Alternative energy information, books, magazines, experiments etc.

We focus primarily on energy and it's production here but there is another
global resource that we should be concerned about! What about water?

What are the alternatives to fossil fuels and other traditional energy sources? Many are eager for a transition into a hydrogen based economy, this author included. What is a hydrogen economy, how will we get there and what are the stumbling blocks, find out! A recent study by Cal Tech suggests that intense scrutiny concerning detection of leaks in the transfer and storage of Hydrogen will be essential to development and implementation of the Hydrogen Economy, see an article from Wired News.

This article display many interesting links to help support solutions to the problems discussed above. Is the Hydrogen economy of to shaky start?

Iceland opens Hydrogen refueling station in a converted Shell station in Reykjavik. Find out more in this Popular Science online magazine article.

Imagine giving your sell phone a shot of vodka to keep it working! Researchers Saint Louis University have successfully generated electrical current by catalyzing alcohol using enzymes with a biofuel cell. They have accomplished producing a current continuously for over a month and are optimistic that devices will be on the market in two years, Learn More!

Penn Engineering, at Pennsylvania State, has a fuel cell using copper, rather than nickel, this solid oxide fuel cell system (SOFC) allows electricity production with common fuel such as natural gas, propane, gasoline and diesel, check out the entire concept. Follow the development of this process at Franklin Fuel Cell's Website. Normally to utilize a conventional fuel a reformer is required, using steam to prepare the solid fuel for use, by eliminating this a 20% to 40% gain in efficiency is made. This development should yield great benefits to the environment in regards to the trucking industry and the problem of idling trucks and busses!

You are probably aware of hydrogen production by splitting water molecules using electricity, solar panels. Hydrogen can also be had by modifying, processing, petroleum based fuel, gasoline and by processing methanol for use in fuel cells. l but did you know that research is underway to harness this useful gas from common pond scum, algae? Check out scientific research and commercial developments in this area.

Scientist at the University of Wisconsin in Madison have a process by which hydrogen can be produced from glucose, readily available in corn and wheat. Using platinum as a catalyst this procedure can also extract hydrogen from methanol.

A hydrogen powered vehicle from BMW turns heads at the World Summit in Africa, the petrochemical distributors need to get on the band wagon.

You have heard the saying "Oil and water don't mix", well this guy figured out how to do it and make another alternate fuel, Aqua-fuel.

This new form of automotive transportation is not full of hot air, but it is full of air, get a hint about a new car being developed in France, the Air Car.

The Solar Tower: A unique approach to generating electrical energy may be moving beyond the drawing boards. An "energetic" project is planned to be constructed in Wentworth Shire, New South Wales, Australia.

The tower is really a huge chimney which will utilize solar energy to generate winds in excess of 35 miles per hour to, in turn, generate enough electricity to power 200,000 homes, 24-365, unaffected by weather or wind conditions

EnviroMission intends to bring this to life using a design by German structural engineers Schlaich Bergermann and Partner (SBP). Visible from space as well as 80 miles away at ground level, the Solar Tower will It will be nearly twice the height of the CN Tower in Canada, the world's tallest structure.

Vertical multijunction (VMC) cell, A compound cell made of different semiconductor materials in layers, one above the other. Sunlight entering the top passes through successive cell barriers, each of which converts a separate portion of the spectrum into electricity. This definition from the glossary of Solar Energy Online describes a technology which may allow for transparent solar panels for use as window shades, glass walls, skylights etc.

Energy Conservation. Improved lighting efficiency.
I See the Light!

A discussion about energy conservation can extend into many realms, starting with lighting efficiency is a great starting point. Light emitting diode, LED based lighting is already in the marketplace, flashlights, lights for the home etc., but demand is high, production cannot keep up and prices are accordingly high.

Researchers at Rensselaer’s Lighting Research Center (LRC) are developing advanced LEDs and other solid-state lighting technologies that could ultimately replace today’s conventional bulbs.

Energy Conservation! Pollution Reduction!

Touted as predecessors to fuel cell cars 25 PZEV vehicles are available now! California's new emission standards are paying dividends, the new standards have caused auto manufacturers to raise the pollution reduction bar to previously unheard of new heights. This new generation of cars sets the stage for a much cleaner future. Put your money where our mouth is!

Renewable Energy Policy Project. With information on hydro, bio-energy, wind, solar energy, geothermal and hydrogen.
The Online Environmental Community Environmental resources!
The Solar Server, A Forum for Solar Energy ~ A primer on solar cells. Photovoltaics: Solar electricity and solar cells in theory and practice.
The World-wide Information System for Renewable Energy ~ a German based resource, An initiative of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES).
Renewable Fuels Association ~ As the national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been working as the "Voice of the Ethanol Industry" since 1981 to secure a strong marketplace for ethanol.
Update your information with The Global Environment Report, receive Pollution and Population growth information, courtesy of the New Scientist.
Energy Future Coalition ~ American leadership is needed to chart a new energy future for the U.S. and the world – one that will responsibly address three great and overarching challenges: 1.The political and economic security threat posed by the world’s dependence on oil. 2.The risk to the global environment from climate change. 3.The lack of access of the world’s poor to modern energy services and other basics they need for economic advancement.
Education - Alternative Energy Sources, a solar experiment for children.
Home Power, Hand on Journal - Online, helpful, informative ideas, people.
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. Events and articles!
Kortright Centre - Energy: Solar & Wind, demonstrations and workshops.
California Energy Commission
American Wind Energy Association
Dale's Alternative Energy System
Dulley's House, A virtual tour with 100 pics of energy saving ideas.
Infinite Energy Magazine Futuristic energy sources, cold fusion etc.
ENERGY FACT SHEETS Traditional energy sources and consequences,
alternative fuels and energy sources, lots of useful information.
Appropriate Technology Books, from Barnes & Nobel
Alternative Energy Institute
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ~ As a point of balance inclusion of this federal arm is included, what is their job, and are they doing a good job?