Nov 27 2009

The Green Seen

Posted by: Leonard Anderson

Several items relating to the business and technology of clean energy and the environment caught our attention this week:

Norway has launched the world's first osmotic power plant to generate electricity by blending salt water and fresh water through a polymer membrane. Operated by Norwegian renewable energy company Statkraft, the pilot plant will generate 2-4 kilowatts of emissions-free electricity, enough to power a coffee maker, Reuters reports. The plant is driven by osmosis, drawing fresh water across the membrane toward the sea water. This increases pressure on the sea water, driving a turbine and producing electricity. Statkraft aims to begin building commercial plants by 2015.

The Maryland NightHawks, a minor-league basketball franchise, may be the first pro team in any sport to go green. The franchise has changed its name to the GreenHawks and attracted green sponsors like Honest Tea, Sweet Green and CarbonFund.org. "I've never been at a press conference talking about recycling," said Coach Rob Spon. There was also talk of a bamboo court, hemp nets and uniforms made from recycled materials. Go GreenHawks!

The Mother Nature Network web site is honoring chefs who practice sustainable cooking. This follows a list of top young farmers who provide locally-sourced, sustainable food. The new chef list recognizes some celebrities, including White House assistant chef Sam Kass, but Mother Nature Network's aim is to include cooks from around the country -- not just restaurant chefs but caterers and food-cart operators as well. Brittany Baldwin, who runs Portland Home Chef, a personal chef and catering service in Oregon, was recognized for using local ingredients as well as composting and recycling. 

© 2008 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms

"PG&E" refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation.