Combining high-energy fuel with scorching temperatures is the specialty of Lilliputian's founders, Samuel Schaevitz and Aleks Franz.

FORBES: Pip-squeak Power Plant

Instead of being stored in batteries, the electricity made by solar panels can be used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen molecules, the latter of which can be used as a fuel with high energy density.

WHITEHOUSE: Engage and Connect

Chu conceded that oil is a unique fuel, pairing high energy density with ease of transport.

FORBES: Energy Sec Chu Says Global Warming Is Real; Nat Gas Will Be Bridge Fuel

The local authorities are expected to work with energy companies, installers, owner-occupiers and private landlords to ensure all households in areas of high fuel poverty receive an offer to have their home made more energy efficient.

BBC: Funding of ?60m to target fuel poverty areas in Scotland

Ethanol subsidies are a spending programme placed in the tax code that increases the burden of government, keeps tax rates artificially high, and forces consumers to pay more for fuel and energy.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

And, because the economic value is high, markets want more and consequently drive energy demand in large measure without regard to primary fuel cost--the cost of energy fades in to the twilight.

FORBES: Demand-Side Economics

Contrary to what many people may expect, most of these technologies, which include microturbines, fuel cells and high-efficiency cogeneration, rely on fossil fuels rather than renewable-energy resources like wind or solar energy.

FORBES: Perfect Power: Clean Energy's Killer App

According to early estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion reached a record high of 31.6 gigatons in 2011, a 3.2 percent increase over 2010.

FORBES: Debunking 3 Myths About U.S. Emissions

Randal O'Toole, a senior fellow with the CATO Institute, said it is far more cost-effective to save energy by encouraging people to drive more fuel-efficient cars than to build and operate high-speed rail.

CNN: Is the U.S. turning a corner on high-speed rail?

Democrats may have a tougher time at the polls in general next year: Green policies like the state's renewable energy mandate, cap and trade and a low-carbon fuel standard will start kicking into high gear in 2014.

WSJ: Allysia Finley: A Farmers' Rebellion Lifts the California GOP