Follow the Green Money: DOE Awards $92 Million to 43 Projects, Microsoft Invests in EcoMotors, Infinite Power Solutions Raises $7.35 Million

The Department of Energy has awarded 43 development projects a total of $92 million to discover how the US uses and produces energy more efficiently.  The projects that received funding include affordable, large scale energy storage, increasing efficiency of power conversion, and building cooling.

Two large investors, Microsoft and Vinod Khosla, have become exclusive Series B investors in EcoMotors, a manufacturer of highly efficient diesel engines.  The amount of the investment was not disclosed. EcoMotors has designed a new internal combustion engine that they claim can get up to 100 miles per gallon of diesel fuel.

Infinite Power Solutions has raised $7.35 million of a goal of $20 million to continue to develop thin film batteries.  Thin film batteries have the same power as lithium-ion batteries, but can be made in molded shapes.  The Colorado based company is accepting resumes for material scientists, production engineers, among others. 

Austin, TX based KLD Energy Technologies has raised $4.9 million of a planned $6 million to develop motor systems for electric vehicles.  KLD's plan is to develop engines for two and three wheel scooters in Asia and South America and then enter the US market.