05 Feb 2012
Mick Davis, CEO of Xtrata, called the Australian carbon tax “stupid.” He claims that this measure will increase the overall CO2 emissions in the region.
Dow Jones, London, reports that Davis believes that Australia’s Prime Minister, Julia Gillard’s, carbon tax of A$23 (US$23.8) per metric ton by 2012 is short-sighted as it would increase global gas emissions.
The tax would reduce the amount of coal processed within Australia. It would however, increase Indonesia’s coal production, to meet the high demand for coal. As Indonesia emits more gas in their mining process, global emissions would ultimately rise.
Read more about...
14 Feb 2012
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approves licenses for two nuclear reactors in “as if Fukushima never happened.”
What happened
The BBC (US and Canada) reported that Federal Regulators approved the first US nuclear reactors since 1978. They voted 4-1 in favor of two new reactors. These will be built at the Vogtle plant in eastern Georgia. Huff Post Green states that the license was awarded to Georgia Power (a Southern Co. subsidiary) although the NRC chairman, Gregory Jaczko abstained. He said that he could not support the building of new reactors “as if Fukushima never happened....
16 Feb 2012
Recycling PV components may open the way for EU renewable targets ... while UK smart meters shelved due to privacy and health scares ... but German insurance company to save solar industry ... and UK Government’s new plans for FIT’s
PV Material Recycling May Save EU’s Solar Plans
Better logistics and recycling solar components could save cost and availability of rare materials.
According to the European Commission, the EU may not meet its solar power target of 25% by 2040, due to the scarcity of materials to make photovoltaics (PV,) A study shows that rare metals, needed in PV production, are in short supply.
The study suggests that current “production rates” be improved, as well as better methods to...
04 Feb 2012
20% of British homeowners leave their devices plugged in once the battery is fully charged.
In a Mail Online article, Energy firm E.ON reports that
The top devices that are overcharged are:
43% of laptop computers
41% of mobile phones
10% of iPods
E.ON goes on to state that, by unplugging devices that are already charged, homeowners can make large savings on their energy bills.
(Exchange rates correct to date published)
Source
Mail Online: £134m of electricity wasted every year by overcharging mobile phones and laptops
14 Feb 2012
Better logistics and recycling solar components could save cost and availability of rare materials.
What happened
The EU may not meet its solar power target of 25% by 2040, due to the scarcity of materials to make photovoltaics (PV,) said the European Commission in reaction to a study [see: Photovoltaic supply falls short of solar power target. (PDF)] The study shows that rare metals, needed in PV production, are in short supply.
To meet this demand the study suggests that current “production rates” be improved, as well as better methods to refine, increase exploitation of...
14 Feb 2012
New Zealand’s newly released Energy Outlook 2011 reveals wind energy development is one of two renewable energy sources which will dominate New Zealand’s energy future.
What happened
The New Zealand Energy Outlook 2011 presents long-term forecasts of energy supply, demand, prices and green house gas emissions. The report predicts that renewable energy will make up half of the country’s overall energy supply by 2030, while investment will focus on mainly geothermal and wind power.
Wind power estimates are pegged to increase from the current 622MW to around 1410MW, and produce up to 10% of the overall energy supply by 2030.
Background
The NZ Energy...
21 Feb 2012
Israel’s local companies, like AORA Solar, take their technology and expertise to countries that offer attractive energy policies and high feed-in tariffs (FITs.)
What happened
AORA Solar – developers of high-temperature concentrated solar power (CSP) – have opened a gas-turbine solar thermal power station in Spain. The 52-heliostat solar panels turn on two axes to capture sunlight, which the 35-meter, tulip-shaped tower then receives. The tower’s “petals” contain a solar receiver and gas turbine. The receiver, uses the incoming solar energy to heat the air to 1,000°C. This then powers the turbine.
This tower can...
14 Feb 2012
Ethiopia is set to become a major “clean energy” producer and exporter as plans, such as the Ethiopia-Sudan electricity transmission line, come to fruition.
What happened
The Ethiopia-Sudan electricity transmission line will be completed by early 2012, according to the Ethiopia Electric and Power Corporation (EEPCo). The Sudan Tribune reports that the two countries’ grids will be connected, enabling power trade. The World Bank will finance the 296km, 230KV transmission line. The line will run between the Ethiopian towns of Bahir-Dar and Metema and the Sudanese border town of Gedaref. To showcase its export ability, Ethiopia plans to...
14 Feb 2012
US Department of Commerce dish out duties on Chinese solar imports … while Co-generation coalition relaunches … a smart grid audit shows security gaps in utilities who received federal funding … and the 15 best cyber security companies who can fill these gaps!
Engerati: After 30 Years … US Nuclear Given Another Chance
Engerati reported on the two new nuclear reactors that have been approved for the Vogtle nuclear power plant. The US Nuclear Regulation Commission (NRC) approved licenses to build these two nuclear reactors in Georgia, the first in over 30 years. This despite objections from the Chairman of the commission on issuing the license “as if Fukushima never happened.”
With commentary sourced from the general media, trade...
05 Feb 2012
Green World Investment reports that the Indian government is proposing a 5% mandatory blending of ethanol into petrol and diesel. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Sounds good, except that in a country with such high poverty levels, is it wise to impose mandatory legislation which has proved to push up food prices in other parts of the world?
Read more about Asia’s energy market.
Sources
Green World Investor - Mandatory ethanol blending in India is a dumb idea
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