Battery storage is reaching the point of no return

Management teams are bracing for the advent of wider battery installations.

View original here:
Battery storage is reaching the point of no return

How the network can protect earth’s natural cycles

Sponsored: IoT is opening doors to innovation, conservation, and more sustainable resource cycles.

View original post here:
How the network can protect earth’s natural cycles

Energy storage charges forward

Both grid-scale and commercial installations are gaining favor as the industry seeks ways to reduce outages and integrate new electric loads such as renewable power plants and EVs.

Originally posted here:
Energy storage charges forward

Why Wells Fargo’s cleantech incubator is a hit

The bank’s Innovation Incubator has a secret weapon: a national laboratory.

Read the original:
Why Wells Fargo’s cleantech incubator is a hit

Cambridge Analytica, Facebook and the climate change angle

Is the scandalous corruption of our political campaigns also undermining our response to the environmental crisis?

See the original post here:
Cambridge Analytica, Facebook and the climate change angle

Groundbreaking new energy storage device charges up in just 20 seconds

A new aqueous storage device can be fully charged in a mere 20 seconds. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Kangwon National University scientists developed the device suited for portable electronics , with KAIST emphasizing in a statement that their device is both safe and environmentally friendly. Aqueous storage devices are less flammable than today’s lithium batteries , and could be cheaper too, according to ScienceAlert , but limitations have held scientists back. Cells comprising a battery transfer electrons between two materials, but aqueous solutions limit voltage range between the points, according to ScienceAlert. But scientists at institutions in South Korea , according to KAIST, “came up with new structures and materials to facilitate rapid speed in energy exchange on the surfaces of the electrodes and minimize the energy loss between the two electrodes.” They described their strategy for high-performance aqueous hybrid capacitors in the journal Advanced Energy Materials in January . ScienceAlert said hybrid capacitors like this one are basically a mixture of capacitor and battery. Related: Scientists just created a new type of battery inspired by electric eels Graphene to the rescue again: the scientists utilized graphene-based polymer chain materials for anodes. Graphene’s web-like structure afforded a high surface area, enabling higher capacitance, according to the institute. Metal oxide nanoparticles served as cathode materials. KAIST said, “This method realized higher energy density and faster energy exchange while minimizing energy loss.” The device they developed can charge up in 20 to 30 seconds via low-power charging systems like flexible solar cells or USB switching chargers. It boasts a power density 100 times greater than conventional aqueous batteries. And it can sustain capacity for more than 100,000 charges, according to ScienceAlert. KAIST professor Jeung Ku Kang said in the statement, “This eco-friendly technology can be easily manufactured and is highly applicable. In particular, its high capacity and high stability, compared to existing technologies, could contribute to the commercialization of aqueous capacitors.” + KAIST Via ScienceAlert Images via

View original here: 
Groundbreaking new energy storage device charges up in just 20 seconds

New Italian ice cream shop reflects its delicious ‘clean label’ products

Italian architecture firm NINE Associati designed this stunning ice cream shop in the Italian village of Isola del Liri to reflect the company’s commitment to serving “clean label” products. Started by the Masci family in 1989, ZERO-E serves up traditional Italian gelato made with zero preservatives. The company’s commitment to serving all-natural ice cream inspired the architects to create an elegant, breezy shop with bespoke furnishings made by local Italian artisans . Located in the small town of Isola del Liri, about 100 km south of Rome, ZERO-E stands out for its commitment to serving “clean label” ice cream . It’s the first shop of its kind in the area, and it’s a breath of fresh air – both in terms of its product and its design. Related: Cleverly layered compact dirt walls mimic ice cream cakes in this Tokyo patisserie With just 38 square meters to work with, the architects wanted to leave the interior open and uncluttered. They developed a 3-point strategy that optimized the space, provided tailor-made furniture, and created flexible areas that can adapt to new uses in the future. The shop’s walls are painted a light blue hue, and the atmosphere is clean and vibrant. Subtle graphics add a bit of flair to the space – from the tiny bathroom signs to the ice cream menu and ingredients listed on the walls. In addition to designing the shop, NINE Associati also provided branding for the company. + NINE Associati Photography via Alessandro Zompanti

Read the original: 
New Italian ice cream shop reflects its delicious ‘clean label’ products

How Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are cruising toward renewables

Plans to switch to 100 percent renewable power and install Tesla batteries won’t cost extra.

See the original post here:
How Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are cruising toward renewables

How Whole Foods uses saltwater to cut costs and boost resilience

The grocer is installing thermal batteries in California and Hawaii to hedge its bet against power outages.

Continued here:
How Whole Foods uses saltwater to cut costs and boost resilience

5 ways to unlock restoration finance

Seeding one of the most overlooked opportunities for economic growth.

Excerpt from:
5 ways to unlock restoration finance

Next Page »