Sub's Alternative Energy Thread

[SubGod22]

Taking small steps when they makes sense, makes sense.

First Flying Electric Ferry in US Will Shuttle Lake Tahoe Crowds With Zero Emissions

In 2023, GNN reported that the world’s first ‘flying’ electric ferry boat had entered into mass production after sailing through its performance and safety tests.

Well now, the Candela P-12 hydrofoil ferry boat is bound for these shores, having already begun service inside Stockholm.

With Lake Tahoe attracting over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts year-round, road congestion has become an ever-increasing problem. Travelers often find themselves stuck in long car lines, especially in winter, due to road closures caused by heavy snowfalls.

However, local company FlyTahoe is set to solve this by introducing a revolutionary zero-emission vessel that will make its US debut: Candela hydrofoil electric ferry. FlyTahoe, a ferry company specifically set up to introduce the Candela in America, will feature a 30-minute cross-lake service, cutting the travel time in half compared to the daily 20,000 car trips along the same route.

This 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate both skis and bikes, uses hydrofoil technology—computer-guided underwater wings—to fly above the water’s surface at high speeds, unaffected by waves and winds.

The wings lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by a staggering 80% compared to conventional vessels. This is what allows the P-12 to be fully propelled by renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, while providing a smooth ride above the waves even at high speeds.

Cutting travel times while being cleaner is never a bad thing.

[SubGod22]

Giant 2-GW Geothermal Project in Utah Gains Federal Approval

The development of America’s geothermal resources has picked up steam, one could say, after the US Interior Department approved a project in Utah that could generate up to 2 gigawatts of electricity.

Houston-based Fervo Energy received department approval in October for their Beaver County project that is set to start generating energy for clients in 2026.

Wells will be drilled across 631 acres of an area called the Cape, 158 acres of which are public lands.

Fervo said in September that flow rates from the Cape project’s first well test show it has the potential to be the “most productive enhanced geothermal system in history.”

The test demonstrated a single well flow rate of steam sufficient for the generation of 10 megawatts of clean energy, triple what earlier estimates had suggested.

Tim Latimer, Fervo CEO and co-founder, says the company “continues to achieve technical milestones for geothermal development that experts predicted to be set decades from now.”

[SubGod22]

Another small, but good step towards the future. This just makes sense.

Easily Compostable Bioplastic Now Replaces Millions of Plant Pots Across New Zealand While Nourishing Soil

A New Zealand-based eco-startup has cracked the code for replacing single-use plastic—targeting garden nurseries with their breakthrough bioplastic that breaks down naturally in soil.

After five years of development and testing, Compostify is aiming to replace the 350 million waste-producing plastic pots produced annually across the country.

“Our mission is to replace conventional plastics with materials that work in harmony with nature,” said Compostify co-founder and CEO Peter Wilson. “Not only is Compostify’s bioplastic practical and robust, it decomposes naturally, turning what was once waste into something beneficial for the soil.”


Multi-ton orders have already been placed by partners like Scion that are manufacturing the eco-friendly containers for the horticultural sector to create industry-wide impact for the retailers which have long sought solutions to reduce plastic waste.

Made from sustainably grown crops such as sugarcane, cassava, and corn, the pots can last 12 months above ground before biodegrading, with the biodegrading process starting as soon as soil is added. When planted directly in the ground, the pot provides fertilizer for the plant as the pot biodegrades.

Importantly, the bio-polymers made from the crops contain only naturally occurring chemicals and nutrients attractive for microbes to eat, and leaves no micro-plastics or toxic residue.

The construction sector has similar needs for bioplastic solutions and is an obvious next target for sustainable alternatives to products such as the plastic rebar safety caps that typically litter building sites at the end of a project. Initial orders for these rebar safety caps have also been secured.

“Our bioplastic is the foundation for a future where single-use plastics are a thing of the past,” Wilson says. “We’re here to empower our partners, in New Zealand and beyond, to contribute to a world that doesn’t just reduce waste but reimagines it.”

There's a short video at the bottom.

I wonder how many single use plastic planters are used in the US every year. New Zealand surprised me with 350M.

[SubGod22]

Breakthrough proton battery beats lithium limit, boasts 3,500 charging cycles

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have achieved a breakthrough in energy storage technology by developing a battery that utilizes protons instead of lithium.

The team created the rechargeable proton battery using a novel organic material called tetraamino-benzoquinone (TABQ), which facilitates the rapid movement of protons, enabling efficient energy storage.

“We have developed a novel, high-capacity small-molecule material for proton storage,” said Professor Chuan Zhao from UNSW in a press release.

The battery offers quick energy storage, extended cycle life, and efficient operation even in sub-zero temperatures.

“Combined with a TCBQ cathode, the all-organic battery offers long cycle life (3500 cycles of fully charging, and then fully draining the battery), high capacity, and good performance in cold conditions, making it a promising step for renewable energy storage,” highlighted the researchers.

This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize energy storage, particularly for applications such as grid-scale storage and electric vehicles.

[SubGod22]

I think I've shared something about this Kansas company before, but here's more.

New Engine Beats Ford, General Motors, and Tesla By a Mile With 200% More Efficiency, 100% More Power, and 50% of the Cost

The automotive industry has long been defined by a push for bigger, faster, and more efficient engines. Now, a revolutionary innovation threatens to outpace legacy giants like Ford (F), Tesla (TSLA), and General Motors (GM). This groundbreaking engine technology, developed by a Kansas-based company and a Washington research center, is setting new standards in efficiency, power, and affordability.

Astron Aerospace’s H2 Starfire engine might sound like science fiction, but its real-world implications are profound. Designed to operate on hydrogen fuel, it offers 60% efficiency, far surpassing traditional internal combustion engines that operate at only 20–40%. Even more astonishingly, it does so while emitting mainly water vapor, a stark departure from the carbon-heavy byproducts of conventional gasoline engines.

Astron's H2 Starfire is compact, powerful, and low-maintenance. Built with fewer than 100 parts, it eliminates much of the friction that hampers traditional engines, requiring fewer repairs and boasting an operational lifespan exceeding 100,000 hours between overhauls. With nearly instantaneous throttle response, this engine promises a future where performance meets sustainability.

But Astron isn’t stopping with passenger cars. Its inventor, Matthew Riley, envisions a broader application for the Starfire engine, from heavy-duty commercial vehicles to marine vessels, aerospace systems, and agricultural machinery. "The Race to Zero is Over," Riley boldly claims, signaling a new era for combustion engines.

[SubGod22]

Not necessarily an EV fan as they are right now, but Tesla is coming out with their least expensive model this coming year.

Cheap Tesla ‘Model Q’ News Sends Stock Skyrocketing

Tesla definitely isn’t going bankrupt today.

Shares of the electric automaker spiked in pre-market trading on Monday following a report from China that a new affordable model will launch in the first half of next year.

Tesla’s head of investor relations, Travis Axelrod, reportedly shared the news with investors at a Deutsche Bank meeting, according to GlobalChinaEV.

Axelrod’s comments reconfirmed those made by CEO Elon Musk during Tesla’s third-quarter earnings call, when he said, “regarding the vehicle business, we are still on track to deliver our affordable models starting in the first half of 2025.”

However, Axlerod revealed the vehicles name as the Model Q. This is apparently a reference to Tesla short sellers who often use #TSLAQ in posts, which is what the ticker would switch to if the company declared bankruptcy.

With a current valuation far above $1 trillion, $33 billion in cash on hand and a streak of 20 profitable quarters, Tesla is not in imminent danger of declaring Chapter 11.

The so-called Model Q is expected to be based on the platform used by the Model 3 and Model Y, but reconfigured to hit a lower price point.

During the earnings call, Musk said that it would be “$30k” with incentives, which could represent a list price of $37,500 under the current federal tax credit program. The statement was made in October prior to Donald Trump’s election, however, and indications are that his administration will cut or cancel the credit, with Musk’s support. Tesla’s lowest-priced model today is the $42,490 Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.

Still pretty pricey if you ask me, though I haven't shopped for a new car in a decade.

I also wondered why my Tesla stock had jumped this morning.

[SubGod22]

Interesting potential within geothermal.

Superhot rock energy could power geothermal systems anywhere

Geothermal energy holds the potential to provide abundant renewable energy at equivalent cost to fossil fuels, and targeted investments could quickly speed its development, according to a new report from Cornell researchers and the nonprofit Clean Air Task Force (CATF).

The "Gaps, Challenges, and Pathways Forward for Superhot Rock Energy" reports explore current and emerging technologies to expand geothermal energy and identify priority areas for research investments.

Subject experts explore technology gaps and strategies to overcome them in drilling, well construction, heat extraction, power production and siting. The siting report is co-authored by Seth Saltiel, assistant research professor of earth and atmospheric sciences, a shared department in the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Chanmaly Chhun, a postdoctoral associate in Saltiel's lab; Pascal Caraccioli Salinas, a doctoral student in Saltiel's lab, and colleagues at Cascade Institute.

Conventional geothermal energy systems are limited to regions where concentrated heat exists near the Earth's surface, especially near the boundaries of tectonic plates where the crust is thinner and volcanic activity provides heat. However, next-generation technologies seek to make geothermal energy possible almost anywhere.

[SubGod22]

This is how solar should be utilized.

RV Business - Airxcel's RV Products Adds Rooftop Solar to Kansas Facility

RV Products, a division of Airxcel that includes Coleman-Mach, Maxxair and Solace, has made significant strides in its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by installing solar panels at its facility in Wichita, Kan., according to a release.

Earlier in 2024, the company undertook a major expansion of its facility, during which it installed an impressive array of 72 solar cell panels. This ambitious project is a key component of RV Products’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy sources.

The solar power system became operational in October 2024. Since then, it has been operational for approximately one and a half months, during which it has already begun to make a substantial impact. The newly established solar farm is now generating a substantial portion of the facility’s total power requirements. This development marks a significant milestone in RV Products’ journey towards sustainable energy solutions and reflects the company’s dedication to integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations.

“This is just one part of our efforts to utilize renewable energy sources,” said Rob Leach, division president for RV Products. “We’ve installed LED lights throughout the facility and are also looking at filling our own propane tanks to reduce the waste of dumping cylinders. At RV Products, we are dedicated to investing in innovation and sustainability to help elevate the RV industry.”

Leach also emphasized, “For over five decades, we have been a proud member of the Wichita community, continuously innovating and investing in our shared future. Our new solar panels represent not just a leap forward in sustainable technology, but also our unwavering commitment to supporting the community that has supported us since 1967. We are excited to bring cleaner energy solutions to Wichita, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and local growth.”

[SubGod22]

Things like this make some sense on smaller scales and can be quite the benefit outside of just the pollution aspect.

Officials launch futuristic train connecting two major US cities — here are some of its major perks

Zero-emission electric train service is now available between San Francisco and San Jose.

As Electrek reported, the Caltrain no longer runs on diesel fuel and is fully electric.

This rail corridor has existed since 1863. Federal, state, and local partners helped to fund the train electrification project, and Stadler built the trains in Salt Lake City and tested them at high speeds to comply with Federal Railroad Administration guidelines.

Not only does the new train run on clean energy, but its service is now also faster and more frequent. The trains run every 15 to 20 minutes during peak times, and the ride can take less than an hour.

Other perks of the new electric cars include a quieter ride, more under-seat storage, free Wi-Fi, and additional seat power outlets.

These updates are significant because they encourage more people to ride the train for their commutes. More rides translate to fewer polluting vehicles on the roads and less pollution in the air.

Clean, quiet, and efficient. All good things.

[SubGod22]

Spin-powered crystals could boost clean hydrogen production 200 times

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as an important element in the transition to a low-carbon future.

Now, researchers have discovered a new approach to improve the efficiency of water splitting, a process that produces clean hydrogen fuel.

Max Planck Institute researchers used a special type of crystal called topological chiral crystals.

These crystals, with their unique chiral structure, possess extraordinary quantum properties. They can manipulate the spin of electrons, allowing for a highly efficient water-splitting process.

“By leveraging the unique spin properties of electrons, we’ve created a catalyst that outperforms traditional materials by a factor of 200,” said Binghai Yan.

[SubGod22]

More solar progress.

Transparent solar cells generate power 1000x more efficiently than traditional panels

Solar energy has become a beacon of sustainability, yet traditional solar panels remain limited in their applications due to size, rigidity, and opacity.

These constraints have long restricted solar technology to specific settings like rooftops or open fields. However, recent advances in transparent solar cells (TSCs) promise a transformative leap, offering the potential to harvest solar energy from unexpected surfaces like windows, vehicles, and even human skin.

Conventional solar cells, despite their efficiency, disrupt aesthetics and limit functional integration with everyday structures. Transparent solar cells, especially the latest innovation termed near-invisible solar cells (NISCs), overcome these challenges.

With an average visible transparency (AVT) exceeding 70%—and in some cases reaching 79%—these cells blend seamlessly into their environment while efficiently generating energy.

One of the key breakthroughs enabling this advancement lies in the use of two-dimensional (2D) materials like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These materials are known for their ultra-thin structures, exceptional light absorption capabilities, and tunable band gaps in the visible light range.

[SubGod22]

This is interesting.

Ferries, Planes Line up to Purchase 'Solar Diesel' a Cutting-Edge Low-Carbon Fuel from Swiss Start-Up

From Switzerland comes a new technology that aims to decarbonize the transportation methods we use right now.

Through a thermochemical process driven 100% by solar power, the energy startup Synhelion can synthesize gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or any other fossil fuel currently in use.

Their colloquially termed ‘solar fuels’ are carbon neutral, as they emit only as much CO2 as was used in their production, compared to fossil fuels that come from deep underground and add to the global carbon cycle.

The technology that powers the DAWN solar fuel plant pictured above relies on concentrated solar radiation reflected from a bank of mirrors into a receiver that creates temperatures as high as 1,500C°. This not only powers the production of fuels through synthesizing H20 and CO2, but also is fed into a storage system that powers the production after dark.

Launched in 2016, Synhelion has needed some time to get its feet under itself, but with its first industrial-scale plant in operation, transportation services are starting to take notice.

In September, Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft signed a five-year agreement with Synhelion that includes a commitment to purchase solar kerosene for their aircraft starting in 2027. Under the agreement, Pilatus will acquire 200 tons of solar fuel per year.

Just 8 days later, Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SVG) and Synhelion announced an identical five-year agreement for 100 tons per year. The company’s iconic steamboats, integral to Lake Lucerne’s landscape for over a century, were originally powered by coal and later by heating oil.

There's a four minute video at the bottom of the article. The cool thing about this is it doesn't require any changes to current engines in order to use.