Energy

Sweet Street Solution: Lithium-Sulphur batteries

Electric cars are often limited by their range. This is partly due to the limits of energy density of the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery. But researchers in Australia have come up with a sweet solution – add sulphur, then sprinkle on a shake or two of sugar.

Sweat Power

Wearable devices are all the rage. But the fly in the technological ointment is battery life. Limited by size, rechargeables run out too fast, button batteries are not sustainable and newer tech brings heat and potential burn dangers. But scientists are working on another wearable power source – sweat.

South Australia, London Push Renewables

Today’s news is full of stories on corporations, cities and other organisations that are investing in wind and solar. But many are only plans and projects – and the impact though worthy is often small; what some call greenwashing. But recently, the state of South Australia and Transport for London (TfL) have passed some significant milestones.

Water Hyacinth: From Plague to Carbon Positive    

The water hyacinth has been clogging waterways and causing havoc and destruction of ecosystems since the 1900s. But researchers are discovering that it can play a role in reducing carbon emissions – as well as providing raw materials for production.

Single-use Plastic Bans to Prevent Pollution

On World Environment Day 2018, numerous organisations announced new plans and actions to address plastic related issues such as litter, pollution and harm to wildlife. Mallika Naguran takes a look at the environmental movements and pledges made by A Plastic Planet, The Travel Corporation and The Millenium Hotels in this report.

Environmental Justice for 2013 Bertam Valley Flood Victims

TNB was found liable for negligence in causing the 2013 environmental disaster involving torrential water flow from the Sultan Abu Bakar Hydroelectric Dam causing fatalities, severe flooding and property damage in Cameron Highlands. Lawyer M.Manogaran also calls for a new legislation - a Dam Safety Act - to protect the interest of the public.

Banyan Tree Hotels Reject Single-use Plastic

The Banyan Tree Group has taken the bold but necessary step of addressing plastic menace and pollution by first saying no to single-use plastic, then thinking of ways to overcome common operational habits. Mallika Naguran reports.

LEDs and Carbon Emission: Half a Billion CO2 Tonnes Saved in 2017

LEDs are more efficient than incandescent lights - fact. But just how much does this efficiency really impact on global greenhouse gas emissions? Research suggest it could be around half a billion tonnes of CO2 emissions saved so far.

Sustainable Art & Power: LAGI Prize Offers $16,000

A US-based organisation, LAGI, is offering US$21,000 to designers and artists who can create the best and most workable sustainable energy generators – that are also great to look at. By James Teo.

Circular Economy – Using Waste to Make Biofuels

here has been plenty of controversy about the production of biofuels from plant sources, and the impact it has on food production and the environment. And recently, the blockage of sewage systems by waste fats has also been in the news. One smart Finnish company is applying its technology to both problems and making biofuels from food processing waste.

Singapore's biggest wind turbine at Semakau Landfill

Singapore's biggest wind turbine at Semakau Landfill

Ushering in winds of change in clean energy, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and ENGIE have jointly deployed the nation’s first long-span wind turbine at Semakau Landfill, which is one of several to be installed in Singapore’s drive towards sustainable energy solutions.

Tackling Climate Change with Circular Economy and Circular Cities

Tackling Climate Change with Circular Economy and Circular Cities

News headlines have been full of extreme events recently. Many consider these as a symptom of global warming – so is it time to reconsider the economic model that’s widely in place, revisit how cities are planned and reflect on current financial models

Floating Wind Farms: New Power Generation

Floating Wind Farms: New Power Generation

Wind power has been marketed for many years as a solution to sustainable power generation. But NIMBY issues have meant many wind farms are limited in size and capacity. Now, large scale deepwater floating wind farms are being touted as the perfect solution.