Altair Nanotechnologies is working with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and the University of Hawaii to supply a 2 megawatt energy storage system to maintain grid stability, all using its nano-scale processing technology that it says provides rapid charging.

FORBES: Nanotechnology: Expanding Clean Energy and Easing Fuel Shortages

Alternative energy technologies have begun contributing to the stability and safety of the international energy system, energy resilience, diversity of supply, local energy independence, and global interdependence.

FORBES: Alternative Energy And Global Energy Security In Aftermath Of Rio+20

"The UK has incredible offshore wind resources and this sector will play a key part in improving security of supply and decarbonising our electricity generating system, " said a spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc).

BBC: UK 'needs domestic wind energy industry'

The new developments include a switch to slick tyres from the grooved ones of recent years, and the introduction of the kinetic energy recovery system (Kers), which stores energy recovered from the rear axle during braking and converts it to supply a brief power boost.

BBC: Hamilton welcomes new regulations