Stories by Matthew L. Wald

Modified microbes eat waste and secrete fuel

Ten thoughts, trends and technologies that have the power to transform our lives

The U.S. needs a new electric transmission system to deliver cleaner, more reliable power nationwide. Four steps could clear hurdles

Yucca Mountain was supposed to be the answer to the U.S.'s nuclear waste problem, but after 22 years and $9 billion, that vision is dead. Now, some say that doing nothing in the near term may be the smartest solution

The need to tackle global climate change and energy security makes developing alternatives to fossil fuels crucial

The U.S. needs a high-voltage transmission system to deliver plentiful energy from wind and sunshine to power-hungry cities. At least one plan has emerged

Taking apart a nuclear power plant that has reached the end of its life is a complicated task. But not for the reasons you might expect

Newly approved reactor designs could reduce global warming and fossil-fuel dependence, but utilities are grappling with whether better nukes make market sense

Ethanol could displace gasoline, but it won't pay off until we find a way to distill cornstalks, not corn

Much excitement surrounds the progress in fuel cells, but the quest for a hydrogen economy is no trivial pursuit

Taking apart a nuclear power plant that has reached the end of its life is a complicated task. But not for the reasons you might expect