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A microgrid is a small power grid with its own control capabilities, meaning it can operate independently from large traditional grids. They act as energy-efficient alternatives to primary sources that power large land areas throughout the world and help give underprivileged populations access to electricity, air conditioning, and other utilities. How do microgrids work, and …
Continue reading “Inspiring Ways Microgrids are Used Around the World”
On September 1 and 2, 1859, telegraph systems around the world failed catastrophically. The operators of the telegraphs reported receiving electrical shocks, telegraph paper catching fire, and being able to operate equipment with batteries disconnected. During the evenings, the aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights, could be seen as far south as …
Continue reading “A large solar storm can knock out the internet and electricity. Here’s how”
Humans around the world have long displayed a thirst for power, sometimes in a literal sense. Powering virtually every aspect of daily life, the origin of our electricity is thus one of the biggest talking points in modern times. Today, approximately 84% of the world’s energy needs come from oil, gas, and coal – aka …
Continue reading “Why Renewable Energy is a Geopolitical Issue”
There’s been tremendous excitement about recent results from the Joint European Torus (JET) facility in the UK, hinting that the dream of nuclear fusion power is inching closer to reality. We know that fusion works – it is the process that powers the Sun, providing heat and light to the Earth. But for decades it …
Continue reading “Nuclear fusion: how excited should we be?”
To keep Earth from dangerous ongoing global warming, the world is looking for an energy source without CO2 emissions. There is actually a dream candidate: successfully achieving nuclear fusion holds the promise of delivering a limitless, sustainable source of clean energy.
Growing crops needs a lot of lands. Generating electricity through solar panels take up space, too. So, why not grow crops under solar panels?
The demand for clean energy is increasing as more people adopt eco-conscious values. The media portrays solar power as the industry leader, leaving other renewable electricity forms in the dark. Before investing in emissionless power sources, it is essential to evaluate their differences and consumer benefits.
Professor David Ruzic of the University of Illinois debunks the myths about nuclear energy in this live lecture he gave to high school seniors and college students, emphasizing the need for nuclear power and countering its common objections. Prof. Ruzic’s other videos on his Youtube channel have much more detail on each topic and this …
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The ability to keep food, medicines, vaccines, and our buildings cool underpins much of our modern way of life, but it is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. If the world is to meet its development goals and climate change targets over the coming decades, we need to rethink how we keep things …
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Many of us want energy efficiency at home not just to reduce energy bills and save money but for another reason – to help our environment. Today, most of our electricity is generated through the combustion of fossil fuels. Unfortunately, this process contributes to about 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a lot …
Continue reading “5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Home’s Energy Use with Technology”
