Thanks to its commitment to renewable energy, Hawaii is now also becoming something of a test bed for renewable energy technologies, from the study of various geothermal and algae-based biofuel technologies happening at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority on the Big Island to smart grid experiments the state is conducting along with representatives from Japan and China.

FORBES: Hawaii: Our Very Own Island Nation, Battling Climate Change Via Innovation

In 2007 Consol bought rights to develop coal-bed-methane on 1 million acres controlled by rival coal giant Peabody Energy, and formed a smaller partnership with Massey Energy.

FORBES: With Gas Deal, Consol Strives To Turn Coal Green

"As we can see from the experience in the US, the exploration of shale gas and coal-bed methane has the potential to raise billions of pounds, resulting in reduced energy bills, " he said.

BBC: Scottish Conservatives back greater energy mix

Tickets are often hard to come by, and, make no mistake, this is not an event driven exclusively by tourist dollars (or the Pacific Franc) but one that is committed to preserving local culture and identity, and the dancing continues with a proud energy well into the small hours, long after weary holiday makers have retreated to bed.

BBC: Getting in the Tahitian spirit

After a long day of studying data, including slope angles, solar energy, weather and powder patterns and nearby transportation facilities, Mr. Mathews occasionally goes to bed pondering problems and wakes up with solutions.

WSJ: Paul Mathews of Ecosign, Scouting the World for Killer Ski Slopes | Creating