The Shape of the Race for new energy

The competition for the development of lithium-ion batteries is justifiably heating up.  Battery technology will be at the center of our future energy consumption patterns.  The progress of wind and solar energy generation are great developments, but the pressing problem is as much where to store the energy as it is how to develop it.  If energy has to travel large distances from the great plains to major cities, then much of the benefit of generating wind and solar energy will be lost.  This consortium of companies looking for federal money for the car battery might be the next step in this technological evolution.  I’ll definitely keep my eye on it:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/electric-car-battery-makers-seek-federal-funds/?scp=1&sq=lithium%20ion%20battery&st=cse