44 ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
information briefs from ER DA 
The Energy Research & Development Administration (ERDA) has announced that: 
—-scientists at the University of Delaware have achieved a new level of efficiency in solar cells 
made of considerably less expensive materials than solar cells currently in use. The 
‘‘thin-film’’ cells made of cadmium sulfide and copper sulfide can convert 7.8% of the sun’s 
energy into electricity. This achievement is an important step in the efforts to make solar 
electric power competitive with other forms of energy and the goal for 1980 is a 10% 
efficiency rate for this type of cell. The cost of materials for this experimental work is only 
$1.12 per square meter compared to over $150.00 per square meter for other types of solar 
cells (both types exclude the cost of processing the materials). 
—part of the aluminum used in the U.S. in the future may be obtained from coal wastes with the 
help of a new process currently under study at Ames, Iowa. Although in just the early stages, 
scientists expect to be able to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign sources of aluminum and 
believe that complete recovery of aluminum present in U.S. coal waste could equal the 
amount presently imported. The aluminum extraction process includes the use of chlorine gas 
in high temperatures. 
—auto-makers and government officials from nine nations will meet this April to exchange the 
latest information on development of energy-efficient, low polluting vehicles of all types and 
the role of the automobile in future transportation. 
—a search is underway to find replacements for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and certain 
petroleum-based mineral oils used in equipment critical to delivering electricity to consumers. 
The effort is part of the long-range program to develop more reliable, efficient and 
environmentally safe electric energy systems. A key requirement for any replacement fluid is 
that is does not pose a fire hazard. PCBs have been found in streams, wildlife and humans and 
have come under sharp criticism because of potential toxicity and persistence in the 
environment. They were first introduced in the 1930’s and in addition to use in power 
transformers and other electrical equipment (including inside buildings), they have been used 
in paints, inks, adhesives and in capacitors presently used in television sets and fluorescent 
lights. 
—nearly 400,000 acres of land at two sites in Washington and New Mexico have been 
designated as the third and fourth National Environmental Research Parks. This type of park 
is an area set aside as a protected outdoor laboratory for scientists to study the impact of man’s 
activities on the natural environment, particularly those activities related to energy resource 
development or use. The research will address a variety of environmental problems, both 
nuclear and non-nuclear, and their affects on species and ecosystems. 
—the municipal utility in Clayton, N.M. has been selected to field test a 200 kilowatt wind 
turbine generator. The wind turbine will have a two bladed propellor-type rotor 125 feet in 
diameter, mounted on a 110 foot steel truss tower. The testing will be for two years. The test 
will help determine the performance and economics of wind energy systems interconnected 
with conventional power plants and used to supply power through existing utility lines. Three 
other test sites will be announced shortly. 
