An Avalanche of Solar Power

Proof of electron avalanche effect has been demonstrated in certain semiconducting crystals. Long story short, these means that methods of producing better, cheaper solar cells may be coming in the future. We hope.

Focus Fusion?

I'll believe it when it's powering my home, but Eric Lerner is determined to make Focus Fusion a household name (and a working, proven technology). If this works the world's economies will be turned on their heads. About darn time.

Descendent of Luxfer

Prismatic glass is on its way back in Japan as a cost-effective substitute for indoor lighting. The new product, Solbene, has a high up-front cost but can pay for itself in the long run.

Cyanobacteria Create Sugar, Cellulose

At least now we've got yet another way to make ethanol that's better than fermenting corn. It's a shame the cyanobacteria must use sunlight instead of raw heat sources, but it's still pretty good tech, especially considering how hardy they are and how easy it is to harvest desirable output. What is unknown (or what the article does not specify) is the effective efficiency of these bacteria. Typical crops convert sunlight to biomass at a rate of around 6% efficiency; hopefully these bacteria can do a better job.

Converting Radiation to Electricity

A new method for converting radiation directly to electricity is being explored as a replacement to thermoelectric-based nuclear batteries traditionally used in spacecraft. The material currently being tested is composed of carbon nanotubes, gold, and lithium hydride, making it potentially expensive but interesting nevertheless.

Other potential applications for this material would be as a replacement or complement to steam turbines in nuclear reactors or as a nuclear waste-based power generation system. The actual efficiency of this technology is still in question, but it is allegedly twenty times more efficient than thermoelectrics when used in the same application.

GAO Report on US Alternative Energy Use/Investment

The US General Accounting Office has released a report highlighting our government's inability to wean Americans from fossil fuels. Our dependence on them has dropped from 93% in 1973 to 85% today - a far cry from where we need to be.

Nanowire-based Ultracapacitors May Replace Car Batteries

More news is circulating about advancements in the realm of nanowire-based ultracapacitors. It is possible that EEstor is already ahead of the game in this area of research, but that remains to be seen.

Titan Covered in Hydrocarbons

It would seem that Saturn's moon Titan is awash in hydrocarbons. It has so much raining from the sky that it is estimated to have hundreds of times the amount in Earth's oil and coal reserves. It looks like we may have found Earth's next energy source if we can't think of anything better (and if we can find a way to harness all that stored energy).

Minutes of the January 22nd Energy Hub Meeting

Matthew Hine has graciously provided me with a copy of minutes from the January 22nd Energy Hub meeting. Thanks to him for that!