The Singaporean Fuel Cell Company Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has improved the performance and in particular the endurance of its AeroPak power system. Used primarly to power drone aircraft.

"as much as 300 percent" or "up to four times the endurance capability of advanced lithium batteries currently in use."

Honda Introduces New Hybrid Insight Car in Japan

February 6th

An all-new Insight hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 6, 2009. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback starting at an affordable ¥1,890,000 ($21,000), the Insight features a lightweight, compact hybrid system that combines exceptional fuel economy with fun-to-drive performance.

Using Nanotechnology to Develop a New High-Performance Energy Storage Device

January 28th

The NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay today announced a new program initiative between the NSW Government and the South Korean province of Gangwon funding researchers at the University of Wollongong's (UOW) Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) that promises to have a huge impact on devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras.

Sanyo and Nippon Oil Form Joint Venture for Solar Cells

January 27th

Nippon Oil (Eneos) and Sanyo Electric are a creating a joint company to produce thin-film solar cells starting January 23rd 2009.

For the joint company, Sanyo will take charge of the development of manufacturing technologies for thin-film solar cells as well as the production of cells and modules. And Eneos will be responsible for the construction of large-scale power generation systems using the modules as well as the distribution and sale of the products. Eneos will also provide material technologies for gases (eg, hydrogen gas) required in the cell production, the company said.

Solar,
Energy