Energy and Climate Change


Enzyme Research Could Lead to Less Expensive Biofuels

New research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has discovered two approaches in which enzymes could break down cell walls more quickly and lead to less expensive biofuels for the transportation industry.

Refiners Make Switch to Summer Grade Gasoline

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), refiners are switching to make summer-grade gasoline in time for the May 1 compliance date. Summer-grade gasoline lowers the amount of evaporative emissions during warm weather because it is less volatile than winter-grade gasoline.

George W. Bush Presidential Center Obtained LEED Platinum Certification

During today’s dedication ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, President Bill Clinton mentioned that the new library has already obtained a platinum LEED certification, which makes the facility the first presidential library to achieve such a certification as a new construction.

Emerson Chosen for Innovative Waste to Energy Gasification Facility in France

Emerson’s Ovation expert control system provides flexible and accurate control of a powerful biomass gasification plant in France.

Construction Completed on Largest Solar Plant in Africa

A construction project worth almost $32 million for a 15-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania has been launched by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company.

SEMS II Rule Mandates Stop Work Authority

Released by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement last week, the final rule will take effect June 4 and expands on the initial Safety and Environmental Management Systems rule issued in October 2010.

Walmart Strives to Increase Efficiency and Renewable Energy

At Walmart’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, it was announced that the company plans to be completely supplied by renewable energy by the end of 2020.

Three New Executives for NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has hired three new people to lead their Bioenergy, Bioscience, and Energy Systems Integration Facility.



CO2 Emissions Continue to Decrease

According to the Energy Information Administrations (EIA), CO2 emissions have managed to decrease each year since 2007, and 2012 had the lowest emissions since 1994.

London’s Getting Energy from Discarded Cooking Oil

Fat and oil used for cooking are often poured into sinks and cause buildup in drains and ultimately end up in sewer systems. This waste, called fatbergs in England, will be reused as energy at a fat-fueled power station in east London.

Recycling Tires May Produce Synthetic Fuels and More

In a new European project, researchers are investigating how tires can be recycled and turned into synthetic fuels and other useful materials.

Gift of Solar Unveiled at Austin Children's Shelter

Texas Representative Mark Strama joins Austin community leaders to highlight the positive impact of solar energy on the city and state at the Austin Children’s Shelter unveiling.

High Temperature Superconducting Technology for Next-Generation Power Generation a Success

GE’s superconductive technology research offers advantages in efficiency, size, mass, and weight reductions when compared with conventional machines. The impact on energy production from alternative energy sources could be substantial.

New Cleaner Fuel and Cars Standards Proposed

The EPA has proposed new standards for both cars and fuels that will help reduce pollution and improve efficiency in vehicles.

NREL Economic Study Identifies Benefits Relative to Transmission and Generation Infrastructure across State Lines

The Wyoming Project shows how transmission and generation infrastructure originating in Wyoming could result in significant benefits for Colorado.

Train Derails, Spills Thousands of Gallons of Oil

A Canadian Pacific train derailed on Wednesday in western Minnesota, spilling approximately 30,000 gallons of oil. A 26,000 gallon tank ruptured and two other tanks were leaking oil as a result of the derailment.

An Update on Solar Impulse

A press conference was held today to unveil Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered airplane capable of flying during the night and day, in the United States for the first time today. The plane will begin its flight across America in California, stopping in various cities, and ending its journey in New York.

See the First Solar Powered Plane and Tweet Questions Live

On Thursday, March 28, the first U.S. solar-powered airplane will be revealed at a press conference, along with details on its cross-country flight. During the press conference, those who are watching are encouraged to tweet their questions and comments by using hashtag: #13SI.

Explore the Pursuit of the Power Grid

In the pursuit of the power grid’s evolution, industry researchers are hard at work developing and implementing new “smart grid” innovations to solve today’s greatest power challenges.

Switchgrass for Home Heating

USDA scientists have been studying the use of switchgrass pellets for heating purposes. According to their research, the pellets could potentially become a cheaper energy source to replace fuel oil used to heat homes and businesses in the Northeast.