Energy conversion

Nuclear waste is piled up around the United States. Similar waste were part of the problem at Japan’s Fukushima plant, which continues to leak even 2.5 years later. That continued crisis has some asking if the U.S. is asking for trouble with its waste storage.

A team of students at a Dutch university have created what they believe to be the first functioning solar-powered car with room for four passengers. Though production may be years away, the team hopes to have the vehicle street-legal as soon as possible.

The MS Tûranor is on a voyage around the world, powered only by the sun. Thanks to batteries and a whole lot of solar panels, the ship can sail through day and night, storms and open ocean without any trouble. The boat is currently on a scientific expedition, examining the Gulf Stream.

Helen Palmer installed solar panels on the roof of her home in 2012. And since then, basically, she hasn’t seen an electric bill. In fact, when last she checked, she had a credit of nearly $43 on her bill. She hasn’t paid off her initial investment, but she’s making progress.

When it comes to storing energy, there are few simple solutions. But a group of Canadian scientists has changed an old technology to make it more convenient and cost effective to store energy on a large scale.