The Green Optimistic

Last week in Bakersfield, California, was launched the first solar thermal plant in nearly two decades. This plant will focus sunlight on tubes that contain water, a different process, compared to other solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity.

NASA and GE Aviation are testing a new “open rotor” jet engine with with a different design that puts the fan blades on the outside of the engine. The jet fuel consumption will be reduced by more than 30 percent.

Solyndra, a company situated in Fremont, CA, has invented a new type of cylindrical solar panel, cheaper to install and more powerful compared to the conventional panels, which are made of flat solar cells.

In the field of hydrogen fuel cell production, Oregon State University researchers have discovered that sewage can produce cheap hydrogen. In comparison with traditional electrolysis technology, sewage can produce hydrogen at a lower cost.

The electric vehicles market will start to vary from next year. While Subaru promises a four seated electric vehicle, Toyota confirmed for the first time the plans that put to sale an electric vehicle before 2010.

Nissan will introduce a new completely electric concept at the Paris Motor Show. Nissan’s vision for the future of urban transport has been put into practice through the new Nuvu model, an ultra-compact vehicle that could be driven at the middle of the next decade.

Japanese scientists explore the usefulness of clean-tech energy generators that are floating on the sea as a source of energy for the whole country, announced a Japanese newspaper.

Honda Motor Corp. will introduce its long expected low-cost hybrid model at the Auto Show from Paris next month. The Japanese auto maker announced that the car will be launched on the market at the beginning of next year.