New research from Kajima, a Japanese company, and Tokyo University, suggests that microbes from human waste could be a good source for hydrogen fuel cell cars. This follows a number of recent reports about the potential to use methane as an energy source.
In a case of déjà vu, oil prices climbed 23 percent last week. While most forecasters are expecting oil to remain in the $50 to $60 range throughout 2009, the world’s oil supply is no less vulnerable—and perhaps even more susceptible—to geopolitical forces than it was before the financial meltdown. Vulnerabilities are most prevalent in the world’s six major oil transit chokepoints.
Indian carmaker Tata Motors will offer a micro-hybrid version of the Nano—its ultra-affordable small car—according to a leading Indian business television channel. Micro-hybrid technology allows a vehicle to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 5 to 10 percent. With the micro-hybrid Nano, Tata will attempt to use the auto industry’s least expensive hybrid technology in the world’s least expensive car.
