Innovation

Brazil solar energy drive stalled by high costs, strict rules

Expensive local supplies, low currency impediments to Brazil solar energy growth By Luciano Costa SAO PAULO, Jan 31 (Reuters) – A government plan to spur the construction of solar energy farms in Brazil is faltering because of high costs, strict rules requiring local components and low-priced competition from Chinese suppliers, say regulators and power sector executives. […]

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By 2020, Honda, GM to jointly produce fuel cell power systems in U.S.

Fuel cell innovations could also be used in aerospace, military applications By Naomi Tajitsu and Paul Lienert TOKYO/DETROIT, Jan 30 (Reuters) – Honda Motor Co Ltd and General Motors Co (GM) will jointly produce pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell power systems in the United States from around 2020, the companies said Monday, despite President Donald Trump’s promises

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Crack it! Energy from a fossil fuel without carbon dioxide

Hydrogen (H2) and carbon (C), can be separated in a process called ‘methane cracking’ The production of energy from natural gas without generating carbon dioxide emissions could fast become a reality, thanks to a novel technology developed by researchers of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) in Potsdam and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

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First study assessing potential hydraulic fracturing impact on aquatic animals

Results provide basis for regulators and industry to develop policies and procedures By Katie Willis Researchers at the University of Alberta have conducted the first-ever study to use hydraulic fracturing fluids to examine effects on aquatic animals, such as rainbow trout, according to a press release. Horizontal drilling with high-volume hydraulic fracturing is a practice

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California utilities seek $1 billion for vehicle electrification

California Public Utilities Commission directed California utilities to spur vehicle electrification Jan 23 (Reuters) – The three biggest California utilities plan to spend $1 billion to speed the electrification of vehicles, from transit buses to forklifts, in a statewide effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, regulatory filings show. Utilities Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas

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