Biofuels Made From Algae?

Graph Courtesy of Biodiesel Kits

Studies have long proven that the Algae floating across our vast oceans is what provides the planet with the majority of our oxygen. Isn't it amazing then, that at least two companies are developing ways to turn algae into fuel as well.

Specific strains of algae secrete oils which can be converted into biofuels. The growth tanks can be set up anywhere there is spare land and enough sunshine to encourage growth. 

Algae grow much faster than traditional crops, and may even be able to use wastewater or ocean water during their development, rather than precious fresh water. Both Sapphire Energy in California and Algenol in Florida are nearing commercial development stage for their fuels.

Solar Roadways: Driving Green

Testing the Solar Roadway Panels with a Tractor

Imagine driving down a road that is powering your car, your city, and itself all at the same time. No more paint lines, just use LEDs lights that can also tell you road speed or when someone is crossing the street. Snow? Ice? Not a problem, internal heaters keep snow and ice from forming on the road. What powers this amazing roadway? Light. Sun, headlamps, anything that produces light that the panels can transform into electricity.  Brilliant! (Pun intended)

Check them out! Solar Roadways

Wind Turbines vs Hurricanes

 
Scientists have recently discovered an interesting fact about wind turbines. Not only can they create energy for us by harnessing the power of the wind, they also reduce wind speeds by up to 50%. Testing has shown that placing a large array of wind turbines along the most common paths of hurricanes would minimize damage by reducing both wind speeds and storm surges before they hit the coast.

A Sweet Future for Energy

 

A team at Virginia Tech University in the USA has developed a battery that runs off of, you guessed it, sugar! The battery safely (and non-toxically) breaks down sugar and harnesses the released energy to power the attached electronics. Producing ten times as much energy as a regular ion battery; these new sugar batteries have been proposed for use in smart phones, tablets, and even electric cars. To recharge, just add more sugar! Sweet!