Tesla often emphasizes that it works more like a Silicon Valley technology company than a traditional car company. And the company just proved it by delivering a model update to the Tesla Roadster for 2010. Remember, the Roadster has only been in production for one year, but in that time Tesla completely redesigned the interior,… Read More
California gives green light for space-based solar
December 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
by Martin LaMonica: California regulators on Thursday approved an ambitious project to beam solar energy from space starting in 2016. Under a power purchase agreement approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, utility Pacific Gas & Electric will purchase electricity from technology provider Solaren if it successfully deploys its space-based solar collectors, which would be… Read More
California approves efficiency mandate for TVs
November 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
by Martin LaMonica: The California Energy Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the first energy efficiency standards for televisions in the state over opposition from the Consumer Electronics Association. The rules mandate that televisions sold in California starting in 2011 consume 33 percent less electricity than current models and 49 percent less by 2013. The regulations… Read More
Solar-power start-up Ausra looks to sell itself
November 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The buyers could take a majority stake or snag the whole company and the discussions are at a “very aggressive level,” said one source familiar with the company, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Both sources said the interested companies were global conglomerates in the power generation business but declined to name… Read More
Nissan says all-electric Leaf will compete on price
November 16, 2009 By 1 Comment
The five-passenger hatchback, which is being designed to have an all-electric range of 100 miles, would cost only 1 percent to 2 percent more than traditional combustion engine vehicles in its class, he said. “On the pricing of the vehicle it is too early to say, but there will be no surprise,” Ghosn said. “We… Read More
PetroAlgae signs deal with Indian Oil
November 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
by Candace Lombardi PetroAlgae has signed a memorandum of understanding to license its proprietary technology for producing and harvesting algae for fuel to Indian Oil, the company announced this week. The Melbourne, Fla.-based company has developed bioreactors and harvesting methods for converting algae grown in open-pond freshwater farms into biodiesel. The first phase of its… Read More
"Pop-Up" house makes debut
November 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
With a name like Pop-Up House, we were envisioning some kind of 3D greeting card. But it turns out that House Port’s design for an affordable home is a “cost–effective, energy-efficient package that can be finished and upgraded to one’s personal taste, on any budget, large or small.” The Pop-Up House is cheaper than your… Read More
Turning Algae Into Bioplastic Could Slash Petroleum Use by 50%
November 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
By Andrew Williams California-based company Cereplast has revealed that it is developing breakthrough technology to transform algae into bioplastics, and predicts that it could replace 50% or more of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins. Cereplast already makes plastic from renewable material such as corn starch, tapioca, wheat and potatoes, but is keen… Read More
