CSU Develops Low-Cost Solar Panels, Due in Late 2008 ($2/watt cost)

"Colorado State University's method for manufacturing low-cost, high-efficiency solar panels is nearing mass production. AVA Solar Inc. will start production by the end of next year..."

http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14932

Wind Energy to Be Stored Underground, for Release During Peak Times

Follow the link: (Main story at BusinessWeek.com, cool graphic at Engadget)

http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/05/excess-wind-energy-to-be-stored-underground-for-future-use/

Oil refinery emissions offsets in Cali

The state of California is working with oil companies to pay offsets for the emissions of greenhouse gases.

China going green?

Not exactly, but they are committed to supporting investment in renewable energy in China to the tune of $265B.

"ConocoPhillips and ADM: to Develop Next-Generation Biofuels" (press release)

"The alliance will research and seek to commercialize two components of a next-generation biofuel production process: a) The conversion of biomass from crops, wood or switchgrass into biocrude, a non-fossil substance that can be processed into fuel; and b) The refining of biocrude to produce transportation fuel."

http://www.conocophillips.com/newsroom/news_releases/2007+News+Releases/092707.htm

Here Comes the Sun

Old solar power technologies are making a comeback. Perhaps they never left. This solar-thermal method avoids the high prices of photovoltaic panels.

Hydrogen From Algae (MIT Tech Review)

"Anastasios Melis, a plant- and microbial-biology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, believes that genetically engineered versions of the tiny green organisms have a good shot at being a viable source for hydrogen."

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/19438/page1/