Science
From mathematics and AI to medicine and psychology, The Optimist Daily features the latest news on discoveries, technological advances, and breakthroughs in the world of science. Our Science section is here to engage and enlighten you.
One way or another, more wind energy for Florida
Florida’s wind energy industry has some heavy lifting to do, but at least one utility in the state is determined to overcome the obstacles and get more wind into its grid mix. That would be Gulf Power, which has just announced that it is asking the Florida Public Service Commission to ramp up Read More...
SunPower sets new solar panel efficiency record
The efficiency of solar panels is a critical element in the transition to a clean energy economy. Most solar panels convert 15 to 18 percent of light into electricity. Now SunPower has made a panel that can convert 24.1 percent of the light that hits it into electricity—a new world record. The Read More...
US, Mexico and Canada pledge 50% clean power by 2025
Some good news from the front of international politics. The leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico have pledged at the “Three Amigo’s” summit in Ottawa that they will generate 50 percent of their power from clean energy by 2025. It is a jump from the current collective clean power levels of Read More...
What’s driving electric cars into the mainstream? Plenty
Many electric vehicle owners love their ride, considering it their dream car. They enthusiastically share tips on, say, how to drive more electric miles. They gush that these vehicles offer a quiet ride and zippy torque that makes them feel like luxury automobiles – without the premium gas Read More...
Australia set to cash in on low-cost renewable energy
Decision on coal mine 'defies reason' Super-coral may take heat off reef bleaching Climate change: Full coverage The cost of producing electricity from renewable energy could be slashed by as much two-thirds within 10 years, making it competitive with coal-fired power, experts say. And the cost of Read More...
India proposes 1 GW wind energy auction
India may soon launch its first-ever auction for wind energy projects as it plans to keep the investors interested even as some crucial financial incentives are set to expire by early next year. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has issued a proposal to auction 1 GW of wind energy capacity Read More...
A pay-as-you-go solar solution could kickstart renewable energy adoption in Nigeria
Providing electricity in countries like Nigeria is a challenge. Only 18 percent of the household in Africa’s largest economy enjoy reliable electricity supply. With the national grid largely unreliable and, in some places, non-existent, Nigerians have been typically forced to generate their own Read More...
First solar freeway in U.S will roll out on famous Route 66
Roads are flat surfaces that often catch a lot of sunlight. So, they provide ideal places to generate solar power. In the past, The Optimist Daily has reported on a solar-powered bike path in The Netherlands. Now, the state of Missouri is planning to pave a stretch of the famous interstate highway, Read More...
Flying a kite for clean high altitude wind energy
Wind turbines are a wonderful invention, producing clean energy from an abundant natural resource: the wind. Since the oil crisis in the 1970s, we’ve continuously developed new and more efficient wind turbines. The key to an efficient wind turbine is a steady flow of… you guessed it, the wind. Read More...
German state chooses hydrogen fuel cell for powering its railways
The hydrogen fuel cell has the potential to power all electric engines. The fuel cell could replace the not so clean batteries in electric cars. Fuel cells can also power trains which would eliminate diesel-powered engines and/or the need to maintain expensive and not so efficient electrification Read More...