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.
Stanford technology makes metal wires on solar cells nearly invisible to light
A solar cell is basically a semiconductor, which converts sunlight into electricity, sandwiched between metal contacts that carry the electrical current. But this widely used design has a flaw: The shiny metal on top of the cell actually reflects sunlight away from the semiconductor where Read More...
Sunshine state aims to become Australia’s solar state
The state of Queensland appears ready to embark on what could be one of the most radical transformations of its electricity network ever undertaken – even by standards of ambitious mandates in places such as California, Germany and Denmark. The newly elected state Labor government came into Read More...
Allianz to cut investments in companies using coal in favor of renewable energy
Another global banking giant is pulling its funds from coal businesses. Germany’s Allianz SE, one of the world’s largest financial asset managers, announced it will no longer invest in companies if more than 30% of sales come from coal mining or if coal generates more than 30% of electricity. Read More...
Solar power may be cheaper than coal in India by 2020
The price of solar power in India fell at a faster-than-expected rate this year. Now, some experts suggest that by 2020, renewable energy in Asia’s third-largest economy may become up to 10% cheaper than coal power. Currently, in India, solar power prices are within 15% of coal power prices Read More...
Australian Greens unveil 90 per cent renewable energy plan
A $500 million government authority would double Australia's energy efficiency and move the country towards 90 per cent renewable energy by 2030, under a plan to be unveiled by the Greens today. Greens leader Richard Di Natale is set to today announce plans for the new agency, RenewAustralia, which Read More...
Wind from Britain, solar from the Sahara, geothermal from Iceland
The UK’s electricity grid is having to work harder than ever to ensure that there is enough power to go around this winter as old power stations close down or need repairing, with little spare generating capacity to make up any shortfalls. That places a bigger burden on renewables – Read More...
90 EV charging spots coming to Paris for COP21
Supporting clean air, pure water, emissions-free travel, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is installing 90 new charging spots powered by low-carbon electricity. The Renault-Nissan charging spots will refuel 200 Renault-Nissan EVs during the COP21 climate change conference. The Renault-Nissan press Read More...
Moroccan solar plant to bring energy to a million people
A giant plant using energy from the Sun to power a Moroccan city at night will open next month. The solar thermal plant at Ouarzazate will harness the Sun's warmth to melt salt, which will hold its heat to generate energy in the evening. The first phase will generate for three hours after dark; the Read More...
This professional football player could revolutionize energy industry
OK, so we missed this story earlier this week. Then again, this story had been kept secret for seven years. And since we're talking about a pioneering technology that could replace oil and revolutionize the energy sector, led by 31-year-old Mathieu Flamini, the French midfielder for Arsenal, Read More...
OECD countries agree to restrict financing for overseas coal power plants
Just two weeks before the Paris climate talks commence, representatives from 34 of the world’s developed and major economies reached a compromise to phase out public financing that supports the construction of new coal power plants around the world. Starting in 2017, the Organization for Economic Read More...