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.

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Articles from Ben

Solar Energy Management Systems on an Industry-First Vessel

Shipping companies are beginning to transition toward fully renewable or cleaner energy sources to drive their vessels, and gradually giving up their use of fossil fuels. Finnish shipping firm Wartsila installed a hybrid energy system with solar power onboard the Paolo Topic bulk carrier in 2021.

31 Jan 2022

Rolls-Royce and the Fight for Aircraft Electrification

There are around 200 known electrified aircraft projects in development at the moment, all racing to bring the next generation of sustainable air travel to the market. In September 2021, British engineering leader, Rolls-Royce, recorded the first flight of its all-electric aircraft, “Spirit of Innov

28 Jan 2022

Heila EDGE: A Modular Energy Platform for the Creation of Self-Managing Microgrids

Technology company Heila Technologies recently introduced a modular energy platform that enables microgrids to automatically manage themselves. The end-to-end management system, Heila EDGE, connects solar arrays, batteries, and other resources in distributed energy systems and puts them to work to o

23 Dec 2021

The Challenges of Replacing Natural Gas with Hydrogen

A new strategy report from an Australian government agency sets out clear steps that could see the country transition to a “hydrogen economy” in the next few decades. The report identifies a plan to achieve a future hydrogen industry in Australia, as well as identifying key challenges and barriers t

25 Nov 2021

How Hydrogen May Be the Only Solution to Seasonal Grid Intermittencies

A new strategy from the Australian government sets out hydrogen’s future in the country. Solving problems with seasonal grid intermittencies is one of many benefits outlined in the report.

16 Nov 2021

Converting CO2 into Functional Materials at Room Temperature

Converting CO2 into functional materials at room temperature has been a major challenge for scientists seeking to usher in the future carbon-neutral society we need to avoid the worst-case scenario outcomes of climate change. Latest research shows that converting CO2 can be possible at ambient condi

10 Nov 2021

Climate-Smart Strategies in the Fishing Industry: A Review

A report by leading UK environmental organizations has urged the fishing industry to take immediate steps to decarbonize the sector, increase marine biodiversity, and protect carbon sinks in so-called blue carbon in the marine environment.

4 Nov 2021

How Can We Overcome Anthropogenic Climate Change Effects on Marine Species and Ecology?

Human-induced climate change has led to a significant increase in the oceans’ temperatures. As a result of this, species and ecosystems are under threat of extinction. This article dives into ocean warming and explains some of the ways we can avoid the worst possible effects of anthropogenic climate

8 Oct 2021

Siemens Gamesa's Fully Recyclable Offshore Wind Turbine Blade

Siemens Gamesa has launched a fully recyclable blade that can withstand the rigors of application in an offshore wind turbine. This is a significant step towards the company’s ambition of producing the world’s first recyclable offshore wind turbines by 2040.

7 Oct 2021

The US Plastics Pact’s National Strategy: Roadmap to 2025

The U.S. Plastics Pact recently launched a national strategy, Roadmap to 2025, that will make all plastic packaging in the US reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.

30 Sep 2021