Green tech powers forward
special coverage Researchers are making great strides in energy technology, and investors are paying attention.
Green tech special
From solar-powered Wi-Fi to robots fueled by bacteria, researchers are rethinking the way we power our lives. To stay on top of the latest advances in energy technology, check back here for continuously updated coverage.
Why is Finland Europe's technology leader? The prime minister explains
The Scandinavian nation spends a lot in R&D, which has kept them buoyant. Next: Finland wants to move into clean tech.January 17, 2008
Green-tech investment roars onward
Despite signs of a slowing economy, Cleantech Group predicts continued flow of venture funds in clean tech.January 17, 2008
Start-up says it can make hydrogen with sunlight and water
Maynard, Mass.-based Nanoptek has an electrode that extracts electrons from sunlight and then extracts them to break water molecules. Will it work?January 17, 2008
Refurbishing an old approach to PC recycling
For years, people have proposed updating and reusing old PCs. Carbon taxes and other factors finally may make the idea realistic.January 16, 2008
Inside the green designer home
Living Homes has built an affordable, architectural marvel. But is it ready for two kids and a golden retriever named Brandy?January 14, 2008
Eco-Patent Commons shares earth-friendly tech
Launch of Eco-Patents Commons puts environmental sustainability patents from IBM, Sony, Nokia, and Pitney Bowes into the public domain.January 13, 2008
GM invests in 'trash to ethanol' start-up
General Motors buys undisclosed share in the cellulosic ethanol company Coskata to bring E85 fuel to market faster.January 13, 2008
Green tech grows flush with green
year in review Investment in energy technologies sped up in 2007, touching heavy industries and consumer products.December 26, 2007
Biodiesel venture combines refining, genetic engineering
Montana may be too dry and hostile to make ideal farmland. But a new joint venture wants to turn it into a haven for biodiesel production.November 19, 2007
MIT offers City Car for the masses
A project to improve urban transportation will make its debut this week in Milan.November 5, 2007
UPS tries out Zap electric cars
Electric-car maker gets a trial with "Brown" in Petaluma, Calif., to transport packages this holiday season. Will the Xebra deliver?November 13, 2007
Tesla Roadster: an electric car with a diesel generator
The sportster runs on electricity, but for the test drives, a generator comes in handy. November 12, 2007
Shell extends biofuels deal with 'super enzyme' maker Codexis
Energy giant signs on for more development of designer liquid fuels that have similar characteristics to today's fuels but are cleaner.November 7, 2007
Motor oil goes green
New high-endurance motor oil made from animal fat is 100-percent biodegradable.November 5, 2007
Firefly revamps the lead acid battery
The Oasis battery from Firefly will keep the cabins in long-haul trucks going all night without contributing to global warming.October 30, 2007
Wider variety of ethanol blends on the way, DOE official says
E10 doesn't have a lot of biofuel in it. E85 is tough to find. So why not E30?October 23, 2007
Steer clear of accidents, global warming
Nissan says its car navigation system can help cut greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient driving.October 4, 2007
previous auto coverage
In electric car stakes, it's Miles to go
A motorcycle that's fast, silent and green
Squeezing more fuel out of scraps
Making ethanol out of biodiesel byproducts
Zap to make electric sedan based on its sports car
Waiting for energy tech's best and brightest
Greenpeace hands game industry low score
In its "Guide to Greener Electronics," the environmental group finds that game console makers have a long way to go.November 27, 2007
Software drafted to design greener buildings
Autodesk is developing a 3D modeling application to reflect LEED green building ratings.November 12, 2007
Bill Clinton: Green buildings key to fighting climate change
At the Greenbuild conference in Chicago, former president praises sustainable design and presses the need for global efforts to battle climate change.November 7, 2007
Governors sign on to Climate Savers efficient PCs plan
Buying efficient PCs and using existing power-saving tools could reduce electricity consumption by 50 percent in four years, say Minnesota and Kansas governors.November 7, 2007
Marvell chip puts more power into your PC
Marvell, among others, wants to cut that heat coming off your power supply and put the energy to good use. November 5, 2007
Google's love for solar may extend to other renewables
Company intends to generate 50 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy forms for its operations by 2012. October 30, 2007
'Small wind' turbines blow onto rooftops
Are consumers and businesses ready for small turbines or 'building-integrated' wind generators? Companies such as AeroVironment are hoping so.October 26, 2007
Pint-size hydro power on tap
Start-up Rentricity designs a generator that brings hydroelectric power down to size for cities and towns.October 24, 2007
Buy a house, get the electric car thrown in
Porteon is the latest entry into the (s)low-speed vehicle market. October 24, 2007
Solar thermal plants go back to the future
Start-up Ausra nabs $40 million in venture capital to build utility-scale solar power plants, an idea that is again gaining traction.September 9, 2007
previous home and office coverage
Solar powered Wi-Fi? Solis Energy says 'why not?'
Hydrogen fuel cells power Fujitsu data center
Father of the compact fluorescent bulb looks back
Gartner urges action on data-center emissions
Green IT strategies stifled by inertia
Energy geeks compete for coolest solar home
FAQ: All about coal--a necessary evil
Coal is probably a fact of life. The problem is how to burn it. We answer some of questions surrounding the fuel and how scientists might make it more eco-friendly.December 3, 2007
Google to enter clean-energy business
Search giant earmarks hundreds of millions of dollars with the goal of generating a gigawatt of clean energy that's cheaper than coal.November 27, 2007
Can baking soda curb global warming?
A start-up in Texas says it can turn the carbon dioxide emitted by power plants into baking soda.November 27, 2007
Solar market blows mostly hot, sometimes cold
Venture capitalists will invest $1 billion in solar start-ups this year, but some financiers are concerned about public solar companies.November 13, 2007
Satellite 'sentinels' to help track climate change
European project that will monitor different climate elements in Europe from space aims to help fight climate change.November 13, 2007
As eco-buzz grows, survey warns companies of green trap
America's consumers offer a warning to businesses looking to ride the green wave: either back your eco-friendly words with actions or risk a backlash. November 13, 2007
Green chemistry--a whole different matter
Like green tech, green chemistry isn't just for treehuggers. Businesses, too, are betting on better materials.November 12, 2007
First Solar's stock: From $20 to $220 in a year
Maker of unusual solar panels, funded by Walton family, is seeing huge growth in profits and stock price. Compare the stock to Google's and the product to the Civic.November 8, 2007
previous investments coverage
Photos
Steve Glenn, CEO of LivingHomes, gives a tour of his green, modular, architecturally designed homes.
January 14, 2008
Bit by bit, dead aircraft leave desert graveyards for use in making homes, furniture, and food cans.
January 14, 2008
GM will announce an investment in ethanol start-up Coskata, part of many alternative transportation announcements expected.
January 13, 2008
Even in 2007, spill response means employing equipment used since before the Exxon Valdez disaster.
November 20, 2007
At its annual gala, the Tech Museum of Innovation recognizes people who are helping the environment and emerging nations.
November 9, 2007
Companies in Boston pitch their ideas for propane- supplied fuel cells, wave power, "daylighting," and other clean technologies.
October 31, 2007
Teams from around the world cruised across Australia to show what a homemade car and some solar panels can do.
October 29, 2007
This year's biggest auto show in Asia features sports cars, minis and personal transporters with an eye toward the environment.
October 26, 2007
A community that has installed wind turbines to serve its power needs plans to be totally wind-powered within a few years.
August 30, 2007
Prefabricated, modular and kit homes offer new options for homeowners seeking greener living.
August 30, 2007
Videos
Michael Kanellos test-drives the cars from Miles Automotive, one of many new companies putting out electric cars.
December 18, 2007
Brian Cooley takes a ride on the Tesla roadster, and goes 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds without a tailpipe.
December 4, 2007
Michael Kanellos showcases a variety of 'green' gift ideas.
December 3, 2007
Solar Decathlon competition showcases new solar technology and sharp design
October 16, 2007
Applied Material's solar guru says growing scale of solar means lower prices.
October 15, 2007
U.S. assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy speaks at the Solar Decathlon.
October 12, 2007
LiveFuels says it will be able to make biodiesel or synthetic gas from cheap algae in a few years.
October 11, 2007
EcoSmart Fire specializes in modern, environmentally friendly fireplaces. Would you use a fireplace with no chimney?
October 2, 2007
Martin LaMonica visits the first demo model of the flexible green home called the PowerPod and gets some ideas on how it might be used.
September 18, 2007
XtremeHomes builds green-conscious dwellings, using sustainable materials and consolidating labor.
August 30, 2007
At the Genzyme Center, daylight is beamed in by heliostats and office workers have a constant stream of outside air.
August 22, 2007
Not to be missed
Nuclear power looks for comeback in U.S.
September 13, 2007
FAQ: Energy on the high seas
August 15, 2007
Cellulosic ethanol: A fuel for the future?
August 14, 2007
FAQ: A concentrated power boost for solar energy
August 1, 2007
Squeezing more fuel out of scraps
July 1, 2007
Powering cities on landfill waste
June 6, 2007
Tech vets making leap to green tech
May 29, 2007
FAQ: 21st-century guide to indoor lighting
May 28, 2007
In the heart of Texas, a mayor goes green
May 23, 2007
Will anyone pay for the 'smart' power grid?
May 16, 2007
Diesel dealers provide a pipeline to rare, green cars
May 4, 2007
Living with technology: Green tech
May 1, 2007
Newsmaker: Humans fiddle while the planet heats up
April 3, 2007
Getting the price right for solar
April 3, 2007
Cultivating green tech at Cleantech Forum
February 22, 2007
Fast-food fat--future fuel for cars
February 8, 2007
Green tech special
From solar-powered Wi-Fi to robots fueled by bacteria, researchers are rethinking the way we power our lives. To stay on top of the latest advances in energy technology, check back here for continuously updated coverage.
Why is Finland Europe's technology leader? The prime minister explains
The Scandinavian nation spends a lot in R&D, which has kept them buoyant. Next: Finland wants to move into clean tech.January 17, 2008
Green-tech investment roars onward
Despite signs of a slowing economy, Cleantech Group predicts continued flow of venture funds in clean tech.January 17, 2008
Start-up says it can make hydrogen with sunlight and water
Maynard, Mass.-based Nanoptek has an electrode that extracts electrons from sunlight and then extracts them to break water molecules. Will it work?January 17, 2008
Refurbishing an old approach to PC recycling
For years, people have proposed updating and reusing old PCs. Carbon taxes and other factors finally may make the idea realistic.January 16, 2008
Inside the green designer home
Living Homes has built an affordable, architectural marvel. But is it ready for two kids and a golden retriever named Brandy?January 14, 2008
Eco-Patent Commons shares earth-friendly tech
Launch of Eco-Patents Commons puts environmental sustainability patents from IBM, Sony, Nokia, and Pitney Bowes into the public domain.January 13, 2008
GM invests in 'trash to ethanol' start-up
General Motors buys undisclosed share in the cellulosic ethanol company Coskata to bring E85 fuel to market faster.January 13, 2008
Green tech grows flush with green
year in review Investment in energy technologies sped up in 2007, touching heavy industries and consumer products.December 26, 2007
Biodiesel venture combines refining, genetic engineering
Montana may be too dry and hostile to make ideal farmland. But a new joint venture wants to turn it into a haven for biodiesel production.November 19, 2007
MIT offers City Car for the masses
A project to improve urban transportation will make its debut this week in Milan.November 5, 2007
UPS tries out Zap electric cars
Electric-car maker gets a trial with "Brown" in Petaluma, Calif., to transport packages this holiday season. Will the Xebra deliver?November 13, 2007
Tesla Roadster: an electric car with a diesel generator
The sportster runs on electricity, but for the test drives, a generator comes in handy. November 12, 2007
Shell extends biofuels deal with 'super enzyme' maker Codexis
Energy giant signs on for more development of designer liquid fuels that have similar characteristics to today's fuels but are cleaner.November 7, 2007
Motor oil goes green
New high-endurance motor oil made from animal fat is 100-percent biodegradable.November 5, 2007
Firefly revamps the lead acid battery
The Oasis battery from Firefly will keep the cabins in long-haul trucks going all night without contributing to global warming.October 30, 2007
Wider variety of ethanol blends on the way, DOE official says
E10 doesn't have a lot of biofuel in it. E85 is tough to find. So why not E30?October 23, 2007
Steer clear of accidents, global warming
Nissan says its car navigation system can help cut greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient driving.October 4, 2007
previous auto coverage
In electric car stakes, it's Miles to go
A motorcycle that's fast, silent and green
Squeezing more fuel out of scraps
Making ethanol out of biodiesel byproducts
Zap to make electric sedan based on its sports car
Waiting for energy tech's best and brightest
Greenpeace hands game industry low score
In its "Guide to Greener Electronics," the environmental group finds that game console makers have a long way to go.November 27, 2007
Software drafted to design greener buildings
Autodesk is developing a 3D modeling application to reflect LEED green building ratings.November 12, 2007
Bill Clinton: Green buildings key to fighting climate change
At the Greenbuild conference in Chicago, former president praises sustainable design and presses the need for global efforts to battle climate change.November 7, 2007
Governors sign on to Climate Savers efficient PCs plan
Buying efficient PCs and using existing power-saving tools could reduce electricity consumption by 50 percent in four years, say Minnesota and Kansas governors.November 7, 2007
Marvell chip puts more power into your PC
Marvell, among others, wants to cut that heat coming off your power supply and put the energy to good use. November 5, 2007
Google's love for solar may extend to other renewables
Company intends to generate 50 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy forms for its operations by 2012. October 30, 2007
'Small wind' turbines blow onto rooftops
Are consumers and businesses ready for small turbines or 'building-integrated' wind generators? Companies such as AeroVironment are hoping so.October 26, 2007
Pint-size hydro power on tap
Start-up Rentricity designs a generator that brings hydroelectric power down to size for cities and towns.October 24, 2007
Buy a house, get the electric car thrown in
Porteon is the latest entry into the (s)low-speed vehicle market. October 24, 2007
Solar thermal plants go back to the future
Start-up Ausra nabs $40 million in venture capital to build utility-scale solar power plants, an idea that is again gaining traction.September 9, 2007
previous home and office coverage
Solar powered Wi-Fi? Solis Energy says 'why not?'
Hydrogen fuel cells power Fujitsu data center
Father of the compact fluorescent bulb looks back
Gartner urges action on data-center emissions
Green IT strategies stifled by inertia
Energy geeks compete for coolest solar home
FAQ: All about coal--a necessary evil
Coal is probably a fact of life. The problem is how to burn it. We answer some of questions surrounding the fuel and how scientists might make it more eco-friendly.December 3, 2007
Google to enter clean-energy business
Search giant earmarks hundreds of millions of dollars with the goal of generating a gigawatt of clean energy that's cheaper than coal.November 27, 2007
Can baking soda curb global warming?
A start-up in Texas says it can turn the carbon dioxide emitted by power plants into baking soda.November 27, 2007
Solar market blows mostly hot, sometimes cold
Venture capitalists will invest $1 billion in solar start-ups this year, but some financiers are concerned about public solar companies.November 13, 2007
Satellite 'sentinels' to help track climate change
European project that will monitor different climate elements in Europe from space aims to help fight climate change.November 13, 2007
As eco-buzz grows, survey warns companies of green trap
America's consumers offer a warning to businesses looking to ride the green wave: either back your eco-friendly words with actions or risk a backlash. November 13, 2007
Green chemistry--a whole different matter
Like green tech, green chemistry isn't just for treehuggers. Businesses, too, are betting on better materials.November 12, 2007
First Solar's stock: From $20 to $220 in a year
Maker of unusual solar panels, funded by Walton family, is seeing huge growth in profits and stock price. Compare the stock to Google's and the product to the Civic.November 8, 2007
previous investments coverage
Photos
Steve Glenn, CEO of LivingHomes, gives a tour of his green, modular, architecturally designed homes.
January 14, 2008
Bit by bit, dead aircraft leave desert graveyards for use in making homes, furniture, and food cans.
January 14, 2008
GM will announce an investment in ethanol start-up Coskata, part of many alternative transportation announcements expected.
January 13, 2008
Even in 2007, spill response means employing equipment used since before the Exxon Valdez disaster.
November 20, 2007
At its annual gala, the Tech Museum of Innovation recognizes people who are helping the environment and emerging nations.
November 9, 2007
Companies in Boston pitch their ideas for propane- supplied fuel cells, wave power, "daylighting," and other clean technologies.
October 31, 2007
Teams from around the world cruised across Australia to show what a homemade car and some solar panels can do.
October 29, 2007
This year's biggest auto show in Asia features sports cars, minis and personal transporters with an eye toward the environment.
October 26, 2007
A community that has installed wind turbines to serve its power needs plans to be totally wind-powered within a few years.
August 30, 2007
Prefabricated, modular and kit homes offer new options for homeowners seeking greener living.
August 30, 2007
Videos
Michael Kanellos test-drives the cars from Miles Automotive, one of many new companies putting out electric cars.
December 18, 2007
Brian Cooley takes a ride on the Tesla roadster, and goes 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds without a tailpipe.
December 4, 2007
Michael Kanellos showcases a variety of 'green' gift ideas.
December 3, 2007
Solar Decathlon competition showcases new solar technology and sharp design
October 16, 2007
Applied Material's solar guru says growing scale of solar means lower prices.
October 15, 2007
U.S. assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy speaks at the Solar Decathlon.
October 12, 2007
LiveFuels says it will be able to make biodiesel or synthetic gas from cheap algae in a few years.
October 11, 2007
EcoSmart Fire specializes in modern, environmentally friendly fireplaces. Would you use a fireplace with no chimney?
October 2, 2007
Martin LaMonica visits the first demo model of the flexible green home called the PowerPod and gets some ideas on how it might be used.
September 18, 2007
XtremeHomes builds green-conscious dwellings, using sustainable materials and consolidating labor.
August 30, 2007
At the Genzyme Center, daylight is beamed in by heliostats and office workers have a constant stream of outside air.
August 22, 2007
Not to be missed
Nuclear power looks for comeback in U.S.
September 13, 2007
FAQ: Energy on the high seas
August 15, 2007
Cellulosic ethanol: A fuel for the future?
August 14, 2007
FAQ: A concentrated power boost for solar energy
August 1, 2007
Squeezing more fuel out of scraps
July 1, 2007
Powering cities on landfill waste
June 6, 2007
Tech vets making leap to green tech
May 29, 2007
FAQ: 21st-century guide to indoor lighting
May 28, 2007
In the heart of Texas, a mayor goes green
May 23, 2007
Will anyone pay for the 'smart' power grid?
May 16, 2007
Diesel dealers provide a pipeline to rare, green cars
May 4, 2007
Living with technology: Green tech
May 1, 2007
Newsmaker: Humans fiddle while the planet heats up
April 3, 2007
Getting the price right for solar
April 3, 2007
Cultivating green tech at Cleantech Forum
February 22, 2007
Fast-food fat--future fuel for cars
February 8, 2007