EnergyInnovationSustainability

New Database Aims to Correct Overly Pessimistic Clean Energy Cost Forecasts

Energy system models relying on outdated cost projections risk steering investments toward less effective technologies, analysts suggest. A new harmonized database addresses this gap with current data for key clean technologies. The compilation aims to prevent misguided infrastructure planning that could slow the clean energy transition.

The Problem with Pessimistic Projections

Energy system models crucial for guiding policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders toward a sustainable energy future are often hampered by overly pessimistic cost projections, according to recent analysis. Sources indicate that these inaccurate forecasts particularly affect rapidly advancing technologies like solar photovoltaics and batteries, potentially biasing scenario outcomes and misguiding infrastructure planning.

SemiconductorsTechnology

Researchers Pioneer Vertical Chip Architecture to Overcome Moore’s Law Limitations

Researchers have created a groundbreaking chip with 41 vertical layers that sidesteps traditional scaling limitations. The new architecture reportedly offers similar performance to conventional chips while potentially reducing the electronics industry’s carbon footprint.

Breaking the Two-Dimensional Barrier

As chip manufacturers approach physical limits of miniaturization, researchers have demonstrated a revolutionary approach: building upward rather than shrinking components further. According to reports from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a team led by Xiaohang Li has developed a record-breaking chip with 41 vertical layers of semiconductors, creating a transistor stack approximately 10 times taller than any previously manufactured.