Green Energy News Items - 2/24/2008
New Solar Brush Technology Is a Giant Leap Ahead
Bloo Solar’s new solar brush, uses “billions of vertically grown nano cables on a thin film” to soak up the sun’s rays throughout the day from dawn to dark. This arrangement increases the surface area by an amazing 700% over traditional thin film solar panels.
What’s even more surprising in view of the increase in area, the solar brush technology uses 90% less material than conventional silicon based panels. This means significantly lower cost to produce with a higher return on power generated. Read about this innovative approach to solar technology at the Practical Environmentalist’s blog post Bloo solar: Solar is Getting Cheaper…Again
Batteries Not Included Because You Don’t Need Them
Corgi’s new battery-free remote controlled car is a revolutionary new concept in toys. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell which relies on solar power and water, this little auto has zero emissions but lots of appeal to kids and parents alike.
Corgi says the car, which can be refueled by water, also comes wrapped in recycled materials. Parents might also like the idea of their kids playing with something that teaches important lessons about alternative energy and how even kids can help the environment by using it. Read about how Kids Go Green With Revolutionary New Eco-Friendly Radio Controlled Toy Car.
Galapagos Islands Wind Power Project Is Online
On the site of the worst oil spill in the history of the Galapagos Islands, 3 wind turbines are generating 2.4 megawatts of power, enough to cut the islands’ dependence on diesel fuel in half, the first step in a plan to supply the 30,000 residents with renewable energy.
With its biodiversity and several endangered species, the Galapagos Islands is one of the most famous locations in the history of conservation and science. Rather than threatening this fragile ecosystem, the companies that cooperated on the wind project actually helped it with studies that tracked the habits of endangered petrels, provided for installations that would avoid the birds’ flight paths and even contributed to information that will help support and protect the birds and other species in future. Read First Galapagos Wind Turbines to Halve Diesel Imports here.
Renewable Energy Championed in US Senate
“Every time our country has faced a daunting challenge, we have risen to the occasion. That’s who we are. That’s what we do best,” says Harry Reid, US Senate Majority Leader. Reid was describing his proposal to support legislation that would set aside large tracts of appropriate land to support renewable energy projects such as solar and wind projects.
In addition to creating new jobs, reducing pollution and global warming, Reid went on to say, alternative energy projects will save consumers money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. More here at Senate Majority Leader Promotes Renewable Energy
Greenest Cities
Popular Science recently ranked the 50 greenest cities in America. Not surpisingly, Portland, Oregon led the list. This Green mecca, dubbed Rose City for its mild climate and long growing season, earned its place partly for generating half of its energy from renewable sources, encouraging its workforce to commute by bike, carpool or public transportation and for having so 35 LEED-certified buildings.
Some of the other cities on the list were a surprise, including New York City. Read America’s 50 Greenest Cities to find out how it got on the list and to see if your city made the cut.