This is the best kind of bombing. Using a retrofitted C-130, Lockheed Martin Aerospace is able to plant more than 90,000 trees a day! The technology is simple, the bomber drops pointed tree cones in remote areas that bury themselves in the ground at a uniform depth and spacing. The cones contain fertilizer and material that soaks up surrounding moisture to water the roots of the tree.

Note that this project originated in 1999, but has not been implemented. Hopefully with recent changes in environmental focus, it will be given a real opportunity.

To read more, follow the related link below.

Technology to get power from water comes in many forms and many ages. From the simple Grist Mill to the modern turbines that make electricity from steam. However, there is another form of water energy that comes from the Hydrogen in the water.

A Japanese company believes they have found an affordable way to break down water into it's primary components allowing the Hydrogen to be collected and used in fuel cells. There are some costs to the process that have to be worked out. Currently, the water must first be processed into what they call "functional water". To make functional water, it must be filtered through Aluminum or Magnesium. Apparently this causes the bond between the Hydrogen and Oxygen to become loose. After this treatment, the separation happens more efficiently.

They claim the process makes enough hydrogen to create 1kWh of power for about $0.18. This is competitive with utility companies mid day rates right now. It will be interesting to see if the claim is true, or just a lot of speculation.

What we know for sure is that they have improved the efficiency for breaking down the water. Good job.

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The heading of this article may seem like old news. However, consider how many people you know that have solar power as a primary source for their home. We probably all have knowledge of it, we know from a previous article that it is mature at 60 years old, and we hear about it all the time but it isn't mainstream until it starts to be ubiquitous. There is evidence that solar is now reaching maturity in the market place and not just technical maturity.

The push towards renewable energy over the last 10 years has created rapid growth for solar power, with signs that the industry is really starting to become mainstream. According to Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Association (SEIA), solar is now the fastest growing energy industry in the U.S. with massive growth predicted over the next five years.

"We can install so much solar energy that we will eliminate the need for any new coal or nuclear power plants in the U.S. ever again," say Resch.

The solar industry's gains continued with last week's announcement by the Department of the Interior that it will issue permits allowing the first utility-scale solar project on federal land. Over the last twenty years, 74,000 permits have been approved for oil and gas drilling on public lands and up until last week solar had received zero. This is an important step in the right direction.

Read more by following the related link below. The original article also includes a chart of the next 5 years growth prediction.

Is Wind Power Really Too Efficient? Click Here.

As many of you know already, October is energy awareness month. For me, their is an added notation because of my wind turbine project.

Things are looking good for commercial release. In the near future, you may be able to get your hands on a totally silent, high output, low RPM wind turbine that will work in many conditions a traditional turbine will not. I have recorded significant power with this turbine along the side of my house. I have recorded even more in the open space of my yard. Cross your fingers for me, it won't be long now.

Keeping with the energy theme, the AWEA has a recent publication that sites a change in incentives coming for micro turbines like mine. You may be able to take a 30% tax write off for the cost of a turbine during 2011-2016. This would really help all of us too.

I was made aware of a good link for learning about appliance efficiencies and how to get the most from them. I have written about these items here before but a nicely laid out site is always a great tool. You can visit the Appliance Help site by clicking here.

Remember, the best way to save energy is not to spend it. If you can line dry or hang clothes, go for it. If the dishes can drip dry, let them. If you can wear that pair of pants a second time, do it. All these things add up.