Green news harvest: 'Green bricks,' big solar deals

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

• Dutch town tests 'air-purifying' concrete - AFP
  "Green bricks" that convert harmful air pollutants into harmless nitrates in sunlight will be tested this year. Sounds extremely clever.
• Five Fuel-Saving Technologies - Car And Driver
  Everybody seems to want a plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell, but mass-produced models are a few years away. Check out some near-term technology options for efficiency.

The famed designer's planned home wind turbine.
(Credit: Philippe Starck Network)
• Abengoa Rakes in $426 million for 4 Solar Power Plants - Earth2Tech
  Spanish renewable-energy giant will use a range of solar technologies to install 300 megawatts worth of electricity.
• ReCellular Announces Investment, Expansion - Press release
  Cell phone recycler adds $15 million in investment, a sign that recycling e-waste could be profitable.
• Green from Green: Rising Energy Costs May be Good News for 'Clean Tech' Firms--and Their Investors - Knowledge@Wharton
  More on the Internet bubble versus clean-tech bubble discussion.
• Energy dilemma: Cheap or green? - The Economist
  Snapshot from Britain on the social challenges of investing in clean energy over cheaper, dirty sources.
• Blackstone Establishes Cleantech Energy Group - Press release
  More big private-equity money moving in.
• Cellulosic Ethanol Primer: I Like the Name "Celluline" - Gas 2.0
  Good primer to get the basics on ethanol production.
• Philippe Starck Turns His Attention to Ecology - The New York Times
  For the design-conscious, an interview with Philippe Starck, who is intent on democratizing "ecology" with beautiful objects.
• Kangaroo farming would cut greenhouse gases: study - Reuters
  Can we now convince the Australians to savor a 'roo steak and chips?