Monopoly gets a cleantech makeover

Rich Uncle Pennybags is changing his ways, putting away his coal-fired power plants and investing his Monopoly money in green technology.

Just in time for Earth Day, Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) announced that it would make a more environmentally friendly version of the classic Monopoly board game.

No, it's not being made out of bamboo or bioplastic.

No, the car isn't being replaced with a plug-in electric hybrid.

And no, Mr. Pennybags isn't exchanging his vest for one made out of organic cotton.

But guess what? There'll be no more Water Works and Electric Company for players of an upcoming version of the game. They're being replaced with Wind Energy and Solar Energy as the utilities in Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition.

"When creating this first-ever worldwide Monopoly game board, we reviewed all elements of the game to ensure that it reflects today's global perspective. This included the utility property spaces," said Phil Jackson, group executive of Hasbro Games.

"In a nod to the efforts of countries worldwide to increase the effectiveness and availability of renewable energy sources, we decided to feature Solar Energy and Wind Energy on the game board."

What's so bad about Water Works, anyway? What happens when someone tries to flush a toilet on Baltic in the new version of the game? Where does it all go?

Hasbro did not disclose how the new utilities would produce base-load power or handle peak power demands. And the issue of storage technologies was not broached.

But if the company goes with solar thermal, there are some interesting things that can be done with molten salt nowadays.

It's probably safe for children ages 8 and up. Kids love salt. Tastes just like potato chips.

Kids of all ages will still be able to relive the old days with the classic version of the game, which will continue to be served by CO2 emitting utilities.