUMP program. Together, these efforts aim to create a powerful, silent, and efficient MHD drive that could revolutionize undersea military capabilities by enhancing reliability and stealth. The project highlights the
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetsmagnetohydrodynamic-pumpssubmarine-propulsionclean-energy-technologyadvanced-materialsAmazon bets on modular nuclear reactors to scale carbon-free power
Amazon is advancing its sustainability and carbon-free energy goals by investing in a new small modular reactor (SMR) facility called the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington state. In partnership with Energy Northwest and SMR developer X-energy, Amazon plans to build up to 12 next-generation Xe-100 reactors near the Columbia Generating Station in Richland. These reactors, smaller and safer than traditional nuclear plants, offer faster construction, lower costs, and flexible deployment. The initial capacity of the facility will be 320 megawatts, with potential expansion to 960 MW, aiming to power Amazon’s operations and support the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the decade, with operations targeted for the 2030s. The project is not only a significant step for Amazon’s carbon reduction efforts but also a boost to the local economy, creating over 1,000 construction jobs and more than 100 permanent positions in engineering and nuclear operations. To support
energymodular-nuclear-reactorscarbon-free-energysmall-modular-reactorsclean-energy-technologynuclear-powersustainable-energyAI robots speed up installation of 500,000 solar panels in Australia
An Australian electricity and gas provider, ENGIE, is using AI-powered autonomous robots developed by US company Luminous Robotics to install nearly 500,000 solar panels at the 250-megawatt Goorambat East Solar Farm in Victoria. The LUMI S4 robots employ AI-driven pick-and-place technology to lift and position solar modules onto racking structures, reducing the physically demanding manual labor involved in solar farm construction. This robotic assistance enhances installation speed, improves worker safety by minimizing injury risks, and allows human crews to focus on skilled tasks. The project is ahead of schedule, with first energization expected by October 2025 and full operation targeted for mid-2026, supplying power to over 100,000 homes. Funded in part by a USD 4.9 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of its Solar ScaleUp Challenge, the deployment marks Luminous Robotics’ first international use of the LUMI fleet. The company
roboticssolar-energyAI-robotsrenewable-energysolar-panel-installationautomationclean-energy-technologyNew Zinc-Air Battery Solves Big US Energy Storage Problem - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the significant energy storage challenge facing the United States, emphasizing that while energy storage technologies exist, their deployment and cost remain critical issues. Conventional lithium-ion batteries, though expensive, have seen dramatic cost reductions over the past decades due to technological improvements and economies of scale, particularly with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry. These batteries have become the fastest-improving clean energy technology, supporting the increasing integration of renewable energy sources by providing utility-scale storage typically lasting around four hours. However, the evolving energy grid demands longer-duration storage solutions that are more cost-effective, safer, and environmentally friendly. In response to these needs, zinc-air batteries have emerged as a promising alternative. Zinc is abundant, inexpensive, and has a long history in energy storage, but scaling it up for rechargeable, long-duration applications has been challenging. Recent advances in zinc-air technology, which has been under research for over a decade, are beginning to translate into commercial viability. Zinc-air batteries
energy-storagezinc-air-batteryrenewable-energylithium-ion-batteryclean-energy-technologyutility-scale-energybattery-cost-reductionLizard-inspired flow field plates improve hydrogen fuel cell power density
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a lizard-scale-inspired design for flow field plates in proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells, significantly improving water management and power density. Traditional fuel cells suffer from water flooding in the gas diffusion layers (GDLs), which blocks oxygen delivery to reaction sites and reduces performance. By mimicking natural structures such as desert lizard scales and leaf veins—both of which channel water directionally with minimal energy—the team carved auxiliary drainage channels into the flow field plates. This biomimetic approach enables more efficient water removal while maintaining oxygen flow, addressing a critical bottleneck in fuel cell operation. The study, published in Applied Energy and led by Eric Chadwick, demonstrated a 29.1% increase in peak power density, achieving 639 milliwatts/cm² compared to 495 milliwatts/cm² in conventional designs. The innovation departs from the traditional corrugated land-channel structure, where water accumulates under solid lands and obstructs oxygen
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsbiomimetic-designflow-field-plateswater-managementproton-exchange-membraneclean-energy-technologyUS firm drills record 387 feet into granite with millimeter wave system
Massachusetts-based startup Quaise Energy has demonstrated a groundbreaking millimeter wave drilling system capable of boring 387 feet (118 meters) into solid granite without physical contact. The live demo, held at a granite quarry in Marble Falls, Texas, showcased the technology’s ability to vaporize rock using high-frequency electromagnetic waves, creating a smooth borehole and producing granite ash. This innovation, described as the first major drilling advancement in a century, aims to unlock access to superhot, deep geothermal energy—potentially providing a vast, clean, and renewable energy source comparable in scale to fossil fuels. The demonstration followed a series of successful tests progressing from drilling a few feet in lab granite cores to the current record depth achieved on the first attempt in the field. Quaise’s system reached drilling speeds up to 16 feet (5 meters) per hour, significantly faster than conventional granite drilling rates of about 0.3 meters per hour. The company plans to push the technology further by drilling up to a kilometer
energygeothermal-energymillimeter-wave-drillingrenewable-energyclean-energy-technologydeep-drillingenergy-innovationNuclear startup Deep Fission goes public in a curious SPAC
Nuclear startup Deep Fission has gone public through a reverse merger with Surfside Acquisition Inc., raising $30 million at $3 per share—significantly below the typical $10 target for SPAC deals. The company, which previously raised $15 million in a seed round, aims to build small, underground cylindrical nuclear reactors designed to mitigate risks such as meltdowns and terrorist attacks by burying the reactors a mile underground. These 15-megawatt reactors use pressurized water cooling technology similar to that in nuclear submarines and existing power plants. Deep Fission recently secured a deal with data center developer Endeavor to deploy 2 gigawatts of underground reactors and was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for a streamlined permitting process. Despite the modest capital raise and the decision to list on the OTCQB market, which suggests challenges in attracting new or existing investors, the merger provides Deep Fission with additional runway to advance its technology in a capital-intensive sector. The company
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsDeep-Fissionunderground-reactorsDepartment-of-Energyclean-energy-technologyBattery Electric Rise, Hydrogen Falters: Lessons From South Korea - CleanTechnica
South Korea's ambitious 2019 plan to become a global leader in hydrogen transportation, highlighted by a government pledge to replace all 802 police buses with hydrogen fuel cell models by 2028, has largely faltered. Despite significant investment—over $7.2 million spent—and initial enthusiasm from Hyundai and government ministries, only 16 hydrogen police buses are expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The police have refused to purchase more due to unreliable fueling infrastructure, with many hydrogen stations having limited hours, rationing fuel, or frequent outages. This unreliability undermines the operational readiness required for police deployment, effectively ending the program. The failure of South Korea’s hydrogen bus initiative reveals deeper challenges in the country’s hydrogen transportation strategy. Hydrogen buses remain more expensive to buy and operate than battery electric alternatives, with costly and often unreliable fueling stations. Safety concerns also surfaced, notably a December 2024 explosion of a hydrogen bus that injured several people. These practical issues contrast sharply with
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsbattery-electric-vehiclesSouth-Koreatransportation-energyclean-energy-technologyhydrogen-infrastructureUS scientists test accelerator to make tritium from nuclear waste
US scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, led by physicist Terence Tarnowsky, have developed a novel molten-salt accelerator system aimed at producing commercial tritium from nuclear waste. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen essential for nuclear fusion reactors, is currently scarce and not commercially produced in the US despite its critical role in fusion energy development. The new system uses a particle accelerator to bombard molten lithium salt with high-energy particles, generating neutrons that induce reactions to create tritium. This approach not only addresses the tritium shortage but also repurposes spent nuclear fuel, offering a sustainable and potentially safer tritium source. The accelerator-driven method offers significant advantages over traditional nuclear reactors, including the ability to be switched on and off and the absence of self-sustaining chain reactions, which enhances operational control and safety. The research team employed modeling and simulation to optimize the design, performance, and cost-effectiveness of the system, with plans to further evaluate production costs and
energynuclear-fusiontritium-productionmolten-salt-acceleratornuclear-waste-recyclingfusion-fuelclean-energy-technologyFracking Hydrogen From Rocks: Clever Tech, Tough Economics - CleanTechnica
The article "Fracking Hydrogen From Rocks: Clever Tech, Tough Economics" from CleanTechnica explores the concept of engineered mineral hydrogen production, where water reacts with iron-rich ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle to release hydrogen. While laboratory and modeling results show promise for this clean hydrogen production method, significant challenges arise when scaling to field operations. The technology demands advanced drilling, stimulation, and reservoir management expertise similar to that developed in shale gas and geothermal industries. However, the geographic mismatch between ultramafic rock formations and existing oil and gas infrastructure complicates logistics, increasing costs and operational risks. Additionally, the article highlights the difficulty of aligning hydrogen production sites with nearby industrial offtakers, such as methanol and ammonia plants, which are primarily located along the Gulf Coast and Midwest. Transporting low-density hydrogen over long distances or converting it into carriers adds complexity and cost, undermining the straightforward "field to flange" production model. Technical challenges also include maintaining optimal reaction conditions (temperature,
energyhydrogen-productionmineral-hydrogenultramafic-rocksclean-energy-technologydrilling-technologyhydrogen-economyA Powerful Essay On Renewable Energy Exposes US To Ridicule
The article critiques the current U.S. administration’s approach to renewable energy, highlighting an essay by climate activist Bill McKibben published in The New Yorker. McKibben emphasizes the rapid growth of solar power, noting that the world installed its first terawatt of solar capacity over nearly seven decades, but subsequent terawatts have come much faster due to modern, mass-produced solar technology. He also underscores that wind energy, driven by solar-induced atmospheric movements, is a significant but often overlooked component of the renewable energy landscape. Despite this momentum, the article argues that the U.S. government, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, has hindered progress, especially in offshore wind development. The U.S. offshore wind industry, with its vast potential given the country’s extensive coastlines and infrastructure expertise, has faced setbacks due to shifting federal policies. While the Trump administration initially accelerated offshore wind leasing, it later halted the federal offshore lease program, stalling many projects. Although some projects began
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerwind-energyoffshore-wind-farmsclimate-activismclean-energy-technologyHow a New Jersey startup found an electrifying way to slash copper costs
Still Bright, a New Jersey startup founded in 2022, has developed an innovative and environmentally friendly method to extract copper more efficiently from existing ores and tailings. With global copper demand set to surge due to the transition away from fossil fuels, traditional mining faces challenges such as limited easily accessible ores and the need for numerous new mines. Still Bright’s technology uses a vanadium-based solution to soak copper-containing ores, extracting nearly all the copper without the pre-processing losses typical in conventional methods. The solution is regenerated electrically, inspired by vanadium flow battery technology, enabling a cleaner process that avoids the harmful pollution associated with burning unwanted ore components. The startup’s modular system is compact and cost-effective, with equipment 70% to 90% cheaper than traditional pyrometallurgical refining gear, and processes copper rapidly—within minutes to an hour. Although currently operating at pilot scale producing two tons annually, Still Bright plans to build a demonstration unit by 2027 or 2028 capable of producing
energymaterialscopper-extractionvanadium-flow-batterymining-technologysustainable-miningclean-energy-technologyPassion Drives PH Automotive Pioneer Francisco Motors to Export to Nigeria - CleanTechnica
Francisco Motors Corp. (FMC), a pioneering Philippine automotive company, is preparing to export its electric vehicle, the Pinoy Transporter, to Nigeria as part of its strategy to bring Philippine technology to international markets. FMC recently partnered with Nigerian entrepreneur Emmanuel Akpakwu, who is also the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Lagos, to facilitate this expansion. Initially, FMC plans to export completely built-up units (CBUs) for real-world testing in Nigeria, with a long-term goal of establishing a local assembly plant to produce vehicles more cost-effectively. The company aims to distribute vehicles throughout West Africa, sourcing most parts from the Philippines and some from Thailand, Germany, Australia, and China. Chairman Elmer Francisco expressed frustration over the slow support from Philippine government and businesses in developing the country’s e-vehicle market, which has led FMC to establish a factory in China to serve global markets while awaiting local government processes. Francisco is also advancing green hydrogen technology through a partnership with Net
electric-vehicleshydrogen-energygreen-hydrogenautomotive-manufacturingenergy-storagesustainable-transportclean-energy-technologyFrontier is helping Arbor build a “vegetarian rocket engine” to power data centers
Arbor, supported by a $41 million deal with Frontier, is developing its first commercial-scale power plant in southern Louisiana that uses waste biomass to generate electricity for data centers while capturing and sequestering the resulting CO2 underground. This technology, called BiCRS (biomass carbon removal and storage), produces carbon-free base load energy and achieves net carbon removals by burning biomass and capturing 99% of the CO2 emissions. The process involves converting biomass into syngas using a proprietary gasifier that employs supercritical CO2, then combusting the syngas with pure oxygen to generate electricity via turbomachinery, while diverting most CO2 for permanent storage. The approach leverages sustainable biomass sources, with Frontier emphasizing careful vetting to ensure biomass use does not disrupt natural cycles or soil health. Although biomass availability varies, estimates suggest 1 to 5 gigatons of waste biomass could be sustainably utilized annually, offering significant potential for BiCRS and related bioenergy with
energybiomass-energycarbon-capturecarbon-sequestrationrenewable-energypower-plantclean-energy-technologyGoogle inks its first fusion power deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Google has entered into its first fusion power agreement by committing to purchase half the output—200 megawatts—of Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ (CFS) first commercial fusion power plant, called Arc, expected to be operational in the early 2030s. Alongside this power purchase agreement, Google is participating in a new funding round for CFS, comparable in size to the previous $1.8 billion Series B round closed in 2021. CFS is currently building a demonstration fusion reactor, Sparc, near Boston, slated for completion in 2026, which will pave the way for the commercial Arc plant. This deal marks only the second major corporate power purchase agreement from a fusion startup, following Microsoft’s 2023 agreement with Helion Energy. Google’s investment aligns with its broader energy strategy to meet growing electricity demand driven by AI and cloud services, which require reliable, 24/7 power. While Google continues to invest heavily in renewables like solar, wind, and
energyfusion-powerrenewable-energycommercial-power-plantGoogle-energy-investmentclean-energy-technologyenergy-innovation