Environment

Research & Development

Nano-flake structure boosts solar cell performance
16/07/2008
A new nanostructure shape called nano flakes and being developed in Denmark could cut the cost and improve the efficiency of solar cells, bringing solar power within the grasp of ordinary households. Less than one percent of the world’s electricity currently comes from the sun because it is...
Cleaning up on off-road diesels
04/08/2008
A diesel particulate filter technology developed in a German project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is set to clean up emissions from off-road construction vehicles. Reduction of nitrogen oxide and particle emissions from diesel vehicles has been a major problem....
World's cleanest vessel on inland waterway
06/08/2008
An EU-funded research project is currently demonstrating a low-emission, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly tanker, developed to reduce the environmental impact of inland shipping. Inland navigation is safe and environmentally friendly with average CO2 emissions only a third of...
On-board carbon capture offers emission-free cars
06/08/2008
US researchers have developed an innovative strategy to capture, store and eventually recycle carbon from vehicles to prevent CO2 from finding its way into the atmosphere. US researchers have developed an innovative strategy to capture, store and eventually recycle carbon from vehicles to...
Making car recycling more environmentally friendly
05/11/2008
Advanced technologies to increase the recovery rate from end-of-life vehicles can help Member States achieve EU targets for resource and energy recovery. There is a clear responsibility on car manufacturers in the EU to ensure maximum recycling when vehicles reach their end-of-life stage. This...
Integral cylinder pressure sensor cleans up diesel engines
05/11/2008
The 2008 EUREKA Lillehammer Award went to a glow plug pressure sensor that can cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) and soot particle emissions from car diesel engines by up to 90%. As a result of work in the EUREKA CYPRESS project, diesel cars can now meet new EU and US emissions standards with reduced...
Back to the future with the 2016 energy-efficient house
20/11/2008
The University of Nottingham and energy company E.ON have begun work on a replica of a 1930s home to act as testing ground for innovative energy efficiency solutions for older properties. The ETAP Forum on markets for sustainable construction in June 2007 highlighted the need to deal with both...
Developing second-generation biofuels for commercial flights
20/11/2008
Airbus and Honeywell are working with others to develop biofuels that could satisfy nearly a third of global demand from commercial aircraft by 2030 without affecting food supplies Airbus, JetBlue Airways and International Aero Engines will work with two Honeywell companies – UOP and Honeywell...
Hydraulic separator may hold key to better plastics recycling
06/01/2009
The recycling of plastics has been hampered in the past by sorting difficulties, but with the advent of the Multidune hydraulic separator, a solution may have finally been found. The recycling of plastics has been hampered in the past by sorting difficulties, but with the advent of the...
Stockholm Water Prize awarded to virtual water innovator
22/01/2009
Professor John Anthony Allan has been awarded the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize in recognition of his contribution to the water sector. He pioneered the concept of ‘virtual water’. A leading expert on global water resources, Professor Allan from King's College London received the annual Stockholm...

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