Bases get ‘electric facelift’ as Marines deploy smart grids, electric vehicles

Good News Notes: “Marine installations from West Coast air stations to deep South depots are getting an electric facelift as the Corps ramps up its electric vehicle fleetand base “smart grids” for powering the force at home stations. Following new executive orders to reducecarbon fuel use that would also make for resilient, blackout-proof power grids, the Corps is…

These solar panels create clean water in the desert

Good News Notes: “Most of the energy that hits a solar panel is wasted. Energy technology researcher Peng Wang told IE that less than 20 percent of the energy that hits a solar panel gets turned into electricity. The rest is turned into heat, which can cause the panel to become even less efficient. Researchers have spent decades figuring…

‘Ocean battery’ targets renewable energy dilemma

Good News Notes: “A wind turbine sitting idle on a calm day or spinning swiftly when power demand is already met poses a problem for renewables, and is one researchers think can be tackled under the sea. In one vision, offshore wind farms could use seawater to essentially store energy until it’s needed, helping wean humanity off fossil fuels….

Australian researchers show next gen solar cells can beat the heat

Good News Notes: “Australian researchers have demonstrated that new solar panel designs and manufacturing techniques have the potential to solve some of the key challenges of operating in high temperatures, showing that they not only produce more useful electricity but have longer operational lives thanks to their ability to beat the heat. In new research…