EnergyEfficiency
New method could transform battery recycling
New method could transform battery recycling New research has developed a two-step flash Joule heating-chlorination and oxidation (FJH-ClO) process that rapidly separates lithium and transition metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The FJH-ClO process provides an acid-free, energy-saving alternative to conventional recycling techniques, reducing energy consumption, chemical usage, and costs. The method achieves high yields and […]
🔬 Science
New method uses collisions to break down plastic for recycling
New method uses collisions to break down plastic for recycling Researchers have developed a new method to break down PET plastic using mechanical forces instead of heat or harsh chemicals. The method, called mechanochemical recycling, uses collisions to convert PET back into its basic building blocks, opening a path toward faster and cleaner recycling. The […]
🔬 Science
AI’s ballooning energy consumption puts spotlight on data center efficiency
AI’s ballooning energy consumption puts spotlight on data center efficiency AI’s rapid growth is putting a huge strain on data centers, leading to increased energy consumption and costs. Data centers are becoming energy-hungry giants, using as much electricity as a small city, due to the growing demand for AI models, memory, and cooling systems. The […]
💻 Technology
AI has a hidden water cost − here’s how to calculate yours
AI has a hidden water cost − here’s how to calculate yours Artificial intelligence systems consume significant amounts of water, with estimates suggesting that a single short conversation can use up to 500 milliliters of water. The water usage of AI systems varies widely depending on factors such as location, timing, and the type of […]
💻 Technology
New glass coating could help cut energy bills
New glass coating could help cut energy bills New glass coating could help reduce energy bills by up to 2.9% compared to existing alternatives. The coating, made from a transparent film of carbon-doped boron nitride, reflects heat and resists scratches, moisture, UV light, and temperature swings. The material’s durability allows it to be placed on […]
🔬 Science
Federal energy office illustrates the perils of fluctuating budgets and priorities
Federal energy office illustrates the perils of fluctuating budgets and priorities The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) within the Department of Energy faces challenges due to fluctuating budgets and priorities, which can lead to destabilization of agencies and cut off long-term projects. EERE’s funding levels have varied significantly over the years, with […]
📰 News
Light-powered reactions could make the chemical manufacturing industry more energy-efficient
Light-powered reactions could make the chemical manufacturing industry more energy-efficient A team of scientists has developed a system that uses light to power chemical reactions, which could make the chemical manufacturing industry more energy-efficient. The system, called photoredox catalysis, uses an organic catalyst that absorbs multiple photons of light and stores energy to kick-start reactions […]
🔬 Science
Energy Star, on the Trump administration’s target list, has a long history of helping consumers’ wallets and the planet
Energy Star, on the Trump administration’s target list, has a long history of helping consumers’ wallets and the planet Energy Star, launched by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992, has become one of the most recognizable environmental certifications in the country, helping consumers save money and reduce energy use. The program has saved consumers […]
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Sam Altman claims an average ChatGPT query uses ‘roughly one fifteenth of a teaspoon’ of water
Sam Altman claims an average ChatGPT query uses ‘roughly one fifteenth of a teaspoon’ of water OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims that an average ChatGPT query uses approximately 0.000085 gallons of water, equivalent to roughly one fifteenth of a teaspoon. The energy consumption of a single ChatGPT query is estimated to be around 0.34 watt-hours, […]
💻 Technology
New antenna could offer 5G ‘on-the-move’
New antenna could offer 5G ‘on-the-move’ New antenna developed by researchers at the University of Notre Dame could offer 5G ‘on-the-move’ capabilities, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The antenna uses a type of artificial dielectric material designed to deliver 5G-level performance while using less than 10% of the energy required by current antennas. The […]
💻 Technology