Worldfocus

Algae.

“Another day, another algae company,” says Michael Kanellos of Greentech Media.

Algae-based energy may not share the popularity of corn-based or sugar-based biofuels, but it is projected to be in commercial production within three years.

Along with green revolution trends like natural gas, nuclear power and ethanol fuel blends, people around the world are exploring a host of other “alternative” alternative fuels.

In Canada, a new cellulosic ethanol plant will make use of beetle-killed wood.

Blogger Patrick Kiger of “Is This a Good Idea?” weighs the idea of using artificial tornadoes to generate electricity.

Blogger “Naija Pundit” of “My Nigeria” excerpts a report from a Nigerian man using his septic tank as a bioreactor to generate electricity, provocatively joking that the success of this practice could put national power companies out of business.

In Patagonia, South America, plant scientist Gary Strobel has discovered a forest fungus that produces many of the same hydrocarbons found in diesel. Strobel proposes that it might be genetically combined with faster-reproducing bacteria to develop new energy sources.

In the arena of consumer vehicles, an air-powered CityCat car is schedule to arrive in the U.S. by early 2010. A version of the car was supposed to be in production in India in July, and the “Xtreme Machines” blog provides an overview of the machine.  Yet reports say that the technology is still in development.

Blogger Noel of “Green Stumbler” showcases other air-powered cars including South Africa’s Air Car, the South Korean Energine engine, and the French K’Airmobile.

Michael Kanellos at “Greentech Media” reports that Japanese car manufacturer Nissan is now developing a car that charges itself.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Olfert under a Creative Commons license.