Important Innovations

  Ford's Car of 2030 - Red, Electric & Flies Source:  Ford Car of 2030 Surveys Offer New Insights into the Future of Driving Ford has surveyed more than 500 girls and boys to learn what the kids believe their car of the future should look like and be capable of in 2030 when they start driving.  The survey's findings have resulted in these artist renderings by Ford's top designer Nedzad Mujcinovic of the Car of the Future 2030.  As you can see from the images, the young people want a car for themselves that is red, totally electric, safe, fun, comfortable and is capable of flying. Safe, Electric and Autonomous The kids surveyed are 8 and 9 year olds, who expect to learn to drive in 2030.  They have a very definitive, collective point of view.  They want the car's power source to be totally electric with zero emissions.  They put a very high priority on their car of the future being good for the environment.   The kids also want the car to ...

  Ford's Car of 2030 - Red, Electric & Flies                        Source:  Ford Car of 2030 Surveys Offer New Insights into the Future of Driving Ford has surveyed more than 500 girls and boys to learn what the kids believe their car of the future should look like and be capable of in 2030 when they start driving.  The survey's findings have resulted in these artist renderings by Ford's lead designer Nedzad Mujcinovic of the Car of the Future 2030.  As you can see from the images, the young people want a car for themselves that is red, totally electric, safe, fun, comfortable and is capable of flying. Safe, Electric and Autonomous The kids surveyed are 8 and 9 year olds, who expect to learn to drive in 2030.  They have a very definitive, collective point of view.  They want the car's power source to be totally electric with zero emissions.  They put a very high priority on thei...

  Next Generation of Renewable Energy Source:  Virtual Power Plant stock images Homes, Working Together, Forming a Virtual Power Plant The concept of virtual power plants is compelling and already in practice.  The plant consists of homes powered by solar panels working together and turning neighborhoods into virtual power plants that can feed excess energy back to the grid.  These virtual power plants are already deployed in locations around the world such as public housing in South Australia and apartment complexes in Utah and California.  It's the next generation of solar power technology.  At some point in the future, virtual power plants may consist of fleets of electric vehicles. Gaining in Popularity Virtual power plants are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons.  They are a promising, green replacement for aging electricity infrastructure and their power plants powered by polluting fossil fuels.  Virtual power plants can distribute...

World's First Solar Powered Rail Road Source:  Indian Railway India's Green Experiment This is unique green innovation from India.  A large solar power plant has been built in Bina, India to directly feed solar powered energy to overhead power lines to power electric locomotives.  This is a major project of the Piush Goyaled Indian Railways.  The project is considered a world first. Testing Phase This is a joint project of Indian Railways and Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited.  It's a 1.7 megawatt solar power plant.  According to the companies, the plant can "produce 25 lakh of energy yearly and save an amount of Rs 1.37 crore for Indian Railways every year."  They are now testing the technology. 3 Gigawatt Solar Plant The plan is to install a 3 gigawatt solar power plant within a few years, after completing tests on their 1.7 megawatt solar plant system.  According to the Indian Railway Ministry, the power plant's feeding directly to...

Micromobility: Shared, Remote-Controlled, E-Scooters Source:  Curiosity Labs at Peachtree Crossings, GA First Commercial Operation:  Suburban Atlanta, GA  The world's 1st, remote-controlled electric scooters are now available for rent in suburban Atlanta, GA.  It's the first remote controlled, shared electric scooter service to start commercial operations in the US.  100 scooters are now in service and being remotely controlled by teleoperators in Mexico City. High Tech, Green Scooters The scooters are 4 wheelers, with two training wheels under the scooter deck to provide better balance.  They're bulkier than the average two-wheel scooter and have extra components attached to their handlebars and deck.  The technology includes data sensors and live streaming cameras. Human Controlled at a Great Distance The scooters are controlled by teams of employees in Mexico City - 1700 miles away from Atlanta.  The teleoperators use technology...

Organic Proton Battery with Sustainable Storage Source:  Uppsala University From Sweden, New Battery that's Good for Environment Scientists at Sweden's Uppsala University have invented a proton battery that is composed of organic  materials and is based on protons rather than  ions.  The organic compounds are called quinones,  which are used by plants in photosynthesis and are  plentiful in nature.  This is a proof of concept, small button cell battery with outstanding performance. And, it's a first of its kind. Climate Smart Battery The Uppsala scientists call this a climate smart battery  with sustainable energy storage.  It reaches a full  capacity recharge in seconds (100), using a solar cell.   It can be charged and discharged more than 500 times  without any loss of capacity. The battery is free of any fire or explosion hazards.  And, unlike standard batteries, it is...

Based On Photosynthesis in a Leaf, Artificial Photosynthesis Source" stock image of leaves in the Sun Lawrence Berkeley National Lab The new technology is an artificial version of photosynthesis.  It's a dreamed-for renewable energy technology that top scientists and engineers have been chasing for decades.  Artificial photosynthesis has just been achieved by a team of scientists at the renowned Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in California. Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the sunlight-driven, chemical reaction process that leaves and algae use to convert CO2 into cellular fuel.  Led by scientist Heinz Frei, the Berkeley Lab team has developed an artificial photosynthesis system.  It's composed of nano-sized tubes capable of all of the key steps in fuel generation. Big Green Deal This new green, renewable energy technology is a very big deal.  The new technology has the potential to generate vast amounts of renewable energy by usin...

New Device Generates Electricity from Moisture in the Air Source:  UMASS Amherst Potential Green Energy Gamechanger Scientists at UMASS Amherst have invented a device that uses a natural protein to create electricity from the moisture in the air.  They call it the "Air-Gen" for air powered generator.  The device doesn't need sunlight or wind and creates clean energy 24/7.  It's a renewable process that works off the moisture in the air, both outdoors and indoors.  The inventors say it is low-cost, renewable and nonpolluting. Big Energy Possibilities The system now can power small electronic devices.  The team wants to take it to the commercial level to power electronics wearables and smartwatches.  They foresee the day when this system could eliminate the need to plug in your smartphone for energy.  Their system eliminates the need for batteries. How It Works The UMASS system connects electrodes to unique protein nanowires.  It...

Clean, Green Vehicles that Cut Emissions to be Showcased Source:  Great Wall's ORA R1 Electric Car Green Vehicles and Clean Technology India's Auto Expo 2020 opening in February will showcase green, clean, primarily electric vehicles developed by global automakers.  65 brand new vehicles will be showcased along with cutting edge technologies.  Organizers in India say there will be new emissions technology, safety tech and advanced connectivity through SIM cards embedded in vehicles. Big China Presence Six big China automakers are coming to display their cutting edge vehicles, including Great Wall Motor Company.  Great Wall's top leadership is coming and bringing a Chinese press delegation of 100 members.  85% of  global automakers are participating.  Many of the participants are expected to showcase their BS-VI technology that's targeted at cutting carbon emissions. Much tougher emissions standards are going into effect in India to dram...

Eden GeoPower Source:  Stock Image Oil Well Cleaner Oil Extraction Eden GeoPower is a green energy startup founded by MIT PhD. candidate Paris Smalls and Saudi Aramco geophysicist Ammar Alali who recently graduated from the University of Houston.  They've invented a unique, electric and environmentally sound technology that provides much cleaner and environmentally sound oil and gas extraction. Fracking Wells Current fracking techniques rely on water under high pressure to extract oil and gas.  The process generates runoff that is highly polluted and can seep into groundwater.  Eden GeoPower offers a Pulsed Electric Reservoir Stimulation technology that's inexpensive and environmentally correct.  The process is not water intensive and results in no water runoff and no noise pollution.  It's a cleaner energy alternative in extracting gas and oil. The process results in higher extraction rates of oil and gas from fracking wells without cau...

Electric Vehicle Invented in Austria Riding Through the Alps It's called the Bobsla and it's a unique electric vehicle invention.  Bobsla is an electric bobsled vehicle that's similar to a go-cart on the snow.  The Innsbruck-based startup Bobsla GmbH has successfully tested the device and it's now taking riders for exhilarating rides through the Alps.  The inventors say it's easy to learn, safe and is designed as an alternative to snowmobiling and skiing. Electricity on Ice The device has a rear-mounted electric motor that can accelerate up to 18 mph.  It's quiet and more affordable than a snowmobile.  The inventors say it's great for snowy tourist destination.  It offers non-skiers something more exciting to do by taking rides in the snow. Mercedes Challenge According to the Bobsla's website, the company and the device have been invited by Mercedes to participate in the Sprinter Startup challenge.  The inventors consider their Bobsla part ...

Wearable  Solar Panel Source:  SunUp Innovation from UK This is a wearable solar panel that's called SunUp for easy use to travel with you.  There's a lot unique about this technology.  But a couple of outstanding points.  These are flexible solar panels that can fit around your backpack as you walk to university.  Or they are flexible enough to fit around a tent as you go on a forest adventure.  Or they wrap around your boat in a stream.  This portable system pulls in 15 watts of solar energy to fully charge a mobile device within 12 hours. This device is a national top runner-up at the James Dyson Awards. UK Brunel University Innovation This new, green energy system comes from the UK's Brunel University and design student Bradley Brister.  The design overcomes low efficiency, thin film silicon panels that have traditionally been used in flexible displays to pull in solar energy.  What's innovative is that Brunel has changed t...

Airbus E-Plane Innovation Source:  Airbus' White Lightning Future of Flying Electric At an Airbus sponsored air racing tournament, the world's first electric powered sports/racing aircraft was unveiled.  Airbus is the major developer behind it.  The company is looking to expand its green aerospace technology.  Their electric racing plane prototype is powered by an electric motor and lithium batteries up to speeds of 300 mph. Green, Speed, Precision This weekend French pilot Didier Esteyne flew the Airbus E-Fan prototype - named White Lightning - across the English Channel. Air Race E is partnering with Airbus on this.  The e-plane will be manufactured by Corda Aviation based in the UK.  The prototype system is impressive as the electric motor can hit 300 mph, in a tight 3 mile circuit, 10 meters above the ground. International Races The racing plane models have a big purpose.  They are designed to accelerate the era of electric commercial ...

Flying into a Cleaner, Greener Environment Source:  NASA X-57 Maxwell NASA, the US space agency, has unveiled its first, all electric plane.  The experimental aircraft is called the X-57 Maxwell.  NASA calls it a work in progress.  It's an early version of its first green plane designed to lead the way for the aviation industry into a new era of electric aircraft and cleaner skies.  Tests in the air are expected to begin early next year. X Planes with 14 Electric Motors The X-57 Maxwell is the first crewed X planes in two decades.  The early model of the airplane along with a simulator to allow pilots to experience what it's like to control the Maxwell in flight are at a NASA facility in California.  The model replaces a traditional combustion engine with 14 electric motors powered by lithium batteries.  The engines are designed to be quieter, more efficient and much better for the environment. Leading the Way Toward Electric Flyin...

Naturbeads from the UK - Green Replacement for Plastics Source:  Naturbeads New Innovation to Replace Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics These biodegradable microbeads invented by engineers at the University of Bath in the UK are an eco-friendly replacement to plastic microbeads found in cosmetics. Their invention is called Naturbeads and they've created a company around it that's receiving investment money from Innovate UK and Sky Ocean Ventures.  Naturbeads are made of cellulose which is a naturally occurring material.  Unlike plastics, it causes no environmental damage. Scalable Tech The engineering team creates their Naturbeads by pressing liquid cellulose through tiny holes to create drops and then detach them with vegetable oil.  There are many uses for this new invention including safer, greener cosmetics.  The bottom-lime:  Naturbeads are biodegradable, cellulose microparticles that replace plastic microbeads.  They are plastic alternat...

New 3D Printing Technology with Wood Ink - Alternative to Forrest Based Products Revolutionizing the Manufacture of Green Products A breakthrough 3D printing technology just unveiled in Sweden could revolutionize the manufacture of green products including furniture, packaging and clothing.  Engineers at Chalmers University of Technology have invented a 3D printing process that uses a wood based ink.  The process could serve as a sustainable and renewable alternative to forest based products. 3D Printed Substance that Mimics Wood The wood based ink is composed of a nanocellulose gel combined with hemicellulose, which binds the fibers in the gel and strengthens it.  The gel is used with a 3D printer that has a digitized form of the genetic code of wood.  The result is a substance that mimics the cellular architecture of wood.  It has the promise of saving trees, creating green furniture, packaging, paper products and enabling a more sustainable env...

"List of Top, New Environmental Innovations" by Journalist Edward Kane New book by journalist Edward Kane.  It's a must read series of news summaries on the latest and biggest innovations impacting the environment and making it greener and cleaner.  For more details go to Important Innovations Collection: "List of Top New Environmental Innovations" by Jou... : New Book on the Top, New, Global Environmental Innovations “List of Top New Environmental Innovations” by Journalist Edward Kane ...

3D Printed Wood - Alternative to Forrest Based Products Green Packaging, Green Furniture, Green Paper Products This new 3D printing technology from Sweden could revolutionize the manufacturing of green, forest based products.  It's breakthrough, 3D printing technology that uses wood ink to create a substance that mimics the cellular architecture of wood.  For a great news blog on this new technology, go to Important Innovations Collection: 3D Printed Alternative to Forrest Based Products : 3D Printing Wood Source:  Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden Revolutionizing the Manufacture of Green Products A breakthroug...

"List of Top New Energy Innovations" by Journalists Edward Kane and me Maryanne Kane Your New Green Energy Innovation Guide This book is a handy reference guide to the latest and most important innovations in green energy with the greatest potential for impact.  It is co-authored by journalists Edward Kane and me, Maryanne Kane.  We've made the book easy to use and read as a series of news summaries on breakthrough green energy innovations you want to be aware of. For more details and a free Kindle borrow, go to Important Innovations Collection: "List of Top New Energy Innovations" by Edward Kan... : New Book on Green Energy Innovations “List of Top New Energy Innovations” by Journalist Edward Kane In “List of Top New Energ...

Alternative Foam that's Biodegradable & Plant-Based Source:  Washington State University New Foam Lightweight, Clean, Green Insulation This biodegradable alternative foam to Styrofoam is more effective and can support up to 200 times its weight.  It provides good insulation but is still lightweight.  It's the innovation of engineers at Washington State University.  The new material is made primarily of cellulose, the most abundant plant material on earth.  The researchers also have developed an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that uses water as the solvent, rather than harmful solvents. Wood is the Base The base of the new foam is wood pulp.  Researchers used acid hydrolysis to break the cellulose bonds in the wood and convert them into nanocrystals.  They added polyvinyl alcohol to the crystals to create the foam that provides good insulation that's light and strong.  It's an e-friendly alternative to petroleum based...