25 Jan 2012
The cost of free electricity in Qatar; South African LED lights and the Iranian oil embargo.
Energy Matters: What if Fossil Fuel Based Electricity Was Free.
The article discusses the high price paid for free electricity, generated by fossil fuels. The author points out that even though Qatar has access to free electricity, generated from natural gas; it had one of the highest per capita emissions in 2007. The author points to Qatar’s increasing generating capacity as a contributor and wonders how different the situation would be if Qatar were to use free solar energy instead...
04 Apr 2012
South Korea has launched its most ambitious renewable energy project, the nameplate capacity 2.5GW Wind Project.
What happened
According to Jeffrey Perkel at Eco Imagination, energy experts are calling South Korea’s new 2.5GW wind project the largest in the world. The giant offshore wind project is part of a grand plan to become the world’s third-largest wind power generator. The country hopes to develop wind energy into a flagship industry, pouring a hefty US$9bn into the project.
Background
Renewable Energy World published a recap on renewable energy in South Korea prepared by...
23 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
24 Jan 2012
EU’s energy efficiency talks not so efficient; Russia faces competition as EU secures alternate gas supplies; more ambitious 2030 EU renewable energy target called for; TAP expected to come out tops in the South East Europe pipeline race
EurActiv: Energy efficiency talks focus on finance, deal uncertain
Ana-Maria Tolbaru writes that the EU’s 27 member states are unwilling to make a financial commitment to the energy efficiency directive. Martin Lidegaard, the Danish Minister for climate, energy and building, says that the binding 20% energy efficiency target and measures have also been snubbed.
The EU Council of Ministers wants targets to be measured “differently,” or include “opt-outs,”...
06 Jan 2012
Brazil has entered Ernst & Young’s top 10 list of most attractive countries for renewable energy investment for the first time, up 1 place from the previous quarter and up 8 places from the same quarter last year.
What happened
Ernst & Young’s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness indices, for the 3rd quarter of 2011, lists Brazil in 10th position out of the 40 countries tracked, stating that the improvement in the country’s position is due primarily to wind energy. The 3rd quarter saw 4 power auctions, providing opportunities to reshape Brazil’s electricity market. Wind power attracted the most attention when it emerged that, for the first time, its price had fallen below that...
01 Mar 2012
Brazil proposes five forest-friendly hydro dams … During the renewable “revolution” in Nicaragua … As Argentina faces unprecedented energy crisis … And Haiti signs contract to refurbish its principal hydro plant!
Engerati: Brazil’s environmentally-friendly hydroelectric dams
Denise Philip of Engerati writes about Brazil’s plans to build a series of five dams along the Tapajós River, in the Amazon basin. The Brazilian Government insists that they will preserve the Amazon forest throughout the project. During construction it will use platforms similar to those used for offshore oil drilling. This eliminates urbanization and land links with highways. Access to the dams will be by...
07 Mar 2012
This is according to a global data report which predicts that 90% of the crystalline silicon solar panel’s weight can be recycled.
Over the next 15 years, PV recycling will become a multi-billion dollar market. By 2025, panel waste will reach 19,475, growing to 1,098,282 tons by 2035. The report, entitled "Solar Module Recycling - A Necessary Step to Maximize Environmental Benefits of Solar PV Industry" shows that the value per watt of a recycled PV module will reach US$0.58 by 2025. This will increase to US$1.21 per watt by 2035.
PV Cycle is already collecting old panels. Energy Matters reports that it has...
15 Mar 2012
UK community energy projects continue to grow ... While Europeans work towards a sustainable lifestyle ... And the renewable energy potential of the Mediterranean ... Still solar PV brings electricity prices down.
Engerati: UK Energy Independence at a Local Level
Denise Philip of Engerati reports that community-owned energy projects in the UK will receive US$1.5m from the Co-operative Group’s Enterprise Hub. The Hub aims to help communities develop and sustain their own energy projects.
Philip explains that compared to Germany, the UK has very little community-generated energy. This is due partly to the dominant role played by the “Big Six”energy companies.
Other factors include the...
16 Jan 2012
Renewable energies reach 65% of generation in Central America … But beware excessive consumption of natural resources in region … And Brazil’s development bank quadruples financing for wind in 2011.
ECLAC: Study says Renewable Energies Reach Record 65% of Electricity in Central America
65% of electricity produced in six countries in Central America in 2010 came from renewable energies (hydropower, geothermal, sugar cane, wind), which is a record for the subregion, according to a recent study from ECLAC.
In 2010 Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama produced a total of 40,668.2GWh, while the...
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