Minor Alternative Fuel Milestones

Two major stories related to alternative fuel came out this week. One is the launch of a manned hydrogen-powered airplane. This plane from Boeing utilizes hydrogen fuel cell technology, producing only heat and water as exhaust. Unfortunately, though successful, it is unlikely that the hydrogen technology will able to take over the power demands of commercial planes ... at least without major advances in the technology.

The other story is more political than scientific, but intriguing nonetheless. It seems that the state of California has mandated that car manufacturers need to begin producing and selling hybrid cars by 2014. This would allow hybrid cars to "top off" their batteries overnight, using less automobile fuel during driving.

Related Articles:

• New Scientist - Plug-in hybrid cars ready to roll in California
• BBC News - Hydrogen-powered plane takes off
• Sources of Power Production