Renewable energy : page 4

Renewable energy

New solar cell is world's most efficient

A new solar cell, developed by the Energy Department, is 31.1 percent efficient. That world record may not last long.

General Electric, PHG Energy join forces to develop new biomass generator system to convert sewage into electricity

General Electric, in association with PHG Energy of Tennessee, are working together to develop a biomass generator that will be able to dry out sewage and then turn it into electricity.

Houston to become the capital of renewable energy in the United States?

Houston, Texas, once a symbol of oil and fossil fuels, will be providing 50 percent of the electricity for its people from renewable sources starting July 1.

Department of Energy opens new clean energy research center in Colorado

Renewable energy testing grounds in Colorado allows researchers the chance to test renewable energy technologies at real-word energy levels. The Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory hope the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) helps better connect green energy to the grid.

Solar plane may help green energy take off

Solar Impulse, an airplane powered by the Sun, landed in Washington DC on June 16. Building the next version of the plane is already improving renewable energy technology right here on the ground.

Google X proposes flying wind turbines

Wind power is mostly generated by the tips of turbines. Why not get rid of most of the generator, and create flying wind turbine tips? The people who first conceived of Google Glass want to do just that.

Seychelles Islands switches on first-ever wind farm

Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, has just switched on its first-ever renewable energy plant, an eight-turbine wind farm. And that facility to replace fossil fuels came from an unexpected source.

Goldman Sachs invests in Japanese green energy

Goldman Sachs recently announced a major investment in solar energy in Japan, now they will be investing in wind, as well.

Natural gas a Texas-sized boon for green energy?

Texas is the nation's largest producer of wind power, as well as natural gas. Newly-found deposits mean gas is even cheaper there than before, but does it mean the end of green energy in the Lone Star State?

New polymer catalyst could boost fuel cells

Producing hydrogen for fuel cells just got a little easier with a new membrane that takes a lesson from plants, using artificial chlorophyll.

Renewable energy investments down, shift to developing nations

Renewable energy investments are down worldwide in 2012, but developing nations are increasing their spending on green energy. China now leads the U.S. in spending for green energy development.

Artificial photosynthesis test bed diagram

Artificial photosynthesis - A tiny test for gardens of green energy

Artificial photosynthesis may be able to provide a viable source of clean, cheap energy. But first, the new technologies need to be tested - that is now a snap, thanks to a clever, small test bed developed at Berkeley Labs that could help boast green energy.