Alternative Energies Update

Japan plans to build a space-based solar power station to beam energy down to Earth by 2030:

http://www.physorg.com/news176879161.html

Alternative Energies Update

Google isn't happy with the slow pace of development and high cost of production in solar power, so it's jumping into the field:

http://ecogeek.org/solar-power/2949

With its deep pockets and keen interest in alternative energies, maybe they can speed up the process.

Alternative Energies Update

National Academies symposium concludes that emphasizing new solar technologies isn't necessary; instead, support for developing existing technologies will more quickly and efficiently reduce costs to grid parity:

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/23108/

Alternative Energies Update

Solar power beamed down from collectors in space could provide huge amounts of continuous power. A company claims it can have a space-based solar power station in place within the decade:

http://www.universetoday.com/2009/02/18/new-company-looks-to-produce-space-based-solar-power-within-a-decade/

Alternative Energies Update

Solar energy finally reaches "grid parity" (equal or cheaper cost than coal-based energy)...depending on how you calculate it:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2400/83/

Alternative Energies Update

New technique for splitting water to get hydrogen using solar power:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2241/83/

The inventor claims it will change the world.

Alternative Energies Update

A new startup produces high-efficiency solar panels for much lower cost--on par with conventional electricity production:

http://www.technologyreview.com/Biztech/21405/

Alternative Energies Update

Test shows that long distance wireless transmission of power works, and could make space-based solar power a reality:

http://www.nss.org/news/releases/pr20080909.html

Alternative Energies Update

First Solar could reach "grid parity"--the Holy Grail of solar power--in 2-4 years:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/aug08/6464