Scientists Make Solar Cells with Low Cost Metal Oxide

New process may revolutionize building design by turning windows into power modules.
Read the Whole Story

National Green Week February 7-11 for Schools

 National Green Week 2011 kicks off February 7 - 11, but schools can choose any week from Feb.7- April 22 (Earth Day) to participate. Learn More from NGEF

When it Comes to Energy Alternatives Gov Says we're not Changing Soon

Statistics released by the Federal Government indicate the continued use of fossil fuels will change very little over the next several decades. The only thing that would alter this trend would be an environmental emergency caused by carbon monoxide production. Read the whole story from Technology News

Toshiba to Build Solar Plant in Bulgaria

Toshiba and Tokyo Electric Power will team up with the Japanese government to build one of the world’s largest solar power stations in Bulgaria, a report said Friday.

The plant will be built in the eastern city of Yambol by March 2012 at a cost of more than 100 billion yen ($1.2 billion), Japan's Nikkei daily said.

As a European Union member, Bulgaria needs quickly to bolster its sources of renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Source: http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm/6369/Toshiba-To-Build-Huge-Solar-Plant-In-Bulgaria

BP: Renewable Energy to Outpace Growth of Oil

From the Oil Drum Drumbeat.  Given how many variables are involved, predicting the future of energy with accuracy is difficult. But BP's annual Energy Outlook, which came out today, is a closely watched indicator for the state of the energy industry.
The BP Energy Outlook 2030 (click for PDF) forecasts energy sources will diversify more in the future, with a bigger role for renewable, nuclear, and hydropower. Demand will continue to grow around the world, with developing countries consuming a larger share of energy.

Sharp Builds Solar Plant in Italy

Sharp and Enel Green Power have completed their first solar power plant, in Calabria, Southern Italy.

The 5MW installation uses Sharp single crystal modules, and annual output is predicted to be 7.5GWh.

The two firms have a joint venture called ESSE, which built the plant and plans to construct a number of others to achieve a total of 500MW by the end of 2016.

Meanwhile, Sharp, Enel and STMicroelectronics are to start thin-film solar cell production from late 2011. Read the Complete Story by Steve Bush in Electronics Weekly

New Reactor Harnesses Sun's Energy Like Plants

From Fox News- January 20, 2011  Researchers have unveiled a prototype reactor which mimics plant life, turning the Sun’s energy to make hydrocarbon fuel.

Developed by a team of scientists from the United States and Switzerland, The solar device uses the Sun’s rays and the metal ceria, or cerium oxide, to break down water or carbon dioxide into energy which can be stored and transported. Read the Full Story from Fox News.