For the past several months, a friend of mine has been telling me about the potentially game-changing implications of an obscure (at least to me) metal named Thorium after the Norse god of thunder, Thor.
It seems like he is not the only person who believes thorium, a naturally-occurring, slightly radioactive metal discovered in 1828 by the Swedish chemist Jons Jakob Berzelius, could provide the world with an ultra-safe, ultra-cheap source of nuclear power.
Last week, scores of thorium boosters gathered in the United Kingdom to launch a new advocacy organization, the Weinberg Foundation, which plans to push the promise of thorium nuclear energy into the mainstream political discussion of clean energy and climate change. The message they’re sending is that thorium is the anti-dote to the world’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges.
So what is the big deal about thorium? In 2006, writing in the magazine Cosmos, Tim Dean summarized perhaps the most optimistic scenario for what a Thorium-powered nuclear world would be like:
Read more here
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Britain must adapt to 'inevitable' climate change, warns minister
Britons must radically change the way they live and work to adapt to being "stuck with unavoidable climate change" the Government will caution this week, as it unveils a dramatic vision of how society will be altered by floods, droughts and rising temperatures.
The coalition will signal a major switch towards adapting to the impact of existing climate change, away from Labour's heavy emphasis on cutting carbon emissions to reverse global temperature rises. Caroline Spelman, the Tory Secretary of State for the Environment, will use her first major speech on climate change since taking office to admit that the inevitable severe weather conditions will present a "survival-of-the- fittest scenario", with only those who have planned ahead able to thrive. Adapting to climate change will be "at the heart of our agenda", she is expected to say.
Read more here
The coalition will signal a major switch towards adapting to the impact of existing climate change, away from Labour's heavy emphasis on cutting carbon emissions to reverse global temperature rises. Caroline Spelman, the Tory Secretary of State for the Environment, will use her first major speech on climate change since taking office to admit that the inevitable severe weather conditions will present a "survival-of-the- fittest scenario", with only those who have planned ahead able to thrive. Adapting to climate change will be "at the heart of our agenda", she is expected to say.
Read more here
Cleantech investments skyrocket to $7 billion worldwide
Investment in cleantech companies surged in 2006 from $2.7 billion to $7.1 billion, a 167% jump, reports GreenBiz.com.
Investment in biofuels increased more than four times, from $647 million in 2005 to $2.8 billion in 2006. Averge deal size seems to be increasing, as the number of deals only increased 31% to 354.
Read more here
Investment in biofuels increased more than four times, from $647 million in 2005 to $2.8 billion in 2006. Averge deal size seems to be increasing, as the number of deals only increased 31% to 354.
Read more here
NSW Business cashing in on energy efficiency
THE state’s small- and medium-sized businesses are reaping the benefits of government energy efficiency programs, saving a combined $70 million in power costs for about $8 million in government subsidies in the past two years, new data shows. So far, 345 dairies have participated in energy-efficiency programs in NSW and some have saved as much as 15 per cent on the cost of refrigerating milk.
In the past year, 247 butchers have saved up to 8 per cent, or roughly $1240 a year, on energy costs. And 2393 cafes and restaurants have improved their energy performance by up to 13 per cent, or $1362 a year. One winery, Tamburlaine in the Hunter Valley, was able to cut its energy use by three-quarters and save $110,000 a year.
The changes range from simple measures such as switching light bulbs to remote-controlled cooling and heating, or changing voltage and fan speeds. ”In terms of environmental benefits, it reduces costs for business, it reduces demand for electricity, it reduces carbon emissions,” said the NSW Environment Minister, Robyn Parker.
Country areas stand out for the highest number of businesses who are participating, with only North Sydney, Sydney and Marrickville making it into the top 10 regions. Most of the programs were initiated under the previous state government and some face funding pressure under the new government.
The current government opposes the federal government’s carbon pricing plan, which includes a substantial energy-efficiency component, but Ms Parker said NSW would work with its federal counterpart where necessary.
Read more here
In the past year, 247 butchers have saved up to 8 per cent, or roughly $1240 a year, on energy costs. And 2393 cafes and restaurants have improved their energy performance by up to 13 per cent, or $1362 a year. One winery, Tamburlaine in the Hunter Valley, was able to cut its energy use by three-quarters and save $110,000 a year.
The changes range from simple measures such as switching light bulbs to remote-controlled cooling and heating, or changing voltage and fan speeds. ”In terms of environmental benefits, it reduces costs for business, it reduces demand for electricity, it reduces carbon emissions,” said the NSW Environment Minister, Robyn Parker.
Country areas stand out for the highest number of businesses who are participating, with only North Sydney, Sydney and Marrickville making it into the top 10 regions. Most of the programs were initiated under the previous state government and some face funding pressure under the new government.
The current government opposes the federal government’s carbon pricing plan, which includes a substantial energy-efficiency component, but Ms Parker said NSW would work with its federal counterpart where necessary.
Read more here
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Economic developments across SA, Africa and the world
CAPE TOWN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS COULD IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES – Roughly one in three tons of carbon produced by Cape Town’s energy use is generated by commercial buildings, according to Cape Town Energy Efficiency Forum for Commercial Buildings coordinator Sarah Rushmere. While this is equivalent to the global value for buildings, the high carbon cost means there is still much to be done in improving the efficiencies of Cape Town’s office blocks and other commercial buildings.
Speaking at a session of the Cape Town Energy Efficiency Forum on Green Leasing, Rushmere says, while many large companies, such as Vodacom, MTN and BMW, have recently embarked on projects to improve the energy efficiency of their offices, these types of projects are not typical of the majority of South Africa’s commercial property space, which is why the concept of green leasing is important.
“The issue here is that these are owner-occupied buildings and the vast majority of our existing building stock is multiple-tenanted commercial buildings, where the owner has got many tenants to deal with. The [energy efficient] headline news is not coming from multiple tenanted buildings that are retrofitted, it is mostly coming from new builds and refurbishments of owner-occupied buildings,” says Rushmere.
The Cape Town Energy Efficiency Forum is run by the City of Cape Town, Eskom and the South African Property Owners Association and is directed at owners and managers of commercial buildings and related stakeholders. The forum provides practical case studies and addresses how to overcome barriers to energy efficiency. “I think this is the first collaborative forum about green leasing in this country. This is a pioneering session,” Rushmere says.
Read more here
Speaking at a session of the Cape Town Energy Efficiency Forum on Green Leasing, Rushmere says, while many large companies, such as Vodacom, MTN and BMW, have recently embarked on projects to improve the energy efficiency of their offices, these types of projects are not typical of the majority of South Africa’s commercial property space, which is why the concept of green leasing is important.
“The issue here is that these are owner-occupied buildings and the vast majority of our existing building stock is multiple-tenanted commercial buildings, where the owner has got many tenants to deal with. The [energy efficient] headline news is not coming from multiple tenanted buildings that are retrofitted, it is mostly coming from new builds and refurbishments of owner-occupied buildings,” says Rushmere.
The Cape Town Energy Efficiency Forum is run by the City of Cape Town, Eskom and the South African Property Owners Association and is directed at owners and managers of commercial buildings and related stakeholders. The forum provides practical case studies and addresses how to overcome barriers to energy efficiency. “I think this is the first collaborative forum about green leasing in this country. This is a pioneering session,” Rushmere says.
Read more here
Cool metal roofing, a hot idea
Despite years of trying to raise awareness about energy conservation, less than half of the homes in the United States are well insulated, with properly sealed ductwork. The Energy Star program reports the average U.S. household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, with nearly half going to heating and cooling costs. The annual costs continue to rise. Metal roofing is a new tool in the energy wars, because of its ability to reduce both cooling and heating energy usage. Unlike insulation, which some homeowners skip, every home needs a roof.
Driven to reduce energy costs and make long-term improvements to their homes, more homeowners than ever are installing durable and environmentally friendly metal roofing systems. According to new statistics from McGraw-Hill Construction Research and Analytics®, the number of homes with metal roofs has more than tripled over the past decade, moving metal from 3% of the overall U.S. market to 10%.
Read more here
Driven to reduce energy costs and make long-term improvements to their homes, more homeowners than ever are installing durable and environmentally friendly metal roofing systems. According to new statistics from McGraw-Hill Construction Research and Analytics®, the number of homes with metal roofs has more than tripled over the past decade, moving metal from 3% of the overall U.S. market to 10%.
Read more here
Solar Farming Potential in India
The newest crop in India could be electricity from the sun. "Solar Farming" can help change India's energy economy to clean and efficient renewable energy during the day when it is needed the most, create millions of jobs, and could help India to energy independence and national security.
Imagine a crop that can be harvested daily on the most barren desert and arid land, with no fertilizer or tillage, and that produces no harmful emissions. Imagine an energy source so bountiful that it can provide many times more energy than we could ever expect to need or use. Imagine that an hour's worth of sunlight bathing the planet holds far more energy than humans worldwide could consume in a year. You don't have to imagine it -- it's real and it's here. Solar energy is an abundant enormous resource that is readily available to all countries throughout the world, and all the space above the earth. It is clean, no waste comes from it, and it's "free."
This "free" source of electricity can be used to supply the energy needs of homes, farms and businesses. Through the use of Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) or Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), sunlight is converted into electricity that can provide power to businesses, homes, and drive motors. Solar power is becoming recognized as an important element in the energy supply planning and customer energy management of utilities worldwide.
Read more here
Imagine a crop that can be harvested daily on the most barren desert and arid land, with no fertilizer or tillage, and that produces no harmful emissions. Imagine an energy source so bountiful that it can provide many times more energy than we could ever expect to need or use. Imagine that an hour's worth of sunlight bathing the planet holds far more energy than humans worldwide could consume in a year. You don't have to imagine it -- it's real and it's here. Solar energy is an abundant enormous resource that is readily available to all countries throughout the world, and all the space above the earth. It is clean, no waste comes from it, and it's "free."
This "free" source of electricity can be used to supply the energy needs of homes, farms and businesses. Through the use of Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) or Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), sunlight is converted into electricity that can provide power to businesses, homes, and drive motors. Solar power is becoming recognized as an important element in the energy supply planning and customer energy management of utilities worldwide.
Read more here
Bananas and Sawmills Save the Planet
Mike Hillard owns a company called Tranquility Houses Ltd, in Stroud, Gloucestershire. In his eco-friendly home that costs only £60 to heat per annum, he grows bananas in his Solar Room while it’s –8 degrees outside. Mike has now turned his attention to the efficient recovery of old trees, with an environmentally friendly portable sawmill.
Fundamentally, Mike is an academic researching the Environment and then finding ways to minimise our impact on Planet Earth. He spent most of the 15 years from 1994 to 2009 researching important resources to determine the truth about how precarious our lives are and what needs to be done to protect our environment. Subjects such as ’Climate Change’, ’Energy’, ’Food’, and ’Population’ are only a few that Mike has written and published substantial papers on. Other entities such as KPMG, MENSA magazine, and Jim Hansen of NASA have either endorsed or concurred with his findings.
Read more here
Fundamentally, Mike is an academic researching the Environment and then finding ways to minimise our impact on Planet Earth. He spent most of the 15 years from 1994 to 2009 researching important resources to determine the truth about how precarious our lives are and what needs to be done to protect our environment. Subjects such as ’Climate Change’, ’Energy’, ’Food’, and ’Population’ are only a few that Mike has written and published substantial papers on. Other entities such as KPMG, MENSA magazine, and Jim Hansen of NASA have either endorsed or concurred with his findings.
Read more here
US Renewable Energy Markets: Exciting Times Ahead
We are currently in a period of strife and are facing challenges of oil supply disruptions, declining natural gas production and global climate change. To such a world, renewable energy offers fresh hope and a plethora of benefits - reduced emissions, stabilized energy costs, and energy security. In recent times, the market for green energy has been growing rapidly. However, renewable energy still faces many challenges and obstacles on the way to realizing its full potential.
The year 2003 has so far been one of mixed fortunes for renewable energy in the US. Under the 2004 budget, funding for research in hydrogen technologies jumped 121 percent to $88 million. Combined with the FreedomCAR initiative, the total amount for hydrogen-based initiatives is $272.4 million for the upcoming year's energy spending. The administration has also promised $1.2 billion in spending over 10 years to help development of hydrogen-powered cars as well as supporting service stations and other infrastructure. However, many renewable energy research programs would be cut in the year 2004, though total research funding would increase by $1.3 million. Research money for wind energy would fall 5.5 percent, while solar energy funding would increase a mere 0.1 percent. In the administration's view, these technologies are already at an advanced stage and it should be possible for the private sector to adopt them and drive them towards commercialization without further federal funding. President Bush's plans for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) included allocating a part ($1.2 billion) of the bid bonuses from leasing ANWR towards increased renewable funding and conservation efforts.
However, this funding seems to be in jeopardy after the defeat of the ANWR plan in the Senate last year and the Democrats vowing to use filibuster tactics to block vote on it this year. The DOE recently launched Climate VISION (Voluntary Innovative Sector Initiatives: Opportunities Now), a public-private partnership as part of the administration's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent in the next decade. Though the initiative is driven by energy efficiency measures, there is no specific commitment to reduce emissions from current levels. Thus, even if energy intensity decreases, the growth of the economy will mean that emissions continue to increase. A specific commitment to expand the generation of power from renewable energy would help achieve this.
Read more here
The year 2003 has so far been one of mixed fortunes for renewable energy in the US. Under the 2004 budget, funding for research in hydrogen technologies jumped 121 percent to $88 million. Combined with the FreedomCAR initiative, the total amount for hydrogen-based initiatives is $272.4 million for the upcoming year's energy spending. The administration has also promised $1.2 billion in spending over 10 years to help development of hydrogen-powered cars as well as supporting service stations and other infrastructure. However, many renewable energy research programs would be cut in the year 2004, though total research funding would increase by $1.3 million. Research money for wind energy would fall 5.5 percent, while solar energy funding would increase a mere 0.1 percent. In the administration's view, these technologies are already at an advanced stage and it should be possible for the private sector to adopt them and drive them towards commercialization without further federal funding. President Bush's plans for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) included allocating a part ($1.2 billion) of the bid bonuses from leasing ANWR towards increased renewable funding and conservation efforts.
However, this funding seems to be in jeopardy after the defeat of the ANWR plan in the Senate last year and the Democrats vowing to use filibuster tactics to block vote on it this year. The DOE recently launched Climate VISION (Voluntary Innovative Sector Initiatives: Opportunities Now), a public-private partnership as part of the administration's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent in the next decade. Though the initiative is driven by energy efficiency measures, there is no specific commitment to reduce emissions from current levels. Thus, even if energy intensity decreases, the growth of the economy will mean that emissions continue to increase. A specific commitment to expand the generation of power from renewable energy would help achieve this.
Read more here
The Facts on Green Jobs
On Aug. 19, The Bay Citizen published an article I wrote on the clean economy, "Green Jobs Predictions Proving a Pipe Dream."
The piece, which also ran in the Bay Area pages of The New York Times under the headline "Number of Green Jobs Fails to Live Up to Promises," has drawn strong criticism from both opponents and supporters of green jobs initiatives.
Environmentalists and their allies have argued that I ignored “explosive” job gains in the clean economy, while critics have used the story to argue that taxpayers get nothing in exchange for significant government investment in the green economy.
Given the intensity of the response, I wanted to detail some of the reporting behind the piece, which was an effort to survey the actual number of green jobs being created, and compare it to promises made by politicians about growth in the sector.
I used as benchmarks assurances made by politicians, chiefly President Barack Obama’s 2008 promise to create “5 million new green jobs” and California Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2010 pledge to create 500,000, both over 10 years.
In the course of reporting my story, I spoke to dozens of people: government officials, business leaders, marketing consultants, union representatives, advocates, and fellows at think tanks. I visited job-training sites, interviewed workers employed in the field and collected data from multiple sources in an effort to ascertain the extent to which the green economy was a jobs engine in the Bay Area.
In the end, my reporting found that — so far — job growth in the green jobs sector has been less than what politicians hoped for.
One of the reports I cited was the Brookings Institution’s July 2011 report, “Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment,” which is one of the most comprehensive independent reports on the subject to date.
Read more here
The piece, which also ran in the Bay Area pages of The New York Times under the headline "Number of Green Jobs Fails to Live Up to Promises," has drawn strong criticism from both opponents and supporters of green jobs initiatives.
Environmentalists and their allies have argued that I ignored “explosive” job gains in the clean economy, while critics have used the story to argue that taxpayers get nothing in exchange for significant government investment in the green economy.
Given the intensity of the response, I wanted to detail some of the reporting behind the piece, which was an effort to survey the actual number of green jobs being created, and compare it to promises made by politicians about growth in the sector.
I used as benchmarks assurances made by politicians, chiefly President Barack Obama’s 2008 promise to create “5 million new green jobs” and California Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2010 pledge to create 500,000, both over 10 years.
In the course of reporting my story, I spoke to dozens of people: government officials, business leaders, marketing consultants, union representatives, advocates, and fellows at think tanks. I visited job-training sites, interviewed workers employed in the field and collected data from multiple sources in an effort to ascertain the extent to which the green economy was a jobs engine in the Bay Area.
In the end, my reporting found that — so far — job growth in the green jobs sector has been less than what politicians hoped for.
One of the reports I cited was the Brookings Institution’s July 2011 report, “Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment,” which is one of the most comprehensive independent reports on the subject to date.
Read more here
Renewable Energy for Urban Households in India
Domestic energy consumption pattern varies from country to country depending upon their requirement for various activities. According to one estimate, per capita energy consumption ranges between 0.201 to 0.902 ToE (Tons of oil Equivalent)* respectively for India and USA (1 ToE = 42 GJ = 11 630 kWhr.). If China and India adopt Western Lifestyles, an extra 500 MToE/yr will be consumed. India, in particular would therefore need more and more power plants to match even the per capita of the world which stands at 0.348 ToE.
In view of the recent developments primarily focusing on 'Energy Efficiency', there has been a lot of awareness in India on the conservative approach by the end-users. An attempt therefore is made here to look at prospects of domestic sector focusing mainly on renewable options for households.
Primary energy use of the household sector accounts for 15-25% in developed countries which could be higher in developing countries. Energy-based living standards and more efficient energy use are indeed opposing trends in developing countries that affect household energy consumption. Energy use in developing countries unlike western counterparts is primarily required for lighting, entertainment, water lifting and to a little extent air condition during peak summer months.
Read more here
In view of the recent developments primarily focusing on 'Energy Efficiency', there has been a lot of awareness in India on the conservative approach by the end-users. An attempt therefore is made here to look at prospects of domestic sector focusing mainly on renewable options for households.
Primary energy use of the household sector accounts for 15-25% in developed countries which could be higher in developing countries. Energy-based living standards and more efficient energy use are indeed opposing trends in developing countries that affect household energy consumption. Energy use in developing countries unlike western counterparts is primarily required for lighting, entertainment, water lifting and to a little extent air condition during peak summer months.
Read more here
Plan for $100m network of pipes
Christchurch's new energy agency will be driving a proposal to build a $100 million network of heating and cooling pipes around the central city.
An energy-efficient central plant burning wood chips would generate hot and cool water to pipe to commercial and residential properties.
The proposed district energy system (DES) would provide space heating, domestic water heating and air conditioning, meaning individual buildings would no longer need to run their own boilers, chillers or air conditioners.
The system is one of the proposals in the draft central-city plan and would involve a combined heat and power plant and an about 10-kilometre network of pipes.
The Christchurch Agency for Energy, launched yesterday, will investigate options for improving the city's use of energy, increasing the proportion of renewable energy used and providing accurate energy supply and consumption figures.
Read more here
An energy-efficient central plant burning wood chips would generate hot and cool water to pipe to commercial and residential properties.
The proposed district energy system (DES) would provide space heating, domestic water heating and air conditioning, meaning individual buildings would no longer need to run their own boilers, chillers or air conditioners.
The system is one of the proposals in the draft central-city plan and would involve a combined heat and power plant and an about 10-kilometre network of pipes.
The Christchurch Agency for Energy, launched yesterday, will investigate options for improving the city's use of energy, increasing the proportion of renewable energy used and providing accurate energy supply and consumption figures.
Read more here
California Housing Complex Enjoys the Benefits of Solar Power
As California struggles through a poor housing market and high utility bills, people are beginning to look for alternative housing options as opposed to individual homes. This includes apartment complexes, multi-family homes and even mixed-use developments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 12 percent of all Californians were unemployed in June 2011. Thankfully, the Citizens Housing Corporation of California (CHC) offers some opportunities for struggling families. A non-profit organization, CHC is a housing development company that aims to improve the number of affordable housing options for low-income residents.
Aiming to help more families, the CHC constructed an affordable housing complex at Mosaica in San Francisco, California. The mixed-use development, meaning it supplies both housing and store front properties in a pedestrian friendly environment, consists of 117 units. The complex is greenpoint rated, meaning that it is graded on its ability for improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, conserving resources and allows for a livable community, according to Build it Green.
Read more here
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 12 percent of all Californians were unemployed in June 2011. Thankfully, the Citizens Housing Corporation of California (CHC) offers some opportunities for struggling families. A non-profit organization, CHC is a housing development company that aims to improve the number of affordable housing options for low-income residents.
Aiming to help more families, the CHC constructed an affordable housing complex at Mosaica in San Francisco, California. The mixed-use development, meaning it supplies both housing and store front properties in a pedestrian friendly environment, consists of 117 units. The complex is greenpoint rated, meaning that it is graded on its ability for improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, conserving resources and allows for a livable community, according to Build it Green.
Read more here
Greenearth Energy receives award
Greenearth Energy (ASX: GER) has received a trade award from Israel's Ministry of Trade and Labour in recognition of the company's outstanding contribution to the forging of international trade links with the country.
The award ceremony was held in Melbourne last night and was attended by Dr Uzi Landau, Minister for National Infrastructure for the State of Israel, Ehud Gonen Israeli trade Commissioner to Australia, and Leon Kempler OAM, National Chairman of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
Total trade between Israel and Australia rose to $715 million in 2010, an 18.7% increase on the previous year, according to official statistics.
Greenearth Energy contributed to this trade through its strategic positioning across the broader renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors and the introduction to Australia of several world class Israeli clean energy technologies.
Managing Director of Greenearth Energy, Mark Miller, said "our diversification strategy to date has been underpinned by the partnerships we have established with Israeli clean technology developers.
Read more here
The award ceremony was held in Melbourne last night and was attended by Dr Uzi Landau, Minister for National Infrastructure for the State of Israel, Ehud Gonen Israeli trade Commissioner to Australia, and Leon Kempler OAM, National Chairman of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
Total trade between Israel and Australia rose to $715 million in 2010, an 18.7% increase on the previous year, according to official statistics.
Greenearth Energy contributed to this trade through its strategic positioning across the broader renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors and the introduction to Australia of several world class Israeli clean energy technologies.
Managing Director of Greenearth Energy, Mark Miller, said "our diversification strategy to date has been underpinned by the partnerships we have established with Israeli clean technology developers.
Read more here
Making the switch to energy efficiency lighting
They have been part of our daily life for such a long time that it seems odd that they will disappear. As from 1 September, 60 watt bulbs will gradually disappear from store shelves, as EU law will ban this type of bulb.
Why? Edison’s light bulb, which has produced light for more than 100 years, is simply no longer state of the art when it comes to lighting – they just consume too much energy for the light they produce. New lamps – producing similar light – be it an energy saving or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), save up to 80 per cent more energy compared to the Edison style lamp and its lifetime is up to 10 times longer.
By changing all the light bulbs, an average family can easily save €50 per year on their annual electricity bill, and the EU as a whole can save the yearly output of 10 power stations and 15 million tonnes per year of CO2 emissions, which is like taking seven million cars (i.e. more than 23 times the number of cars in Malta) off the road.
Read more here
Why? Edison’s light bulb, which has produced light for more than 100 years, is simply no longer state of the art when it comes to lighting – they just consume too much energy for the light they produce. New lamps – producing similar light – be it an energy saving or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), save up to 80 per cent more energy compared to the Edison style lamp and its lifetime is up to 10 times longer.
By changing all the light bulbs, an average family can easily save €50 per year on their annual electricity bill, and the EU as a whole can save the yearly output of 10 power stations and 15 million tonnes per year of CO2 emissions, which is like taking seven million cars (i.e. more than 23 times the number of cars in Malta) off the road.
Read more here
Calls for national energy scheme
AGL Energy and Origin Energy have called for a national energy saving scheme to slash the costs they face to comply with fragmented state-based schemes.
The nation's two biggest energy retailers have also renewed calls for an end to government control of retail power prices.
The companies have told a review, ordered by the Ministerial Council on Energy in response to increasing demand for power, that they are being saddled with compliance costs because of the lack of a national energy efficiency scheme.
Victoria, South Australia and NSW operate separate schemes that require energy and gas retailers to purchase and surrender energy efficiency certificates. In Queensland, a parliamentary committee has recommended consideration of a scheme.
The schemes are expected to grow as the carbon tax is due to start next year and electricity prices are forecast to rise.
AGL Energy is seeking a national scheme that would include access to cheaper capital for energy efficiency projects by commercial and industrial energy users.
"Owing to either the insignificant cost savings (Australia's electricity prices are still some of the lowest in the OECD), or the requirement to reserve capital for the most productive uses, it is frequently difficult for an energy efficiency project to gain financial support within an organisation," AGL says.
"Required payback periods, combined with internal hurdle rates in the order of 15 per cent or more, result in many energy efficiency projects being shelved."
Origin has echoed the concern, saying business users will not undertake projects with payback periods longer than three to four years.
The review is being conducted by the Australian Energy Market Commission, which will release a discussion paper in November. It was ordered because demand for peak power -- most commonly on summer days when air-conditioning use soars -- is growing faster than normal demand, requiring multi-billion-dollar investments in energy infrastructure that is used only for a few hours a year.
Read more here
The nation's two biggest energy retailers have also renewed calls for an end to government control of retail power prices.
The companies have told a review, ordered by the Ministerial Council on Energy in response to increasing demand for power, that they are being saddled with compliance costs because of the lack of a national energy efficiency scheme.
Victoria, South Australia and NSW operate separate schemes that require energy and gas retailers to purchase and surrender energy efficiency certificates. In Queensland, a parliamentary committee has recommended consideration of a scheme.
The schemes are expected to grow as the carbon tax is due to start next year and electricity prices are forecast to rise.
AGL Energy is seeking a national scheme that would include access to cheaper capital for energy efficiency projects by commercial and industrial energy users.
"Owing to either the insignificant cost savings (Australia's electricity prices are still some of the lowest in the OECD), or the requirement to reserve capital for the most productive uses, it is frequently difficult for an energy efficiency project to gain financial support within an organisation," AGL says.
"Required payback periods, combined with internal hurdle rates in the order of 15 per cent or more, result in many energy efficiency projects being shelved."
Origin has echoed the concern, saying business users will not undertake projects with payback periods longer than three to four years.
The review is being conducted by the Australian Energy Market Commission, which will release a discussion paper in November. It was ordered because demand for peak power -- most commonly on summer days when air-conditioning use soars -- is growing faster than normal demand, requiring multi-billion-dollar investments in energy infrastructure that is used only for a few hours a year.
Read more here
Environment policy reforms to add £300 to energy bills
The British Prime Minister has been warned that government plans to get people to reduce their bills through efficiency measures are likely to fail.
Mr Cameron’s senior energy adviser pours scorn on claims by Chris Huhne, the Energy Secretary, that rises in gas and oil prices will be offset by people using less power. A note by the adviser describes his department’s analysis as “unconvincing”.
It warns that the Government’s move to increased nuclear power, wind turbines and other measures will add 30 per cent to the average family’s annual energy bill of £1,069 by the end of the decade.
Mr Cameron is said to be “very worried” about the figures in the paper, written by Ben Moxham, his senior energy adviser who was recently brought in to beef up the Prime Minister’s policy unit.
The private note, seen by The Daily Telegraph, is titled “Impact of our energy and climate policies on consumer energy bills”. It was sent to Mr Cameron and offers a blunt assessment of how Coalition energy plans, in particular a series of green policies, will affect householders.
Read more here
Mr Cameron’s senior energy adviser pours scorn on claims by Chris Huhne, the Energy Secretary, that rises in gas and oil prices will be offset by people using less power. A note by the adviser describes his department’s analysis as “unconvincing”.
It warns that the Government’s move to increased nuclear power, wind turbines and other measures will add 30 per cent to the average family’s annual energy bill of £1,069 by the end of the decade.
Mr Cameron is said to be “very worried” about the figures in the paper, written by Ben Moxham, his senior energy adviser who was recently brought in to beef up the Prime Minister’s policy unit.
The private note, seen by The Daily Telegraph, is titled “Impact of our energy and climate policies on consumer energy bills”. It was sent to Mr Cameron and offers a blunt assessment of how Coalition energy plans, in particular a series of green policies, will affect householders.
Read more here
Why is energy efficiency important?
Why is energy efficiency important?
Energy is so much a part of life that we often use it without thinking, especially when it's in the form of electricity. But the fact is, most electricity in Australia comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, gas or oil (except in Tasmania). Among other things, this produces carbon dioxide - lots of it. With the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere comes the risk of global warming - this is known as the Greenhouse Effect.
However, burning fossil fuels for energy is not just a problem because of the Greenhouse Effect. If we use them efficiently it means we're making better use of these finite, non-renewable natural resources. So saving energy makes environmental sense - for us and for future generations.
Energy costs money too - both for individuals and for the community. Using it efficiently means you save on your energy bills, and it also means we can put off building new power stations for longer.
The good news is, it's not hard to save energy. Just look for the stars and reduce your energy bills and help us all reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Read more here
Energy is so much a part of life that we often use it without thinking, especially when it's in the form of electricity. But the fact is, most electricity in Australia comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, gas or oil (except in Tasmania). Among other things, this produces carbon dioxide - lots of it. With the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere comes the risk of global warming - this is known as the Greenhouse Effect.
However, burning fossil fuels for energy is not just a problem because of the Greenhouse Effect. If we use them efficiently it means we're making better use of these finite, non-renewable natural resources. So saving energy makes environmental sense - for us and for future generations.
Energy costs money too - both for individuals and for the community. Using it efficiently means you save on your energy bills, and it also means we can put off building new power stations for longer.
The good news is, it's not hard to save energy. Just look for the stars and reduce your energy bills and help us all reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Read more here
Carbon tax in Australia
Price on carbon 'the only way' Julia Gillard has been advised that putting a price on carbon is "the only practical way" Australia can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Read more here
Read more here
Hydrogen Storage Break through
A group of scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a hydrogen storage system that could make practical, safe fuel cells a reality.
The team at USC have been working to overcome the hazards associated with carrying tanks of the highly flammable gas, by storing the hydrogen in a nitrogen–boron complex, ammonia borane, which can be transported as a stable solid.
In an article published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society this month, the researchers presented a catalyst system that releases enough hydrogen from the safe complex to make it usable as a fuel source.
The scientists claim that the system is air-stable, lightweight, and re-usable, representing a breakthrough in hydrogen storage that could have wide-ranging fuel applications.
Read more here
The team at USC have been working to overcome the hazards associated with carrying tanks of the highly flammable gas, by storing the hydrogen in a nitrogen–boron complex, ammonia borane, which can be transported as a stable solid.
In an article published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society this month, the researchers presented a catalyst system that releases enough hydrogen from the safe complex to make it usable as a fuel source.
The scientists claim that the system is air-stable, lightweight, and re-usable, representing a breakthrough in hydrogen storage that could have wide-ranging fuel applications.
Read more here
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