The following clean tech stories caught our eye:

The Rodney Dangerfield of Clean Tech?

GreenGold’s David Gold wrote about geothermal heat pumps, or the “Rodney Dangerfield of Clean tech,” as he calls them.

Geothermal technology leverages geological heating and cooling capabilities that can result in great cost savings for homeowners. Gold notes that, “Whereas solar or wind generate electricity, geoexchange reduces the consumption of energy for space heating and cooling and also can be utilized to generate hot water. It has near year-round benefit, working when the sun doesn’t shine and when the wind doesn’t blow.”

Read the complete article here.

Hawaii to Explore Renewable Energy Storage 

The Associated Press reports that Hawaii has received $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop renewable energy projects in Maui and the Big Island. The program will explore renewable energy storage capabilities that can be used when wind and solar power sources are unavailable.

Read the full report here.

The Clean Tech Open Semifinalists Announced

The clean technology business competition announced its semifinalists this week. The Clean Tech Open showcases the business plans of clean tech startups across industries (air, water and waste; energy efficiency; and green building, among others) who compete for a $1 million in prizes.

More details and a video about last year’s competition here.