It looks like another breakthrough will help solidify the transition to alternate energy. With the level of energy per pound going up, the transition to energy sources that need a battery for a buffer is made easier. This also helps with the range and efficiency of electric or hybrid cars.

From the article:
"A company based in Berkeley, CA, is developing lightweight, high-energy batteries that can use the surrounding air as a cathode. PolyPlus is partnering with a manufacturing firm to develop single-use lithium metal-air batteries for the government, and it expects these batteries to be on the market within a few years. The company also has rechargeable lithium metal-air batteries in the early stages of development that could eventually power electric vehicles that can go for longer in between charges."

This is an exciting step forward. Check out the related link for the whole article.

Outback Power Systems is a leader in power producing equipment for renewable energy. The power generated by solar or wind is not usually ready for the power grid, the Outback devices clean it up for that purpose. They can also tie a set of batteries to the system for use as backup power when the grid power drops off.

From the article:
"SmartRE is the grid-tie battery-backed inverter solution that combines affordability and ease of installation with the robustness and reliability of larger-scale products," said Jeremy Smithson, Puget Sound Solar. "We're seeing a significant uptick in demand for residential and small business solar solutions and are pleased to have an OutBack option that meets our customers' needs while providing a product that we, as installers, can quickly integrate into solar installations."

When researching renewable power, I found many sites that list Outback as the preferred power control center. If you are looking into renewable energy, keep an eye on them.

Click the related link for more information.

PG&E has invested in Solaren, a company that plans to put a power collector in orbit and transmit that power to the surface using microwaves. These are not the microwaves we have in the kitchen, but the actual radio frequency that gave the magic box its name.

Apparently the width of the signal would be widespread so that it does not fry a passing plane or migrating bird. However, I wonder what happens to the birds homing instincts. What about reproductive harm?

If you really step back for a moment, there is a bigger problem. We are trying to reduce global warming through sustainable technology. While this would be sustainable, it is forcing energy from the sun that would normally be blocked by the atmosphere down to the surface and warming everything along the way. This seems self defeating, not to mention dangerous and expensive. What about the CO2 emissions to put the thing together and deliver it to orbit?

I think this is a great idea for a science fiction movie.

I also think, if we are going to put a huge item in space it should be made by Ray Ban, Revo or Oakley. Lets put up a lens that makes the sky look deep blue while reducing the solar heating. When things chill out enough, we can hit it with a rocket and the shattered pieces will vaporize and rejoin the planet on re-entry. If this lunacy works, we could continue using fossil fuels while we research better options without worry. If this becomes reality, I want some credit for it! ; )

Well, my point is simply that I don't think this was thought all the way through and I want these questions answered thoroughly before I will be comfortable with the idea.

By the way, PG&E is only mentioned in a Q&A on the next100.com interview with Solaren CEO. He says PG&E entered a purchase agreement for the power from the system and delivery of power would start in 2016.

Click the related link for the interview.

The last time I read a number like this it was in the mid 30's for the energy blowing in the wind. Anyway, I like to see several studies from different groups that have similar findings. It really solidifies the amount of energy available through wind power is plenty for our needs if we can harness it.

From this new study: "...a network of land-based 2.5-megawatt (MW) turbines restricted to nonforested, ice-free, nonurban areas operating at as little as 20% of their rated capacity could supply >40 times current worldwide consumption of electricity, >5 times total global use of energy in all forms."

The study comes from the National Academy of Sciences.

So, what or who is IRENA? IRENA stands for International Renewable Energy Agency. It is not a perfect acronym, but it fits and is easy to say. Currently there are 88 member countries and a decision to choose a headquarter location will be made soon.

There are four proposed locations, with Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the United Arab Emirates. The location will probably be chosen next week.

Expect to see IRENA in environmental and renewable energy related articles more and more.

IRENA was established on 26 January 2009 in Bonn, Germany. After a visit to the website and looking at a list of current members, up to 110 signatory states now, the United States is not on the list. I wonder if our leaders are aware of this new organization.

From the IRENA FAQ page: "The overarching goal of IRENA is a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide."

Click the related link to go straight to the FAQ page. There is a PDF you can download to view current members.