biomimicry
Algae could help us build a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, but not necessarily in the way you might think. While research continues into ways of converting algae into biofuels, scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) are studying algae for secrets to building better solar cells.
automation
A new platform for the industrial internet is designed to help users make the most of machine-to-machine connections and the digital workforce. GE’s PACSystems RXi is a control and computing platform (“PAC” stands for “programmable automation controller”) based on open standards. According to GE, it offers companies a simpler,
Smart Grid
“Liquid batteries” could provide the answer to the large-scale energy storage challenges of a smarter, cleaner electricity grid. A grid-scale switch to cleaner power such as wind or solar would require some form of energy storage to ensure the lights stay on even when the sun isn’t shining or
Greenbang
As you can see, Greenbang has rolled out a new look with a new focus on the future of energy, technology and cities– hope you like it! Please let us know your thoughts and any other ideas for how we can continue improving. In addition to our new page design,
climate
Climate change could make many of the foods we now take for granted unaffordable in the future. Everything from rice and wheat to meat and fresh vegetables could become far more expensive if average global temperatures rise by more than 2 degrees C, according to researchers at the University of
Changes in technology and the marketplace are driving a growing number of midmarket executives to explore more open, transparent ways of doing business. And that’s a good thing for many reasons. In an ever-more competitive market, it’s the companies willing to innovate and adopt new technologies that will
What’s the most telling comment in this year’s BP Statistical Review of World Energy? It’s this statement from chief executive Bob Dudley’s introduction to the report: “The world is not structurally short of hydrocarbon resources — as our data on proved reserves confirms year after year — but
green jobs
A greener economy could lift millions from poverty by creating 15 million to 60 million green jobs over the next 20 years, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). A new study from the ILO says greening the economy could grow many branches of employment: renewable energy, agriculture, transport, recycling,
wind energy
The tantalizing prospect of deep-water wind farms, using vast, floating turbines, is coming closer to reality. Until now, commercial offshore farms have all featured “bottom-mounted” turbines in depths below 50 meters. This has allowed the UK, with its shallow coastal waters, to install 538 offshore turbines totaling 1,708 megawatts
Waste Management
How can a city get smarter about garbage and start reducing waste? The first step is to stop thinking about garbage as “garbage.” By considering things like coffee grounds, plastic bags, glass bottles and packaging as resources, rather than waste, cities can not only reduce the amount of trash they
geothermal energy
The global geothermal energy market continues to grow significantly in 2012. However, in the US, the world’s largest producer of geothermal power, growth has slowed. So which countries are fueling the surge in geothermal development? Let’s take a look: Much of the progress is occurring in East Africa,
natural gas
Let’s get a few potential objections out of the way up front: Yes, natural gas is cleaner than coal. Yes, strategies like hydrofracturing have unlocked large new sources of natural gas we previously weren’t able to tap into. Yes, new developments of natural gas resources in the US
