STUFFS

Indian scientists have found graphene quantum dots can move el current faster than silicon. MIT researchers have found a way to make graphene faster. U of TX researchers manipulating graphene by microwave bombardment (sounds like Texas, fer sher) to make "tunable invisibility cloak": medical imaging devices wouldn't have the harmful radiation. Yea, that's a good way to sell it.

Graphite prices, however, have uber doubled in recent years (graphene comes from graphite, o course). 97% pure graphite goes for >$2k/ton. 99.99% >$20k. China controls ~80% of the global market. What's new. And reserves are running low.

AEP scratching plans to build full-scale $668M carbon capture addition @ 31-yr-old WV coal-fired power plant. 2-yr-old pilot program. They cited Congressional inaction on climate change diminished incentives that had spurred the plan, even though DOE has pledged to cover half the cost. And they don't think regulators would allow them to charge customers for the costs.

Japan's PM: "we should aim to get by without nuclear energy".

House GOP is reviving the push to repeal the light bulb standards. Um, how many of us have already moved on to CFL's? And are just waiting for LED prices to come down? What is the Republican problem with energy savings (which converts directly to cost savings)?! Then converts to less GHG emissions which then converts to less global warming. Even GE has shut down the incandescent lines! OY!

EPA chief: Bush ozone standards "not legally defensible". Not sure which Bush but I have an idea.

Climate change is reducing oceans' ability to absorb CO2: U of WI study of subtropical N. Atlantic. ~1/3 of our planet's CO2 is absorbed by our oceans. And hence becoming more acedic.

Encore Solar says it can lower cost of CdTe thin film production by 20% or more by electroplating. Current CdTe process (FSLR) is vapor deposition. Electroplating could also up efficiency to 17% or more. FSLR now @ 12%, GE announced 12.8% earlier this year.

Abound Solar (and GE) use Close Space Sublimation process. Abound shipped 25MW in '10, expecting 60MW this year and 180MW in '12 at CO factory's full capac. Then planning a 650MW plant in IN.

Another day. And there's got to be a better way than what our leaders are giving us in DC Washington. Though whom of us has an answer to this debt and deficits. Now. We did in '99. O yea. Then we had a very odd election because Bill had screwed the pooch and lied about it? Oy one more time. Debt to America.

Happy trails, pards.