Artificial leaf-Microbes to live in space

Spacesuits-protect microbes destined to live in space

Scientists have created a unique system that pairs light-absorbing semiconductors with anaerobic bacteria to capture light and fix carbon dioxide like an artificial leaf. The bacteria turn carbon dioxide into chemicals useful in space colonies. The system mimics photosynthesis in plants. One problem is that the process generates reactive oxygen species that kill the bacteria. To shield them from damage, the researchers developed a 'spacesuit' of metal-organic framework (MOF)(a patchwork of mesh-like pieces called a metal-organic framework or MOF is impermeable to oxygen and reactive oxygen molecules, like peroxide, which shortens their lifespan) that extends the microbes' lifetimes to that seen in the wild. 

TATA POWER MAKES MUMBAI, ELECTRIC VEHICLE READY.

TATA Power, India's largest integrated power company has been a forerunner in technology adoption and innovation while also setting industry benchmarks in operational and sustainability aspects. Tata Power has established the first Electric Vehicle charging station at Vikhroli in Mumbai. Being the first to propagate the change towards sustainable energy, TATA Power aims to supplement the government's plan to replace fossil fuel vehicles with electric vehicles by 2030, by installing charging stations at strategic locations. Tata Power's charging station in Vikhroli being a centrally located with several offices and hospitals nearby was selected as the location for the pilot. It also houses a fast charger which can fully charge an average Electric Car's battery in as low as 90 minutes. Since, the inauguration of the first station two more have been started for public usage at Palladium mall in the Lower Parel area and Phoenix Market City in the Kurla area of the city. With the installation of these Electric Vehicle chargers, the company is working towards removing the anxiety from people's minds and encouraging them to shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles.

Running on fuel-cell technology

Dated : 28 September 2018
Source : Business Standard

This article talks about the use and the application of fuel-cell technology. A fuel cell is a device that uses a source of fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant to create electricity from an electro chemical process. A fuel cell converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

Germany has adopted this technology. The launch of hydrogen-powered train services in Germany is all about the article. Two Coradia iLint trains are now running passenger services in Lower Saxony with the use of fuel-cell technology. Sources say that, there are plans to induct atleast 14 more such "Hydrail" trains in Germany.The use of  fuel-cell technology is much more efficient and the usage of renewable energy is made possible as renewables are cleaner than thermal power sources and they also tend to produce excess energy at specific times.

US CALLS FOR OVER A HUNDRED CHANGES IN IPCC REPORT

The united states have asked for more than a hundred dilutions, alterations, and deletions in a report of the united nations intergovernmental panel of scientist on climate change. its all about what it would take the global community to keep the rise in global average temperatures below 1.5-degree Celsius and the consequences of not doing so for the planet.

Tata Power, HPCL tie up to set up EV charging stations.

Dated : 28 SEPTEMBER 2018
Published on : Business Standard.

Tata Power and HPCL has signed an MoU for setting up commercial charging stations for Electric Vehicles. The news say that the charging station will be set up at the HPCL retail outlets and other locations across India. They both have also agreed to colloborate further for Planning, Development and Operation of  charging infrastructure for electric vehicles such as e-cars, e-rickshaws, e-bikes, e-buses etc. THe sources also say that Tata Power and HPCL will also explore areas of opportunities and collaboration in related fields like renewable energy avenues.

Carbon dioxide emissions costing India up to $210 billion every year

Carbon dioxide emissions are costing the Indian economy up to $210 billion every year, according to a global study which found that the country is likely to suffer highest economic damage from climate change after the US. Researchers from the University of California San Diego in the US found that the top three counties with the most to lose from climate change are US, India and Saudi Arabia.

The economic damages model indicates that as temperature rises, economic growth in India will slow. Researchers estimated country-level contributions to the social cost of carbon (SCC) using recent climate model projections, empirical climate-driven economic damage estimations and socioeconomic forecasts.The country-level SCC for India alone is estimated to be about $86 per tonne of carbon dioxide.

US calls for over hundred changes in IPCC report

• The US has asked more than a hundred dilutions ,alterations and deletion in a report of United Nation's IPCC.
• The report to be released on on October 7,explains what it would take global community to keep rise in global average temperatures below 1.5degree celsius and consequences of not doing so for the planet.
• The summary for policymakers or SPM as it is often called ,becomes core scientific basis for countries to further the UN climate change negotiations,including those under Paris Agreement.
• One of the "Key issues"the US has said is "given all the uncertainity factors.

Published in Business Standard 1.10.2018