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Researchers propose testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production

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Utilization of renewable solar energy is crucial for addressing the global energy and environmental concerns and achieving sustainable development. In this regard, photocatalytic water splitting has attracted significant interest as a cost-effective means to convert sustainable solar energy into valuable chemicals. Credit: DICP.

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New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis

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The new system mimics a natural chloroplast to convert carbon dioxide in water into methane, very efficiently using light. Photosynthesis is the process by which chloroplasts in plants and some organisms use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create food or energy.

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University of Houston team demonstrates new efficient solar water-splitting catalyst for hydrogen production

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Researchers from the University of Houston (UH) have developed a cobalt(II) oxide (CoO) nanocrystalline catalyst that can carry out overall water splitting with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of around 5%. The generation of hydrogen from water using sunlight could potentially form the basis of a clean and renewable source of energy.

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Volkswagen Group inaugurates vehicle plant in Southern Chinese city of Changsha; 300,000 units per year; “carbon-neutral production”

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This new facility will bring us nearer to our Chinese customers and also improve the quality of our supply chain. Due to a dry painting system (“E-scrub”), water and energy consumption will be reduced by more than 20%. Solar facilities at the plant generate more than 10,000 MWh of environmentally compatible power. —Prof.

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IEA: nuclear power can play a major role in transition to low emissions energy systems; Russia, China leading on new reactor starts

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In countries that choose to continue or increase their use of nuclear power, it can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, cut carbon dioxide emissions and enable electricity systems to integrate higher shares of solar and wind power. —IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

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BNEF: EV company fundings bright spot as clean energy investment slips in Q3 quarter; 3 China EV companies raise $1.9B

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billion, down 15% on 3Q 2017, while the purchase of small-scale solar systems of less than 1MW totaled $13.5 The largest six VC/PE new equity deals of 2018 so far have all involved Chinese electric vehicle firms, including the two mentioned above during 3Q. In 3Q, Chinese solar investment was $14.2 billion for 300MW.

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Perspective: Despite Solyndra’s death, the future of solar energy is sunny

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by Steven Pleging, CEO/President of Quantum Solar Power Corp. I believe that the loss of industry players Solyndra, Evergreen, and SpectraWatt opens the market for more innovative solar companies to succeed with smarter tactics and mainstream products that fit into existing manufacturing models.

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