Bacteria could become the fuel cell source of the future for tiny robots and spy drones. Strains of bacteria like Shewanella oneidensis release electrons as waste product. Hybrid fuel cells where one bacteria feeds of the waste of another to produce fuel are also a feasibility. There are many US government funded research projects now taking place at universities such as Standford and Southern Carolina. One of the key factors behind such research is a desire by the US Defense Department to put more robots in the field to transport equipment, conduct battle operations, and serve as reconnaissance vehicles. Conceivably, a small robot powered by a bacteria fuel cell could shuttle a camera or listening device unobtrusively next to someone. Could bacteria signal the end of the sealed lead acid battery – the primary power source for uninterruptible power supplies ? Click here for more the full article.

One of the main issues affecting green power is just how much energy you take to produce it. There is a case of a corn refinery in Iowa that uses 300 tons of coal a day to make ethanol. If coal becomes the standard fuel for ethanol producing plants then it will undermine the whole green dividend. The reason for the use of coal is that natural gas, for so long the primary fuel for ethanol plants is fast rising in price. The ethanol industry is definitely experiencing a boom but like many boom industries is its fast expansion at the expense of its green credentials ? For more information on this piece click Altnet.