Energy News, Renewable Tech & Power Innovations

Idaho and Argonne Labs Build Griffin Software to Test Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 2, 2026 5:33 pm

Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory built Griffin, a software tool that simulates nuclear reactors in a computer. The 2025 R&D 100 Award winning software helps engineers test reactor safety and performance without expensive physical prototypes. It also supports NASA projects for nuclear-powered space exploration.

US Argonne Lab Develops Microscale Technique for Safer Nuclear Fuel

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 1, 2026 7:17 pm

Argonne National Laboratory researchers have developed a new microscale technique to measure thermal conductivity in nuclear fuel. The suspended bridge method uses tiny samples to accurately track how radiation damage affects heat transfer. This helps predict fuel behavior, improve reactor safety, and support the design of next-generation nuclear systems.

Wisconsin Governor Visits UW–Madison Nuclear Reactor to Explore Energy Future

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 1, 2026 6:22 pm

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers toured the University of Wisconsin–Madison nuclear reactor to see fission and fusion research firsthand. The visit followed a state partnership with the university’s nuclear engineering department to study nuclear energy opportunities. UW–Madison has operated its reactor since 1961 and has spun out three fusion companies from campus research.

Fermi America’s Project Matador: Texas Approves 6GW Air Permit

Sanjukta Praharaj March 1, 2026 4:43 pm

Texas state authorities have approved a six-gigawatt Clean Air Permit for Fermi America’s ambitious Project Matador campus near Amarillo. This

UK’s First Geothermal Power Plant Is Live; Here’s Why It Could Change Everything

Sanjukta Praharaj March 1, 2026 12:01 am

UK has officially entered a new chapter in renewable energy as its first deep geothermal power plant begins generating electricity

How 80% Efficient Solar Battery Generates Green Hydrogen Anytime

Sanjukta Praharaj February 28, 2026 11:48 pm

Researchers in Germany have developed a molecular solar battery capable of storing solar energy for several days and releasing it

HKUST perovskite solar cell research using multi-source co-evaporation vacuum deposition method

Hong Kong’s HKUST Develops Solvent-Free Method for Better Solar Cells

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 27, 2026 11:22 pm

Hong Kong’s HKUST has achieved a certified breakthrough in solvent-free perovskite solar cells. The new vacuum deposition method creates highly ordered crystal structures that resist degradation, achieving 18.35% efficiency and opening a clear path to scalable production using existing industrial equipment.

How Oak Ridge’s New Fuel Design Advances Reactor Safety

Sanjukta Praharaj February 27, 2026 5:31 pm

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a nuclear fuel to reshape the future of light water reactors, the backbone of

Polish inventor builds candle-powered generator that lights LED bulbs

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 26, 2026 5:36 pm

Polish inventor Maciej Nowak has built a small generator that turns heat from a single tea candle into electricity to power two LED bulbs. The device uses a thermoelectric chip that generates voltage when one side is hot and the other stays cool. While the system produces only about 1 watt-hour of power, it demonstrates how waste heat can be captured and converted into useful light. The LEDs produce a brighter, whiter light than the candle flame alone.

Engineers worldwide tackle solid-state battery challenges for safer EVs

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 26, 2026 5:04 pm

Solid-state batteries promise safer, more powerful electric vehicles by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials. However, engineers must overcome major challenges including high lithium costs, damaging dendrite growth that causes short circuits, expensive production methods, and difficult thermal management. Automakers worldwide are racing to solve these problems as solid-state technology inches closer to real-world production. Success would mean longer range, faster charging, and safer EVs for everyday drivers.