The technological advances we have witnessed in just the last thirty years are almost mind-boggling. Imagine how much further we can go in the next thirty years. There is no question that we have the ability to discover and develop new technologies to serve our ever-changing human needs and desires. It’s just a matter of pursuing the right ones. Here are just a few examples of new technologies that can put us on the right track of sustainable living and a healthy planet.

North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm
The UK’s first major offshore wind farm, North Hoyle represents a major milestone in the country’s drive towards cleaner sources of power. Built in 2003, the project produces enough clean, green electricity each year to meet the needs of approximately 40,000 homes. This clean generation will offset the release of about 160,000 tons of carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas contributing to global warming and climate change) every year.

Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems
The Greasecar Vegetable Oil Conversion System is an auxiliary fuel modification system that allows all diesel vehicles to run on straight vegetable oil in any climate.

Hydropower
With 80,000 megawatts of generating capacity, hydropower is the U.S.’s largest renewable electricity source. Working with industry, the Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program pursues R&D to develop more environmentally friendly technologies to maintain the nation’s existing hydropower capacity.

Using Algae to Clean Power Plant Emissions
GreenFuel Technologies Corporation is a pioneer in the development of algae bioreactor technology to convert the CO2 in smokestack gases into clean, renewable biofuels. Isaac Berzin, a rocket scientist at MIT, came up with the idea three years ago while working on an experiment for growing algae on the International Space Station. Using commercially available technology, the Emissions-to-Biofuels (TM) process is designed to be retrofitted to flue stacks with minimal impact to ongoing operations and converts CO2 emissions into a range of renewable fuels such as methane, biodiesel and ethanol.

EDUsol – Solar Powered Computers for Rural Schools
By bringing solar modules and laptop computers to selected rural schools in unelectrified regions, EDUsol provides access to resources that increase educational and employment opportunities for the children who participate. Students involved in EduSol programs learn basic keyboard and mouse skills, become familiar with a variety of computer programs, play educational CD-ROM games and gain access to reference resources. Sixteen EduSol projects have been completed in Latin America, and three EduSol schools now have wireless connections to the Internet.

Wind Turbines
Windside, a Finnish company, has developed a consumer wind turbine that generates enough electricity for a home. Windside Wind Turbines convert free wind energy into electricity for battery charging. Users of this free energy are independent of the electricity grid, independent of tariff changes and free to choose their own location.