The World in 2030

The World in 2030 235
In an effort to develop a new source of sustainable
energy, researchers at Polytechnic University, the
premier New York-based technology and engineering
higher education institution, have bioengineered a
fuel-latent plastic that can be converted into biodiesel.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
has awarded the researchers $2.34 million to advance
this innovative technology and transfer it to industry.
The commercialization of the technology will
lead to a new source of green energy to households
worldwide. 449
And, at an individual level, humans are already proving
that energy self-sufficiency is achievable, a lesson to which
we should all pay attention. As the following story on
greenoptions.com makes clear, even hydrogen-powered cars
can be part of today’s sustainable energy mix:
Mike Strizki’s utility bill is zero, thanks to some creative
thinking using renewable energy technologies.
By using solar panels, a hydrogen fuel cell, storage
tanks and an electrolyzer, he has enough electricity
even on the cloudiest days. And Strizki isn’t a hermit
living in the dark off of snails and rainwater, either.
His 3,500 square foot house is located in central New
Jersey on 12 acres, with amenities you’d see in any
21st century home, like a hot tub and big screen TV.
His renewable energy system even creates hydrogen
he uses to power his fuel-cell car. 450
There are even more radical technologies which hold out
the hope, if not the promise, of abundant clean and cheap