DailyDirt: Renewable Energy Sources Might Need Some Resuscitation

from the urls-we-dig-up dept

Burning fossil fuels may never be completely replaced by alternative energy technologies, but that doesn't mean people should stop trying to develop better fuels and energy sources. There are new developments in renewable energy all the time, though unfortunately, it takes a while for energy projects to really mature and scale up. Can't wait until flying cars and "Mr. Fusion"-powered DeLoreans are commonplace.... in the meantime, here are some interesting links:

A cerium-catalyzed reactor takes carbon dioxide, water and sunlight and produces fuels. The prototype seems to be roughly as efficient as photosynthesis -- but it has the potential to be much more efficient. So check back in a few years to see if this technology actually pans out. [url]

Small scale solar power systems might work in developing countries. Off-grid electricity sounds like a nice idea, but apparently funding it isn't easy because investors don't see the profit in it. [url]

Al Gore says corn ethanol was a mistake, and more folks are arguing against using ethanol in gasoline. But will the corn subsidies ever end? [url]

T. Boone Pickens is pulling out of his wind energy project. Apparently, Pickens was trying to make a "quick buck" from it, but that's not how wind projects usually work out. [url]

Filed Under: al gore, solar energy, t. boone pickens, wind energy