We typically bring our viewers stories pertaining to the petroleum. However, upon perusing the latest interesting stories in the energy sector we came across one highly interesting article from the UK that gives a new perspective on alternative energy.

Will we switch to gas made from human waste?
As the UK faces the prospect of North Sea gas running out, could supply problems be eased by using gas made from human waste?

We can't help but wonder:

• Will government offer new fuel tax credits to consumers who eat more fiber?
• Will this give new meaning to "My job stinks"?
• Will job seekers turn their noses and "poo-poo" Quality Control positions for this new product?

Thoughts to ponder

In the last few days, the concept of "algae conversion to oil" has paid big for a few companies. Phycal was awarded with a $24.2M funding for algae fuel research. Phycal looks at extracting oil from algae and converting it into "biodiesel, drop-in "green" replacements for diesel and jet fuel, fuel oil blends, and other products".

On that same note, Solazyme delivered a "100% 'clean' algae based jet fuel" to the US Navy. The product is said to produce 85% less green house gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels.

Read the entire articles:

Phycal wins $24.2M for algae fuel research - St. Louis Business Journal
 

US Navy takes algae fuel

Interested in learning more about this topic?  OriginOil provides a bit of insight on their version of the process:

The New Petroleum

CEO Riggs Eckelberry explains why algae, a non-food crop that absorbs large amounts of CO2, is the best choice to replace petroleum.

Mike Terry, Oklahoma Independent Producers Association president, was recently interviewed regarding the oil and gas industry.  The interview covers:

- How the recent oil spill in the gulf will affect oil and gas exploration in the future
- Better alternatives than fossil fuels
- Changing the image of the oil & gas industry

So we ask, do other industry professionals feel the same?

Read the entire interview

Came across a recent article regarding the impact the current gas-tax collection method is having on the construction and maintenance of roadways. The article points out that both the poor economy and more fuel-efficient vehicles are impacting the revenue collected.  It goes on to suggest the idea of a tax based on miles driven not gallons consumed.  Interesting concept. 

It will be interesting to see how both legislators and the consumer population would adopt a mileage-based tax on fuel .

What do you think?

Read the entire article

Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, was interviewed by Clean Skies News regarding government policies and the use of new technologies. He noted a "green use" of the stimulus package and that we need to accelerate the pace if we are serious about a global strategy.

Key messages regarding government policies include:
- Energy efficiency measures
- Global framework for carbon prices
- Pushing government R&D money towards new technology investments
- Decarbonizing the power sector

Manouchehr Takin, an analyst at the Centre for Global Energy Studies, talks about the future of offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Takin provides insight on:

- how the industry will manage through the regulation & control on deep water explorations
- the importance of deep water exploration to meeting global demand
- the contribution of deep water drilling over the next 10-15 years especially in regions such as Brazil

See the entire interview

Many companies are stepping up to offer solutions on cleaning up oil spills. Presented by Clean Skies News, here's a look look at some of the technology ideas that could help BP clean up their spill.  

President Obama today announced the appointment of Michael Bromwich to lead an overhaul of the regulation of offshore drilling.  So exactly who is the new Oil Regulator? 

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Wall Street Journal
Bromwich Named to Head Oil Regulator

President Barack Obama has chosen a former assistant U.S. attorney and Justice Department inspector general to lead an overhaul of the regulation of offshore oil drilling, the White House said Tuesday.

Michael R. Bromwich will oversee the reorganization of the Minerals Management Service, the federal agency charged with regulating the industry, the White House said in a statement.

The statement added that Mr. Bromwich will be responsible for developing a new oversight structure for regulating the industry, to replace "long-standing, inadequate practices with a gold-standard approach for environmental and safety regulation."  Read more

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The Washington Post
Michael Bromwich, new MMS director, has a history of tackling tough assignments

The man appointed Tuesday by President Obama to oversee offshore oil drilling has no experience with oil and gas issues but he has a reputation for cleaning up embattled organizations.

Michael Bromwich will need those skills as the new director of the Minerals Management Service, an agency that has come under fire in recent years for failing to adequately monitor offshore oil and gas development.   Read more

An independent team of experts gathered to study the gulf situation. Participating in the study is Titanic director James Cameron who expressed his frustration regarding the spill and with the BP executives handling of the situation so far.

Cameron's team came up with a few concrete ideas to slow down the flow, capture the oil and identified what they can do to add value regarding the environmental impact. The report comes out today.

We bring you the video of Cameron's interview as he discusses some of the team's ideas.

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An interesting venture was announced recently between the United States and China that could be deemed "a bit nutty". The venture focuses on research to develop algae or oily nut biofuels that can be used by Chinese airlines. Boeing is just one of the organizations participating in the research partnership.  (see the article)

Interestingly in 2008, Boeing also participated in a similar joint venture with Air New Zealand (read article). The oily nuts of choice are from the non-edible jatropha plant as they are not edible crops and don't encroach on crop lands. According to the article, Boeing has been working closely with the Hawaiian Agricultural Research Centre to research and cultivate jatropha for mass airline commercial use.

Frequent fliers relax - the peanuts are safe.