MIT energy competition narrows field

Twenty teams, proposing everything from energy-efficient lumber to 100-mile-per-gallon cars, were named semi-finalists in an MIT competition to commercialize advanced energy technologies. The grand prize: $200,000.

The semi-finalists were chosen from a field of 94 by a panel of specialists. The proposals include: solar energy systems 25 percent cheaper than current ones; car design for a 100 mpg car; gasoline from grasses, trees, and other plants; and framing lumber to reduce home energy use by 20 percent. "Solutions are needed to reduce fossil fuel dependence, lower greenhouse gas emissions and meet escalating energy demand," said Joe Nolan, senior vice president at Boston utility NStar, a competition sponsor. "We need to accelerate the pace of entrepreneurship to bring new innovation to the market."

Finalists will be selected and the prize awarded in May. In addition to MIT and NStar, the US Energy Department is also sponsoring the competition.
(By Robert Gavin, Globe staff)