Energy

Potential Hazards at Both Ends of the Lithium-Ion Life Cycle

A battery recycling plant in Trail, B.C., in flames.  Photo: TMTV Originally Published by IEEE Spectrum - Battery recycling is a delicate business.

Posted on March 6th, 2013
Energy

Multi-layer Superconductivity

- Superconductivity is a phenomenon of zero electrical resistance, and expulsion of magnetic fields occurring in certain materials when cooled below a characteristic critical temperature.

Posted on March 5th, 2013
Energy, Technology

The Best—And Craziest—Ideas at the ARPA-E Future Energy Pitching Session

Crazy wind turbine from ARPA-E. Credit: IEEEOriginally Published by IEEE Spectrum - The Altenera BreezeBee is a wind turbine that doesn't turn. Okay, so it's not really a turbine. It is instead a grouping of vibratory "reeds."

Posted on March 2nd, 2013
Energy, Technology

U.S. Power Giant to Cut Coal Emissions Polluting Eastern States

- The U.S. EPA, eight states and 13 citizens groups have reached an agreement with American Electric Power that requires the nation’s largest power company to cut air pollution at 16 of its coal-fired power plants across the Midwest and South.

Posted on February 27th, 2013
Energy, Politics

Md., D.C. utilities pay paper mills burning ‘black liquor’ for alternative fuel credits

Chris Wilson/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST - A paper mill near Port Angeles Harbor in Port Angeles, Wash. Originally Published by The Washington Post - When Maryland and the District set floors requiring electric utilities to use increasing amounts of renewable energy, environmentalists cheered the prospect of money going to new solar and wind projects.

Posted on February 26th, 2013
Energy

UC Santa Barbara scientists develop a whole new way of harvesting energy from the sun

- A new method of harvesting the sun's energy is emerging, thanks to scientists at UC Santa Barbara's departments of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials.

Posted on February 25th, 2013
Energy

Proposed Propane Tank Divides Searsport, Me.

photograph of an anti-tank sign. David Wright for The New York TimesOriginally Published by The NY Times - Supporters say the tank will bring much-needed jobs and boost the local economy; detractors warn it will be dangerous, blight the coastline, lower property values and drive away tourists.

Posted on February 23rd, 2013
Energy

The German Energy Gamble

- The Ecologist’s political writer, Bibi van der Zee, asks whether the German's energy policy is a crazy punt, or an example to be followed by other states.

Posted on February 12th, 2013
Energy, Politics

U.S. Use of Mexican Battery Recyclers Is Faulted

- An environmental agency’s report says United States companies send spent lead batteries to recycling plants in Mexico that do not meet American standards.

Posted on February 9th, 2013
Energy

BP hit by new $34bn Deepwater Horizon claim

- Latest demand comes from local and southern state governments, including Louisiana and Mississippi, hit hard by pollution following 2010 blowout.

Posted on February 6th, 2013
Disasters, Energy, Politics