Global energy an utilities sectors faces significant challenges from ongoing environmental sensitivity.
Gartner, Inc. has released a new report that identifies the top ten technology trends affecting the global energy and utility markets in 2013, as the industry faces significant challenges from ongoing environmental sensitivity, changing policymaker attitudes and consumer expectations.
Continue reading… “Top 10 global technology trends for the energy and utility markets in 2013”
Self-healing artificial leaf.
Scientists reported the creation of the “world’s first practical artificial leaf” back in 2011. The leaf mimics the ability of real leaves to produce energy from sunlight and water. Touted as a potentially inexpensive source of electricity for those in developing countries and remote areas, the leaf’s creators have now given it a capability that would be especially beneficial in such environments – the ability to self heal and therefore produce energy from dirty water.
Continue reading… “World’s first self-healing “artificial leaf” produces energy from dirty water”
Bladeless wind turbine
A new model of a wind turbine has no blades. In fact, it has no moving parts at all. Designed by Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo, the electrostatic wind energy converter (EWICON) prototype is currently on display at Delft University of Technology. (Video)
Continue reading… “Bladeless wind turbine has no moving parts”
Fracking rig in North Dakota.
Today’s North Dakota, flush in its energy frenzy, has been characterized “the luckiest place on earth” by Chip Brown. His New York Times Magazine article showed chief executives and miners both giddy about their topographical luck and only slightly nervous that this boom would end as the last ones have ended in a bust.
Continue reading… “Is the miraculous North Dakota boom over?”
Gravaton Energy
Future Energy is a series of events that connects entrepreneurs, researchers, and private investors in the energy and clean-tech industries to develop and commercialize radical solutions to the world’s energy challenges.They are launching their first 2013 pitch event at this year’s ARPA-E Summit in Washington, D.C. on February 25. Eight companies will present their energy related projects and ideas to a distinguished panel of investors for Q&A and feedback.
Continue reading… “Future Energy launches 2013 ARPA-E Innovation Summit”
Body-powered devices eliminate the toxic waste generated by the heavy metals used in the billions of batteries we currently use each year.
A startup in Corvallis, Oregon, has developed a small chip that can turn body heat into electric energy. The chip absorbs heat directly from the skin and then channels energy through a thermoelectric generator that converts it into electric power. In the future, the chip will enable us to power and recharge our handheld and wearable electronic devices with our own bodies.
Continue reading… “A chip that can turn body heat into electric energy”
When heated atoms can move with different levels of energy, from low to high. With positive temperatures (blue), atoms more likely occupy low-energy states than high-energy states, while the opposite is true for negative temperatures (red).
The coldest temperature possible is most often thought to be absolute zero. Researchers have now shown they can achieve even lower temperatures for a strange realm of “negative temperatures.”
Continue reading… “Researchers achieve temperatures colder than absolute zero”
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/53588182[/vimeo]
There are currently over 1.5 billion people in the World who have no reliable access to mains electricity. These people rely, instead, on biomass fuels (mostly kerosene) for lighting once the sun goes down. GravityLight is a sustainable lighting solution powered by gravity. (Pics)
Continue reading… “The $5 lamp that is powered solely by gravity”
Demand for coal rose 4.3 percent last year.
In the next six years, global coal demand will rise 2.6 percent annually and challenge oil as the top energy source, according to the International Energy Agency.
Continue reading… “Global coal demand will challenge oil as top energy source”
The new energy policy calls for a wider use of renewable energy sources.
The Japanese government’s just-released energy policy calls for the complete phase-out of nuclear power. However, the timeline is somewhat longer than many expected, with the policy saying that nuclear generation will be eliminated by the end of the 2030s, instead of at the beginning of that decade. The 20-page policy paper also lacks specific details about how the government will achieve its target.
Continue reading… “Japan will eliminate nuclear power by the 2030’s”
Future of technology
The power of technology has been shaping our world. Within a generation we’ve seen space stations built, computing speeds quicken exponentially, and the internet boom. In fact, technological advances now happen so rapidly that our current way of life may seem hopelessly outdated within another decade.
Continue reading… “9 technologies of the future that will radically change the world”
The PowerPot can be used anywhere at any time.
The PowerPot is an amazing new product! It is a 5-15 watt electrical generator that is capable of charging any USB device! It’s waterproof, fire-resistant, and extremely portable, weighing in at just 12 ounces! Take it anywhere and use it day or night to charge cell phones, GPS devices, speakers, lights/lanterns, and more!
The PowerPot is one of the featured exhibitors at the DaVinci Inventor Showcase, which takes place on Oct 13, 2012 at the Denver Merchandise Mart.
After the jump, inventor David Toledo opens up about how he created a thermoelectric power generator for the masses, sourcing components for high temperature applications, and how he figured out all of the electronics needed for using the electricity generated by the PowerPot.
Continue reading… “Cook up deliciously portable power with PowerPot”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.