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Final turbine installed on UK’s ‘most productive’ onshore wind farm

Just over three years since breaking ground on the project and six months since turbine installation commenced, SSE Renewables confirmed last week that the installation of the wind farm’s 103rd and final 4.3MW wind turbine had been completed. The final turbine installation was completed well ahead of schedule, as the original installation programme had been due to be completed in autumn 2023. The project remains on track for completion in summer 2024, with commissioning works set to continue over the next year. When fully operational, Viking’s 103 Vestas turbines will be capable of generating up to 1.8TWh of renewable electricity annually – enough to power almost half a million typical British homes. Ironically, windy conditions during construction proved to be one of the biggest challenges…

E+T Magazine in Renewable Energy
UK to invest £100m into chip production for AI tools

The public funds, sourced through taxpayer money, will be used to build a national AI resource in Britain, and be ordered through major chipmaking companies such as Intel, AMD and Nvidia, according to reports. The government is already in the advanced stages of an order of up to 5,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia, reported The Telegraph. The GPUs, also known as graphics cards, play a crucial part in a chip’s capacity for processing and are vital for performing complex actions such as those required by AI tools. One of the most famous of these, ChatGPT-4, was trained on as many as 25,000 Nvidia chips. However, the amount pledged might not be enough to meet the government’s ambitions to transform the UK into an AI leader, particularly in comparison with investments in…

E+T Magazine in Semiconductor Technology
Russia's first lunar mission of the century crashes into the Moon

Russia’s first lunar mission in 47 years has ended in failure, after an unmanned spacecraft crashed into the Moon’s surface. The crash took place after Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, lost touch with Luna-25 on Saturday around 2.57pm Moscow time. The landing was scheduled to take place today, Monday August 21. “Due to the deviation of the actual pulse parameters from the calculated ones, the automatic station switched to an off-design orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the lunar surface,” the agency said. Roscosmos added it has formed a special interdepartmental commission to investigate the mission’s failure. Luna-25 was designed to become the first spacecraft to land on the Moon’s south pole, an area believed to hold frozen water as well as valuable elements…

E+T Magazine in Space
Cargo ship fitted with massive sails in bid to cut emissions

Mitsubishi’s Pyxis Ocean, chartered by Cargill, is the first vessel to be retrofitted with two WindWings – large wing sails measuring up to 37.5m in height that can be fitted to the deck of cargo ships to harness the power of the wind. The sails, which are developed by BAR Technologies, are expected to generate average fuel savings of up to 30 per cent on new build vessels. This could be even higher if used in combination with alternative fuels, Cargill said. As wind power is not only zero emissions but is also non-depleting and hugely predictable, it offers significant efficiency gains in vessel operating costs. On an average global route, WindWings can save 1.5 tonnes of fuel per WindWing per day – with the possibility of saving more on trans-ocean routes. This also translates into…

E+T Magazine in Climate Change
MPs warn that UK military capabilities could be eroded without climate adaptation

In a new report, the Defence Committee said the Armed Forces would need to improve its ability to adapt to operate across increasingly demanding climatic conditions. For example, military vehicles usually designed for temperatures up to 45°C have had to operate in Iraq and Afghanistan at well over 50°C. Warships, which have traditionally used the cooling effect of the seas to ensure engines operate effectively, are finding that the thermal blanketing effect of rising sea temperatures in the Persian Gulf is eroding the efficiency of existing naval engines. According to the report, retrofitting existing ships to operate in disruptive ice would be expensive, and it is probably too late to fit strengthened bows to the yet-to-be-built Type 26 Batch 2 City-class frigates. However, the design…

E+T Magazine in Climate Change
New type of star could solve cosmic magnet mystery

Astronomers have discovered a new type of astronomical object – massive magnetic helium stars – that could shed light on the origin of magnetars. The discovery was possible because of observations of the mysterious HD 45166 star, which has been found to have an extraordinarily powerful magnetic field, stronger than that of any other star of its size that has been measured. HD 45166 is located in a binary system about 3,000 light years away. It is a Wolf-Rayet or helium star because it has blown away its outer layers of hydrogen to reveal the underlying helium. Scientists have long wondered about the particular qualities of this star. “This star was known to be weird for about 100 years,” said Tomer Shenar at the University of Amsterdam. “It didn’t make any sense – it really contradicted…

E+T Magazine in Space
Banks to ensure access to cash within three miles for all UK citizens under new rules

The new rules, imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), also stipulate that cash users can expect to make withdrawals without any fees. A 2021 study suggested that the UK could become an entirely cashless society by 2026 if trends of declining usage continued. That same year, the number of payments made with cash plummeted by around 50 per cent as consumers were encouraged to use contactless in the wake of the pandemic. But cash remains vital for many people, particularly vulnerable groups including the elderly and domestic abuse victims who may not have access to other payment methods. “While the growing choice and convenience of digital payments is great, cash has an important and continuing role to play,” said Andrew Griffith, economic secretary to the Treasury. “People…

E+T Magazine in Ethical Aspects
Up to 26m Americans face drinking water contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’

After collecting data on drinking water from cities across the country, the EPA found that up to 26 million citizens were affected by water with high levels of PFAS – or ‘forever chemicals’ – and lithium. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a group of around 12,000 different chemicals commonly found in non-stick cookware, waterproof cosmetics, firefighting foams and products that resist grease and oil. Despite their utility, PFAS have been associated with dangerous health effects in humans, livestock and the environment, leading to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer. “PFAS are an urgent public health issue facing people and communities across the nation. The latest science is clear: exposure to certain PFAS, also known…

E+T Magazine in Water Supply
Scientists design tougher flash memory device for space missions

The researchers have been able to build a flash memory device that can withstand the hazards encountered by space probes, including exposure to radiation and huge temperature swings, which can be challenging for traditional electronic circuits. Although semiconductors are usually made from silicon, gallium oxide allows scientists to build devices that can support high currents and voltages with low energy losses. In addition to space missions, the flash memory device could potentially be used in locations with risk of radiation or extreme conditions on Earth. Gallium oxide is an ultra-wide band gap semiconductor material. It is usually a poor conductor of electricity, but incorporating certain impurities can enable it to carry an electrical current. “Gallium oxide-based devices have…

E+T Magazine in Space
UK could be left behind in green energy transition, study warns

Researchers have predicted British growth in low-carbon electricity output to reach 2.9 per cent by the end of the decade, lagging France (3.1 per cent) and Japan (3.2 per cent). The nations with the largest growth in the sector were the US (6.4 per cent), China (7.2 per cent) and India (10.6 per cent). European nations also made the top five, with Spain predicted to reach 6.0 per cent and Germany 5.8 per cent. “Of the world's largest eight economies, the UK is forecast to have the slowest growth in low-carbon electricity generation between now and 2030,” said Oxford Economics, which published the report for Energy UK. This slowdown can be attributed to “low levels of expected investment”, with tax incentives from the US and European Union also increasing competition, according to…

E+T Magazine in Renewable Energy
Intel cancels $5.4bn Tower Semiconductor acquisition

Intel’s decision to scrap a $5.4bn (£4.2bn) international chip deal to acquire Tower Semiconductor has been considered a result of deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington. The two companies said the decision was mutual and had been made after Chinese regulators failed to approve the deal by a deadline, despite Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger’s trips to the Asian country to get the deal greenlighted. Intel said that the deal was terminated “due to the inability to obtain in a timely manner the regulatory approvals required under the merger agreement”. “Our foundry efforts are critical to unlocking the full potential of IDM 2.0, and we continue to drive forward on all facets of our strategy,” Gelsinger said. “We are executing well on our roadmap to regain transistor performance…

E+T Magazine in Semiconductor Technology
Simple wood dust filter removes 99 per cent of microplastics from water solution

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have found that adding natural plant compounds, known as tannins, to a layer of wood dust creates a filter that traps virtually all microplastic particles present in water. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris resulting from the breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste, and keeping them out of water supplies is a huge challenge. They are typically present in both tap water and bottled water. US studies have shown that an average of 325 plastic particles can be found in a litre of bottled water, and around 5.5 plastic particles per litre of tap water. Their long-term health impact on the human body is still largely understood. While the experiment is confined to the laboratory at this stage, the team says this…

E+T Magazine in Research and Innovation
India’s first mission to the Sun could uncover flaring mysteries

Aditya L1 will be the first Indian mission to visit our nearest star. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun, which is about 1.5m km from the Earth. A satellite placed in the halo orbit around this point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any eclipses, which will enable it to observe solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time. The spacecraft has already arrived at its launch site on the island of Sriharikota on India’s east coast in preparation for the launch. It carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors. From its vantage point, four payloads will directly…

E+T Magazine in Space
Treasury wind farm rules could cost UK billpayers £1.5bn a year

The non-profit’s latest report has criticised the rules surrounding the financing of offshore wind farm projects, claiming the government could cause taxpayers to miss out of savings of more than £1.5bn a year from cheaper renewable energy. Constraints on bidding for wind power – due to be completed in September – could secure as little as 2GW of offshore wind, compared with around 7GW that could have been secured without government red tape, ECIU has said. A similar scenario took place last year, when the government contracted 1GW less than it could have. ECIU figures showed the round could have been worth up to £225m in savings each year, under forecast wholesale prices of £100/MWh. “The government seems to be focused on North Sea gas licences and tax breaks for oil companies that…

E+T Magazine in Renewable Energy
BAE Systems proposes £4.4bn takeover of spacecraft maker Ball Aerospace

Ball Aerospace has manufactured spacecraft including contracts with Nasa, while also producing components and instruments for national defence projects. It previously worked on optics and mirror systems for Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope , which entered service last year. BAE, which is one of the UK’s largest arms producers, said the purchase was “aligned with the US Intelligence Community and Department of Defense’s highest priorities”. It has enjoyed bumper profits in recent months due to a raft of new orders in the wake of the Ukraine war. Ball Aerospace is headquartered in Colorado, with more than 5,200 employees, of whom over 60 per cent hold US security clearances. It has built defence technologies including laser communication systems to link infantry and drones via satellite…

E+T Magazine
Cheaper green hydrogen production made possible with ‘thermochemical’ method

Green h ydrogen is a versatile, storable, potentially zero-carbon fuel source that has been hailed as a solution for countries to reach their net zero targets. It produces just heat and water as by-products when burned or used in fuel cells, making it a highly attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Traditionally, green hydrogen is produced through gas electrolysis, using electricity to split molecules of water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. In contrast, the Colorado team’s ‘thermochemical’ approach uses heat generated by solar rays to complete those same chemical reactions. In the new study , the researchers demonstrated that they can leverage iron-aluminate materials to conduct these reactions at elevated pressures, allowing the team to more than double its production of hydrogen. The…

E+T Magazine in Renewable Energy
EDF launches consultation on 400MW onshore wind farm in Scottish Borders

Liddesdale wind farm will be located within Wauchope Forest and Newcastleton Forest and could consist of up to 80 wind turbines, with a battery storage system and solar development on the site. The site is expected to power up to 231,000 homes. EDF has said it will deliver a community benefit fund of £5,000 per megawatt of installed capacity annually to local communities. Residents have been invited to meet the project team and discuss the proposals while it is still in the initial stages of development. Government policies over the last decade have hampered the roll-out of onshore wind power in the UK. In 2016, David Cameron instituted an effective ban on the infrastructure after pressure from Conservative MPs, who worried about the impact of wind turbine damage on rural communities…

E+T Magazine in Renewable Energy
Catalyst-coated lampshades could serve as indoor air purifiers, researchers find

The lampshades target volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which account for most indoor airborne pollutants, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. These compounds are released by paints, cleaners, air fresheners, plastics, furniture and cooking. The invention works with halogen and incandescent light bulbs, and the team is extending the technology so it will also be compatible with LEDs, the researchers said. “Although the concentration of VOCs in a home or office is low, people spend more than 90 per cent of their time indoors, so the exposure adds up over time,” said Hyoung-il Kim, the project’s principal investigator. In the past, co nventional methods to remove VOCs from indoor air have relied on activated carbon or other filters, which have to be replaced periodically. Other…

E+T Magazine in Research and Innovation
High-gain antenna brings superior data rates to Nasa’s Europa Clipper probe

Once at its destination, Europa will use the antenna to continue communicating with Nasa, which will be roughly 444 million miles away. The spacecraft is designed to seek out conditions suitable for life on an ice-covered moon of Jupiter. Europa has the smoothest surface of any known solid object in the solar system, which has led scientists to hypothesise that a water ocean exists beneath the icy surface, conceivably harbouring extraterrestrial life. The massive, dish-shaped high-gain antenna stretches 3m across the spacecraft’s body and is the largest and most prominent of its suite of antennas. Once the spacecraft reaches Jupiter, the antenna’s radio beam will be narrowly directed towards Earth. High-gain antennas are designed to create narrow beams by focusing their power, allowing…

E+T Magazine in Space
Badly-built e-bike chargers causing rising amount of fires, brigade warns

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has revealed that almost 40 per cent of e-bike fires are caused by conversion kits. The news follows the publication of Electrical Safety First’s Battery breakdown report , in which the organisation called for a ban on universal chargers for e-bike and e-scooters, stating they could increase the likelihood of catastrophic lithium-ion battery fires. The charity warned that there is an increasing amount of people using chargers that are not compatible with the voltage of their e-bikes, which could prompt a self-heating chemical reaction called thermal runway. This year there have been three deaths in London from battery fires. Moreover, in 2023 alone, LFB recorded 93 e-bike and 18 e-scooter fires – averaging one every two days. “It’s approaching about…

E+T Magazine in Power Conversion
New York could build 300,000 units in 10 years with six new policies, report finds

The authors of a new RAND Corporation report on New York housing affordability have stressed the need to the supply of housing in the city. They have identified six policies that could spark the production of roughly 300,000 additional new housing units over a decade. The policies include increasing allowable building density in strategic areas, streamlining building approval processes, reforming liability rules for construction sites, and introducing incentives to encourage conversion of office buildings to residential uses. The additional housing units would represent a more than 160 per cent increase over recent annual housing production levels in the city, according to the report. The authors said the surge in housing supply was likely to lead to increased affordability through…

E+T Magazine
First train from Southeastern’s £27m fleet revamp begins passenger service

Passengers will enjoy LED lighting, USB charging, a new live information system and a refurbished interior. The Class 395 high-speed fleet travels at 140mph and connects London St Pancras International with Ashford, East Kent and Medway. Unit 395012, which has a distinctive rainbow painted on the side, entered the train operator’s Ashford train maintenance depot on 12 June to have interior refresh work carried out, and emerged from the workshops today. It will be followed by another 28 trains over the coming months. The revamp will also include an upgraded CCTV system and energy meters designed to help Southeastern reduce its energy and environmental impact. This upgrade is being carried out in partnership with Hitachi Rail and Eversholt Rail. According to a survey from Transport…

E+T Magazine in Railways
Pink Floyd song reconstructed from recorded brain activity

The phrase ‘All in all, it’s just another brick in the wall’ comes through in the audio file, marking the first time researchers have reconstructed a recognisable song from brain recordings. To achieve this, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, captured the electrical activity recorded by 2,668 electrodes placed on 29 patients’ brains while they listened to the 1979 rock song and used nonlinear modelling to reconstruct it. The findings could potentially be used to improve devices help people with speech difficulties. “It's a wonderful result,” said Robert Knight, a neurologist and UC Berkeley professor of psychology. “As this whole field of brain-machine interfaces progresses, this gives you a way to add musicality to future brain implants for people who need it,…

E+T Magazine in Research and Innovation
Next-gen paint lowers building emissions by reducing cooling and heating need

Space heating and cooling accounts for about 13 per cent of global energy use and about 11 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The new paints, developed by Stanford University scientists, reduced the energy used for heating by about 36 per cent and for cooling by almost 21 per cent. In simulations of a typical mid-rise apartment building in different climate zones across the US, the use of the new paint on exterior walls and roofs meant total heating, ventilation and air conditioning energy use declined 7.4 per cent over the course of a year. “Energy and emissions from heating are forecast to continue to fall due to energy efficiency gains, but air conditioning use is rising, especially in developing economies in a warming world,” said Yi Cui, the study’s senior author. “For both heating…

E+T Magazine in Research and Innovation

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