Ben Pilkington

Feature Writer

B.A. (Hons) English Language and Literature, M.St. English Language and Literature

Ben Pilkington is a freelance writer who is interested in society and technology. He enjoys learning how the latest scientific developments can affect us and imagining what will be possible in the future.

Since completing graduate studies at Oxford University in 2016, Ben has reported on developments in computer software, the UK technology industry, digital rights and privacy, industrial automation, IoT, AI, additive manufacturing, sustainability, and clean technology.

Ben is happiest on a bicycle, loves sleeping in a tent or under the stars, and can’t function properly without coffee.

Articles from Ben

The Crucial Role of Engineering to Help Achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals

This article explores how engineering supports the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

7 Jul 2023

Recent Developments Making Hydrogen Aviation a Reality

Hydrogen-powered aviation has moved closer to reality in 2022, with recent announcements from major aerospace companies Rolls-Royce and Airbus. Ground tests for hydrogen engines are underway, but there are still significant hurdles to overcome before emissions-free commercial aviation can progress.

20 Dec 2022

Latest Developments in Electric Aircraft

While there are currently no commercial electric aircraft projects in the pipeline, several concepts have shown that electric flight is possible. This article examines the latest research in this field and asks if electric aviation will ever take off.

20 Dec 2022

Tracking the Sun with Floating Solar Panels

Finding space for industrial-scale solar power arrays is a challenge for many countries aiming to significantly scale up renewable power capacity to meet net-zero carbon emissions targets. As a result, floating solar panel system use is increasing. In the Netherlands, this technology has been combined with solar tracking systems to produce a floating solar array that follows the sun for maximum efficiency throughout the day.

29 Nov 2022

Recent Developments in Green Energy Harvesting Devices

Energy harvesting devices are gaining attention today as a key enabling technology for future Internet of Things (IoT) applications, particularly to help achieve so-called “trillion sensor systems” that passively and simultaneously monitor trillions of data points.

29 Nov 2022

Is Rainwater Safe to Drink?

A research paper by scientists working at Stockholm University, Sweden, recently disclosed that rainwater is not safe to drink anywhere on the planet.

26 Aug 2022

Recent Developments in Solar Energy Technology

There have been increased developments in solar energy technology in recent years. More viable commercial collar energy platforms are becoming available in more areas for a lower price than ever before. The solar power movement is still approaching maturity and promises exciting developments to come

30 Jun 2022

What is Renewable Natural Gas?

Renewable natural gas comes from a number of sources and goes by different names. Sustainable natural gas, biomethane, and biogas are all types of renewable natural gas. They can produce energy with less greenhouse gas emissions and other kinds of pollution, and there are a number of projects worldw

30 Jun 2022

Gasoline vs Diesel: Which is More Polluting?

Diesel vehicles burn less carbon dioxide (CO2) than gasoline cars to cover the same distance in highway conditions. However, they also emit potentially toxic particulate matter that has been shown to significantly impact public health.

23 Jun 2022

Sustainable Alternatives to Lithium Use in Batteries

Many electronic devices need lithium-ion batteries as a power source. However, lithium presents serious sustainability challenges. This article looks at the sustainable alternatives to lithium for battery applications.

16 May 2022