Algae biofuel developer OriginOil, Inc. has just announced a new partnership with Algasol Renewables for collaboration on the creation of an integrated algae growth and harvesting system that will capitalize on Algaol's patented system for growing algae in floating bags. The companies believe the process is a lot more efficient than more traditional cultivation methods.

OriginOil's technology contribution will be its special harvesting system. The company specializes in converting algae into a crude oil style product. The two companies are hoping that by coming together, they will achieve an all-new cost breakthrough that will allow algae biofuel to compete on a cost basis with petroleum.

The floating bags are a type of photobioreactor and can be used in the ocean or in saltwater ponds created on land. The idea behind the floating feature is that it allows for optimal light exposure, giving a big boost to productivity, yet avoiding high temperatures and excess salinity that often occur with more traditional solar growth system. To date, Algasol has obtained patents in 70 countries for its floating technology.

OriginOil is also working with the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. The project involves implementation of a downstream fuel conversion process that that company plans to eventually integrate into its work with Algasol.

Earlier this week, Ford announced the first of its dealers who have been certified to sell the 2012 Ford Focus Electric. Roll out of the Focus Electric is with much fanfare, as the vehicle has been certified by the EPA to offer 10 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe combined, rolling past the Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe.

Dealers had to go through a number of hoops before being named one of the 67 dealers currently anticipating the arrival of the Focus to their showrooms later this spring. Original availability is limited to dealers in California, New York and New Jersey with roll out nationwide by the end of this year. This is the first EV to be marketed by Ford.

To request certification, dealership had to install two charging stations, agree to have at least one Focus Electric available at all times for demo and event purpose, and participate in a Ford Go Green Dealer Onsite Facility Assessment. In addition, at least 80 percent of sales and service management-level positions must meet specific electric vehicle training certification requirements.

If anyone thought algae biofuel research had reached its limits, they certainly didn't tell investors willing to front $144 million to Sapphire Energy, one of the leading producers of algae-based fuels.

The company, recognized as one of the top algae biofuel companies in the nation, will add this third round of investment dollars to its existing stronghold, for a total of $300 million. Sapphire has stated it plans to use the latest round of investment dollars to help it reach its goal of producing 1.5 million gallons of algae fuel by 2014, a feat it hopes to reach via expansion of its Green Crude Farm in New Mexico.

Since the beginning of time--or at least the beginning of the marketing of hybrid vehicles--drivers everywhere have been pondering whether or not the typically higher price of hybrid vehicles is worth it.

If you find yourself in that camp, you may want to consider a few of the following points. First off, there is a good reason for the added cost. Your hybrid vehicles comes with some extra baggage, namely an electric propulsion motor, high voltage battery pack, and a power control module. It comes to reason all this added equipment is going to come with an added price tag.

You probably are already looking at the difference in price and calculating just how long it will take you to recoup the added cost of your hybrid through reduced fuel costs. That's a good first step, but if you stop there, you're losing some accuracy to your analysis. Like the lower cost of maintenance. Despite all those scary stories you've been fed about battery replacement costs, battery technology enables batteries to last the life of the car and some automakers are offering warranties to ensure you aren't hit with big battery costs mid-way through your car's lifespan. Just as significant is that with a hybrid, you can actually expect your maintenance expenses to be lower since the hybrid is able to make use of regenerative braking which reduces wear and tear on your braking system.