Much has been discussed about the promise and limitations of large-language models (LLMs) in industries such as education, health care and even manufacturing. But what about energy? Could LLMs, like those that power ChatGPT, help run and maintain the energy grid? New research, published in Joule, suggests that LLMs could play an important role in […]
Green Energy
A shift in energy planning—using models in a different way
To meet the complex requirements of future building and energy systems, Empa researcher Matthias Sulzer and Berkeley Lab researcher Michael Wetter are proposing a paradigm shift in planning of such systems: They call for a more automated and model-based planning process, as has long been common practice in the computer chip and automotive industries. Numerous […]
We are betting the bank on hydrogen. But are we ready for it?
Green hydrogen holds many promises: it can serve as a “battery” for energy storage, it can be used in the chemical industry, and its only emission will be water vapor. But, unfortunately, green hydrogen is not yet widely used, because the production of gray hydrogen from natural gas is much cheaper. Moreover, it’s not trivial […]
‘Moderate’ is the new ‘extreme’: Weather’s impact on growing renewable grid operations
From severe storms to recent unprecedented cold and heat waves, extreme weather events are impacting electric utilities, grid operators, and ultimately customers like never before. At the same time, the energy sources that power the grid are evolving, integrating higher percentages of renewable sources. This evolution in both weather and the power grid is raising […]
Too much of a good thing? Spain’s green energy can exceed demand
The patchwork plains of Castilla-La Mancha, in central Spain, were once known for their windmills. But now it is wind turbines, their modern-day equivalent, which are much more visible on the region’s skyline. The 28 vast turbines of the Sierra del Romeral windfarm, perched on hills not far from the historic city of Toledo, look […]
Europe needs a green power grid. What’s holding it back?
It’s not yet clear how the results of the European Parliament elections will influence the policies of the next European Commission. Among other important issues, this uncertainty is hanging over the bloc’s plans for going climate neutral by 2050. But one thing is certain: Electricity from renewable sources will be a vital element in reaching […]
Developing high-efficiency colored solar panels for buildings
The energy transition in Germany, Europe, and across the world is driving robust demand for solar panels. Alongside high energy yields, aesthetics and acceptance are also increasingly important factors. To accommodate these trends, a team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has developed an innovative solar facade element that can […]
Geothermal model gives key insights into extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock
Geothermal energy from the superhot rock miles below our feet has the potential to become a major player in the energy transition, but first we need to develop ways to not only access those rocks, but also extract their heat. Now a computer model sheds light on the latter, describing for the first time what […]
Will far-right surge in Europe pressure renewable energy stocks?
The surging power of far-right factions in the EU Parliament may place the renewable energy sector under significant pressure. Major French green energy stocks have already declined amid the electoral upheaval. On Monday, the French stock markets were impacted by Emmanuel Macron’s call for a snap election following a bruising defeat by the far-right party, […]
Algae offer real potential as a renewable electricity source, research shows
The need to transition away from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy production is critical. That’s why a team of Concordia researchers is looking at a potential power source that not only produces no carbon emissions but removes carbon as it works: algae. Researchers at the Optical-Bio Microsystems Lab recently published a new paper on this topic […]
