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2019
Solar desalination sees the light of dawn
New solar technologies promise a more sustainable way for water-starved communities to squeeze drinkable water out of the salty seas.
How we can save hydropower
The way we’ve historically generated energy from water is not good for the environment. Here’s how that’s changing.
5 “green cities” lead the way
Searching for smart and sustainable solutions, they show how to curb energy use, reduce carbon emissions and create more livable spaces.
Using data to make cities greener
As politicians stall when it comes to dealing with climate change on a national level, local data-based projects are trying to reduce carbon emissions on their own doorsteps
2018
10 great African innovations
From fintech to health to the environment, clever inventions are improving the lives of millions of people.
Heating, a major trial
Temperatures in cities need to fall – and fast. But how?
Fighting energy waste in buildings
Buildings accounts for a huge proportion of the world’s energy consumption. Zoom on some innovative solutions to cut the waste.
A brief history of photonics
The foundations of this new technology were laid more than 150 years ago.
Displays of the future
From LCD televisions to the latest force-sensitive touchscreen technology, electronics and photonics are pushing the envelope ever outward.
Harnessing optics to handle the data crunch
Photonics may hold the answer to coping with huge volume. But a big challenge remains: converting electronic data into light on silicon chips.
Building circuits of light
Move over, electrons. Ton Backx and his team are putting photons front and center as they lay the groundwork for the coming era of photonics.
Explaining the future
Faced with growing challenges, Europe can rely on its scientists to ensure its future competitiveness.
2017
Silicon photonics: the next revolution
Say goodbye to copper wires. Silicon photonics promises greater energy efficiency, lightning-speed processing and innovative health devices.
Nuclear tombs for the ages
Radiation-eating bacteria could make underground storage of nuclear waste safer.
Energy efficiency: greening the bottom line
Contrary to popular belief, sustainable solutions can be good for business. A look at some of Europe’s most innovative efforts.
“Traffic remains a challenge”
A Danish expert explains his strategy for making urban life sustainable and liveable.
2016
The circular economy: a boost for growth
How Europe is shifting towards a more sustainable system by reusing, remanufacturing and recycling.
Rock-solid climate solution
A technique for turning CO2 into stone has been pioneered in Iceland, but another kind of immoveable object could prevent large-scale success.
Electricity’s bright future
Petrol power helped shape the 20th century, but its decline may define the 21st. So how will the future of urban transport look?
2015
Wind turbines without blades
The idea sounds preposterous, but Spanish start-up Vortex Bladeless is convinced that it can win over the sceptics.
Year of the light
Everywhere you turn, optical engineering is at the heart of new technologies. No wonder 2015 has been named the Year of Light.
Too little, too much
To guarantee an uninterrupted flow of electricity, Europe must improve its storage capacity and build a super grid.
2014
Power from thin air
Mobile devices need energy – lots of it. Instead of focussing only on improving battery performance, some scientists are looking at the ambient energy that is all around us.
The other wonder gas
By being the first to extract methane hydrates last year, Japan has launched a new global race.