To hear proponents talk about Thorium reactors, you would think that Thorium is the energy panacea for which we have been searching. This readily found element can be used to create nuclear reactors that are walk-away safe, with waste that has a much shorter half life and should be easier to dispose of. Current, nuclear reactors need multiple redundant systems and can blow up as we’ve seen with Fukishima. Thorium reactors won’t blow up and don’t need the multiple redundant systems. If they are so great why are we still using Uranium reactors?
Technology for a greener future
Archive for the ‘renewable energy’ Category
MIT researchers develop do-it-yourself solar cells from grass clippings
Solar power is growing the fastest in developing countries that don’t have access to electrical grids. Solar panels are still expensive although cheaper than purchasing fossil fuels for generators. MIT scientists have come up with a method of creating your own solar cells using grass clippings that will be extremely cheap to make.
Better Place gets its Israeli battery swap system up and running
Better Place has one of the more unique ways of dealing with exhausted electric car batteries. While it does offer charging stations which take quite a while to charge your battery, it also offers the option of simply switching it out. A 100 car fleet of electric vehicles will now begin testing the infrastructure which stretches across Israel.
Will algae or seaweed solve our fuel problems
Earlier this week Joule Unlimited secured $70 million in funding. The company happens to have algae facilities that turn carbon dioxide and sunlight into biodiesel and ethanol. Meanwhile Bio Architecture Lab was able to get seaweed to create chemicals and biofuels. Both processes use patented organisms to create the biofuel.
Austin Energy has the largest utility scale solar project in Texas
Energy companies are beginning to put Texas’ vast amount of sunshine to use. Having the largest utility scale solar project in the state is something to brag about. Texas likes things big and Austin Energy’s 30MW solar farm fits that the bill while also providing clean energy to thousands of homes.
Parisian architects propose an algae-green loop for Marina City in Chicago
Parisian firm Influx Studio is proposing a radical retrofit of the Marina City towers in Chicago. The renovation of the buildings would result in a variety of green innovations and architectural features that would result in renewable energy, vertical agriculture and cleaner air.
Bamboo charcoal provides income opportunities while saving African Forests
Using bamboo charcoal rather than forest wood in Africa has the potential to provide an excellent source of heat, economic opportunities, all while saving African forests. Charcoal is used for both heat and cooking in large areas of Africa and is seen as a major factor in the decimation of forests and the desertification of parts of the continent.
Researchers develop solar beads to heat your home
Researchers in India have developed a new type of bead from paraffin and stearic acid. It absorbs heat from the sun during the day and then releases the heat at night. The new beads should work well in climates like the United States Southwestern states.
Give light this Christmas with Nokero
Nokero makes a number of affordable solar products that would make great gifts for people on your Christmas list. The company also gives you a way to give light as a gift to those in need.
The solar powered mPowerPad charges your gadgets and lights your way
But wait it does so much more! This device almost belongs in an infomercial. It might actually take an infomercial to explain how it works and everything it does.