GEO Recharge Colorado Rebate Program Pumps Nearly $90M of Investment into Colorado Economy

This is another example of how the Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO) works quietly behind the scenes to boost renewable energy technologies, promote energy efficiency in our structures, and stimulate the Colorado economy. A resident could get a rebate for installing a solar PV array, for weatherizing their property, or for purchasing an Energy Star appliance. Kudos to the GEO for strategically developing a rebate program that makes a positive impact in three different areas.

Discovery Could Make Fuel Cells Much Cheaper

I love science and all of the possibility and hope it brings. Bright men and women are working hard each day to discover cures for debilitating diseases and to develop better, faster, cheaper, smarter ways to do things. And now we have scientists that have discovered a cheaper material for a hydrogen fuel cell catalyst. The catalyst of choice today is platinum, which according to that article is a mere $1800 an ounce. Pricey. The new cheaper catalyst is a carbon, iron, and cobalt mixture and they say it is as durable as a platinum catalyst. Cool huh? If you need a good primer on the magic of fuel cells check this out at How Stuff Works. Science rocks!

Pew Report: U.S. Drops to Third in Clean Energy Investment

I'm not ready to hit the panic button yet, but China is eating our lunch with respect to deploying clean energy technology. Although U.S. investment was up 51% ($34B) from 2009, the Chinese and the Germans are still pumping more investment dollars into clean tech deployments. Pew Clean Energy Director Phyliss Cuttino said, "The United States' position as a leading destination for clean energy investment is declining because its policy framework is weak and uncertain." That about sums it up for me. Our elected officials need to develop a comprehensive energy plan for this nation gradually phasing out fossil fuels and phasing in renewables or in the end we will spend way more than $34 billion for our energy needs.