| Google Investing $10M in Plug-Ins |
| Written by Hank Green | ||
| Tuesday, 19 June 2007 | ||
 Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org, is putting some of it's gigantic pile of cash behind plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Right now, their initiatives include hacking Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids to be plug-ins. Their Prius plug-ins are getting about 75 mpg, a good boost over the 40 mpg of regular Prius models. Google plans to fund at least $10 million in PHEV projects and hopes to expand it's plug-in fleet to at least 100 vehicles. In addition to promoting the idea of PHEVs Google is also working on the technology behind vehicle to grid integration. Vehicle to Grid power basically works by charging car batteries at night, when there's tons of extra electricity, and then selling the electricity back to utility companies during the day when prices are high. Not only could this provide a revenue stream to owners of hybrid cars, it would stabilize the country's energy grid and make it easier for us to adopt renewable energy. Google is working with their utility company PG&E on working out the kinks of vehicle to grid power, and optimizing the process. Google's RechargeIT.org page is promoting all of these initiatives. Recharging the car, recharging the grid, and "recharging the planet." No small goals at Google! A video from Google is available after the jump Via MetaEfficient
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The Intelligent Use of Water Film Compet
written by Little Willow , June 20, 2007 | ||
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Science, technology gadgets and...baby seals. We're in a bit of an eco-mess, but we've got the brains to lick any problem. And that's why EcoGeek.org publishes up to ten stories daily about innovations that are saving the planet.
And if that sounds interesting to you, then congratulations, you're an EcoGeek.
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The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition is accepting submissions. Films will be reviewed by a panel of judges with academic, professional, industrial, or governmental expertise in film and/or water conservation. Finalists will be selected and invited to a screening event on Oct. 13 at the L.A. Arboretum.
Seeking (short films) between one-20 minutes, must be made in English and focus on water conservation, as well as explore ideas to intelligently manage and efficiently utilize water, must also be a narrative, documentary, animated, experimental, and/or student-made production.
Submit shorts by Aug. 15 via the website http://www.iuowfilm.com or send to Rain Bird Corporation, 970 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Azusa, CA 91702, Attn: IUOW Film Competition. No fees or purchases required. To submit via mail, short must be in NTSC format for writing to a DVD or VHS tape. To submit via the website, covert the short to .mov, .wmv, or .mpg file. All entries must be labeled with your name, phone, email and total running time. Finalists will be presented at a screening event in L.A. $6,000 for the judges? selection and $3,000 for audience?s pick.