Soiling -- the accumulation of dust and sand -- on solar power reflectors and photovoltaic cells is one of the main efficiency drags for solar power plants, capable of reducing reflectivity up to 50 percent in 14 days. Though plants can perform manual cleaning and brushing with deionized water and detergent, this labor-intensive routine significantly raises operating and maintenance costs (O&M), which is reflected in the cost of solar energy for consumers.

A dollar bill gets around, passing from hand to hand, falling on streets and sidewalks, eventually getting so grimy that a bank machine flags it and sends it to the shredder. Rather than destroying it, scientists have developed a new way to clean paper money to prolong its life.

WATKINSVILLE — Scientists working at the University of Georgia’s newest farm recently met  to discuss research they’re conducting and to start building new research initiatives for the future.

Drexel University is opening a new research institute that will strive to answer some of the most challenging questions about energy and environmental sustainability facing the nation today.

“See this thread? It’s made from maize starch.” Michaëla van Leeuwen, scientist at Applied Plant Research (PPO – part of Wageningen UR), points to a red thread coming from a small 3D printer. The device is one of the eye-catchers in the Bio-Based exhibition which is currently touring the Netherlands.

Yanliang Zhang wants to make vehicles more efficient by using a resource most people aren’t even aware of — the waste heat that results from the inherent inefficiency of engines when converting fuel into energy.

PNNL's new Mg production process to lower cost, energy use and emissions