Thank goodness for over eager car buffs and Transformer fans – this morning, our friends at Jalopnik posted some great “spy” pics of the yet-to-be-released 2010 Chevy Volt and got some great video of it in it’s break out role in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Add another contender to the alternative aviation fuel race: Swift Enterprises. The company, which is based in Indiana, has developed a renewable jet fuel made from landfill waste, sorghum, algae, woodchips, and other feedstocks. Swift’s biofuel currently costs $60 per gallon to produce, but the company believes that the cost … [continued]
Could cyanobacteria eventually become a more popular biofuel than corn, sugarcane, or even algae? Quite possibly. According to Science Daily, cyanobacteria can convert up to 10 percent of the sun’s energy into biomass. This is a drastic improvement over the 1 percent rate of crops like corn and sugarcane, as … [continued]
An agreement between Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Byogy Renewables Inc, has renewed hopes of a future where gasoline prices are back within everyone’s grasp. And according to those involved, the process could become a reality within the next two years. “This technology is important because it addresses many … [continued]
Last month, scientists announced the discovery of a new technology to efficiently turn heat waste from cars, power generators, and heat pumps into electricity. But why stop there? GMZ Energy, a company formed by researchers from Boston College and MIT, has developed a manufacturing process to improve the efficiency of … [continued]
According to the US Department of Agriculture, recent experiments show that sweet potatoes and tropical cassava yield two to three times as much carbohydrate for ethanol production as field corn. Sweet potatoes and cassava also require significantly less fertilizer and pesticide than corn. The experiments are unique in that all … [continued]
This week is turning out to be a good one for the discovery of new catalysts. First we had catalysts to clean up toxic pollutants, and now researchers at Ohio State University say that they have developed a catalyst to make hydrogen from ethanol at 90% efficiency at only 350 … [continued]
I’ve often thought that algae could be one of the keys to our energy future, and now I’m more convinced than ever. In a conference call earlier today, Solazyme CEO Jonathan Wolfson said that his company is capable of producing millions of gallons of biodiesel derived from algae within 3 … [continued]
The world of biofuels might just be changed forever by a bug that is found in nearly every compost heap. Unlike traditionally used yeasts, the bug is very tolerant of tough plant matter. That means it could help convert a variety of raw materials—including willow, forest waste, and wheat stalks—into … [continued]
Last week, I wrote about a farm in China that will power itself entirely with chicken manure. Now poop power has made it to mainstream America with an announcement that the California State Fair will play host to the first known amusement ride powered by cow manure. The Barnyard Animal … [continued]
