Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism behind battery failure in solid-state batteries, offering new insights that could help unlock safer, longer-lasting energy storage technologies. Every time a smartphone is charged or an electric vehicle is plugged in, billions of lithium ions move through a battery to store energy. Future devices could perform far better with [...]
The activity is being carried out under a lease agreement with NorthStar that gives Zeno Power access to specialized nuclear-grade infrastructure, enabling initial deliveries to government customers as early as 2027, followed by a planned ramp-up in production capacity and targeting the ability to scale nuclear battery production from 2028 onward.
The work is based at the Vallecitos complex, a 1,600-acre site established in 1957 that once hosted the US’ first privately owned nuclear power plant and held Power Reactor License No. 1 issued by the Atomic Energy Commission. The site historically supported reactor research, fuel testing, and isotope production.
In March 2025, former operators finalized an agreement with NorthStar to carry out decommissioning and restoration of the wider facility. That remediation work will continue across the site in parallel with Zeno’s manufacturing operations within a designated hot cell area.
According to Zeno Power co-founder and CEO Tyler Bernstein, the Vallecitos site represents a foundational location in the history of US commercial nuclear energy, and the company intends to build on that legacy through its work on nuclear batteries for critical national missions.
The US firm has recently taken possession of initial decontaminated hot cells at the facility, which are heavily shielded rooms designed for the safe handling of radioactive materials. Non-radiological operations have already begun on site, while the start of radiological activities is expected later this year, pending regulatory approval.
The Vallecitos Nuclear Center holds existing decommissioning licenses from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and California regulators, along with rare hot cell infrastructure in the US. Hot cells are heavily shielded rooms that allow nuclear materials to be handled remotely using mechanical arms and lead-glass viewing systems, enabling safe assembly work involving radioactive components.
Zeno Power’s restoration of the facilities takes place within this licensed framework and existing infrastructure, while the company’s activities are also expected to support retention and development of nuclear-skilled labor as the site transitions through decommissioning and limited industrial reuse.
The expansion is expected to draw on engineering, nuclear, and operations expertise across Berkeley, Livermore, and Silicon Valley. The new facility will be Zeno Power’s third location, complementing existing offices and laboratories in Seattle, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert described the project as a significant development for the region, citing high-skilled job creation, the retention of specialized nuclear expertise at Vallecitos, and increased economic activity. He said the investment positions Alameda County as a hub for advanced manufacturing supporting defense, space, and commercial applications.
Katie Marcel, CEO of Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group, noted that the organization welcomes Zeno Power to the region as it develops its nuclear battery production capabilities. The planned manufacturing activity at Vallecitos is positioned within broader US efforts to strengthen domestic radiological and nuclear infrastructure amid rising demand for nuclear energy applications.
The initiative is also described by the company as aligning with a White House’s executive order which outlines steps toward expanding the US nuclear sector. The company further notes that by using an existing licensed facility for production, the project contributes to ongoing efforts to reestablish parts of the domestic nuclear industrial base for long-term energy and mission-critical applications.
In recent years, the pressing issue of environmental sustainability has taken center stage across the globe, with particular emphasis on regions facing acute developmental and ecological challenges. Somalia, a nation historically beset by conflict and economic hardship, emerges as a potent case study in understanding how innovative approaches in energy use and financial inflows can synergistically influence ecological outcomes. New research by Hussein and Warsame, published in Scientific Reports in 2026, offers an illuminating analysis of how the adoption of clean cooking energy technologies, paired with the critical economic role of remittances, impacts Somalia’s ecological footprint in measurable ways.
Somalia’s environmental landscape is complex, marked by drought-prone land, limited infrastructure, and a reliance on biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood for cooking and heating. These traditional practices have created intensive pressure on the country’s already fragile ecosystems, leading to increased deforestation, land degradation, and carbon emissions. The transition to clean cooking energy sources is thus not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a potential paradigm shift towards substantially reducing environmental harm. Hussein and Warsame’s study provides a detailed evaluation of how this transition, supported by economic inflows from abroad in the form of remittances, influences Somalia’s environmental sustainability trajectory.
Clean cooking energy technology largely encompasses alternatives such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solar cookers, improved biomass stoves, and biogas systems. These technologies are designed to burn fuel more efficiently or switch to renewable energy sources, thereby reducing particulate matter emissions and carbon footprints. According to the research, the adoption of these technologies in Somali households correlates with a marked decrease in health hazards associated with indoor air pollution as well as a diminution in the rate of deforestation. The shift alleviates the ecological strain imposed by traditional fuel use, contributing significantly to sustainability goals.
Remittances, financial resources sent from the Somali diaspora to families in the home country, play a critical role in enabling the adoption of clean cooking technologies. Hussein and Warsame emphasize the economic empowerment remittances provide, facilitating investments in household technology that may otherwise be unattainable due to poverty. This link between remittance flows and environmental improvement is a novel concept, highlighting a socio-economic mechanism that can drive sustainable development in fragile states. The paper’s data-driven insights suggest that remittance-receiving households are substantially more likely to invest in clean energy solutions, thus mitigating their ecological footprint.
From a technical standpoint, understanding the ecological footprint encompasses measuring the aggregate environmental impacts of resource consumption and waste generation. Hussein and Warsame utilize a rigorous methodology incorporating both satellite data on environmental degradation and household-level survey data. This mixed-method approach enables a nuanced understanding of how macroeconomic factors, like remittances, intersect with micro-level behavioral changes relating to energy use. Their results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in per capita ecological footprints within communities with higher access to clean cooking energy, amplified by remittance income.
One of the pivotal challenges outlined in the study is the availability and affordability of clean cooking technologies in Somalia. Market constraints, supply chain issues, and political instability present formidable barriers. Yet, the data reveal a growing acceptance and preference for cleaner energy amid urban and semi-urban populations. The research advocates for policy frameworks that bolster supply networks, subsidize initial costs, and encourage innovations tailored to local contexts. These technical and economic interventions could serve as blueprints for other nations grappling with similar environmental and social dynamics.
The implications of this research extend beyond Somalia’s borders, illuminating a model where socio-economic and technological factors combine to create pathways toward sustainability in developing regions. Hussein and Warsame argue for an integrated approach that treats environmental issues not in isolation but as interconnected with economic livelihoods and social structures. The nexus of remittances and clean energy adoption is a critical finding, emphasizing how diaspora networks act as agents of sustainable change, channeling not only money but also knowledge and technology.
Importantly, the study also engages with the gender dimension of clean cooking energy adoption. Women, who traditionally bear the brunt of household cooking duties, stand to benefit significantly from cleaner cooking options through reduced exposure to hazardous smoke and the alleviation of labor associated with fuel collection. Remittances contribute here as well by enabling women’s access to these technologies, thus improving health outcomes and catalyzing broader social empowerment. This multifaceted impact underscores the intersectionality of environmental and social sustainability.
In terms of ecological metrics, Hussein and Warsame’s quantitative assessment captures reductions across several dimensions—carbon emissions, land use change, and biodiversity loss. Cleaner cooking energy reduces carbon monoxide, methane, and particulate emissions, all major contributors to climate change and respiratory illnesses. Reduced reliance on charcoal extraction leads to forest conservation, mitigating soil erosion and preserving biodiversity hotspots. This suite of environmental benefits is critical in a region frequently vulnerable to climate-induced shocks.
The technical backbone of this research includes the use of geospatial analysis to monitor environmental degradation patterns over time, coupled with econometric modeling to parse out the specific impacts of remittances and energy adoption on ecological footprints. This fusion of environmental science and economic analysis is innovative and critical for policy makers to design targeted interventions. The data sets employed are unique, combining remote sensing with social surveys to provide a holistic picture rarely captured in similar studies.
The ripple effects of these findings also touch on Somalia’s energy policy landscape. The government, alongside international donors and NGOs, is increasingly oriented towards promoting renewable energy uptake and sustainable development under the country’s national strategy frameworks. Hussein and Warsame’s research offers empirical backing to these initiatives by quantifying the environmental returns on investment in clean cooking infrastructure and diaspora engagement. Their work strengthens the case for scaling such interventions in fragile socio-political environments.
Furthermore, the research addresses challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability of clean cooking energy interventions. While initial uptake driven by remittance income is promising, the study highlights potential risks including reliance on imported fuels like LPG and fluctuations in remittance flows due to global economic shifts. The authors suggest that a diversified energy strategy encompassing solar, biogas, and locally sourced renewable fuels could foster resilience and greater ecological benefits in the long run.
This study also contributes to the ongoing discourse on global climate justice by contextualizing Somalia’s environmental challenges within historical inequalities and economic constraints. The authors argue that international cooperation and climate financing mechanisms should recognize the role of diaspora remittances as an informal yet powerful climate action enabler. Harnessing this dynamic could complement formal climate aid and investment, thereby enabling countries like Somalia to leapfrog to cleaner energy futures.
Critically, this pioneering research underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches to tackle environmental sustainability. Combining technological innovation, economic flows, social behavior, and environmental assessment produces a robust analytical framework. This holistic perspective is essential to unravel the complexities faced by developing nations, where environmental degradation is often intertwined with economic vulnerability and political instability.
In conclusion, Hussein and Warsame’s 2026 publication in Scientific Reports offers a compelling narrative on how clean cooking energy and remittances jointly influence Somalia’s ecological footprint, presenting a replicable model for sustainability in resource-constrained settings. Their work pushes forward the agenda on integrating socio-economic factors with environmental technology adoption, providing a roadmap for future research, policy development, and international cooperation. As nations worldwide strive toward the Sustainable Development Goals, insights from Somalia remind us that innovative pathways can emerge even in the most challenging contexts, driven by the interplay of technology, finance, and social capital.
Subject of Research: Environmental sustainability in Somalia, focusing on the impact of clean cooking energy adoption and remittance flows on ecological footprints.
Article Title: Environmental sustainability in Somalia: the role of clean cooking energy and remittances on ecological footprints.
Article References: Hussein, H.A., Warsame, A.A. Environmental sustainability in Somalia: the role of clean cooking energy and remittances on ecological footprints. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-57469-3
Image Credits: AI Generated
Taiwanese battery manufacturer ProLogium and Dutch aerospace firm Elysian Aircraft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to assess the use of next-generation lithium ceramic batteries in large-scale passenger airplanes.
“Aviation applications place extremely high demands on battery energy density, safety, and weight efficiency, which is why careful and rigorous assessment and validation are essential,” said Vincent Yang, founder and CEO of ProLogium.
The technical parameters of the agreement require the development of battery cells that can function within complete battery packs featuring an energy density between 320 and 420 Wh/kg. This energy density is intended to satisfy the physical requirements of large commercial aircraft designed to fly routes between 750 and 1,000 kilometers (465 miles to 621 miles) on a single charge.
The agreement establishes two distinct areas for technical assessment. The first area involves standard compatibility testing, which determines if ProLogium’s current battery architectures can integrate directly into existing aviation electrical systems without structural modifications.
The second area focuses on custom development, where engineers will design new battery cell variations specifically to meet the unique safety standards, structural dimensions, and weight limitations required for commercial aerospace applications.
Commercial electric flight has previously faced limitations because standard lithium-ion batteries do not offer enough energy relative to their total weight. Solid-state and lithium ceramic designs reduce total weight and increase safety parameters by replacing liquid electrolytes with stable solid materials.
“However, aviation applications impose highly stringent requirements on battery system safety standards, reliability, weight management, and certification, and such technologies must still undergo careful validation and long-term development,” noted the company in a press release.
The companies will also evaluate the logistics of establishing manufacturing facilities and supply chains within Europe. Sourcing materials and assembling battery packs near Elysian’s operational facilities is intended to shorten international shipping distances.
“By assessing local supply and manufacturing capabilities in Europe, there may be opportunities to shorten cross-regional transportation distances, strengthen supply chain resilience, and further reduce the overall carbon footprint from a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspective,” explained the press release.
The company originally developed a battery architecture utilizing a 100% ceramic separator in 2013. In 2025, the manufacturer introduced a superfluidized all-inorganic lithium ceramic battery design intended to be manufactured on automated, high-volume assembly lines to control production costs.
Executives from both organizations stated that cell capacity alone cannot solve the challenges of electric aviation, as flight requires specific system integration, safety profiles, and weight reduction. The assessment process will evaluate how these cell architectures function when scaled into full aircraft modules.
The formal discussions under this memorandum aim to establish whether next-generation battery physics can realistically meet the operational demands of large-scale, zero-emission commercial passenger flights.
“Battery technology is a key enabler for electric aviation, but aviation requires far beyond cell performance alone,” concluded Rob Wolleswinkel, Co-CEO and CTO of Elysian Aircraft.
“Through this MoU with ProLogium, we look forward to exploring how next generation battery technology could support safe, scalable, and zero-emission aviation.”
The cackhanded pursuit of Net Zero by Ed Miliband and his predecessors has left Britain having to pay France and other countries to take excess power off our hands for a significant part of the year.
The post Net Zero Leaves Britain Paying France to Take Our Power appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Lanchester Wines in north-east England uses heat from a disused coalmine to maintain wine temperatures and with 23,000 flooded mines in the UK, there’s huge potential for more businesses and homes to follow its lead
Shove them in a fridge, stash them in a cellar – this is how most people store their favourite bottles of wine. But if you have warehouses full of thousands of vintages, you have to think a little differently.
For the last eight winters, Lanchester Wines has used heat from a disused coalmine to maintain ideal storage temperatures at its facilities in the north-east of England, helping to prevent freezing or spoilage.
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© Photograph: Posed by models; The Good Brigade/Getty Images
© Photograph: Posed by models; The Good Brigade/Getty Images
© Photograph: Posed by models; The Good Brigade/Getty Images
Apart from effort to electrify, there were geopolitical tensions around climate science and the 1.5C goal at pre-Cop31 climate talks
Electrifying the world – with electric vehicles, electric heating and cooling, and modernised heavy industry – could be the next biggest step towards phasing out fossil fuels, replacing the 80% of global energy that still comes from hydrocarbons. As using electrical energy is much more efficient than combustion, the move would save billions of dollars for consumers and businesses – global energy demand could be halved, according to one estimate.
For decades, electrification has been a nerdish backwater of global climate action. But in the last two weeks, at preparatory talks in Bonn before the forthcoming UN Cop31 climate summit, the subject finally took centre stage.
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© Photograph: Filip Singer/EPA
© Photograph: Filip Singer/EPA
© Photograph: Filip Singer/EPA
Scientists have demonstrated a new plasma-based process that converts wet coffee waste into high-performance biochar without any pre-drying treatment. The technology could address one of the biggest challenges in biomass recycling while creating a valuable source of renewable fuel.
Developed by researchers at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), the system converts moisture-rich coffee grounds into carbon-rich biochar in less than two minutes. The resulting material delivers an energy content comparable to anthracite coal, offering a potential pathway for turning difficult waste streams into useful resources. Researchers believe the technology could help reduce waste disposal costs while expanding opportunities for decentralized waste-to-energy systems.
High moisture content has long complicated efforts to recover energy from organic waste. Most biomass conversion technologies require a separate drying stage before processing, increasing costs and energy use.
The KIGAM team designed its Flame Plasma Pyrolysis system to eliminate that requirement. The process uses plasma flames generated through the combustion of liquefied petroleum gas and compressed air. Those flames reach temperatures between approximately 1,470°F and 1,650°F, allowing the system to process wet biomass directly.
Instead of hindering conversion, moisture helps drive the process. As water trapped inside coffee particles rapidly turns into steam, pressure builds and creates microscopic explosions. Researchers describe the phenomenon as a “popcorn effect.” The bursts break apart the biomass structure, increase porosity, and accelerate carbonization. Under optimized conditions, the system achieved complete conversion in just 90 seconds.
The resulting biochar delivered a heating value of 29.0 MJ/kg, roughly 33% higher than untreated coffee grounds. Researchers said the material performs similarly to anthracite coal. The treatment also nearly tripled fixed carbon content, increasing it from 15.6% to 46.2%. At the same time, it completely removed sulfur compounds, helping prevent sulfur dioxide emissions during combustion.
Researchers observed another significant improvement in the material’s structure. Its specific surface area increased dramatically, creating a highly porous carbon product. Those characteristics could make the biochar useful beyond fuel applications. Potential uses include activated carbon production, filtration systems, and industrial adsorption materials. The process also generated minimal smoke and tar compared with conventional biomass treatment methods.
Speed is one of the technology’s key advantages. Hydrothermal carbonization systems often require one to six hours to process biomass, while torrefaction can take 30 minutes or longer. Flame Plasma Pyrolysis completes the conversion in less than two minutes. Researchers said the system also reduces energy demand by using combustion-generated plasma rather than electricity-intensive plasma devices.
Although the study focused on spent coffee grounds, the team believes the technology could process other high-moisture waste streams, including food waste, sewage sludge, and agricultural residues. Lead author Dr. Taejun Park said the technology offers a new way to view organic waste. Instead of treating it as a disposal problem, industries could use it as a source of energy and valuable carbon materials. The team plans to expand the process to additional waste types and continue optimizing it for commercial-scale deployment.
The study is published in the journal Chemical Engineering Journal.
A planned advanced nuclear energy campus in Ohio has taken a major step toward securing reactor fuel, one of the industry’s most critical resources. Oklo and Centrus have signed a letter of intent that could provide enough domestically produced high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to support up to five Aurora reactors for several years. The fuel would come from Centrus’ enrichment facility in Pike County, Ohio, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.
The agreement addresses a growing challenge for the advanced nuclear sector. While several next-generation reactor designs continue to move toward commercialization, access to U.S.-produced HALEU remains limited. Developers and fuel suppliers have increasingly sought long-term agreements to reduce uncertainty around future reactor deployments.
Under the proposed arrangement, Centrus would supply fuel for Oklo’s planned 1.2-gigawatt clean energy campus in southern Ohio. The agreement could also include advance payments that support future fuel production and strengthen supply certainty for the project.
The deal links fuel production with a specific reactor deployment strategy. Industry leaders have repeatedly identified fuel availability as one of the biggest hurdles facing advanced nuclear development in the United States.
Earlier this year, Oklo announced a power agreement with Meta that included prepayment provisions designed to support project development. The latest fuel arrangement follows a similar approach by connecting future customer demand with long-term fuel supply planning.
Jacob DeWitte, Oklo’s co-founder and chief executive, said the agreement brings together several key elements needed for advanced nuclear deployment, including fuel, power generation and customer demand. He added that southern Ohio’s nuclear expertise and skilled workforce position the region to support future reactor construction.
The agreement also highlights the growing role of southern Ohio in the domestic nuclear supply chain. Centrus continues to expand enrichment operations in Pike County as demand for advanced reactor fuel grows. The company plans to combine private investment with previously announced federal support aimed at increasing domestic HALEU production capacity.
Industry officials view enrichment as a strategic capability because many advanced reactor designs require HALEU fuel. Expanding U.S. production could reduce dependence on foreign sources while supporting a new generation of nuclear power plants.
Amir Vexler, president and chief executive of Centrus, described the agreement as an important step toward establishing a reliable fuel supply for next-generation reactors. He said connecting domestic fuel production with advanced reactor deployment could help create a stronger foundation for future nuclear growth in the United States.
Alongside the fuel agreement, Oklo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kiewit Nuclear Solutions to support engineering, procurement, and construction planning for its initial Aurora reactor deployments.
Oklo’s Aurora reactors use liquid-metal cooling and require relatively little water compared with conventional nuclear plants. The reactors are designed to provide reliable carbon-free electricity under a build-own-operate model.
If the project moves forward as planned, it could demonstrate how fuel suppliers, reactor developers and infrastructure partners can work together to accelerate advanced nuclear deployment in the United States.
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