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Energy

Commissioner Moedas set out four priority areas where research and innovation can contribute to shaking up the EU’s energy market. Image courtesy of the European Union
energy | environment | policy
02 December 2016

‘Disruptive innovation’ will set direction for Europe’s new energy market – Commissioner Moedas

The European Union has launched new plans to revolutionise how it trades and supplies energy, but to ensure its success EU funds need to support the frontiers of science and knowledge, according to Carlos Moedas, EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

Horizon held a debate with representatives from industry and a climate non-profit organisation to discuss whether steel could be sustainable in the future. Image credit: Octavian Carare
energy | environment
30 November 2016

Horizon steel debate: can the industry go green?

The steel industry plays a big role in Europe’s energy consumption, but many say green technologies have been sidelined to stay competitive with cheaper, dirtier steel from China. To explore the best way forward, Horizon organised a debate between Dr Klaus Peters, the secretary general of the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP), and Wendel Trio, the director of Climate Action Network Europe.

European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič is charge of ensuring that Europe has secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy. Image courtesy of the European Union, 2015
interview | energy | policy | open innovation
08 November 2016

We could turn energy transition into a revolution – Vice-President Šefčovič

The energy sector could see a revolution along the same lines as the digital sector, but we first need to scale up breakthrough technologies and train more experts in areas such as smart grids, storage and renewables, according to Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission, in charge of Energy Union.

Future biofuels could be produced by microbe farms using bioreactors. Credit: a4f
energy | open innovation
07 November 2016

Milking microbes for energy could help replace fossil fuels

Scientists have found a way of producing electricity and fuel for cars from bacteria and green algae, and scaling up these techniques could create a reliable source of renewable energy that could be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. 

A demonstration at the Venice Architecture Biennale showed that creatures in modified building blocks could generate electricity. Image courtesy of LIAR
environment | energy
01 November 2016

‘Living buildings’ could use bacteria for heat, electricity and repairs

Inserting bacteria into bricks and concrete could help generate heat, circulate air and repair cracks, according to researchers who are designing innovative construction materials to transform bricks and mortar into living buildings with a reduced environmental footprint. 

Nanomaterials could store energy on an unprecedented scale. Image credit: ‘150309-charging-cellphone-smartphone-blue.jpg’ by r. nial bradshaw is licensed under CC-BY 2.0
energy | frontier research
12 September 2016

Atom-thick solution to energy storage conundrum

Sheets of carbon an atom thick could soon double the amount of electricity stored in smartphone batteries, researchers believe, as 2D materials present a picture of the future of energy storage.

Renewable lithium battery packs in solar-powered street lights could last longer than standard lead-acid batteries. Image credit: Pixabay/ Skitterphoto
energy | public–private partnerships | open innovation
29 August 2016

Charged up – the batteries lighting the way to a more sustainable future

Street lights may seem just part of the mundane backdrop of life, but many firms have been devising exciting ideas for powering them more cheaply and making them do far more than illuminate a dark road. 

Cleaning and cooling down concentrated solar power plants uses as much water as an Olympic-sized swimming pool every day. Image courtesy of MinWaterCSP
energy | open to the world
23 August 2016

Quenching the thirst of concentrated solar power

Concentrated solar power (CSP) could have the potential to energise remote areas of the world, but it faces one major obstacle – the amount of water it uses. Now, thrifty water sprinklers, tailor-made rotors and hybrid sunlight-biomass boilers could cut the water bill of concentrated solar power and even help generate electricity when the sun doesn't shine. 

Project Ukko's interactive map could help industry and governments interpret seasonal wind forecasts. Image courtesy of Project Ukko
environment | energy | open innovation
17 August 2016

Seasonal wind forecasts could help reduce energy prices

Wind intensity can be forecast months ahead thanks to a new tool that uses sophisticated climate simulations to tell energy companies and government planners how strongly the wind is likely to blow.

New smartphones on the market encourage old ones to be thrown out, and waste companies are struggling with recycling. Image credit: Flickr/ Fairphone
environment | energy | bioeconomy
11 August 2016

Tech trends undermine move to zero-waste economy

Each year a new wave of computers, smartphones and accessories swarm the market with smaller components made from increasingly complex materials. While this technological evolution may be exciting for consumers, the trend towards obsolescence is impeding our progress towards a zero-waste society, according to researchers working in the area.

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