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01 / 05
What If You Never Had to Charge Your Gadgets Again?

Wall Street Journal | Science & Technology

What If You Never Had to Charge Your Gadgets Again?

“After decades of trying, consumer electronics companies are rolling out a solar technology that mimics photosynthesis in plants. It lets devices charge indoors and, in some cases, can eliminate batteries entirely.

This new light-harvesting tech is fundamentally different from the crystalline silicon-based panels on rooftops and in solar farms, and also from the amorphous silicon cells on the kind of solar-powered calculators that were once ubiquitous. This new tech is based on principles first explored by chemists in the 1960s and turned into workable solar cells in the 1980s. It’s taken until now for versions of these cells tough enough for consumer applications to be manufactured on the scale required for mainstream adoption.”

From Wall Street Journal.

Financial Post | Energy Production

World Bank May Drop Ban on Funding Nuclear Power

“The head of the World Bank said he asked the lender’s board to reverse its long-standing policy against funding nuclear power projects, saying the technology offers a green option for poor countries.

‘The good news is the board has come together and said they’re willing to discuss’ the change, World Bank President Ajay Banga said Thursday at an event in Washington, adding that he expects the move to be included in a broader energy policy proposal expected in June 2026.”

From Financial Post.

New Atlas | Energy Production

France Runs Fusion Reactor for Record 22 Minutes

“France has upped the ante in the quest for fusion power by maintaining a plasma reaction for over 22 minutes – a new record. The milestone was reached on February 12 at the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) WEST Tokamak reactor.

Achieving the dream of commercial fusion power is the Holy Grail of engineering and has been for 80 years. With a single gram of hydrogen isotopes yielding the energy equivalent of 11 tonnes of coal, a practical fusion reactor would hold the promise of unlimited, clean energy for humanity until the end of time.”

From New Atlas.

Interesting Engineering | Energy Production

Pods That Convert Aircraft Wind Into Energy Installed at US Airport

“JetWind Power Corporation, a company based in the United States, has installed first-of-its-kind Energy Capturing Pods (ECPs) at Dallas Love Field Airport. 

This technology is designed to capture aircraft-generated wind and transform it into renewable energy, marking a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions for transportation infrastructures worldwide.

Dr. T.O. Souryal, the founder and president of JetWind, highlighted the potential impact of this system, which has been operational at the airport. 

‘The main goal of our project is to harness the consistent wind created by jets and convert it into an eco-friendly energy source,’ he explained. ‘What was once considered wasted energy can now benefit energy grids, ultimately promoting smarter and more sustainable infrastructure across the globe.'”

From Interesting Engineering.