By using the natural motion of slow-moving water, a new hydrokinetic
generator could open vast new areas of the ocean for energy
production. Vortex Hydro Energy, founded by Michael Bernitsas, a University of Michigan engineer, has
developed a prototype energy-harvester that can capture the mechanical
energy water currents create. The National Science Foundation, the U.S. Navy, and the Department of Energy
have together contributed about $2 million to Vortex to further develop
the concept.
Marquiss Wind Power, located near Sacramento, CA., has found a niche in the renewable energy market by focusing on big box stores, hospitals, casinos, or any other large building with a flat roof and a good wind profile. By using a small blade turbine and ducts to capture and guide the wind, Marquiss has created an energy and economically efficient way for commercial and industrial businesses to reduce their energy costs. The turbines do not require transmission lines or other infrastructure costs as the location of the power generated is the same as the power consumed.
Hybrid passenger cars using internal combustion engines and energy stored in batteries are not the only vehicle hybrids. UPS has purchased a prototype delivery truck that has a hybrid system using hydraulic fluid and a high-pressure pump instead of electrical current and a generator. In this design, energy is stored in a series of pressurized tanks as hydraulic fluid pressurized to thousands of pounds per square inch. Benefits of this type of hybrid include being able to deliver large amounts of energy quickly and storing energy so that it doesn't degrade over time, increasing miles per gallon, and reducing carbon emissions.



A
After a long, intense week, I decided we'd take a virtual vacation this week on our global photo tour. How about traveling to
At the recent
While I was staying in San Rafael for Bioneers, I found the regional paper slipped under my door each morning. As I scanned the front page on Saturday my internal “Green Trends” bells went off. I started to read the paper to discover what I could about the region’s green attitudes and economy. 
Text Rangers Before Raiding Villages
The wind energy industry continues to grow in the US, bit by bit, part
by part. Four wind turbine parts manufactures now have plans to put
factories in Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana and Minnesota. These factories
will generate hundreds of good paying green jobs in America. As more
states require utilities to get a percentage of their power from
renewable sources, the
If you’ve spent any time tracking the news over the last two weeks you know about the volatile financial situation.
First Stop: 


