The numbers keep rising: A new world record solar cell efficiency of 40.8% was achieved with a gallium indium phosphide/gallium indium arsenide device designed by the National Energy Renewable Lab. The improved efficiency, measured under "326 suns," is attributed to the inverted metamorphic triple-junction cell arrangement.

The heat beneath your feet represents an untapped solar resource, and researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA, propose that asphalt-covered roads and parking lots can be transformed into ubiquitous solar collectors. Asphalt energy systems are envisioned to supply hot water to heat buildings or generate thermoelectric power, using heat exchangers just below the surface.

A highly-conductive plastic layer just 0.4 micron thick has been deposited on breathable Gore-Tex fabric to form a new type of fuel cell. Since the conductive plastic acts as both electrode and catalyst, no pricey platinum is needed. No signs of material or catalyst degradation, either, after 1,500 hours of testing with hydrogen fuel.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to the GlobalSpec e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Fibers & Fabrics.

Cleaner-running passenger ships may soon be floating about Europe, thanks to the successful maiden voyage of the lead-acid gel battery/hydrogen fuel cell-powered ZemShip ferry in Hamburg, Germany. The battery will power the zero-emission vessel during peak demand, augmented by two 48 kW fuel cells.

New Mexico's first geothermal power plant will come online in early 2009 and will showcase a modular, binary cycle scheme developed by Raser Technologies to exploit low-temperature thermal resources. Modular units are fabricated off-site and quickly installed in 450 kW increments. This first installation will total 25 MW and bodes well for tapping the estimated 120,000 MW of low-temp geothermal resources in the U.S.

High altitude winds carry hundreds of times more energy than near the ground, but how can it be harnessed? Kite-flying scientists from Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, have generated 10 kW with a 10 m² kite tethered to a generator. A brief video demonstrates the scheme and The Guardian airs plans for extracting more energy at heights of 800 m.

Alternating layers of polymers serving as electrolyte and battery separator are deposited on silicon-based electrodes four micrometers wide. Together with the M13 virus and cobalt oxide Nanowires, the assembly is pressed onto thin bands of platinum to form a microbattery with higher density of active material than conventional batteries. Technology Review reports on this germ of an idea.

Saltwater algae will be farmed in a new, integrated biorefinery complex, the first of its kind in the U.S. Oil yield per acre is 100 times greater for algae relative to other oilseed crops. The Missouri facility will also support production of cellulosic ethanol, biogas, and biodiesel.

Soaring power demand in the UK calls for near-term addition of new capacity and retrofits of existing plants, which in turn will create significant employment opportunities for skilled engineers. Read on in The Engineer to learn more about life extension and modernization projects at aging coal-fired and nuclear plants and cutting-edge professional prospects with tokamaks.

Function and fashion meet technology and green power in this foulard, which features three thin-film solar panels in series to produce about 150 mA in full sun. The necktie can charge a 3V lithium ion battery such as those found in cell phones. The tie is not flexible enough to knot — clip-on style only. You'll shine at the office.

The Energy Elephant in the Room

Some charge that U.S. Department of Energy is funding hydrogen, nuclear, and coal programs despite fatal policy flaws. Do you think these efforts are off the mark?