Latest handbook from the California Pubic Utilities Commission on the states solar project of becoming the country’s biggest solar power producer was issued today.
This covers all sectors of the california solar community (consumers, producers etc)
Original Article here
On Dec 15, Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke piloted a B-52 bomber from Edwards Airforce Base, on a test flight powered by synthetic fuel. The fuel is a 50-50 blend of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuel. The fuel is derived from Natural Gas via the Fischer-Tropsch method.
Part of the test flight involved checking fuel consumption as well some operational manuevers : Simulated bomb runs, aerial refueling, speed-down maneuver and some throttle bursts.
Officials said the eight-engine test further demonstrates the Air Force’s commitment to using alternate fuels and is the next step in the testing and certification process before the fuel can go into widespread use.
Next steps to be taken are testing the fuel if it can start at cold temperatures. This will happen around January-February next year.
Article here via Airforce Link
I hate to draw inspiration from objects of nefarious origins, but please just humor me this instance. Marijuana growers of Mexico have started planting a new hybrid of cannabis sativa that is resilient and quick maturing. The new strain is resistant to herbicide, reaches maturity within just 2 months and can be harvested year around. Compare that with the existing variety that can be harvested only twice a year and planted within a specific season only.
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Owing to a more than 5% rise in corn prices, China has put on hold all applications for future Ethanol Distilleries. China currently has 4 approved Ethanol Projects that produces 1.02 million tons of Ethanol. Ethanol from these Distilleries feed the 20% mixture requirement of China.
The reasons given for the upsurge in prices are:
Expanding industrial demand, along with increasing need for corn by livestock and the reluctance of corn growers to sell in expectation for higher prices
It’s obvious what the problem was, the market was there but the inputs weren’t. Yikes, this proves again the problem of using a feedstock that is being used for consumption.
Original Article here
Business 2.0’s Chris Taylor lists Thin Film Solar Panels as one of the significant innovations for 2007.
I would have mentioned also: a sudden conscientious effort of tech companies and the US government to lower power consumption of tech devices. Then again, that’s more of like an industry trend/movement than a physical item *snicker*
Original Article here
