“Wind Power to be as Cheap as Natural Gas by 2016” plus 7 more

[Zeeshan Ahmed]

“Wind Power to be as Cheap as Natural Gas by 2016” plus 7 more

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• Wind Power to be as Cheap as Natural Gas by 2016
• Autonomo: A Futuristic Vehicle Concept for a Green Commute
• Using solar power to keep runways ice-free
• Siemens Boosts Its Stake in Tidal Power
• Sensor-laden dragonfly may help future robots soar
• Airborne Wind Turbine Could Revolutionize Wind Power
• Video: 35-Foot Robot Snake Weighs a Ton, Causes Nightmares
• Canada Boosting Hydro Power to 88.5 GW to Replace US Coal

Wind Power to be as Cheap as Natural Gas by 2016 Posted: 17 Nov 2011 04:52 AM PST In a few places, wind power is already as cheap as natural gas or coal-fired electricity. By and large, however, it's still a bit more expensive in most regions 'round the world. But not for long. Climate Progress points us to this report in Bloomberg New Energy Finance, which has the scoop: "The cost of electricity from onshore wind turbines will drop 12% in the next five years thanks to a mix of lower-cost equipment and gains in output efficiency."

Autonomo: A Futuristic Vehicle Concept for a Green Commute Posted: 17 Nov 2011 04:48 AM PST The Autonomo is a fully autonomous vehicle concept designed by Charles Rattray. The design, inspired by biomimicry, sustainability, artificial intelligence and information technology, is created to address many of the growing transportation issues facing the world’s major cities today. This concept vehicle utilizes a drive-by-wire control system that replaces traditional mechanical components and harnesses developmental technology.

Using solar power to keep runways ice-free Posted: 17 Nov 2011 03:46 AM PST When it comes to keeping airport runways clear of ice, there are several options, including the use of chemical, thermal, electric and microwave technologies. All of these methods can be expensive, as they require either a considerable amount of electricity, or a number of human workers. Engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas, however, are developing a new system that would use the freely-available power of the Sun to keep runways from freezing up.

Siemens Boosts Its Stake in Tidal Power Posted: 17 Nov 2011 02:53 AM PST Marine energy has long looked to be a niche area, capable of meeting just a few percent of global power demand. But this seemingly limited energy source is drawing some big players, the latest being Siemens. The German engineering giant boosted its stake this month in Bristol, U.K.-based tidal energy developer Marine Current Turbines from under 10 percent to 45 percent. The attraction, according to Michael Axmann, chief financial officer for Siemens's solar and hydro division, is the predictability of marine power.

Sensor-laden dragonfly may help future robots soar Posted: 17 Nov 2011 01:41 AM PST It's not a bird! It's not a plane! It's a dragonfly, and researchers are using a microchip attached to its belly to understand the complex mechanics of its flight. Dragonflies capture their prey mid-flight, requiring precise control of horizontal and vertical movement to line up their meal with their mouths.

Airborne Wind Turbine Could Revolutionize Wind Power Posted: 17 Nov 2011 12:25 AM PST Flying a kite has often been considered child’s play, but a group of inventors think the concept could be used to make wind energy cheaper and more reliable than ever before, potentially revolutionizing wind power forever. energyNOW! correspondent Josh Zepps met the innovators working to turn the idea of flying a kite into an airborne wind turbine that’s lighter and more powerful than traditional wind turbines. The full video is available below:

Video: 35-Foot Robot Snake Weighs a Ton, Causes Nightmares Posted: 16 Nov 2011 11:27 PM PST This is Titanoboa, a 50-foot long robotic snake weighing over 2,000-pounds that was modeled after the actual prehistoric snake of the same name and size. I say we kill it and turn it into cowboy boots. Or lady's handbags -- I don't f***ing care, the important thing is that it's killed.

Canada Boosting Hydro Power to 88.5 GW to Replace US Coal Posted: 16 Nov 2011 11:20 PM PST Canada’s hydropower industry has plans to invest up to $70 billion on hydro-electric projects across the country in the next 10 to 15 years, increasing its hydro-electric resources – to a truly staggering 88,500 MW. Most of the additional projects are in provinces with abundant precipitation that is likely to increase in a warming future, making them ideal for hydropower. Hydro-electric power is much cleaner in cold climates than in warm ones, because methane emissions that are caused by rotting vegetation are lower in colder climates. Quebec is building another 4,570 MW, British Columbia: 3,341 MW, Labrador: 3,074 MW and Manitoba: 2,380 MW.