Written by Megan Treacy

A new report from technology research corporation iSuppli warns that we're facing a global LED shortage in 2010.  Hooray!

Why am I cheering?  Because the reason for this shortage is a huge surge in demand for the energy-efficient lighting in the electronics industry.  Yes, it's bad that the supply is low, but it's great news that the use of more efficient lighting is becoming more mainstream.

Written by  Yuka Yoneda

With the cost (both financial and environmental) of fuel these days, everyone is trying to cut back in whatever ways they can. If you’re talking boats, you can always go solar or electric to cut emissions, but one German fishing boat called the Maartje Theadora decided to take a slightly different route – flying a giant blue and white kite from their craft to harness trade winds and help power their engine. The idea may sound elementary to some, but according to the operators of the ship, the “system” is expected to cut fuel consumption by 10% and up to 30% in the next two years of development. Since global fisheries account for about 1% of world oil consumption and emit more than 130 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere per year, this kite system sounds like smoother and greener sailing to us!

Written by Ariel Shwartz

Good news on the alternative energy front: Texas managed to break the U.S. wind energy generation record last Friday morning when it produced 6,272 MW of power–19% of the total electricity mix. The state, which is the country’s wind power leader, got just 6.2 percent of its electricity from wind overall last year.

Written by Desh

Donggaodi Sub-district Administrative Office and Fengtai Science and Technology Association have constructed a new zero-carbon cabin in Yixin Garden in the Donggaodi area of Fengtai District. Scheduled to open formally in April this year, it’s open for a trial for two days this month. The ambitious project, i.e. a 50-square-meter transparent glass house, touts a multitude of green features viz. rooftop solar panels, eight fitness bikes, two children’s rocking carts, a large LED display screen and two touchscreens.