More green energy patents filed in 2009

More green patents were filed last quarter than ever before

The Green Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI) for 2009's second quarter states that during that period, a total of 274 patents relating to cleaner energy were filed worldwide. This is 31 more than the previous quarter and 57 more than the same quarter from the previous year.

Automakers filed the most patents overall, investing their resources heavily in fuel cell and gas/electric hybrid technology. Honda filed the most patents of any company listed in the CEPGI, followed in order by GM, Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Daimler.

The only two non-automotive companies in the top ten are Panasonic and General Electric.

Broken down geographically, the highest amount of patents came from Japan, which largely coincides with the high amount of automotive patents. Other regions with high amounts of patents are California and Michigan. Most of the latter's patents relate to powering vehicles as well, as a great deal of fuel cell research is being conducted within the state.

The data listed in the current CEPGI shows that companies are focusing more resources on environmentally sustainable energy sources than ever before, a trend likely to continue as new and more efficient methods are discovered. Many colleges are now covering green engineering topics; those interested should speak to counselors to find the right program.