Beth's Archive

How oil dependent is your state?

This item was filled under [ Technology ]
(Credit: David Gardiner & Associates/NRDC)

The effects that fluctuating oil prices have had on the average American vary widely by state, according to a report released Wednesday by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Fighting Oil Addiction: Ranking States’ Oil Vulnerability and Solutions for Change,” a report (PDF) prepared for the …

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Batteries set to become $60 billion industry by ’13

This item was filled under [ Technology ]

So far in 2009, battery companies have received over $600 million in venture capital funding, compared with $478 million garnered for 2008, according to research analyst Lux Research.

The investment isn’t without reason. In a report released Tuesday, Lux predicted that the energy storage market will grow to become …

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Fuel efficient spy drone for sale

This item was filled under [ Technology ]

While the U.S. military has several incarnations of airplane drones running on various alternative fuel sources, it’s not something the average person, or even company, can go out and buy.

That might be changing.

BlueBird Aero Systems and Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies announced Thursday that they’ve co-developed …

Originally posted at Planetary Gear

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Tires to match your cellulosic ethanol?

This item was filled under [ Technology ]

Doctoral student Web Bai working on a rubber composite for tires in an OSU laboratory.

(Credit: Oregon State University)

I’m sure you’ve heard of a rubber tree plant, but have you also heard about the new rubber tree tire?

Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have developed a …

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Giant Oyster machine waves in electricity

This item was filled under [ Technology ]

The Oyster in open position.

(Credit: Aquamarine)

A new approach to harnessing the ocean’s power for energy is getting some positive attention.

The Oyster, a giant oscillating device developed by Aquamarine Power that uses hydraulic technology to convert wave power into electricity, won the “Innovator of 2009″ award from …

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Sandbag is bagging carbon credits

This item was filled under [ Technology ]
(Credit: Sandbag)

Part environmental watchdog and part social-networking site, Sandbag
lobbies the United Nations and European Union for tighter caps on carbon emissions and permits, while buying up carbon credits.

The U.K.-based not-for-profit community organization, whose motto is “real action on climate change,” launched in September 2008. It …

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Zero touts electric motorcycle

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The Zero DS

(Credit: Zero Motorcycles)

The all-electric Zero DS motorcycle from start-up Zero Motorcycles became available in the U.S. on Thursday.

For $9,950, U.S. drivers can ride both on and off-road free from carbon guilt.

In addition to running on a power pack of lithium-ion batteries, …

Originally posted at Planetary Gear

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Tesla’s Musk gloats over Eberhard ruling

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The Tesla Roadster

(Credit: Tesla Motors)

A San Mateo County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied former Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard’s request that he be declared one of only two Tesla founders, according to a statement released by Tesla Motors late Wednesday night.

“We agree that Eberhard’s …

Originally posted at Planetary Gear

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N.J. using utility poles in solar push

This item was filled under [ Technology ]

New Jersey to approve deal to install 200,000 solar panels around the state on its utility poles.

(Credit: Petra Solar)

It looks like those unsightly utility poles throughout New Jersey will be getting yet another accessory.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is set to approve on Thursday …

Originally posted at Planetary Gear

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