Is the Rising Data Center Energy Crisis Over?

Is the Rising Data Center Energy Crisis Over?

This post on the subject of growing energy usage by data centers examining a recent report on how the rate of increase in the energy usage for data centers has been quite a bit lower than was predicted. It goes on to argue that the report may not be capturing the whole picture and that important areas of energy usage by data centers have not been factored into the report.

A Solar Panel on Every Roof? In U.S., Still a Distant Dream

A Solar Panel on Every Roof? In U.S., Still a Distant Dream

Daunted by high up-front costs, U.S. homeowners continue to shy away from residential solar power systems, even as utility-scale solar projects are taking off. But with do-it-yourself kits and other innovative installation approaches now on the market, residential solar is having modest growth.

Rising Hopes that Electric Cars Can Play a Key Role on the Grid

Rising Hopes that Electric Cars Can Play a Key Role on the Grid

Will electric cars one day become part of a network of rechargeable batteries that can help smooth out the intermittent nature of wind and solar power? Many experts believe so, pointing to programs in Europe and the U.S. that demonstrate the promise of vehicle-to-grid technology.

Venture Capitalists Transitioned to Energy Efficiency Investments in 2009

Venture Capitalists Transitioned to Energy Efficiency Investments in 2009

After a banner year in 2008 of investments directed to capital-intensive technologies like solar and wind, US venture capitalists backed away from that plan in 2009. So where are they putting their money now? Where the fastest payback is likely to be. New analysis shows a surge of investments in energy efficiency solutions—such as smart grid, and commercial and residential energy management.

Are America’s Fears of a Greentech Race with China Unfounded?

Are America’s Fears of a Greentech Race with China Unfounded?

There has been growing talk about a clean-tech race between China and the U.S., often cast in ominous tones. But the quest to develop and implement renewable energy can be one where both nations win.

Commerce Department to Speed Review of Green Technology Patents

Commerce Department to Speed Review of Green Technology Patents

The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Monday that its U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will pilot a year-long program to accelerate the examination of certain “green” technology patent applications by as much as one year. The new initiative is designed to speed the development and deployment of green technology, create green jobs, and promote U.S. competitiveness. In particular, the program focuses on patents for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, plus other environmental technologies.

Is Virtualization a Valid ‘Green’ Technology for Emerging Companies?

If you’re like most small-medium sized business owners, you own and independently operate a business with less than 100 employees, have revenues of less than $500,000 annually, and are not market dominant. You may be wondering if the new, ‘greener’ technologies can work for your company. Can your business enjoy the same benefits as your larger counter-parts by investing in ‘green’ technologies such as virtualization? The global economic downturn means that it is more important than ever to ensure that every penny counts and that your business is run efficiently and cost effectively. This post will (hopefully) help you to identify whether your company can benefit from implementing virtualization technology while reducing your environmental impact.

Google to Make Solar Mirrors

It appears that Google is getting ever deeper into the sun business. Stating that it is dissatisfied with the general lack of progress on achieving breakthroughs in green technology, the company wants to build better highly reflective and rugged mirrors — as well as the mirror substrate that the reflective surface is mounted on. By reflecting more light and more of the solar spectrum than ordinary mirrors these mirrors have the potential to reduce the cost of solar thermal systems by up to 25 per cent.

Institute of Behavioral and Applied Management Call for Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprise, and Sustainability Papers

The Institute of Behavioral and Applied Management (IBAM) has issued a call for papers on entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and sustainability papers for its annual conference, IBAM 17, which will be held in Washington, DC, October 1-3, 2009. IBAM is a professional association of college and university professors and students who are studying the field of management, and practitioners in business, not-for-profit organizations, and government who have a strong interest in the issues and concerns related to management.