News Harvest

Green news harvest: White 'green' roofs, cutting data center energy

Paint it white: Cool roofs save cash and carbon - Green WombatMy favorite low-tech solution of the week for lowering energy use. My roofer thought I was nuts when I asked about white roofs--now I'm vindicated! San Antonio is going green with sewage - Physorg.comTechnology treats waste water and sewage, captures methane to run the operation, and makes fertilizer. Four ways to reduce energy costs and environmental impact : TechRepublic VideoCNET News sister site TechRepublic runs down first steps to reducing electricity use in the data center. First step is getting a handle on the numbers. … Read more

A sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary.

To win the presidential race, it takes energy--USAToday.comA breakdown of the presidential candidates' positions on energy. Are cars powered by electricity and hydrogen really better for the planet than biofuels?--International Herald TribuneAs Europe looks to scale back biofuels targets, the biofuels industry fights back saying that hydrogen and electricity are flawed, too. What's needed is a holistic view of the options and a lot of data.

'Emissions-free' coal plant pilot fires up in Germany - AFPAn important test for so-called clean call in Germany. The Schwarze Pumpe, or Black Pump, will push carbon emissions from coal underground.

New bacteria could make cheaper ethanol - ReutersA scientist behind cellulosic ethanol company Mascoma publishes paper on genetically tuned microbe to shortcut the fermentation process. Thin-Film Solar Set to Take Market Share from Crystalline Solar PV - Greentech MediaExpect solar prices to fall and solar companies to get bruised, from anticipated silicon glut and ramp-up of alternative cell materials. Boston energy firm faces legal challenge over its technology - The Patriot Ledger … Read more

A sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary.

Surpassing expectations: State of the U.S. wind power market --Renewable Energy AccessA data download from the Department of Engery on the booming wind industry. Solar panels becoming target for thieves--CBS5.comHot commodities: a school in Pleasanton, Calif., has its solar panels stolen.

AltaRock & Weyerhaeuser Sign Engineered Geothermal Exploration Deal - RenewableEnergyWorld.comAltaRock, funded by Google and Kleiner Perkins, is an enhanced geothermal systems company drilling deep into stone to get renewable energy. Toyota Plugs Lithium Ion Batteries, Reluctantly - Greentech MediaA presentation from Toyota exec handicaps the different transportation technologies, including plug-in hybrids, liquid fuels, and hydrogen. Not mentioned is Toyota's rumored plans to use zinc air batteries for plug-ins.

Toyota Releases Sustainability Report 2008, Looks to Liquid Peak - Green Car CongressMore on Toyota's plans to use alternative fuels, as part of its corporate sustainability … Read more

Here's a sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary:

Solazyme adds $45 million - Private Equity HubAlgae-grower Solazyme is taking a different path to algae production than most to make renewable diesel, specialty chemicals, and food oils. Google ups investment into wind start-up Makani - Cleantech GroupMakani Power makes kites designed to make electricity from high-altitude wind. Sunrise Solar introduces solar sunroof - press releaseFrom the company that does solar car parks is a solar sunroof for a car.

Solar plane makes record flight - BBC NewsA solar-power plane goes for three days using stored … Read more

Duke's Rogers: China besting U.S. on green tech - Triangle Business Journal:Duke Energy CEO's recent trip to China convinces him China is blowing past the U.S. in green energy. Economist Energy Debate - Economist.comThe discussion focuses on how to transition to a low-carbon economy most effectively with a majority of voters saying we have the technology available now. Good to see an intelligent discussion of the right topic.

100 MPG Competition Sparks Innovation - Gas 2.0I can't wait to see what comes out of this, particularly because the intention is … Read more

A sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary. Investor support of climate action grows--CBS News Big polluters feel the, uh, heat from shareholders. Resolutions related to climate change more than doubled over the past five years, according to Ceres. Masdar breaks ground on photovoltaic factory in Germany--press releaseAbu Dhabi-based fund invests big in solar, diversifying from oil. This is also a major shot in the arm for thin-film solar cells, upping competition with silicon. Coskata due diligence--R-Squared Energy BlogBlogger Robert Rapier gives a hot ethanol start-up a rigorous screening and leaves with some questions. The key on all … Read more

Bill Clinton: 10 things the U.S. government should do for clean power--Earth2TechClinton urges politicos at National Clean Energy Summit to "rock the world" and create an energy-independent country. Northeast to be home heating oil hell?--CBS NewsConsumers and oil dealers are facing serious problems as oil prices are set to double this winter.