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The other process, called surface metallization, shrinks the size of the wires, or "fingers," on the front of cells. Instead of using the typical screen printing method, 1366 Technologies engineers have built a machine that's able to make the silver wires using electroplating and to place them on the cell. Shrinking the fingers from the typical 120 microns to 30 microns reduces shading on the cell and allows manufacturers to put more fingers on a cell to improve performance, Sachs said. The company also expects to be able to replace silver with copper to reduce cost, he added.

"The Silver State-based company has developed the Faulkner 1, a 49.5 MW geothermal power project at NGP's Blue Mountain site in northwestern Nevada. Currently, the project is planning two new injection wells to enhance the distribution of injected fluids and further augment the plant's power output. As such, the DOE is acting as loan guarantor for up to 80 percent of the $98.5 million loan to NGP for the scheme. As part of the Obama administration's Recovery Act, alternative energy has seen a real increase in investment with projects such as the Cape Wind Farm being finalized. Recent tragedies such as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill have only solidified support for alternative energy. Geothermal projects haven't dominated headlines like solar and wind projects have, but US Senator Harry Reid hopes to see that change. Speaking about the DOE's support, Senator Reid said, "I am glad to see economic recovery funding being used to put Nevadans to work on a project that will help us achieve energy independence" He went on to say, "Northern Nevada is the Saudi Arabia of geothermal energy.""

Leading UK scientists say there is no single solution to meeting future energy needs and tackling climate change.\n\nIn a report, Towards a low carbon future, for the Royal Society, the scientists call for an end to the UK's "half-hearted" approach.\n\nThe country lacks a coherent energy system able to meet the challenges ahead, says the report, and needs a new vision for the future.\n\n"It is time for us to break away from the endless debate which is so often dominated by vested interests and the search for a silver bullet," says lead author of the report, John Shepherd.