energy

The universe is becoming more chaotic and we don’t know why. The main suspect is dark energy

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From the first moments after the Big Bang, gravity has shaped the matter, giving rise to the intricate structures that define our universe. Galaxies, galaxy clusters and galactic filaments have evolved in ways that They almost always agree with Einstein’s general relativity theory. But something does not fit. The universe is more messy. A Recent study Directed by cosmologists from the University of Pennsylvania and the United States Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory points out that the universe has become “more messy and complicated” over time. There are fewer agglomerations of the subject that predict physical models. The research crosses two very different types of data observed by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the spectroscopic instrument of Arizona’s dark energy. Combining both maps, scientists discovered that almost the whole history of structure formation coincides with the predictions of Einstein’s gravity, except for a small discrepancy in the agglomeration of matter of more recent times; For about 4,000 million years. A cosmic tomography. To build a multidimensional vision of the cosmos, scientists started from the oldest light we can observe: The cosmic microwave backgrounda radiation from 14,000 million years ago, when the universe was only 380,000 years old. But the journey of this ancestral light has not been in a straight line. It has been diverting and distorting the gravitational attraction of mass structures such as galaxies clusters, a predicted phenomenon by Einstein and known as gravitational lens. Overcoming the map of these distortions with the distribution of galaxies has allowed cosmologists to infer how matter is distributed over time. “It’s like a cosmic computerized tomography,” said Mathew Madhavacheril, co -author of the study, In a statement. “We can look through different cuts of cosmic history and track how matter has been agglomerating at different times.” Something does not fit. The “agglomeration” of matter (measured by density fluctuations) seems to be slightly lower in the most recent times than the models predict from the early universe. Cosmic structures have been grouped less intensely than we expected. The researchers are cautious: it is a small discrepancy that could be the result of chance and not the test of new physics. However, if the deviation turned out to be A statistical anomalycould point to unknown physical processes that influence how cosmic structures are formed and evolved. One of the hypotheses is that It has to do with dark energythe mysterious force responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Perhaps dark energy is affecting the formation of structures in ways that current models do not capture completely, acting as a powerful force that moderates the large -scale agglomeration. Image | NASA, ESA, CSA In Xataka | The Euclid European telescope is already historical: its first data revalidates Einstein and put the dark matter on the map

China controls the solar energy supply chain. Europe wants to change it with a huge factory in Asturias

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If you had ever thought about how form a solar panel Your process is not easy. This puzzle that passes from a Fine wafer to photovoltaic He has all his framework. Asturias will begin to manufacture this small piece, which is essential for its operation. The heart of a panel. A Catalan company, Sunwafebacked by Innoenergy, are in the process of building the first large bullion factory and wafer for photovoltaic solar panels in Spain. To do this, he has obtained an aid of 199 million euros from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, aimed at supporting this installation in Gijón, As Efe has had access. The company has obtained both public and private financing to develop this project. In fact, he has received one of the largest subsidies in the State in Asturias, within the framework of the government’s renewal call, which allocated 297.3 million euros to key projects in renewable energy, According to the trade. The first piece of puzzle. In this puzzle that is the process of manufacturing the solar panel, the plant will focus on silicon purification, its foundry to form ingots, and the subsequent cut of these bullion in thin wafers. All this and then send it to other plants with which the photovoltaic will form. As for the objective of the initiative, Sunwafe seeks to produce 2.5 billion wafers per year by 2030, which will allow you According to the voice of Asturias. The most standardized material. Solar cells They have experienced A radical transformation in recent years. In all this time, the element that dominates the sector remains silicon, since they are The standard in industries. Along the same lines, there are A boom with Perovskitas panelsbut silicon tandem cells are still the most promising for its generalized use. Zero dependencies. Today, China is the undisputed leader of solar energy export, how demonstrates an Ember study. However, this new factory raises a change in the photovoltaic value chain, reducing the dependence of this supplier and others for Spain and, in turn, the European Union, the European Union, According to RTPA. At the moment, the European Union Continue depending In much of China for the manufacture of their renewable energies, but projects like this can open a new path. An impulse for Spain. Although the country managed to close last year with a fee of Total renewable generation of 63.9%the production of materials has not yet settled after the rise of Chinese production. In this way, this new factory will become the third EU factory that will produce silicon wafers, how They have reported in New Spain. This opening in Gijón is a good example of the shy reindustrialization that institutions are looking for. Image | Peellden and Pexels Xataka | While the Portuguese enjoyed sun eclipse, their electrical system had a really bad time

How a German submarine cable is threatening to change energy control in Spain

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European energy infrastructure is one of the more interconnected in the worldone in seven electricity units It is marketed through terrestrial and submarine cables. However, electrical networks They need more connections and improvements to guarantee stability and energy safety. Now, a German company has decided to challenge the monopoly structure of Spain. German initiative. The Europe Link Development Company has proposed Apollo-Link, a project to create underwater interconnection between Spain and Italy. From the project page They have explained that it is an alternative to continue promoting networks in Europe and more in A context of energy crisis. In this way, the initiative would allow Italy to reduce its energy dependence and take advantage of the renewable energy of Spain. Connection so far. Currently, the interconnection of Spain with the rest of the EU countries is done through France, except with Portugal. The Spanish electricity grid has exclusivity in the transport of electricity, so the German project will challenge the monopoly structure. However, there are exceptions for private international interconnection projects that can be described as “Merchant Lines”. Merchant Lines. European legislation allows third parties outside of transport networks (TSOS) to develop international interconnections under the “Merchant Lines” regime, which is eximicated from the regulations of the Spanish electricity sector. However, these projects must meet certain requirements, and the technical-economic viability of the interconnection must be demonstrated. Despite the possibility of these private projects, the TSO always have preference to execute projects that conform to the official network planning. Economic impact. As The economist has been able to have accesswithin the energy sector they have warned about the implications of this project. While Italy would benefit from Spanish renewable energy, on the other hand Spain would experience an increase in electricity prices due to the greater exchange with other countries. The negotiation of economic terms and the distribution of benefits and costs will be crucial to avoid disadvantages for the country, as already It happened in full crisis of 2022. In addition, before the implementation of the project, thorough studies must be carried out to evaluate its impact on the networks of both countries. What will it consist of? Europe-Link Development has mentioned which seeks to facilitate the exchange of electricity between Spain and Italy. The objective is to link the electrical systems of both countries through an underwater cable of 660 kilometers and an exchange capacity of 2,000 MW. However, it is in a preliminary phase and needs the approval of the managers of the electrical networks of Spain and Italy, Electric and Terna, respectively. Image | Apollo-Link Xataka | Taiwan has just stopped a ship after cutting an underwater cable. The problem is that there are only Chinese citizens inside

A Peruvian farmer has seen a glacier from the Andes melts. So he has brought a German energy to trial

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The Peruvian farmer Saúl Luciano Lliuya has observed how Lake Palcacocha grows every year in Huaraz. This situation has caused the farmer issue for the overflow of the lake and ends affecting his community. However, instead of resigning, he has decided to take those responsible for this situation to court. An unprecedented case. Saul Luciano Lliuya has sued the RWE energy company before the German courts. In its demand, Lliuya has argued that this company is the one that emits the most issuance contributing to climate change, accelerating the melting of glaciers in its hometown, putting its habitability at risk, according to has collected Associated Press. The demand. Supported by the activist group Germanwatchthe Peruvian farmer wants RWE to pay around 17,000 euros ($ 18,520) for a flood defense project, according to He has reported Reuters. 10 years ago. The filing of the lawsuit was in 2015 in Germany and, two years later, the courts accepted it, According to EFE. During all these years, evidence has been collected to determine whether there is a direct relationship between RWE emissions and the risk of flooding in Huaraz. In addition, the trial has prolonged because the German company has used legal strategies, arguing that the responsibility for climate change cannot be attributed to a single issuer, such as They have explained to Associated Press. The defendant. The energy company has denied its responsibility on multiple occasions. From the company, have affirmed for DW that climate change is a global problem caused by multiple factors and that it is not possible to legally attribute its effects to a single entity. In addition, for the same medium, they have declared that if there is such claim according to German legislation, all drivers should also be considered responsible, and that it is a socio -political error. The evaluations. Among the collection of information that is being gathered for the trial, there is a 2014 study conducted by Greenpeace and the Climate Justice Program, in which RWE held RWE for 0.47% of global greenhouse gas emissions since the beginning of industrialization. In addition, different researchers have shown that greenhouse gas emissions have a direct impact on the melting of glaciers in the Andes, such as have detailed in The Guardian. Regarding the glacier, this has been melting in these last 36 years for climate change, according to A study by Nature magazine. Although this is not the only evidence, another scientific research has shown that the water level in Lake Palcacoha It has increased Since 1990. This situation can raise the risk of an avalanche, similar to what devastated Huaraz in 1941 and caused the death of 1,800 people. The beginning of the trial. On Monday, March 17, the trial began and, As Efe has advancedthe lawyer of Lliuya, Roda Verheyen, explained that if sentence is issued in the next session, scheduled for April 14, the necessary precedent will be obtained to go after other great pollutants. Image | Pxhere Xataka | There are still energetic ones that trace the system to inflate prices: the CNMC has just issued two millionaire fines

The greatest hidden potential of solar energy is not found in photovoltaic macrogranjas: it is on the roofs

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Climate change is one of the hot potatoes that humanity must face at the moment. Although in recent years measures have been promoted to mitigate our footprint, at the same time we have followed depending on fossil fuels that contribute to the temperature increase of the planet. The renewables And, specifically, the solar energy It is postulated as technology that can help us reduce these emissions. And a study published in Nature He points out that there is something better than filling the field of solar farms: the photovoltaic of roof. Limit. In 2015, the Paris agreement launched an ultimatum: the temperature increase had to be limited Global to less than 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius. They soon left reports that were not nor close to getting it And I know He pointed out That, by the end of the century, the temperature increase would be 2.8 degrees. Since then, we have seen the impulse of an artificial intelligence that has needed to resort to fossil fuels or the Great oil company in the era of renewable transition. However, we have also seen the explosion of solar energy with Very cheap panels And every time more efficient. Next to wind, in 2023 provided 27% of EU electricity. Megagranjas. In fact, there are already countries that operate practically With renewable energies And, as we say, Solar plays a very important role in this story. Not surprisingly, in recent years we have seen the pharaonic photovoltaic farm deployment capable of generating a lot of energy. China goes to the head with plants that They look from spacebut there are few countries that already have huge areas of land dedicated to these panels or with in progress. However, there are those who think we can do better with the photovoltaic. RPV. They are the acronym of ‘Rooftop Photovoltaic’, or ‘PHOTOVOLTAICA DE ALBOTEA’, and according to a study by the University of Sussex, it would be the solution to stop gaining ground to the field with solar panels and take advantage of something we do not take advantage of today: millions of roofs. According to their accounts, made through geospatial data and artificial intelligence models, the roofs cover more than 286,000 km² of the planet. To put it in perspective, it is like the area of ​​countries like Italy that yes, it may not seem too much, but imagine a solar farm of the size of … well, from Italy. The orange areas represent 1,724 strategically selected cities for the development of predictive models with the aim of estimating the global roof surface Staked to fossil fuels. According to researchers, taking advantage of roof Electricity consumed every year), which would allow to almost completely replace fossil fuels. Not only should the plates be installed, but also adequate battery systems. According to its calculations, if that amount of territory was covered with solar panels, the global temperature could be reduced between 0.05 and 0.13 degrees before 2050. Beyond that gain, Felix Creutzig -one of the researchers at the University of Sussex -, considers that it would also contribute to having a cleaner air and greater energy safety, since we would be covered before specific demand peaks. Roof area in km² at macroregional and national scale Areas with potential. And, obviously, the plan would not go well if these panels are placed without ton or they are. In the study, it states that the ideal area to fill the roofs of buildings with solar panels is that of East Asia. The reason is the great density of buildings and the conditions of the area in terms of solar radiation. North America and Europe also have great potential and, combined, these roof plates would generate more than 4,300 GW. In perspective, it is about a quarter of global capacity. Another advantage would be the decentralization of energy, making countries less vulnerable to energy and geopolitical crises. Africa would also be a good site, but the problem is that the territory currently represents only 1% of photovoltaic facilities due to deficiencies in energy services and dependence on fossil fuels. Stick to Nuclear. But well, we are currently burning coal when we need fast energy to satisfy the peaks, but we also have nuclear. So much that there are countries that have not only expanded the useful life of their centrals, but the closing decision of those already have to produce energy for a few more years. As we read in PV-MagazineCreutzig affirms that “with an unleashed solar potential, it is difficult to understand how governments justify investment in nuclear energy or carbon capture projects that have not yet been proven.” However, although nuclear also has its advantages over the use of fossil fuels, such as its power or stability, it is evident that the calculations of Sussex researchers are very interesting in order to take advantage to generate energy spaces that, right now, are underutilized. And be careful, it does not only stay in a study, since the University of Sussex has been testing This on the roofs around them. Images | Nature, Cre In Xataka | A word explains how Germany solved solar energy on the floors. His name is Balkonkraftwerk and they enjoy it millions

Sell ​​green energy to AI

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The purpose of the oil companies in the face of a future seemed In the case of the British oil company BP. However, there are many other ways to follow the green path, and the Italian eni is a clear example. Short. The Italian oil company ENI has created two businesses focused on green artificial intelligence and carbon dioxide emissions, according to He has reported Reuters. In this way, two other oil initiatives that are underway are added: Plenitude and Enilivethat focus on renewable and biofuel energies respectively. Business model diversification. In this way, ENI has estimated that the profitability of their “green” businesses will reach two-digit figures in the next five years, with a performance comparable to that of the traditional oil and gas sector (15%-16%), as collect the Financial Times. A large project. The Italian oil company has focused its strategy on the use of supercomputing and AI to develop sustainable solutions. From its center in North Italy, the company operates The HPC5 supercomputerthe most powerful in the energy sector, together with an energy plant and a carbon capture installation. The objective is to sell processing capacity to technological companies that need to train AI models, but using low emission energy, thus reducing the environmental impact of these operations. Be more sustainable. The oil company It is advancing in the carbon capture and storage initiative (CCS), having almost three gigatons of CO2 storage capacity. An example that he is walking towards that direction is his Hynet North West project in the United Kingdom, which seeks to capture industrial broadcasts and store them in the Ireland Sea. Another market to open. Together with the oil company Malaysia Petronas, both They are exploring A new opportunity in the gas market. In fact, they have planned to join their deposits to create a joint business capable of producing the equivalent of 500,000 barrels of oil per day in natural gas. This operation would represent approximately half of the current production of ENI gas and is designed to supply Asian markets, such as China and India, where the demand for gas It is still increasing. Image | Flickr Xataka | The real reason why Russia, Venezuela and Iran continue to sell their oil: even with the sanctions it is cheaper

That solar energy stops growing in Spain

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This month will be remembered Like the rainiest, having water reserves in 65.8%, According to the miteco. However, it is not good news for solar energy that has fallen for the first time in three years. The data. According to the reports of the Spanish Electricity (REE), in the month of March, the Solar Generation He has reached 11% total, which represents a decrease with respect to the year 2024 (13.9%) and The year 2023 (12.8%). Heavy rains. We have had a couple of weeks that it is difficult to see the sun and it seems that You can extend even more. For this reason, one of the most harmed clean sources has been photovoltaic. However, other renewables have come out more than beneficiaries of this rain and wind, we are talking about wind and hydroelectric. Favored systems. On the one hand, wind energy It does not have the same capacity that photovoltaic, but when it comes to adverse weather conditions who eats the ground to solar panels are wind turbines. In fact, Ree’s real time data shows that wind is generating 46% wind energy compared to 12% of solar (These data may vary, since they are being taken when writing this article). On the other hand, as we mentioned above the total water reserve, this situation has allowed hydroelectric energy to have reached in what we have been 17.5%. However, it has not yet exceeded last year that achieved a level 21.5% of electric production, more than four higher percentage points. So how will my light bill be? Although solar energy always It had been key to the energy mixthis time the contribution of both wind and hydroelectric can be A small relief for consumers. However, like has denounced the OCU There are other factors that will make the light bill, such as The price of gas and electric tolls. Image | Flickr Xataka | Solar panels compared to 100,000 olive trees: in Jaén the neighbors are also protesting against renewable projects

France is installing turbines under the sea to exploit the renewable energy source that never ceases: the tides

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In the heart of the sea, where the powerful tidal currents move to the rhythm of lunar gravity, an energy revolution is being created that promises to transform the future of Europe. France has a continuous energy with a large -scale installation. The project. French company Normandie Hydroliennes has created The NH1 initiative to generate energy from sea currents. The installation will consist of four seniomotor submarine wind turbines that will be located in the Raz Blanchard, a sea step known for its currents. The great support. EU 2023 Innovation Fund He has subsidized to the project with 31.3 million euros. In this way, Europe expects to integrate tidal energy into the energy mix in France and Europe, adding a constant and predictable source to avoid Intermittent energy problems. The largest in Europe. Thus it will be thanks to the AR3000 turbines, which are considered The most powerful in the world in the mareomotor energy sector. Each turbine will have a 3MW power and a 24 -meter rotor diameter and, its advanced control system will constantly adjust the speed and angle of the blades to optimize the production of electricity. It should be added that the marine structure of these turbines allows them to be installed in just 20 minutes. Stable energy. An interesting small fact is that this type of renewable energy offers a stable and continuous supply, thanks to Natural forces as the lunar gravity that generates the tides and moves the oceans continuously. Energy sending. The energy generated by the turbines will be transported to the ground through a single export cable, which facilitates the connection of multiple turbines to transmit the electricity generated efficiently. This type of very demanded cables in Europe It has made effective The network connection between England and Denmark, among other projects. However, too It has been target of objectives In geopolitical conflicts. The occasional setback. Like any type of large -scale system, problems may appear. The company has indicated that the design of the project minimizes the environmental impact and reduces costs, but problems may arise due to the extreme marine conditions of the sea pass. As for the marine impact, problems may arise of local fauna and flora. Forecasts. From the French company have indicated which will provide 34 GWh per year to the France electricity network from 2028. In addition, they have estimated that this energy source has a potential of up to 100GW by 2050, supplying the electrical needs of 94 million homes throughout the continent. Image | Wiseed Xataka | Oceanic energy is the new promise of renewables. And Japan is already testing a gigantic turbine

Sweden has managed to be 100% recyclable and turn its waste into energy. Spain follows it closely

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More than 190 million tons annuls of urban waste are generated in Europe, according to The European Waste Association. This amount of garbage has increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. However, to deal with recycling is not enough, but some countries have found a way to generate energy. 100% recycled. One of those countries and precursor has been Sweden, which They have found In the incineration of waste an energy source, providing heating and electricity to 250,000 homes. Energy source. The data, provided by the Swedish state company VattenfallThey have indicated that only 1% of the trash ends in landfills; The rest becomes energy through the use of biomethane. Thanks to this energy source they can generate heating, electricity and even can be used as fuel for cars. In addition, the Swedish nation is importing the waste from other European countries to produce more energy. The process. Waste management in Sweden It is done In plants Waste-to-Energy (WTE). Once there they are divided into three categories. The first is the organic garbage that is transformed into biogas, compost and fertilizers. Then the plastics that end up recycling. Finally, all non -recyclable waste is incinerated at temperatures up to 850 ° C to generate electricity and heating. And in Spain? A recent report, which has had access Infobaesaid that the Spanish nation will not meet the waste management objectives established by 2025. In it they have stressed that the waste sector is responsible for 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. But are they taking action? The central government has proposed to implement A packaging system, in which citizens will receive a refund for recycling containers. For its part, the Valencian Community will reuse The waste and mud that left the Dana, and is studying the possibility of incinerating them to generate electricity. But there was not an ace under the sleeve … Spain has A great potential To develop the biomethane industry, a renewable gas similar to natural gas that can be stored and injected into the current network. However, as indicated Cecilia Carballo for Fifodiesthe country is behind other European countries in terms of facilities. However, there is a glimpse of hope if appropriate support is given, Spain could take advantage of its ability to produce up to 160 twh per year, which would cover 50% of the national natural gas demand. For this, a robust regulatory framework and policies that foster their development are necessary. Image | Flickr and Norbert Nagel Xataka | A strange source of energy is putting the unity of Europe in energy matters: manure

SMR reactors are the great promise of nuclear energy. The United States pilot project has failed

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Fission energy based on small modular reactors (SMR) is the great promise to complement renewables in the energy transition. But the failure of the first pilot project in the United States has highlighted the economic challenges that could stop its development. The advantages of SMR. With nuclear fusion energy in diapers, the promise of a safer, cheap and efficient fission nuclear excites political leaders and technological equally. SMRs have clear benefits regarding conventional fission reactors: they are Compact unitsdesigned to be manufactured in series; Therefore, in theory, they can be transported and assembled rapidly, adapting to different locations to integrate into the electricity grid together with intermittent sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines. The Nuscale case. With their compact size and modular design, SMRs should considerably reduce the cost and construction times of large nuclear reactors. However, reality proved to be more complicated For the first pilot project in the United States. The Nuscale project, developed by the Nuscale Power company for small Utah communities, was canceled at the end of 2023, when it was supposed to be inaugurated, due to its crazy cost overruns. It had been projected in 2015 with 12 reactors capable of generating 600 MW of power for 3,000 million dollars. By 2023, The planned capacity of the plant had been reduced to 462 MW and the estimated project costs had climbed up to 9.3 billion dollars. He became unfeasible. A scale problem. Despite their modular nature and the aspiration to produce them in series, SMRs are an emerging technology that does not have the advantages of the scale economy, as renewables do. A German report He revealed that SMRs remain the most expensive option against renewable technologies, whose costs continue to decrease This already happened with conventional nuclear energy. A 2014 study He revealed that 180 nuclear projects analyzed, 175 had exceeded their initial budget with an average overrun of 117%. The SMR can be expected, at least initially, also raise the cost per megavatio compared to other more settled options. Many interested. Despite these financial challenges,The industry sees potential in SMR. Giants like Google, Microsoft and Amazon They have announced agreements to acquire energy from future projects of modular reactors of companies such as Kairos Power and X-Energy. These investments, driven by the energy consumption of artificial intelligence, could provide the financial impulse that the industry needs to solve long -term economic problems, with the expectation that costs decrease as more projects are built. Image | Nuscale Power In Xataka | Europe does not want to lose the SMR nuclear reactors train. This is your formula to deploy them in 2030

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