Physical sciences, Earth sciences

To understand changes observed in the aerosol layer of the stratosphere, scientists use remote sensing to collect relevant data. EU funded scientists are now 4D modelling aerosol formation and transport, in particular after volcanic eruptions.

Safety is a major challenge for the new generation IV (Gen-IV) fast neutron reactors. Ongoing research and development (R&D), supported by the EU, will update or develop existing computer codes to accurately model innovative reactor designs and accident scenarios.

Scientists performed model simulations to estimate the impact of future anthropogenic emission scenarios on air quality in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean under present and future climates.

On-board storage of compressed hydrogen gas (CGH2) is a key enabler of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Lowering the cost of the required tanks while enhancing their performance will support widespread uptake and greener automotive transport.

Researchers from Brazil and Europe are sharing knowledge through work exchanges in the field of geosciences. The aim is to gain greater understanding and skills in geochemistry and dealing with pyrometallurgical waste recycling in agriculture.

EU scientists are studying advanced thermochemical processes (ATPs) and their environmental impacts, which will enable the use of biomass as a sustainable source of energy.

The development of clean energy technologies for cars should go hand in hand with investments in infrastructure. EU-funded scientists showed how to halve the energy required for liquefying hydrogen and how to scale up hydrogen liquefaction in Europe, enabling a low-carbon energy supply chain.

Carbon capture and storage is an innovative and effective technology for achieving carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions globally. An EU-funded project is assessing for the first time the risks associated with sub-seabed CO2 storage on marine ecosystems.

The amount of energy potentially available from the difference in the salt concentrations of seawater and river water around the world is 1.4 to 2.6 terawatts, or about 20 % of local electricity consumption. This natural process does not produce carbon dioxide or any other polluting combustion emissions, nor does it result in thermal pollution.

Palaeoceanography studies the history of the oceans, including their chemistry, temperature and salinity. This information enables conclusions to be drawn regarding configuration and intensity of ocean circulation, which in turn is the main amplifier of climate change.

The brightness of the Sun varies on all time scales and wavelengths. An EU-funded initiative is gathering scattered observations from over 25 instruments to accurately represent how solar irradiance variability influences Earth's climate.

An EU group is broadening and managing a network of research organisations to promote a shared approach to biodiversity study. Outcomes include a mechanism for agenda-setting, creation of a large body of funds and dissemination tools.

Scientists from the EU are investigating the effects of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground and developing recommendations for operators and regulators.

A new atlas with electronic maps that espouse the concept of controversy mapping could help decision makers manage climate change more effectively.

Bioenergy produced from refined biomass can reduce emissions that contribute to climate change while providing energy security. Cooperative funding of the most promising projects should lower costs and increase sustainability.

Drinking water is a limited resource threatened by contamination with pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other micropollutants. An EU-funded initiative investigated new technologies for the bioremediation of drinking water resources contaminated with micropollutants.

EU-funded scientists are working to improve short-term forecasts for direct solar radiation and coming cloudiness. Reliable estimations will greatly benefit the solar energy sector, leading to decreased costs and massive deployment of renewable energy technologies.

European regions are exchanging know-how on alternatives to water and nutrient reuse and developing business opportunities with the help of an EU-funded initiative.

As renewable energy production continues to grow, EU researchers are investigating how to integrate it into the power distribution grid without affecting reliability or the quality of supply.

An EU-funded project is investigating the use of smart sensor networks for the water industry that are capable of energy harvesting.

Under an EU-funded initiative, a network of brokers worked together to identify novel uses of technology that were developed as part of the European fusion energy programme.

Increasing the thermal efficiency of fossil power plants is a promising way to decrease fuel consumption and emissions and minimise global climate change. A new steel alloy promises to do just that for major global benefits.

An EU-funded study of vortices, waves and mixing processes in idealised models has provided a greater understanding of mechanisms behind weather patterns, climate and other natural processes.

A recent project worked to improve translation of EU marine research results into policy outcomes. The team summarised existing research, suggested effective ways of using the data and produced various software tools.

Chinese and EU researchers have built a model to evaluate the effects of different greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies on urban citizens' health and well-being