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MIT researchers propose subsea version of pumped hydro for renewable energy storage

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Researchers at MIT are proposing using a variation on pumped hydroelectric systems for storage of electricity produced by offshore wind farms. Preliminary estimates indicate that one such sphere could be built and deployed at a cost of about $12 million, Hodder says, with costs gradually coming down with experience.

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MIT study finds shift to green energy sources could mean crunch in supply of key rare earth elements

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The study by researchers at MIT also points out that production of the two metals has been increasing by only a few percentage points per year.the availability of REEs appears to be at risk based on a number of factors. Of particular significance, one country (China) controls 98% of current supply (production). —Alonso et al.

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MIT researchers conclude fundamental changes in the US energy-innovation system are needed to meet challenges of climate change and energy supply

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A three-year study by a team of researchers based at MIT has concluded that fundamental changes are needed in the US energy-innovation system. The study was carried out at the MIT Industrial Performance Center and involved faculty and students from nine MIT departments. Business as usual is unsustainable over the long run.

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MIT and IEA reports take different views of the future of natural gas in transportation

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MIT and the IEA both have newly released reports exploring the potential for and impact of a major expansion in global usage of natural gas, given the current re-evaluation of global supplies. MIT: leaning toward conversion for light-duty vehicles. Earlier post.) I.e., on an energy basis at the point of use, the CO 2.

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MIT, Novogy team engineers microbes for competitive advantage in industrial fermentation; the ROBUST strategy

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Researchers at MIT and startup Novogy have engineered bacteria and yeast ( Escherichia coli , Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica ) used as producer microbes in biofuel production to use rare compounds as sources of nutrients. The researchers engineered E. The ROBUST strategy. Like the engineered E. —Jeff Lievense.

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U Chicago, MIT study suggests ongoing use of fossil fuels absent new carbon taxes

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A paper by a team from the University of Chicago and MIT suggests that technology-driven cost reductions in fossil fuels will lead to the continued use of fossil fuels—oil, gas, and coal—unless governments pass new taxes on carbon emissions. Their analysis is published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives.

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MIT Report Finds Natural Gas Has Significant Potential to Displace Coal, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Role in Transportation More Limited

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Natural gas will play a leading role in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions over the next several decades, largely by replacing older, inefficient coal plants with highly efficient combined-cycle gas generation, according to a major new interim report out from MIT. The study found that there are significant global supplies of conventional gas.

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