Fueled by government and consumer mandates for more energy efficient sources and conduits of power, the founders of Green Plug have created an adapter that can draw power from universal sources of electricity and convert it to device-specific power needs. This can help solve the problem of having to dispose of a power adapter every time a consumer purchases a new device or a new version of a device that would otherwise have rendered an old adapter useless. These adapters utilize uniform cables that are compatible with consumer electronics, including PDAs or digital cameras.

GreenPlug operates with a hub that is capable of allowing use of a low-power universal USB connector to provide high power capability for a variety of AC or DC powered devices. Not only will this reduce the environmental waste of adapters being tossed out with every purchase of a new device, the hubs also reduce energy consumption by communicating with devices when they do not need power. They are long-lasting and could have a tremendous impact on the way we view power and electronics - fewer cables, less confusion and more uniformity in how these devices operate.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has announced a bold new project, called the Masdar Initiative, to encourage investment in and production of clean, renewable energy in that country and others in the Middle East. The goal of this initiative is to leverage the area's substantial knowledge and resources in the field of energy into a long-term pattern of success in the field of clean energy, making it more capable of handling pressing issues surrounding the need for better fuel.

Masdar is being developed and managed by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC). Current research tracks include photovoltaic, water management, solar thermal and carbon management. Managing partner companies are chosen by the host institution and work together to bring research to reality. On the investment side of the coin, Masdar includes the Masdar Clean Tech Fund (composed of over $250 million), which acquires stakes in upcoming cleantech firms, the Sustainable Technologies and Advanced Research (STAR) program, which invests in companies that are nearing commercialization, and Masdar Business Incubator which nurtures very young companies and entrepreneurs to encourage them to succeed in the market.

They are also taking on a special project within the UAE, a "Special Free Zone" which will operate entirely on clean-burning technologies and the use of sustainable practices and biodiversity. This comes in addition to the tremendous effort the initiative will make towards carbon management in the Middle East, including the very promising "capture and storage" method which is used in oil production.

Overal, Abu Dhabi commits $15 billion to alternative energy. This commitment targets solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development.