A recent study on thermophotovoltaics (TPV) demonstrates its potential for cost-effective energy generation by converting heat into electricity. Researchers conducted a techno-economic analysis of a TPV system integrated with phase-change materials for energy storage, optimizing the levelized costs of consumed energy (LCOE) and electricity (LCOEel). Results showed modest reductions in LCOE ($0.035/kWh) and LCOEel ($0.132/kWh), indicating economic feasibility, although LCOEel remains above the average electricity price. The results could inform performance improvement targets and metrics for grid resilience applications. Key factors influencing costs include system lifetime, capital costs, inflation rates, and natural gas prices, suggesting that further research in these areas could enhance TPV adoption.

A new academic study reveals that $79 billion could be saved in annual climate-related costs from the production of 9 common materials. These costs, which stem from greenhouse gas emissions, are not reflected in current market prices, and effectively create a massive subsidy for carbon-intensive industries. 

If the climate costs from these materials were factored into prices, some materials would see significant cost increases:

Cement: 62% increase  

Lime: 61% increase  

Gypsum: 47% increase  

Steel: 22%  

Plastics: 19%