{"title":"Achieving net zero in power and energy","authors":"","doi":"10.1038/s44287-026-00265-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-026-00265-y","url":null,"abstract":"This Focus issue explores how intelligent power systems and sustainable energy technologies are driving the transition toward net-zero emissions.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 2","pages":"75-75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s44287-026-00265-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yusheng Zheng, Yunhong Che, Shengyu Tao, Xiaosong Hu, Remus Teodorescu
{"title":"Unlocking rapid and scalable battery diagnostics through active perturbations","authors":"Yusheng Zheng, Yunhong Che, Shengyu Tao, Xiaosong Hu, Remus Teodorescu","doi":"10.1038/s44287-026-00261-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-026-00261-2","url":null,"abstract":"Ensuring battery safety and longevity requires cost-effective and scalable diagnostics, yet these are hindered by the ‘black box’ nature of batteries and limited sensing technology. Active perturbations could elicit informative responses that improve diagnostic performance and provide mechanistic insights, unlocking rapid and interpretable diagnostics.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 4","pages":"203-204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147686418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sebastian Schwarz, Subham Sahoo, Mirko Stoffers, Patrick Pollok, Leonardo Pompe, Arthur M. Fibich, Amila Kaharević, Klaus Wehrle, Antonello Monti, Frank Piller, Frede Blaabjerg
{"title":"Resilient low-inertia power systems through asynchronous energy balancing","authors":"Sebastian Schwarz, Subham Sahoo, Mirko Stoffers, Patrick Pollok, Leonardo Pompe, Arthur M. Fibich, Amila Kaharević, Klaus Wehrle, Antonello Monti, Frank Piller, Frede Blaabjerg","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00256-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00256-5","url":null,"abstract":"Low-carbon power systems with decreasing inertia are challenging traditional operational principles based on a global synchronous frequency, turning rigid synchronism into a growing threat to power system stability. In this Perspective, we discuss a bottom-up vision for compartmentalizing power systems into multiple asynchronous and independent subsystems. These subsystems, operating under different technologies, can form an asynchronous power system architecture that balances energy through a store-and-forward-like approach. Building on advances in smart power electronics, the proposed asynchronous conjecture avoids synchronism by proactively routing dynamic energy streams between those asynchronous subsystems, drawing inspiration from the principles of the Internet and telecommunications. Cyber–physical system theory, low-latency communication systems, novel abstraction and modelling principles, and the growing availability of energy storage emerge as enablers for this shift. The new paradigm can enhance power system resilience, support long-term sustainability goals, maximize energy independence and energy security, and create socio-economic opportunities. The transition to low-carbon energy resources necessitates resilient power grids capable of handling low-inertia system dynamics. This Perspective proposes an Internet-inspired power system set-up composed of independent, asynchronous compartments able to balance energy across the entire grid.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 2","pages":"101-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sodium sulfamate breakthrough powers large-scale zinc/bromine flow batteries","authors":"Miranda L. Vinay","doi":"10.1038/s44287-026-00260-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-026-00260-3","url":null,"abstract":"Researchers introduce sodium sulfamate as a bromine scavenger for zinc/bromine flow batteries, reducing levels of corrosive free bromine. This innovation boosts energy density, cycle life, and corrosion resistance, offering a promising route to stable, cost-effective large-scale energy storage.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 2","pages":"85-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandra Sandéhn, S. S. V. Prasanna Vijayarouthu, Alex Costa, Eleni Stavrinidou
{"title":"Bioelectronics for basic plant science and precision agriculture","authors":"Alexandra Sandéhn, S. S. V. Prasanna Vijayarouthu, Alex Costa, Eleni Stavrinidou","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00258-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00258-3","url":null,"abstract":"The rapid growth of the global population and intensified climate challenges make the need for sustainable and efficient food production more urgent than ever. Agriculture is both an important contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and impacted by environmental degradation. Emerging bioelectronic technologies enable real-time monitoring and precise modulation of plant physiology and environmental conditions and have the potential to transform sustainable agriculture. In this Review, we explore the applications of bioelectronics in basic plant science and precision agriculture. In basic research, these technologies can complement or overcome limitations of traditional tools, accelerating efforts to engineer plants that are resistant to environmental stress and have enhanced productivity. In agriculture, bioelectronics offer potential for optimized resource use, enhanced crop yield and early disease detection. While highlighting the interdisciplinary challenges of integrating bioelectronics, from materials and device design through to field deployment and environmental impact, we aim to inform and inspire plant scientists, engineers and agricultural stakeholders. Emerging bioelectronic technologies enable real-time monitoring and precise modulation of plant physiology and environmental conditions. These technologies have the potential to accelerate basic plant science research and transform sustainable agriculture.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 3","pages":"145-156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147570489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Li (, ), Jie Chen (, ), Shengyao Shi (, ), Qi Kang (, ), Ju Tang (, ), Xiaoxing Zhang (, ), Song Xiao (, ), Xingyi Huang (, )
{"title":"Sustainable insulating materials for power systems","authors":"Yi Li \u0000 (, ), Jie Chen \u0000 (, ), Shengyao Shi \u0000 (, ), Qi Kang \u0000 (, ), Ju Tang \u0000 (, ), Xiaoxing Zhang \u0000 (, ), Song Xiao \u0000 (, ), Xingyi Huang \u0000 (, )","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00254-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00254-7","url":null,"abstract":"Insulating materials are key components of power systems for the generation, transmission, storage, conversion and utilization of electrical energy. However, most insulating materials remain unsustainable and pose increasing environmental concerns. Developing sustainable insulating materials is therefore essential for achieving long-term sustainability in power systems. This Review summarizes the gas, liquid and solid insulating materials widely used in power systems and outlines strategies for improving their sustainability, including substitution, benign degradation, recycling, reuse and resource conversion. The Review also highlights the scientific and technological challenges in materials design, waste conversion and engineering applications, together with pathways involving policy frameworks, technology maturity and industry standards towards global net zero goals. This Review provides a holistic view of sustainable gas, liquid and solid insulating materials, focusing on substitution, benign degradation, recycling, reuse and resource conversion to support net zero power systems.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 2","pages":"86-100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A systems engineering approach to enhance utilization of renewable energy","authors":"Yuanzheng Li, Juntao Duan, Yijia Cao, Ming Chi, Jiehui Zheng, Waisheng Zheng, Hoay Beng Gooi, Zhigang Zeng","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00253-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00253-8","url":null,"abstract":"There are challenges in making large-scale and full utilization of renewable energy in power systems. We consider the need to integrate prediction, analysis, dispatch and control — and call for a systems engineering approach to power system operation that can enhance the utilization of renewable energy.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 2","pages":"79-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Compact UV spectral imager","authors":"Rachel Won","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00257-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00257-4","url":null,"abstract":"A study in Nature Photonics reports a miniaturized cascaded-diode-array spectral imager that enables electrically tunable spectral measurements from 365 nm down to 250 nm.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 1","pages":"9-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145970218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"New phase, new faces, same mission","authors":"","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00259-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00259-2","url":null,"abstract":"This year brings fresh perspectives to our editorial team, alongside a renewed focus on delivering authoritative insights and fostering collaboration. Together, let’s make 2026 a year of innovation, dialogue and transformative breakthroughs.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 1","pages":"1-1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s44287-025-00259-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145970217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Large language models in 6G from standard to on-device networks","authors":"Hang Zou, Qiyang Zhao, Samson Lasaulce, Chao Zhang, Yu Tian, Lina Bariah, Faouzi Bader, Merouane Debbah","doi":"10.1038/s44287-025-00239-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-025-00239-6","url":null,"abstract":"Sixth-generation radiocommunications (6G) systems are adopting language models for intent-driven control, context-aware adaptation to environmental and network dynamics, and end-to-end orchestration of communication. Conventional artificial intelligence (AI) typically lacks capabilities in task generalization, communication and reasoning; however, the rapid development of efficient large language models (LLMs) can automate mobile and network operations and inform the design of 6G. In this Perspective, we discuss the use of LLMs in 6G networks. We show how cloud LLMs can improve the self-organization, efficiency and local deployment of 6G networks. Next, we describe key techniques for implementing LLMs on devices for 6G. Finally, we propose LLMs for in multi-agent scenarios, emphasizing the importance of telecom-specific adaptations and security. LLMs have the potential to improve network design, operation and service delivery by enabling telecom stakeholders to convert intents into trustworthy, privacy-aware decisions that deliver more reliable services for users. This Perspective examines the potential of large language models (LLMs) in sixth-generation radiocommunications (6G) networks, highlighting cloud LLM fundamentals, telecom-specific adaptations, edge-device implementation techniques and multi-agent deployments.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"3 2","pages":"123-134"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}