Eco Factor: Bio-diesel-powered cruise ship generates renewable energy too.
The Japanese have always been known to develop some of the finest and the most bizarre robots and technologies. To improve their image a bit and tell the world that they do consider the environmental aspect of technology, a new cruise ship has been developed by Biwakokisen to operate in Lake Biwa, which is the largest fresh water lake in Japan and also a very popular tourist destination.
This new 34-meter ship car carry 200 tourists on a trip across the lake, and it does so using nothing other than bio-diesel made from recycled oil from restaurants selling tempura – a deep-fried delicacy of Japan. Other than running on recycled fuel, the cruise ship generates its own electricity with solar and wind-powered generators. This renewable electricity feeds power to all the lights, sensors and instruments placed on the ship.
The Dark Side:
Bio-diesel made from recycled vegetable oils is definitely low on emissions. However it still is not completely emission free. If the amount of electricity the ship is able to harness from natural sources is increased to run the ship on electricity, it would definitely set new standards across the world.
Via: Biwakokisen/FiveByFifty
