Engineering news
Nuclear needed for ‘net zero’, parliamentary group says
Energy Live News
The government must increase investment in nuclear power or the UK risks losing 30% of its clean energy generation, the Nuclear All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has warned. At least 10GW of nuclear capacity is needed by the early 2030s to reach net zero emissions by 2050, a new APPG report said.
Commit to electric cars or risk job losses, industry tells government
Professional Engineering
The shift to electric cars can help secure the future success of UK automotive manufacturing if the necessary infrastructure – such as battery ‘gigafactories’ and 2.3m charging points – receives significant investment, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has told the government. Without government commitment, the SMMT said the worst-case scenario could see 90,000 job losses.
Nissan gigafactory ‘great news’ – but more needed, sector says
Professional Engineering
Just days after the SMMT report, Nissan confirmed a new £1bn electric vehicle hub. The EV36Zero hub in Sunderland will combine production of an all-electric vehicle, a renewable microgrid providing 100% clean electricity, and a 9GWh capacity battery gigafactory. The projects represent 6,200 jobs at Nissan and its UK suppliers, the carmaker said.
Eviation unveils two-motor electric aircraft configuration
New Atlas
Israeli firm Eviation has revealed the production version of its nine-seater electric aircraft. Unlike the prototype version, which had three motors, the production version only has two. The aircraft could fly routes between 500km and 1,000km long.
Face mask prototype can diagnose wearers with Covid-19
Professional Engineering
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University developed a mask capable of diagnosing the wearer with Covid-19 in about 90 minutes, thanks to a tiny disposable sensor. The devices are based on freeze-dried ‘cellular machinery’ that the research team previously developed for use in paper diagnostics for viruses such as Ebola and Zika.
Ultrasonic battery recycling method ‘100-times quicker and greener’
The Engineer
A new battery method developed by researchers at Leicester University is “100-times quicker and greener than conventional battery recycling techniques,” the project leader has said. The method uses ultrasound waves to separate valuable materials from the battery electrodes.
Pacemaker prototype dissolves in the body
The Engineer
Researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois and George Washington University in Washington DC have developed a dissolving pacemaker. The device, which is naturally absorbed into the body’s biofluids over five to seven weeks, could offer a temporary solution to patients after cardiac surgery or before a permanent pacemaker is implanted.
UK rocket firms prepare for lift-off
Professional Engineering
Scottish firms Orbex and Skyrora are leading the pack as the opportunity to launch satellites from British soil fast approaches. We caught up with the firms to discuss their unique and modern approaches to space flight, including 3D-printed engines and sustainable rocket fuel.
Green groups unite against Drax plans
Energy Live News
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Wildlife Trusts and other green groups have asked the government to reconsider its support for Drax’s industrial-scale biomass plans. Burning wood for electricity is unsustainable and public money would be better spent on solar and wind energy, the groups claimed.
Roll-out solar arrays boost ISS power supply
Professional Engineering
Two advanced new solar arrays have increased the International Space Station (ISS) power supply. The roll-out arrays, which were packed tight for launch before unrolling with their own stored energy once in position, were provided by Boeing, with solar cells from subsidiary Spectrolab and a structure from Redwire. The new arrays contain stronger cells that are also more efficient than their predecessors.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.