Energy

    Swiss scientists have taught fungi to generate electricity. How do mushroom batteries work?
    15 Jan 2025

    Yeast and white rot fungus could have a small but ingenious role to play in the energy transition. Fungi could be used to power batteries in remote regions thanks to a new breakthrough by Swiss researchers. Their fungal battery invention is 3D-printed – with fungal cells mixed into the printing ink – and has the […]

    President Sheikh Mohamed and Azerbaijan leader discuss global climate fight in UAE meeting
    14 Jan 2025

    President Sheikh Mohamed and his Azerbaijan counterpart Ilham Aliyev called for collective global action to combat the threat of climate change during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The two leaders explored ways to bolster collaboration in renewable energy and the environment during discussions held at Qasr Al Shati in the UAE capital. Mr Aliyev is on […]

    Trump, Cop30 and carbon markets: Climate themes to watch in 2025
    02 Jan 2025

    Global temperatures are set to cool in 2025 compared to the record-breaking heat over the past 12 months – perhaps an indication of a more positive climate calendar for the coming year. According to the UK’s national weather and climate service, the Met Office, the average global temperature for 2025 is forecast at between 1.29°C […]

    Breakthrough new material brings affordable, sustainable future within grasp
    26 Dec 2024

    While lithium-ion batteries have been the go-to technology for everything from smartphones and laptops to electric cars, there are growing concerns about the future because lithium is relatively scarce, expensive and difficult to source, and may soon be at risk due to geopolitical considerations. Scientists around the world are working to create viable alternatives. An […]

    Electric dreams: What will it take to spark EV surge on UAE roads?
    24 Dec 2024

    An electric vehicle charging tariff coming into force in the UAE next year has been tipped to accelerate growth in the market and support ambitious green transport goals in the years to come. In a report published earlier this year, global consultancy company PwC highlighted that public charging infrastructure was the most significant bottleneck for rapid EV […]

    Breakthrough in photochemical water oxidation: Paving the way for sustainable energy
    20 Dec 2024

    Water oxidation offers a promising path to achieve sustainable energy by efficiently generating oxygen. This study investigates how optimizing Ru(II) photosensitizers, metal oxide catalysts, and pH conditions can enhance water splitting efficiency. By introducing a simplified method to estimate catalyst performance, researchers make it easier to design more effective systems. These findings provide crucial insights […]

    Oman vows to press ahead with green hydrogen plans amid growing pains
    13 Dec 2024

    Oman remains committed to its multi-billion-dollar green hydrogen programme despite concern about buyers, geopolitical tensions and a potential shift in US clean energy policy, officials said. Oman’s state-run hydrogen company Hydrom on Wednesday said it would launch a third round of green hydrogen auctions by the end of the first quarter of next year. The country’s Energy Minister Salim Al […]

    G20 summit pushes for sustainability and energy transition in Trump’s shadow
    18 Nov 2024

    Member nations of the Group of 20 are set to convene in Brazil next week, tasked with addressing pressing issues around sustainability amid the incoming climate change-sceptic US administration of returning president Donald Trump. On the table at Rio de Janeiro on Monday and Tuesday will be social inclusion and tackling hunger and poverty, reforming institutions of […]

    Fueling greener aviation with hydrogen
    04 Nov 2024

    Despite ongoing efforts to curb CO2 emissions with electric and hybrid vehicles, other forms of transportation remain significant contributors of greenhouse gases. To address this issue, old technologies are being revamped to make them greener, such as the reintroduction of sailing vessels in shipping and new uses for hydrogen in aviation. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Sustainable […]

    Renewable energy investment ‘must triple to $1.5tn by 2030’ to achieve global goals
    14 Oct 2024

    International investment in renewable energy must triple to $1.5 trillion annually by 2030 to meet the global goal of tripling renewables, the International Renewable Energy Agency has said. Despite record spending of $570 billion last year, current national plans are set to deliver only half of the required renewable power growth, the Abu Dhabi-based Irena said in a report released […]