Digging deeper

Housing could improve our well-being and reach net-zero by 2040

Published:13.09.24 — EPFL scientist Sascha Nick has outlined a completely new scenario for what housing and neighborhoods might look like in Switzerland in the coming decades. His recommendations would put the country on track to meet its net-zero target while supporting the well-being of residents and communities. 

Winners of Hydrogen TCP Awards of Excellence 2024

Published:02.09.24 — The EU Project SWITCH – Smart ways for in-situ totally integrated and continuous multisource generation of hydrogen – has been honoured, among 23 competitors, with an Award of Excellence 2024, given by the IEA Hydrogen Technical Collaboration Programme (TCP) and the Clean Energy Ministerial Hydrogen Initiative (CEM-H2I). https://switch-fch.eu/

Bridging the “Valley of Death” in carbon capture

Published:18.07.24 — Developed at EPFL, Heriot-Watt University, and ETH Zurich, PrISMa is a new platform that uses advanced simulations and machine learning to streamline carbon capture technologies, by taking into account the perspectives of diverse stakeholders early in the research process.

3D visualization brings nuclear fusion to life

Published:17.07.24 — EPFL was selected by the EUROfusion consortium to develop an advanced visualization system for a preliminary process in nuclear fusion. The system is designed to turn reams of simulation and testing data into real-time graphics worthy of today’s advanced video games.

Atom-thin graphene membranes make carbon capture more efficient

Published:24.06.24 — Scientists at EPFL have developed advanced atom-thin graphene membranes with pyridinic-nitrogen at pore edges, showing unprecedented performance in CO2 capture. It marks a significant stride toward more efficient carbon capture technologies.

Gamma-ray method monitors nuclear reactors safely and quickly

Published:22.05.24 — Scientists at EPFL have devised and tested out a new, gamma-noise method for monitoring nuclear reactors non-invasively and from a distance. The new method, tested out on EPFL’s CROCUS nuclear reactor, can improve nuclear safety and treaty compliance.

Machine learning accelerates discovery of solar-cell perovskites

Published:20.05.24 — An EPFL research project has developed a method based on machine-learning to quickly and accurately search large databases, leading to the discovery of 14 new materials for solar cells.

Swiss energy study shows transformative potential of decentralization

Published:05.04.24 — Researchers from EPFL and HES-SO Valais Wallis have published a study outlining a path to a more sustainable energy future for Switzerland. The study emphasizes the importance of local energy solutions, and the role of decentralized systems for community empowerment.

Nanodevices can produce energy from evaporating tap or seawater

Published:04.04.24 — EPFL researchers have discovered that nanoscale devices harnessing the hydroelectric effect can harvest electricity from the evaporation of fluids with higher ion concentrations than purified water, revealing a vast untapped energy potential.

Hydropower is a cornerstone of renewable energy

Published:22.03.24 — 22 March is the World Water Day. Water power has so much more to offer. Engineers are working hard to both expand this form of clean energy and make better use of existing hydropower plants.