Ignoring efficiency If energy is harvested in the Earth's sun belt, converted and transported, this reduces the efficiency of the process. The balances show that this is not a probem for the pyrolysis of synthetic methane. |
Embracing change Nathalie Casas took over the lead of Empa's Energy, Mobility and Environment research department. She believes that humanity can save the climate from collapse – but that it will take more than "just" technology. |
The big clean-up How to remove the already emitted CO2 from the atmosphere while creating a completely new economic system, explains Peter Richner, Deputy Director of Empa. |
CO2-binding society Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann and Eawag Director Martin Ackermann want to provide answers to the climate crisis with new initiatives and ambitious goals. |
Packaged in beer Empa researchers have extracted nanocellulose from a waste product of beer brewing and processed it into an aerogel. The high-quality biodegradable material could be used in food packaging. |
Defects welcome Is it possible to convert CO2 back to fuels or other useful chemicals? Absolutely – but not in a very targeted way just yet. Empa researcher Alessandro Senocrate is looking at defects in materials that will help us achieve this goal. |
Smart protection Pressure injuries occur in sick newborns in hospitals or elderly people. Thanks to successful partnerships with industry and research, Empa scientists are now launching two smart solutions. |
Beyond Zero A set of innovations from the Empa labs that are strongly CO2-reduced and even CO2-negative, are going to be installed and analysed inside a new unit at NEST, the innovation building of Empa and Eawag. |
The green delight The Christmas tree in this picture doesn't need any candles. It glows bright green all by itself – thanks to bioluminescence. Empa researcher Francis Schwarze has developed a process for producing bioluminescent wood using fungi. |