Energy

Welcome to our second weekly headlines for 2013. This week's stories include:

• A Science Rendezvous to Inspire the Next Generation
  
• Next Steps for the Mars One Project
• Feeding the Planet Would Be Easier if We Didn't Waste Half of What We Produce
  

Shell Oil has been doing test drilling in the Arctic off Alaska's north shore and this week the reality of just how problematic this can be came to fruition. The Arctic is an extreme environment. And planning for all the potential things that can go wrong usually leaves out the one thing that does go wrong.

On this our last headlines posting for 2012 I have selected the following five stories:

• Wind Power Tax Policies Have Worked to Increase Capacity;
• Robockey - Robotic Game Sharpens Engineering Skills;
• Can Geo-Engineering Stop the Arctic Sea Ice From Melting?

Here we are in the last week of 2012 with another 88 years before we see the end of the current century and I am one of those who is hopeful that we have the tools to make the world by then a much better place for all of humanity and the biodiversity that surrounds us.

A large number of us don't have access to electricity. Those in the know put the number at 1.5 billion. That's more than the total population of China. Can you imagine an entire country the size of China being completely off the grid?

This week's five stories look at:

• New 3D Display Represents Advance in Augmented Reality;
• More Evidence that Fracking Causes Earthquakes;
• Seeding the Ocean to Sequester Carbon a Non-Starter;
• New Microscale Actuator Provides Engine for Micro Robots;

Sometimes you come across a technology concept that just sounds like a bad idea. I'm not sure if this one is or isn't but but a proof-of-concept is getting funded by a well known serial entrepreneur.

Today's EVs require the purchaser to find places to recharge their vehicles. The problem -- there is little in the way of infrastructure out there, at least nothing even close to what is available for diesel or gasoline-fueled vehicles. That means EV purchasers must install special recharging stations in their home garages.

Harvesting algae cost-effectively has been a real challenge for those who are seeking alternative sources for biofuel production. Identified challenges include:

1. The volume of water required to get harvestable algae. Conventional methods for getting the water out of the biomass are energy intensive and usually involve chemical additives.

This week's five stories look at:

• Tripling the Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells;
• New Technology to Fight Coastal Flooding Using Irregular Concrete Blocks;
• Long Duration Human Space Flight Being Tested on the ISS;
• Pacific Island Entrepreneurs Receive Award for Green Initiatives;
• Delivering Wind and Solar Power Over Long Distances Possible with New HVDC Circuit Breaker.