Articles tagged with "sustainable-power"
New Pumped Hydro Energy Storage System Needs No Mountains
The article discusses innovations in pumped hydro energy storage (PHES), a well-established method for storing electricity by using excess power to pump water uphill to a reservoir, which can later be released to generate electricity on demand. Traditional PHES systems require mountainous terrain to create sufficient elevation difference for efficient operation, limiting suitable site availability. Despite political support from the Trump administration for hydropower as part of a broader energy strategy, new dam construction remains challenging due to environmental and geographic constraints, and the administration’s energy emergency declaration controversially excluded wind and solar from baseload support, citing their intermittency. To overcome the elevation limitation, startups are developing novel PHES technologies that do not require mountainous sites. The UK-based company RheEnergise has created a compact system called HD Hydro (High-Density Hydropower) that can operate on low, hilly terrain without steep slopes. RheEnergise has identified thousands of potential sites in the US, especially in Texas, which could collectively provide significant energy storage
energypumped-hydro-storagerenewable-energyhydropowerenergy-storageclean-energysustainable-powerNew wind turbine converts ambient airflow into sailboat electricity
Belgian startup Philéole has introduced Grain Blanc, a compact vertical-axis wind turbine designed specifically for sailboats to generate electricity from ambient airflow while underway. Mounted on the mast, Grain Blanc captures wind from any direction, unlike traditional horizontal turbines that require orientation toward the wind. This makes it highly effective in the constantly shifting wind conditions typical of marine environments. The turbine is lightweight, about one meter tall and less than half a meter in diameter, allowing easy integration without interfering with sails or deck operations. Its three-phase alternator with an integrated rectifier ensures consistent power output even in turbulent or irregular winds, supplying energy to essential onboard systems such as navigation, communications, and control consoles. The turbine also operates while moored, maintaining battery charge and supporting equipment like dehumidifiers. Philéole has emphasized quiet operation and low vibration in the Grain Blanc design to enhance sailor comfort and minimize disturbance to marine wildlife. Beyond sailing, the company offers the turbine in three ranges—Sailing, Building, and
energywind-turbinerenewable-energymarine-technologysustainable-powervertical-axis-turbineclean-energyCould ‘alien-looking’ giant airship over Chinese city transform wind farms?
The recently tested S2000 Stratosphere Airborne Wind Energy System (SAWES) is a giant helium-filled airship designed to harness high-altitude wind energy (HAWE) by operating tethered at altitudes between 500 and 3,000 meters, where winds are stronger and more consistent. Measuring 60 meters long and 40 meters wide, the S2000 features a unique design with a large egg-shaped fuselage inside a donut-shaped ring that houses 12 turbine blades arranged concentrically. This ducted setup compresses and directs wind flow to improve efficiency. During a recent test, the S2000 ascended to 2,000 meters and generated about 385 kWh over a few hours—enough to power six electric vehicle charges or supply an average Chinese household for a month. Its maximum claimed capacity is 3 megawatts, comparable to a medium-sized conventional wind turbine. The S2000’s visually striking, “alien spaceship” appearance has attracted
energywind-energyairborne-wind-turbinesustainable-powerhigh-altitude-wind-energyrenewable-energyChina-energy-innovationUK Gets More Offshore Wind As Trump Tries To Block It - CleanTechnica
The article contrasts the progress of offshore wind energy development in the UK with the stagnation and opposition faced in the United States. While the U.S. has abundant wind resources, its offshore wind industry remains minimal due to political resistance and regulatory hurdles, particularly under the Trump administration, which actively sought to block offshore wind projects. In contrast, the UK boasts one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing offshore wind markets, supplying about 20% of its electricity and aiming for up to 50 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2030. A recent major development in the UK offshore wind sector involves a $15 billion joint venture between global investment firm KKR and renewable energy giant RWE to build two massive offshore wind farms—Norfolk Vanguard East and West—with a combined capacity of approximately 3 GW. These projects, expected to power around 3 million UK homes, will be located 50 to 80 km off the East Anglia coast and are slated to become operational by
energyoffshore-wind-powerrenewable-energywind-farmsclean-energyUK-energy-marketsustainable-power7 of the world's most powerful tidal turbines ever built
The article discusses the development and deployment of some of the world’s most powerful tidal turbines, emphasizing the appeal of tidal energy due to its predictability compared to wind or solar power. Despite the challenges posed by harsh marine environments, several megawatt-scale tidal turbines have been successfully built and connected to power grids, marking significant milestones in tidal energy technology. Notably, the Orbital O2, a 2 MW floating tidal turbine installed off the Orkney Islands in Scotland, is currently the most powerful operational tidal turbine. Its innovative floating design with retractable legs allows for easier maintenance and reliable power generation, expected to last up to 15 years. The article also highlights the ScotRenewables SR2000, another 2 MW floating turbine that served as a pioneering full-scale prototype at the same test site. It demonstrated utility-class tidal energy generation by producing over 3 GWh of electricity in about a year, at times supplying up to 25% of the Orkney Islands’ electricity
energytidal-energyrenewable-energytidal-turbinesmarine-energyfloating-turbinessustainable-powerKhosla-backed Mazama taps super-hot rocks in race to deliver 24/7 power
Mazama, a geothermal startup incubated by Vinod Khosla’s Khosla Ventures, has drilled the world’s hottest geothermal well in Oregon, reaching temperatures of 629˚F (331˚C) at the borehole’s bottom. This breakthrough well has the potential to produce up to 5 gigawatts of energy, vastly surpassing typical geothermal wells that generate tens of megawatts. The company aims to drill even deeper into hotter rock—up to 750˚F (400˚C)—to generate at least 25 megawatts per borehole, which would be two to three times more power than current competitors. This enhanced geothermal technology taps into deeper, hotter rock formations, enabling more productive and widely available geothermal energy that can provide reliable, 24/7 electricity. Enhanced geothermal energy offers a promising solution to meet growing electricity demand from data centers and electric vehicles, especially as it can deliver consistent power without carbon emissions. By injecting water into these super-hot wells,
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyclean-energysustainable-powerenergy-innovationgeothermal-technologyRecord-breaking: World's largest vertical solar rooftop built in Norway
Norway’s city of Tromsø, located north of the Arctic Circle, has become home to the world’s largest vertical rooftop solar installation, featuring 6,400 vertically mounted panels on the flat roof of Tromsøterminalen, a cold storage facility. Installed by Norwegian solar equipment supplier Over Easy Solar, the system comprises 1,600 Vertical Photovoltaic (VPV) units with a total capacity of 320 kWp, surpassing the company’s previous record at the Norwegian National Football Stadium. The vertical design is specifically suited for northern latitudes, as it optimizes energy generation during low-angle sunlight hours, reduces snow accumulation, and enhances year-round performance. This configuration also simplifies maintenance by allowing walkable space between panel rows. The project, completed in partnership with engineering firm Enøk Total and supported by regional stakeholders, aims to reduce Tromsøterminalen’s reliance on conventional energy sources while demonstrating the viability of vertical solar technology in cold, snowy climates. Over Easy Solar emphasizes that vertical solar
energysolar-energyvertical-solar-panelsrenewable-energyphotovoltaicsustainable-powerclean-energyMore Geothermal Energy, Faster, From US Startups
The article discusses the emerging potential of advanced geothermal energy systems developed by U.S. startups, particularly highlighting the work of Utah-based company Zanskar. Traditional geothermal energy in the U.S. has been limited to a few western states with naturally optimal conditions, constraining its contribution to the national energy mix. However, new techniques adapted from the oil and gas industry, combined with artificial intelligence and modern geoscience modeling, are enabling the identification and development of geothermal resources in previously untapped areas. Zanskar’s AI-driven, vertically integrated approach aims to accelerate the discovery and deployment of geothermal power, offering a scalable, reliable, and carbon-free baseload energy source. Zanskar has demonstrated success with two key projects: upgrading the Lightning Dock site in New Mexico, now considered one of the most productive pumped geothermal wells in the U.S., and a recent major discovery at the Pumpernickel geothermal field in northern Nevada. The Pumpernickel site, initially explored unsuccessfully in the
energygeothermal-energyclean-energyAI-in-energyrenewable-energyenergy-startupssustainable-powerSalty ice bends into electricity source with 1,000x stronger charge
Researchers at Xi’an Jiatong University in China have discovered that bending salty ice can generate electricity with a charge up to 1,000 times stronger than pure ice. This phenomenon, known as flexoelectricity, occurs because salt prevents ice from freezing completely, creating microscopic channels of salty water. When the ice is bent, this liquid flows through the channels, producing a streaming current that generates electricity. The team demonstrated this effect using various shapes of saline ice subjected to bending tests, revealing a significant increase in electrical output compared to pure ice. While the discovery opens a promising avenue for sustainable energy—especially in cold regions where traditional power sources are limited—there are challenges to overcome. Saline ice devices suffer from mechanical fatigue, losing up to 80% of their power after repeated bending cycles, and their efficiency is currently lower than commercial piezoelectric materials due to energy lost as heat. Nonetheless, the research suggests potential applications not only on Earth, where ice covers about 10% of the
energysustainable-powerflexoelectricitysaline-iceclean-electricityrenewable-energyice-power-generationSolar trees preserve 99% of forests, mimic nature to generate energy
A recent study published in Scientific Reports highlights the potential of vertically designed “solar trees” as an innovative renewable energy solution that can generate electricity comparable to conventional solar farms while preserving up to 99% of forest cover. Unlike traditional ground-mounted solar panels that require extensive forest clearing, solar trees are structured to allow sunlight to penetrate to the vegetation below, minimizing ecological disruption. The study modeled solar trees based on an installation in Seoul, with each tree holding multiple solar panels and standing about 15.7 feet tall. Simulations showed that 63 to 87 solar trees could produce 1 megawatt (MW) of power—matching the output of a 2014 flat-panel solar plant in South Korea—while maintaining nearly all of the original forest. The research utilized 3D geospatial data and satellite imagery to visualize and analyze the integration of solar trees into forested landscapes, demonstrating that these installations could be arranged with minimal impact on the ecosystem. Positioned along site boundaries and trails with appropriate spacing
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-treesforest-conservationsustainable-powerenergy-innovation3D-geospatial-modelingCoin-sized generator harvests energy from waste walnut shells
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a coin-sized water-induced electric generator (WEG) that produces electricity by harnessing the evaporation of water from walnut shells, an abundant agricultural waste. This device leverages hydrovoltaic energy harvesting, where evaporating water moves charged ions through the porous walnut shell structure, creating an electrical current without complex processing. The WEG can generate enough power to operate small electronics like calculators, demonstrating a simple, low-cost, and sustainable approach to energy generation from natural waste materials. Among various nut shells tested, walnut shells showed the highest efficiency, especially after cleaning, polishing, and precise shaping. The WEG units consist of treated walnut shells combined with electrodes, wires, and a 3D-printed casing. By connecting multiple units, the researchers successfully powered an LCD calculator, highlighting potential applications in remote or off-grid settings. Future research aims to develop wearable versions that harvest energy from sweat or raindrops and explore practical uses such as water-leak sensors.
energyrenewable-energyhydrovoltaic-energyenergy-harvestingsustainable-poweragricultural-wasteclean-electricityFrench water pendulum tech makes ocean waves a reliable power source
French startup Seaturns has secured $2.9 million in funding to advance and industrialize its innovative wave energy technology, aimed at converting ocean wave motion into reliable electricity. The Bordeaux-based company plans to deploy a full-scale demonstrator at the SEM-REV offshore test site in summer 2025, initiate industrial-scale production, and expand its commercialization globally. The funding round, led by the climate tech platform Keenest and supported by over 1,500 individual investors and institutional backers, will accelerate Seaturns’ efforts to bring its patented, cost-efficient wave energy converter (WEC) to market. Seaturns’ technology features a cylindrical WEC that harnesses the horizontal surge motion of ocean swells, converting it into a pitching motion via a patented anchoring system. Inside the converter, a water pendulum and two air chambers generate airflow that drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. The device is designed for simplified offshore installation, low maintenance, and reduced environmental impact
energywave-energyrenewable-energyocean-powerclean-energyenergy-technologysustainable-powerTiny turbines crack wind’s secret ‘twist’ for a giant 37% power boost
Researchers led by Shuo Zhang have discovered that pairing two tiny, counter-rotating wind turbines in tandem can increase power output by 37% compared to a single turbine. These micro wind turbines, less than 200 millimeters in diameter, are crucial for powering remote and decentralized technologies such as environmental sensors and IoT devices. Using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, a 3D airflow visualization technique, the team analyzed the wake—turbulent airflow—behind the first turbine and found it retains significant rotational energy typically lost. By positioning a second turbine counter-rotating behind the first at a specific distance (12 radii), this residual rotational energy can be harnessed, boosting overall efficiency. The enhanced performance stems from the unique physics of small turbines, which operate at lower speeds and higher torque, imparting a “twist” to the wind that the downstream turbine can exploit. This tandem design mimics multi-stage turbines in jet engines by capturing both the wind’s push and twist
energywind-turbinesmicro-wind-turbinesrenewable-energyenergy-harvestingIoT-devicessustainable-powerTidal energy breakthrough: Six years of nonstop power sets global record
The MeyGen tidal stream array off Scotland’s northern coast has set a global record by operating continuously for over six years without unplanned maintenance, demonstrating unprecedented reliability for tidal energy systems. This milestone was achieved through the collaboration of SKF, a global engineering firm, and Proteus Marine Renewables, which developed turbines equipped with specialized underwater components designed to withstand harsh subsea conditions. The success of this pilot project, commissioned in 2017 and running continuously since 2018, marks a significant step toward proving tidal energy as a dependable and scalable clean power source capable of diversifying the global energy mix and reducing carbon emissions. Building on this achievement, Proteus plans to deploy 30 new 3-MW AR3000 turbines starting in 2026 across sites in Scotland, France, and Japan, each capable of powering approximately 3,000 homes, with ambitions to expand to 300 turbines. The predictable nature of tidal energy, unlike solar or wind, offers a consistent renewable resource, and the UK
tidal-energyrenewable-energymarine-turbinesenergy-innovationclean-energysustainable-powerSKF-engineeringQuaise "Proof Of Concept" Demo Goes Live In Texas - CleanTechnica
Quaise, an MIT spinoff, is pioneering a novel geothermal drilling technology that uses high-powered microwaves generated by gyrotrons to bore through hard rock such as basalt and granite. This approach aims to reach superhot zones located up to 12,000 feet (about 2 to 4 kilometers) beneath the Earth's surface, where temperatures exceed 374º C (700º F). At these depths, water can be converted into supercritical steam, which is highly efficient for generating electricity. Quaise envisions tapping into this vast geothermal heat as a nearly limitless, clean energy source capable of meeting global electricity demands for millions of years. The concept originated from Paul Woskov’s fusion research at MIT, where he realized that gyrotrons—powerful microwave sources used to heat plasma—could be repurposed to vaporize rock and create deep boreholes. In 2018, Carlos Araque and Matt Houde joined Woskov to found Quaise, combining expertise from MIT and the oil and gas industry. Recently, Quaise completed its first proof-of-concept demonstration near Houston, Texas, where their microwave drilling technology successfully penetrated 10 feet into granite within an existing oil well. Although this is an early milestone far from the ultimate goal of drilling miles deep, the company emphasizes its mission to become a geothermal developer providing abundant, reliable, and affordable clean energy worldwide, rather than merely selling drilling equipment.
energygeothermal-energyclean-energydrilling-technologymicrowavesfusion-researchsustainable-power