Darpa's research projects have already extracted oil from algal ponds at a cost of $2 per gallon. It is now on track to begin large-scale refining of that oil into jet fuel, at a cost of less than $3 a gallon, according to Barbara McQuiston, special assistant for energy at Darpa. That could turn a promising technology into a ­market-ready one. Researchers have cracked the problem of turning pond scum and seaweed into fuel, but finding a cost-effective method of mass production could be a game-changer. "Everyone is well aware that a lot of things were started in the military," McQuiston said.

See complete story HERE:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/13/algae-solve-pentagon-fuel-problem

With allowance for profit margins and processing costs (either for transesterification into biodiesel, or hydrotreatment into renewable jet fuel), the wholesale cost of fuel made from JMAx 100-based jatropha oil should be at or below parity with diesel or jet fuel produced from $80 oil.

JMax 100 is the first elite cultivar developed through the company's JMax Jatropha Optimization Platform, and CEO Kirk Haney said that "The yields and profitability of JMax 100 and the JMax platform far exceed what is currently available through existing varieties of Jatropha. The profitability of Jatropha was projected at$400 per acre -- more than 300 percent above existing commercial varieties.

Cool Stuff:

The all-new BYD e6 electric vehicle is being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger e6 will be marketed as a family-oriented crossover vehicle.

The pure-electric e6 features BYD's revolutionary battery technology - what we call the Fe battery. The range per charge is expected to be a remarkable 249mi (400km). Performance is surprisingly brisk, with 0-60mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 100mph (160km/h).

The Right Size
What sets the e6 apart from other pure electric vehicles are its size and performance. With current battery capacity limited, most other manufacturers have elected to focus on small, lightweight EVs that stress efficiency over performance and range.

BYD, as a young brand with a rich history of IT development and cutting-edge battery R&D, has the drive and extroverted personality to take an unconventional approach and manufacture cars that embody the company's slogan, Build Your Dreams. That's the spirit and underlying philosophy behind the e6.