Engineers at MIT have been working with nanotechnology to create light from different types of plants! Yes, you read it correctly. This new solution is an example of groundbreaking technology that will change the way we inhabit and view the world in the future. It is very exciting to think about what our sustainable world will look like in 30 or 50 years from now.
These bright light emitting plants stay lit for minutes and can be recharged within 10 seconds from an ordinary LED source. This new emerging field of research, called plant nanobionics, has successfully implemented light capacitors within basil, watercress, tobacco and even the very large Thailand elephant ear plant! This can be useful for outdoor light sources as researchers are now… Continue reading
Recently, my blogs have been focusing on renewable energy solutions and the current state of power grid capabilities to handle the energy transition to a new, green economy. Have you seen any new EV charging stations in your local area? If you have not, it will soon be the new normal in your neighborhood blending into your current infrastructure.
The US needs a cohesive EV charging infrastructure plan to handle and maintain a stable power grid. President Biden is supporting it with implementing a half of million charging stations installed across America.
It is essential for public private partnerships (P3) to join forces to keep the power grid reliable while meeting the increasing energy demand. The power needs to come from green renewable sources and… Continue reading
Think Greener Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependency
Burning oil, coal and methane make up large amounts of greenhouse gasses causing climate change. Good news, oil is on its way out! The other day, I received a call from a bicycle shop indicating that our e-bicycles should be ready for pickup within the next couple of days! The faster society can switch to an electric car or e-bike, the quicker the internal combustion engines can be decommissioned, which are expected to be obsolete by 2040.
Coal is also on a steep decline. Large coal fired power plants are being shut down around the world as renewable energy is replacing the need to burn fossil fuels.
Methane,… Continue reading
Rob Leading USGBC-NJ Sustainable Tour, Giant Stadium
While practicing architecture and construction management for over 20 years, I had learned to understand the devil is in the details. I would like to apply this concept to today’s blog focusing on clean energy transmission.
Traditional power lines move electricity in one direction, from power plant to homes or businesses. The integrating of rooftop solar and solar farms requires utilities to upgrade equipment that accommodates 2-way current.
Here is another interesting detail! All utility power grids are not created equal. The early adopters of rooftop solar tend to be in wealthier communities, where utility companies have upgraded the transmission lines to carry the 2-way current! Lower income communities, where rooftop solar is not a common practice, are… Continue reading