Renewables
Self-driving EVs – does the UK have the infrastructure to cope?
Regarding the roll-out of self-driving cars there are many barriers to entry that have raised concerns for consumers and manufacturers alike. However, in the UK, the stumbling block that appears to be causing the most sleepless nights is lack of infrastructure.
What does the electric revolution mean for motorsport?
The government announced that ‘by 2040 all vehicles shall be electric’ and petrol and diesel cars will be banned, has prompted many questions as to the effect on motorsport. Industry expert and Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) CEO, Chris Aylett, shares his views on this hot topic.
EV charging platform built on Ethereum blockchain
Tech Start-Up Charg Coin brings Ethereum blockchain technology to a predicted $11.6tn industry. The Charg app connects Electric Vehicle (EV) frivers with charging station owners to create a secure marketplace for anyone to sell electricity. The platform ICO ends 31st December 2017.
Lowering the cost of offshore wind turbines
Results of a new research project has shown how offshore wind turbine foundations can be designed in a smarter way to reduce production costs, that will ultimately make the alternative power source cheaper. The Ørsted-led PISA research project has now been rewarded with the Fleming award from the British Geotechnical Association.
Electric trucks to bolster commercial fleet
One of the largest commercial trucking fleet operators in the world has has placed a reservation for 125 of Tesla’s new fully electric semi tractors. The new tractors will join UPS’s alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle fleet, comprised of trucks and tractors propelled by electricity, natural gas, propane and other non-traditional fuels.
Brazil launches Center for Research in Genomics Applied to Climate Change
FAPESP and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) are partners in the Center for Research in Genomics Applied to Climate Change, hosted by the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and formally established on December 13, 2017, during an event held at FAPESP's headquarters, in São Paulo. The research center’s mission is to create biotechnological assets that increase plant resistance to drought and heat, and to tra...
Artificial photosynthesis for greener ethylene production
A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a prototype device that mimics natural photosynthesis to produce ethylene gas using only sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. The novel method, which produces ethylene at room temperature and pressure using benign chemicals, could be scaled up to provide a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to the current method of ethylene production.
Taking a different approach to a flat battery
A Swedish start-up has revealed a radical solution for charging Electric Vehicles. Instead of connecting the cord and waiting for the car to be charged, the battery is replaced with the help of a robotic device in three minutes. “Our solution is in many ways revolutionary and will change the way we think about EV charging,” said Sten Corfitsen, Founder of Powerswap.
The good, the bad and the ugly: EVs and off grid forecasting
When the Mayor of London plans a ban on parking in all new apartment blocks, it is best not to assume, that car sales will go on up forever. Factor in trials of autonomous taxi-buses from Switzerland to New Zealand and the rise in internet shopping using electric delivery vans. They are all going to hit car sales, including taxis. Bill Gates’ Belmont new city in Arizona is being based on more space-efficient, safer, less expensive alternati...
Energy storage solutions for hybrid electric vehicles
A distribution agreement has been signed between Skeleton Technologies and Sumitomo Corporation Europe with the aim of providing energy storage solutions for the rapidly growing hybrid electric and electric vehicle industry.