We usually only hear about fuel cells in relation to discussions about the perpetually around-the-bend hydrogen economy, but the technology is actually more than a century old. In fact, there are numerous types of fuel cells that can run on a variety of fuels - some are even being examined as alternatives to batteries in consumer electronics. What is true across all types of fuel cells is that they produce electricity from a chemical reaction, rather than through combustion. Well Bloom Energy, formerly Ion America, is reportedly ready to debut a fuel cell ready to run on any hydrocarbon, from coal-derived gas to natural gas to renewable fuels like ethanol. The company’s stealth operation has recently been “revealed” through a large expose on the company’s backers, Kleiner Perkins, in the NY Times Magazine.
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One of the most exciting next-generation solar companies is Konarka, a spinoff from Umass Lowell which makes solar power from organic polymers that is printed on a roll, just like photographic film. But, until recently, Konarka had more of a concept than a product ready for mass manufacture. Well, the company now has 1 GW / yr manufacturing capacity after taking over a former Polaroid facility and re-tooling it to produce solar panels.
What does this mean? Well, if Konarka has its way, your roof won’t be the only thing generating electricity - your building’s awnings, blinds, and windows will too…
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Like many other observers, I’ve long viewed thin-film solar technology with skepticism. While the technology promised lower costs and better performance in a range of conditions compared to traditional crystalline silicon, the greater efficiency of traditional PV, and the promise of high efficiency multi-junction cells, has made some wonder if the technology had missed its window – the industry is no longer losing sleep over silicon shortages, and costs have not fallen to the degree many have hoped. However, a stealthy start-up has just emerged with what may be a truly disruptive solar technology.
Solyndra, like many thin-film designs, uses CIGS technology. But that’s where the similarities with other designs ends. Whereas CIGS is usually deposited onto a flat, sometimes flexible, substrate, Solyndra deposits CIGS on a glass tube that looks like a fluorescent lightbulb you’d find in your office building.
The company claims these rows of PV tubes offer many advantages over traditional solar designs. Others certainly agree with the assertion – the company has raised in the neighborhood of $600 million in VC funding and claims it has contracts that total $1.2 billion. It has its eyes set on commercial customers with large, flat roofs, like big box stores and warehouses.
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We need more wind power - that’s why we should electrify the transportation sector, not power it off natural gas.
T. Boone Pickens and the national energy plan he’s evangelizing are receiving significant media attention. His plan contains two main proposals – the expansion of wind power throughout the US, and the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel. Despite the wonderful media story this oil-turned-wind baron represents, the truth of the matter is his plan is well-intentioned but misguided. Wind power capacity should surely be expanded, but increasing natural gas demand is the last thing we need. Pickens is overlooking a clear alternative, and one that will help deploy even more wind-powered generation – the electrification of the transportation sector.
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