Solar power occupies a lot of space – here’s how to make it more ecologically beneficial to the land it sits on

Solar development isn’t always good for the land, but pairing it with agriculture can produce multiple benefits.

Matthew Sturchio, PhD Student in Plant and Ecosystem Ecology, Colorado State University • conversation
March 12, 2024 ~8 min

Cutting carbon emissions on the US power grid

An online model enables users to calculate the least-cost strategy for a specific regional grid under various assumptions; outcomes vary widely from region to region.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
March 11, 2024 ~21 min


April’s eclipse will mean interruptions in solar power generation, which could strain electrical grids

When the Moon blocks the Sun during an eclipse, utility suppliers have to pull power from the grid to make up for gaps in solar energy.

Vahe Peroomian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
March 8, 2024 ~7 min

Detroiters more likely to support local solar power development if they think it reduces energy prices for their community

Detroit’s plan to install solar panels in city neighborhoods may conflict with residents’ desires to see lower energy bills and more housing.

Jacob White, Research Assistant, Michigan State University • conversation
March 7, 2024 ~9 min

High-energy laser weapons: A defense expert explains how they work and what they are used for

Militaries around the world are rapidly developing science fiction-like laser weapons, motivated in part by the growing threat from swarms of drones.

Iain Boyd, Director, Center for National Security Initiatives, and Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 7, 2024 ~9 min

Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion

Detailed study of magnets built by MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirms they meet requirements for an economic, compact fusion power plant.

David L. Chandler | MIT News • mit
March 4, 2024 ~13 min

Study unlocks nanoscale secrets for designing next-generation solar cells

The work will help researchers tune surface properties of perovskites, a promising alternative and supplement to silicon, for more efficient photovoltaics.

David L. Chandler | MIT News • mit
Feb. 28, 2024 ~10 min

Offshore wind farms: policymakers are more influenced by reports that accentuate negative impacts – new study

A new study highlights how different literature portrays the pros and cons of offshore wind. Comprehensive assessment frameworks could create more consistency in the future.

Claire Szostek, Marine Ecologist, Plymouth Marine Laboratory • conversation
Feb. 22, 2024 ~7 min


Shimmering seaweeds and algae antennae: sustainable energy solutions under the sea

How could tiny antennae attached to tiny algae speed up the transition away from fossil fuels? This is one of the questions being studied by Cambridge

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Feb. 22, 2024 ~5 min

1 in 5 households in Canada live in ‘energy poverty’

As many as one in five Canadian households can be considered to be in energy poverty. That may be more than face food insecurity.

Katherine Gombay-McGill • futurity
Feb. 21, 2024 ~5 min

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