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Progress On Campus Energy, Water Savings
Explore NC State’s 2022 Energy and Water Annual Report.
You Decide: Will North Carolina Be a Leader in New Energy?
With new technologies on the rise, the energy economy can seem to shift in various directions. Is North Carolina positioned to capitalize on these new paths?
Corralling Ions Improves Viability of Next Generation Solar Cells
The finding paves the way for a new generation of lighter, more flexible, and more efficient solar cell technologies suitable for practical use.
A Clean Burn
Most of the energy we use for our daily needs – turning on the heat or driving a car, for example – comes from the combustion, or burning, of fossil…
Undergraduate Researches Clean Energy, Gains Hands-On Experience
Textile engineering Senior Aidan Lim spent the summer working with Assistant Professor Mengmeng Zhu in her research on lithium-ion battery life prediction as part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates.
Modeling Creates Potential For 45% Early-Stage Energy Savings
Discover how NC State reduces energy and emissions in construction through energy modeling at go.ncsu.edu/EnergyManagement.
In an Advance for Solar Fuels, Hybrid Materials Improve Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Tech Xplore NC State researchers were part of a team that found that hybrid materials for photocatalysis could leverage the high selectivity and efficiency imparted by a molecular catalyst synergistically with the durability of a solid material support.
Discover How NC State Saves Energy Over Winter Break
The savings add up through the Holiday Energy Savings Initiative.
Integrating Robotics, Materials Science to Capture Solar Energy
In developing more effective solar panels cells, NC State researchers are establishing more inclusive, accessible ways to do science.
New Approach Would Improve User Access to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The goal of the dynamic computational tool is to make EVs more attractive for drivers.
NC State Hosts Energy Week
Discover how NC State shapes a clean energy future during NC State Energy Week Sept. 23-30, 2022.
Researchers Demonstrate New, More Energy-Efficient Devices Using Gallium Nitride
The devices are made possible by a unique technique for “doping” gallium nitride in a controlled way.
New Model Finds Best Sites for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The model also determines how powerful the station can be without placing an undue burden on the local power grid.
Textile Filter Testing Shows Promise for Carbon Capture
NC State researchers are studying a textile-based carbon capture technology that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
New Tech Aims to Drive Down Costs of Hydrogen Fuel
The new tech for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers is faster, less expensive than previous approaches.
Department of Energy grants will power clean energy research at NC State
Faculty members in the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University will receive funding from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to create a new electric microgrid coordination and control design and to develop cleaner, cheaper processes for industrial production of benzenes.
New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells
The technique will reduce the cost and improve the performance of mass-produced perovskite solar cells.
Energy Pitch Contest Winners Announced
Students pitched their energy-saving ideas during NC State Energy Week.
Combining Energy Storage And Solar Offers Unexpected Power Reliability Boost
This is encouraging news for renewable energy.
Could Sycamore Trees Be an Alternative Fuel Source?
NC State researchers found a native tree, the American sycamore, could be a bioenergy fuel source.
Natural Gas Pipeline Density Higher Overall in More Vulnerable U.S. Counties
An analysis led by NC State researchers found counties with more socially vulnerable populations had a higher density of natural gas pipelines overall.
Helping Clean Energy Move Forward
Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. student Alex Yoshizumi is combining passions for geography, planning and sustainability to help map North Carolina’s energy future.
Freight Rail Decarbonization Project Receives $1.5 Million from Energy Department
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $1.5 million in funding to a NC State Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering project focused on freight rail decarbonization.
Extended Winter Break Avoids $874,000 in Energy Costs
A unique academic calendar and cross-campus collaboration led to record-setting energy cost avoidance.
NC State, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory unveil new graduate research program
NC State University and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have initiated a new joint graduate research program focused on data science.
Analytical Measurements Can Predict Organic Solar Cell Stability
An analytical measurement framework could help organic solar cell manufacturers determine the best materials for stable solar cells.
Benefits of Renewable Energy Vary From Place to Place
The work can help target renewable energy investments where they can do the most good.
An Ambitious Climate Modeling Project Hopes To Inform Energy Policy
A transparent effort aims to give policymakers more insight into the future.
NC State Named An ‘Energy Elite’ University
NC State University has been named a top 10 college and university for energy.
NC State Named An ‘Energy Elite’ University
NC State University has been named among 10 “Energy Elite” colleges and universities by the American Energy Society (AES). The report, Top Energy Universities 2020,...
Chemistry Researchers Receive $3.3M as Part of New Solar Energy Center
Three Department of Chemistry faculty are part of the new Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE).
Researchers Develop Computational Model to Build Better Capacitors
Model aims to guide development of new energy storage devices for electronics.
NC State Partners with CESMII to Promote ‘Smart’ Technologies in Paper Manufacturing, Other Industries
NC State and CESMII have launched the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center.
Odyssey of an Inquisitive Mind
2020 Goldwater Scholar Jonathan Palmer is tackling the global energy crisis by doing research to make solar power more cost-effective.
Artificial Intelligence: A Game Changer for the Chemical Manufacturing Industry
A growing number of chemical manufacturers are exploring the use of artificial intelligence to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of their operations.
Thermal Energy Storage Will Cut Energy Costs On Centennial Campus
In NC State’s latest move to reduce campus energy costs, timing is everything.
Model Shows Users How to Make On-Farm Sustainable Energy Projects More Profitable
Model can predict when farm-based sustainable energy projects will turn a profit.
Next Generation of Greenhouses May Be Fully Solar Powered
Many greenhouses could become energy neutral by using see-through solar panels to harvest energy.
Wearable Health Tech Gets Efficiency Upgrade
NC State researchers make their flexible, wearable energy harvester even better.
Record-Setting Reduction
Campus energy use intensity is down 34% since 2002.
Salty Algae Leads to Sweet Success
NC State University professor Heike Sederoff started studying saltwater algae more than a decade ago as part of a project to use algae to make biofuel. This research led to a recent paper in the journal Nature and a biofuels patent application.
Paramagnetic Spins Take Electrons for a Ride, Produce Electricity from Heat
“Paramagnon drag thermopower” converts a temperature difference into an electrical voltage. This discovery could lead to more efficient thermal energy harvesting, such as converting car exhaust heat into electric power to enhance fuel-efficiency.
This Comic Creator Hopes His Terrible Ideas for Producing Energy Will Inspire You to Think of Better Ones
TimeYour backyard has lots of easily reachable space — could you trigger vacuum decay and solve the world’s energy problems forever? To answer this question, I contacted astrophysicist and end-of-the-universe expert Katie Mack, who teaches at NC State.
A Refrigeration Revolution — Advanced on Centennial Campus
An innovative partnership with NC State helped startup Phononic disrupt the refrigeration industry.
Rebate Program Freezes Rising Energy Costs in Campus Labs
A freezer rebate program started by NC State Energy Management is slashing energy costs in university research labs. The Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) Freezer Energy…
Are Shared E-scooters Good for the Planet?
Experts say the environmental impact of scooter rides depends on whether they replace car trips.
NC State Chemist Earns $1.5 Million Research Grant to Study Next-Generation Quantum Systems
A team led by David Shulz has earned a major grant from the Department of Energy for research that has potential impacts on computing, networking and sensing.
An Open Modeling Approach to Support Energy and Climate Policy
Researchers are developing an open-source computer model that can be used to inform the development of national energy and climate policies.
Researchers Create Multi-Junction Solar Cells from Off-the-Shelf Components
New approach creates multi-junction solar cells with off-the-shelf components.
Discovery Sheds Light on Synthesis, Processing of High-Performance Solar Cells
Halide perovskite solar cells hold promise as the next generation of solar cell technologies, but while researchers have developed techniques for improving their material characteristics, nobody understood why these techniques worked. New research sheds light on the science behind these engineering solutions.
Project Highlights Energy Challenges for Low-Income Households
A report supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy titled, “Powering Energy Efficiency and Impacts”, was recently featured in NC State’s The...
Energy Storage Team and Student Energy Club Receive Campus Awards
NC State’s Sustainability Awards were recently announced during the Celebration of NC State Sustainability.
Unique Partnership Sheds Light On Energy Challenges for Low-Income Households
NC State-led partnership evaluates needs, challenges and possible solutions to energy challenges facing low-income households.
NC State’s New Energy Club Hosts “Point of No Return” Film Screening
On March 27, the newly established Student Energy Club at NC State hosted a film screening of “Point of No Return” at Witherspoon Cinema.
Faculty Clusters to host “Energy and Science in Journalism” Panel Discussion
SESP and LPS will host a panel discussion on energy and science in journalism in April.
Fueling the Future: Elephant Grass as Potential Biofuel Material (And More)
A common perennial grass may hold uncommon promise for research, agriculture and industry – and it may even fuel the future. A team of NC State scientists are exploring the potential of miscanthus.
Experts Lay Out Options For Future of Energy Storage in North Carolina
A report by NC State experts details energy storage options to inform energy policy.
New Electric Car Charger is More Efficient, 10 Times Smaller Than Current Tech
A new electric vehicle fast charger is at least 10 times smaller than existing systems and wastes 60 percent less power during the charging process, without sacrificing the charging time.
New Program to Fuel Bioeconomy Launches
What do Reebok shoes, fuel and disposable forks have in common? All can be made from biorenewable sources instead of petroleum. This fall, we’re welcoming undergraduate students and teachers as part of a new program to promote the bioproducts industry.
New Microscopy Works at Extreme Heat, Sheds Light on Alloys for Nuclear Reactors
A new microscopy technique allows researchers to track microstructural changes in real time, even when a material is exposed to extreme heat and stress.
Faculty Researcher Explores Solar Air Heating In Agricultural Settings
Sanjay Shah discusses temperature conditions in a swine nursery with graduate student Li Yu to evaluate the effectiveness of a solar powered heating system. Faculty...
How Mapping, Satellite Technologies Can Help Pick Ideal Sites for Solar
May 23, 2018 | Nash Dunn Solar energy installations have seen steady growth in the past decade, with the World Energy Council reporting a global increase from 14 to...
Faculty Focus: Shah Seeks Real-World Solutions
Sanjay Shah sees the potential of solar energy use in livestock barn heating, not only for reducing heating fuel use but also improving the indoor air quality. So he is working to test a low-cost solar air heating technology that could have an immediate impact on poultry and pig producers.
Microscopy Advance Reveals Unexpected Role for Water in Energy Storage Material
A material with atomically thin layers of water holds promise for energy storage technologies, and researchers have now discovered that the water is performing a different role than anyone anticipated.
NCCETC Issues Latest 50 States of Grid Modernization Report
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q1 2018 edition of The 50 States of Grid Modernization. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory...
NC Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) Issues Request for Proposals 2018-2019
The North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) has issued a call for research pre-proposals for their 2018-2019 funding cycle. Three-page pre-proposals are due on June...
Natural Gas Prices, Not ‘War On Coal,’ Were Key to Coal Power Decline
Steep declines in coal power over the past decade were caused largely by cheap natural gas and the availability of wind energy – not by environmental regulations.
Wood Formation Model To Fuel Progress in Bioenergy, Paper, New Applications
Need stronger timber, better biofuel or new sources of green chemicals? A new systems biology model built on decades of NC State research will help engineer trees for specific needs.
New Approach Could Quickly Identify Best Organic Solar Cell Mixtures
Researchers aim to reduce “trial and error” aspect of solar cell production by reducing the time spent on finding the most efficient mixtures.
Energizing African Development
Lack of access to reliable power is termed “energy poverty,” and we are studying efforts to address it.
The 3 E’s of Developing a Bioproducts and Bioenergy Pipeline: Education, Economics and Excitement
Faculty from the College of Natural Resources and the College of Education team up to prepare students in eastern North Carolina for future careers in the bioproducts and bioenergy industries.
Campus Energy, Water Savings Continue in 2017 Fiscal Year
NC State Energy Management released the university’s 2017 Strategic Energy and Water Report, which features the university’s latest progress toward energy and water savings goals.
Solar Vehicle Team Project Takes Unusual Route
A team of NC State students designs a solar car focusing on practicality as well as performance and energy efficiency.
Campus Energy Data Powers Research
NC State researchers collaborated with the Facilities Division to use actual energy data from the university’s Centennial Campus.
New Manufacturing Process For SiC Power Devices Opens Market to More Competition
Researchers are rolling out a new manufacturing process and chip design for silicon carbide (SiC) power devices, which can be used to more efficiently regulate power in technologies that use electronics.
Researchers Set New Bar For Water-Splitting, CO2-Splitting Techniques
Researchers boost efficiency of techniques for splitting water to create hydrogen gas and splitting CO2 to create carbon monoxide.
Neutrons Run Enzyme’s Reactivity for Better Biofuel Production
NC State and Oak Ridge National Lab researchers identify a reaction that could lead to improved biofuel production processes and lower costs.
Study Finds ‘Smart’ Transformers Could Make Reliable Smart Grid a Reality
A new study finds smart solid-state transformers could be used to make a stable, reliable “smart grid” – allowing the power distribution system to route renewable energy from homes and businesses into the power grid.
Saving America’s Nuclear Industry
NC State is helping the nuclear energy industry remain a significant part of America’s long-term energy portfolio.
Thin Layers of Water Hold Promise for the Energy Storage of the Future
Researchers have found that incorporating atomically thin layers of water into a material makes it able to store and deliver energy much more quickly.
From Atoms to Batteries to the Workforce of the Future: Why Research Matters
If you want to build a cell-phone battery as thin as paper that powers your phone for a week, or have an electric vehicle like the Tesla go 500 miles on a single charge and recharge in just 10 minutes, you will have to start thinking small.
Campus Welcomes First Bus Stop With Solar Power
Waiting for NC State’s Wolfline campus bus and notice that your cell phone battery is almost depleted? If you happen to be at the Dan Allen Drive bus stop near […]
Advanced Biomass Cookstoves Provide Benefits in Field Settings, But Less than Expected from Lab Testing
Researchers find that while advanced wood-burning cookstoves can provide benefits to the environment, the benefits are less than expected due to higher emissions measured in the field compared to laboratory settings.
New Findings Boost Promise of Molybdenum Sulfide for Hydrogen Catalysis
Researchers have found that molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) holds more promise than previously thought as a catalyst for producing hydrogen to use as a clean energy source. Specifically, the researchers found that the entire surface of MoS2 can be used as a catalyst, not just the edges of the material.
New Fabrication Technique Leads to Broader Sunlight Absorption in Plastic Solar Cells
Researchers have developed a new strategy for fabricating more efficient plastic solar cells.
An Efficient Approach for Tracking Physical Activity with Wearable Health-Monitoring Devices
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an energy-efficient technique for accurately tracking a user’s physical activity based on data from wearable devices.
New Cost-Effective Silicon Carbide High Voltage Switch Created
A high-power switch developed by NC State engineers holds promise to be more efficient and more cost effective than existing switches.
Food Additive Key to Environmentally Friendly, Efficient, Plastic Solar Cells
A common food additive helps researchers create a solar cell that can be manufactured without using environmentally hazardous chemicals.
The Next Generation of Greenhouses May Be Power Plants
Researchers from NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill are launching a project to develop next generation greenhouses with built-in solar cells that make use of the entire spectrum of solar light.
New Tech Promises to Boost Electric Vehicle Efficiency, Range
NC State researchers have developed a new type of inverter device with greater efficiency in a smaller, lighter package – which should improve the fuel-efficiency and range of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Got Sheep? Want A Solar Farm?
Many solar energy companies have started leasing land from farmers to build solar farms – and hiring sheep to control ground cover. The trend has been a revitalizing force in the North Carolina sheep industry.
Study: Bioenergy Decisions Involve Wildlife Habitat and Land Use Trade-offs
New research finds that choosing how to meet bioenergy goals means making trade-offs about which wildlife species and ecosystems will be most impacted.
Driving Toward More Efficient Solar Cells
NC State physicist Kenan Gundogdu was part of an international team that produced organic solar cells with fast charge separation and low voltage loss.
Study: Near-Shore Wind Farms Would Have Big Impact on Coastal Tourism
A study by economists at NC State finds that most people are unwilling to rent vacation homes that have a view of offshore wind turbines – and that those who will rent expect steep rental discounts unless the turbines are more than eight miles offshore.
Molecular-like Photochemistry from Semiconductor Nanocrystals
NC State researchers are making huge advances in photochemistry, with implications for everything from solar energy conversion to light therapy for cancer treatment.
Domain Size and Purity Key to Efficient Organic Solar Cells
As solar energy becomes more popular, the drive to create more efficient, less expensive solar cells increases. Solar energy is abundant, but the devices we use to collect that energy have an efficiency problem – currently, the most efficient polymer-based […]
Solar Tree Sprouts at Hunt Library
Charge your laptop, phone or other electronics on the 16-foot solar tree at the Hunt Library on Centennial Campus. The newly installed solar technology is a gift from the Park Scholars Class of 2015.
Best of Both Worlds: FREEDM-Pair Switches for Power Devices
Pairing switches in power devices can improve performance while keeping costs relatively low.
New Technique Lowers Cost of Energy-Efficient Embedded Computer Systems
Electrical and computer engineers have developed a new technique for creating less-expensive, low-power embedded systems – the computing devices found in everything from thermostats to automobiles.
Researchers Boost Wireless Power Transfer With Magnetic Field Enhancement
Research shows that passing wireless power transfer through a magnetic resonance field enhancer – which can be as simple as a copper loop – can boost the transfer efficiency by at least 100 percent as compared to transferring through air alone.