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How to Prevent Blackouts by Packetizing the Power Grid

Cars That Think

Today, chip shortages continue to disrupt the consumer electronics, automobile, and other sectors. That need for balance is true of electric power grids, too. Second, conventional coal and nuclear plants are being retired for economic and policy reasons, removing stable sources from the grid. We think there’s a better way.

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Audi opens power-to-gas facility in Werlte/Emsland; e-gas from water, green electricity and CO2

Green Car Congress

Audi has opened its e-gas plant in Werlte, making it the first automobile manufacturer to develop a chain of sustainable energy carriers. Water and oxygen are the only by-products. At this facility, microorganisms use water (brackish, salt or wastewater) sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce high-purity fuels. Click to enlarge.

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Univ. of Texas researchers propose lithium- or sodium-water batteries as next generation of high-capacity battery technology; applicable for EVs and grid storage

Green Car Congress

Example of a lithium-water rechargeable battery. Researchers at the University of Texas, including Dr. John Goodenough, are proposing a strategy for high-capacity next-generation alkali (lithium or sodium)-ion batteries using water-soluble redox couples as the cathode. In theory, the decomposition potential of water is 4.27

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Toyota to debut 2 BEVs, 1 PHEV for US this year; says research shows BEVs & PHEVs have similar environmental benefits

Green Car Congress

At every price point and with multiple powertrains, we can put more people in cleaner automobiles across North America to have the greatest near-term impact on total carbon emissions. We believe the fastest way to lower greenhouse gases in the transportation sector is to offer drivers lower carbon choices that meet their needs.

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Geely invests in Carbon Recycling Intl.; vehicles fueled by methanol from CO2, water and renewable energy

Green Car Congress

Geely’s CRI investment and work with renewable methanol is similar to the approach Audi is taking with its own e-fuels projects—producing very low carbon liquid or gaseous fuels using only renewable energy, water and CO 2. Earlier post.). Earlier post.) Currently the company has a 4,000 metric ton/year production capacity. 2014.07.002.

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Audi introduces new CNG A3 Sportback

Green Car Congress

Due to the fuel’s high hydrogen content, a CNG automobile emits approximately 20% less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline model. The synthetic fuel is produced at the power-to-gas plant in Werlte from water and carbon dioxide using electricity generated by wind power. The emissions balance is similarly positive.

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Mercedes-Benz Cars plants in Germany to be supplied with CO2-neutral energy from 2022

Green Car Congress

According to its slogan— digital, flexible, green—it will set standards within the worldwide automobile production. The production hall uses renewable energy and reduces water consumption and waste significantly. However, today’s production grids are powered by alternating current—which has to be converted.

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