Alternative energy

Solar power and natural gas seem like competitors in the race to create new power generating capacity. And that’s true — to an extent. But they both may be crucial to helping meet future global energy needs — and reducing the risks of climate change.

The tiny German village of Feldheim, about 50 miles southwest of Berlin, has sworn off fossil fuels and nuclear power. It produces every bit of its electricity and heat from local sources, and a key way it does that is by using manure from local farms.

The lights were on at Cairo polling places today. But with frequent power outages, voters took nothing for granted. Stores selling gas-powered generators have had a boom in sales, recently, as the country struggles to deal with electric shortages. But few Egyptians, authorities included, are discussing long-term solutions.The lights were on at Cairo polling places today. But with frequent power outages, voters took nothing for granted. Stores selling gas-powered generators have had a boom in sales, recently, as the country struggles to deal with electric shortages. But few Egyptians, authorities included, are discussing long-term solutions.

If being in the French Alps isn’t enough of a thrill, now you can “step into the void” with only a glass floor to hold you. Indian police use bananas to recover stolen goods. And we introduce you to the Paradogs of World War II, Chess boxing, Christian Rock Pakistani-style, and more in today’s Global Scan.

A team of students at a Dutch university have created what they believe to be the first functioning solar-powered car with room for four passengers. Though production may be years away, the team hopes to have the vehicle street-legal as soon as possible.