Production of Ethanol From Biomass

ScienceDaily (Mar. 20, 2008) — Iowa State University researchers are developing an integrated system of thermochemical and catalytic technologies to efficiently produce ethanol from plant biomass.

“Increasing supplies of renewable energy and using more energy efficient technologies must continue to play an indispensable role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the rapidly growing demand for energy,” said Samuel Bodman, the U.S. secretary of energy.*

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Repowering Engines Get Better Gas Mileage

BETHESDA, Md., March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With gasoline prices
projected to hit the $4 per gallon point by this summer, the Engine Repower
Council (ERC) reminds motorists that a repowered engine gets better gas
mileage than a worn out engine, emitting fewer pollutants as well.



"If your car or truck is experiencing major engine damage, but is in
relatively good shape otherwise, repowering it with a
remanufactured/rebuilt engine not only will help you stretch your dollars
at the gas pump, it is also a much more cost effective option compared to
purchasing a new or used car," said ERC Chairman Steve Rich.



With repowering, the engine or an identical one from another
like-vehicle, is completely remanufactured/rebuilt. Also, unlike installing
a used or junk yard engine, critically important internal parts get
replaced with new ones that meet or exceed original equipment performance
standards.



Frequently, remanufactured/rebuilt engines are even better than the new
engines installed at the factory. This is because the original factory
engine problems have been redesigned or repaired with better quality parts.
They are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs
that also usually cover installation expenses.



Engine repowering also saves the tremendous amount of energy used in
processing discarded engines and vehicles, as well as saves an incredible
amount of raw materials that would have been used in building a new engine.



"According to a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for
the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, 75 percent of drivers are
maintaining their vehicles better because of rising gas prices. Now is the
time to talk with an automotive technician to see if repowering your engine
with a remanufactured/rebuilt one is the right choice for you," concluded
Rich.

Solar Cell Production Less Harmful Than Originally Thought

ScienceDaily (Feb. 26, 2008) — In a finding that could help ease concerns about the potential environmental impact of manufacturing solar cells, scientists report that the manufacture of solar cells produces far fewer air pollutants than conventional fossil fuel technologies. Their report is the first comprehensive study on the pollutants produced during the manufacture of solar cells.

Solar energy has been touted for years as a safer, cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels to meet rising energy demands. However, environmentalists and others are increasingly concerned about the potential negative impact of solar cell(photovoltaic) technology.

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