National Geographic News: Energy

Great Energy Challenge Grantee: TapWorld.org

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:09:06 -0400

Learn more about Tapworld.org, a Great Energy Challenge grantee.

Electrofuels: Charged Microbes May "Poop Out" a Gasoline Alternative

Richard A. Lovett — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:44:20 -0400

Run current through genetically engineered microorganisms, and they produce gasoline substitute. Can U.S.-funded electrofuels research finish the drive from lab to market?

Whisky a Go Go: Can Scotland’s Distillery Waste Boost Biofuels?

Thomas K. Grose — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:29:29 -0400

Scotland's whisky industry churns out a sobering amount of waste, but it may eventually feed a heady biofuels market if Celtic Renewables' plans succeed.

What's Behind the New Warning on Global Carbon Emissions?

Thomas K. Grose in London — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:02:40 -0400

The world is on track to dangerous global warming, but some solutions could be implemented quickly, says International Energy Agency.

First "Small Modular" Nuclear Reactors Planned for Tennessee

Will Ferguson — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:32:52 -0400

A U.S. government-supported project in Tennessee seeks to launch a new kind of nuclear plant—a "small modular reactor." Can downsizing address both cost and safety concerns?

Five Surprising Facts About Energy Poverty

Marianne Lavelle — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:22:04 -0400

The countries that have made the most progress still have far to go to bring electricity and clean energy to their populations, a World Bank-led report details.

Monterey Shale Shakes Up California's Energy Future

Josie Garthwaite — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:01:19 -0400

In the valley that once lured gold seekers, oil prospectors are converging on the Monterey shale—a sharp new twist in California's path to cleaner energy.

Tesla Motors' Success Gives Electric Car Market a Charge

Josie Garthwaite — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:52:42 -0400

Amid a decimated field of E.V. startups, Tesla Motors is riding high. But can its feats help take electric cars mainstream?

Wind Energy’s Shadow: Turbines Drag Down Power Potential

David LaGesse — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:53:49 -0400

Wind turbines rob each other of energy if installed too closely together. But the world's fastest-growing source of renewable power still has plenty of room for expansion.

On Mount Everest, Seeking Biogas Energy in a Mountain of Waste

Will Ferguson — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:58:26 -0400

Work is under way on the world's highest-elevation biogas reactor, in an effort to transform a surplus of human waste on Mount Everest into a sustainable energy source.

Climate Milestone: Earth's CO2 Level Passes 400 ppm

Robert Kunzig — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:46:50 -0400

The last time the planet was such a greenhouse, our ancestors were climbing down from the trees—and sea level was tens of feet higher.

Solar Impulse's U.S. Expedition Begins

Kate Andries — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:10:21 -0400

Solar Impulse, a solar-powered aircraft able to fly overnight, embarks on a cross-country trip-without a single drop of fuel.

Pro-Environment Light Bulb Labeling Turns off Conservative Buyers, Stu

Brian Handwerk — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:26:03 -0400

Green labeling causes some consumers to shun energy-efficient light bulbs even when they know the choice could save them money, a new study finds.

Sun Plus Nanotechnology: Can Solar Energy Get Bigger by Thinking Small

Patrick J. Kiger — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:04:51 -0400

Nanotechnology could boost solar energy efficiency and cut costs. A slew of recent research is aimed at better capturing energy from the Earth's biggest power source.

Reshaping Flight for Fuel Efficiency: Five Technologies on the Runway

Thomas K. Grose — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:02:29 -0400

The Boeing Dreamliner 787, poised to retake the skies soon, was one approach to more efficient flight. But aviation is looking to geared turbofan engines and radically new shapes and materials for deeper cuts in fuel consumption.

Europe’s Carbon Market Crisis: Why Does it Matter?

Thomas K. Grose in London — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:52:45 -0400

In a blow for global efforts to mitigate climate change, the European Union’s eight-year-old carbon market is collapsing. Is this the death knell for cap and trade, or a useful lesson?

To Stem Fall in Oil Output, Alaska Seeks to Slash Industry Taxes

Joe Eaton — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:58:43 -0400

Facing a decline in oil production that threatens the state's massive pipeline network, Alaska hopes a $1 billion-a-year tax break will boost the industry.

Oil Spill Spotlights Keystone XL Issue: Is Canadian Crude Worse?

Bret Schulte in Fayetteville, Arkansas — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:06:55 -0400

An Arkansas pipeline spill is focusing new attention on a question that may be decisive in the Keystone XL debate: Is oil from Canada's tar sands more damaging than conventional crude?

Health Questions Key to New York Fracking Decision, But Answers Scarce

Katherine Hobson — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:23:00 -0400

As debate rages in New York State over whether to allow fracking, researchers are attempting to shed light on its public health effects.

Scientists Say Oil Industry Likely Caused Largest Oklahoma Earthquake

Joe Eaton — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:10:40 -0400

The injection of wastewater from oil and gas production deep into the ground has been known to cause quakes within months, but the 2011 temblor in Oklahoma occurred after nearly two decades.

The New Truck Stop: Filling Up With Natural Gas for the Long Haul

Josie Garthwaite — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:46:46 -0400

A truck stop network is now taking shape to spur the U.S. trucking industry to switch to low-priced natural gas fuel. But the environmental and economic calculations are complex.

As U.S. Cleans Its Energy Mix, It Ships Coal Problems Abroad

Thomas K. Grose — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 08:43:10 -0400

U.S. coal exports hit a new record in 2012. The trend undercuts U.S. progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as more carbon-intensive fuel is burned overseas.

Keystone XL Pipeline Path Marks New Battle Line in Oklahoma

Bret Schulte in Cushing, Oklahoma — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:26:21 -0400

Opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline has united climate activists and property rights advocates in Oklahoma and Texas. Even if the oil industry wins this battle, has it lost the war of public opinion?

Hugo Chavez Leaves Venezuela Rich in Oil, But Ailing

Marianne Lavelle — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:41:13 -0400

In his 14-year rule, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez consolidated power over oil resources deemed the largest in the world. In death, he leaves behind a weakened state that must grapple with how to manage its vast petroleum stores.

Megadam Project Galvanizes Native Opposition in Malaysia

Gan Pei Ling in Long Lama, Malaysia — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:51:00 -0400

Malaysia’s ambitious hydropower plan would remake the rain forest state of Sarawak into an industrial haven. The project has ignited protest by indigenous tribes.