EU's Renewable Goals Driving Wood Pellet Growth

EU's Renewable Goals Driving Wood Pellet Growth: " North America's wood pellet producers doubled exports to Europe between 2008 and 2010 as biomass played a larger role in meeting renewable energy goals."

Batteries are not the future of green cars, says smartest guy in room

Batteries are not the future of green cars, says smartest guy in room: "
by Christopher Mims.

Elon Musk is a dizzyingly accomplished badass as well as a quirky workaholic, which makes him kind of like Nikola Tesla minus the full-contact pigeon fancying. And hey, that’s exactly what he named his electric automobile company, Tesla Motors. Musk, who has built Tesla’s entire business on the advanced, computer-controlled battery technology his engineers developed for the Tesla Roadster sports car, thinks that batteries are kaput in the long run.

In their place, he’s betting on a technology called ultracapacitors. Capacitors are totally different than batteries—rather than being buckets of wet chemicals, they’re solid state devices already ubiquitous in today’s consumer electronics. Ultracapacitors are just giant, super energy-dense versions of their smaller antecedents, and they should be able to charge and discharge much more quickly than today’s batteries, which will be critical for topping off electric cars in a manner that in any way resembles our current habit of filling up at the gas station.

Energy analysts have often commented on the fact that even the best batteries have really awful energy density when compared to liquid fuels like gasoline, which means that if we’re going to even approximate the range and power of our current gas-fueled fleet, we’re going to need a breakthrough. Musk thinks ultracapacitors are just the ticket.

Read more:

“Tesla CEO: I’d Bet On Capacitors Over Batteries,” Earth2Tech

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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker ruins everything, including wind power
"

Chicago Skyscraper to Generate Solar Electricity

Chicago Skyscraper to Generate Solar Electricity: "

Willis Tower in Chicago -- formerly Sears Tower

Skyscrapers, notorious huge energy consumers, may soon become solar energy producers.

In an experimental program, Chicago’s tallest building, Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower) will soon feature high power density photovoltaic glass units (PVGUs) on the south side of the 56th floor, replacing the existing windows with a new type of photovoltaic glass developed by Pythagoras Solar. The new window units will preserve daylighting and views while reducing heat gain and producing the same energy as a conventional solar panel.

According to Inhabitat, the project could grow to 2 MW in size — which is comparable to a 10-acre field of solar panels — turning North America’s tallest building into a huge urban vertical solar farm. This will depend on what the return on investment is for this experimental technology.

The project is collaboration between the tower’s owner and Pythagoras Solar, with offices in California, Israel and Taiwan. The new PVGUs use a hybrid technology that lays typical monocrystalline silicon solar cell horizontally between two layers of glass to form an individual tile. An internal plastic reflective prism directs angled sunlight onto the solar cells but allows diffuse daylight and horizontal light through, providing natural light inside.

“We are excited to launch this pilot with Pythagoras Solar’s leading-edge solar window solutions as a test for not only the energy savings that can be achieved, but the potential they represent to actually generate power through the sun,” said John Huston, Executive Vice President of American Landmark Properties, one of the ownership partners of Willis Tower.

Source: Pythagoras Solar

Pythagoras Solar claims that the vertically integrated solar cells will produce the same amount of energy as normal rooftop-mounted solar panels. This is great news for cities that have precious little rooftop space and towering walls of glass. The product is also a potential breakthrough in energy efficiency in glass towers, where solar heat gain is difficult for those inside the building.

On its website, the PVGU manufacturer highlights a section titled, Toward Net-Zero Buildings. There it discusses Building Integrated Photovoltaics, stating, “Building Integrated Photovoltaics, by replacing common materials in the building envelope, provides the most promising solution for harnessing the sun at the point of use–the buildings where we live and work.”

This You Tube Video animation from Pythagoras Solar provides a good perspective for the potential for PVGU buildings.

According to the Pythagoras Solar website, the company was conceived at Precede Technologies, an Israeli incubator, which teams up scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs. “Dr. Itay Baruchi, an award-winning physicist, and Gonen Fink, a leader in taking Check Point Software from start-up to a multibillion dollar company, saw a business opportunity at the intersection of rising demand for Green Buildings and declining cost of Photovoltaic (PV) solar power.”

Pythagoras Solar’s PVGU uses patent-pending optical technology, high-efficiency silicon, and advanced materials to provide the industry’s first highest-transparency and highest-density PV power generation in a standard double-pane window form factor.

"

Forget ‘Dark Green’ Shoppers – ‘New Consumers’ Will Drive Sustainability, Report Says

Forget ‘Dark Green’ Shoppers – ‘New Consumers’ Will Drive Sustainability, Report Says: "


Brands can no longer rely on “dark green”, hyper-ethical consumers to drive the growth of sustainability, but must engage a broad swathe of consumers making up 30 percent of the market, according to new research.

Brand consulting firm BBMG said a group of 70 million shoppers branded “New Consumers”, making up 30 percent of the U.S. population, will help sustainable brands to enter the mainstream while forcing large brands to accelerate their adoption of environmental initiatives.

These shoppers are “values aspirational” because they are as interested in sustainability as the hard-core “dark green” consumers. But they are also “practical purchasers” because they are forced to make pragmatic trade-offs every day, according to the BBMG report, Unleashed: How New Consumers Will Revolutionize Brands and Scale Sustainability.

Previously BBMG’s research focused on Conscious Consumers, whose purchasing is driven by deep-rooted environmental and social values. But major economic and societal changes have forced all consumers to make compromises, BBMG says. And at the same time, mainstream shoppers have become more concerned with and educated about the environment.

New Consumers are defined less by demographics than by shared values, BBMG said (although it did provide a demographic breakdown of New Consumers, above left). They are twice as likely to try new things, share their opinions online and reward or punish brands based on corporate practices. Even during the recession, 25 percent are willing to pay more for sustainable alternatives, BBMG said.

“For brands to take sustainability to scale, they can no longer rely on the dark green consumer. Instead, they need to engage New Consumers, who are just as concerned about the environment but also realistic about factors like price, performance, convenience, health and safety,” said Raphael Bemporad, BBMG’s Chief Strategy Officer.

New Consumers are taking steps to re-evaluate their purchasing, however, by opting for do-it-yourself solutions or choosing to enjoy experiences instead of buying new goods, the report said. Many are moving from “gateway purchases” such as organic, local foods to major purchases such as energy-saving appliances, fair-trade apparel and environmentally responsible travel.

BBMG found that New Consumers are skeptical, with less than four percent turning to company advertising to verify product claims. But once they find a product that they trust, they become fiercely loyal, and that loyalty will be instrumental in bringing green brands to the mainstream, BBMG said.

In the U.K., just seven percent of consumers take companies at their word on their actions to reduce climate impacts, according to a new report from the U.K.’s Carbon Trust.

But another study out this week found that American consumers continue to misunderstand phrases commonly used in environmental marketing and advertising – such as “green” or “environmentally friendly” – giving products a greener halo than they may deserve.
"

Debut of the first practical 'artificial leaf'

Debut of the first practical 'artificial leaf': "Scientists today claimed one of the milestones in the drive for sustainable energy -- development of the first practical artificial leaf. Researchers have developed an advanced solar cell the size of a poker card that mimics the process, called photosynthesis, that green plants use to convert sunlight and water into energy."

New Graduate position - Energy, Supply Training & Development: EST&D - Suncor Energy - Calgary, AB

New Graduate position - Energy, Supply Training & Development: EST&D - Suncor Energy - Calgary, AB: "petroleum resources, we are also developing our renewable energy portfolio, which includes wind power and... Supply & Trading, Renewable Energy, or Strategic...

From Suncor Energy - 19 Mar 2011 03:35:14 GMT

- View all Calgary jobs"

Germany Sets Renewable Energy Record in 2010

Germany Sets Renewable Energy Record in 2010: "Germany now gets 17 percent of its energy from renewables, exceeding natural gas and closing in on coal, nuclear."

Tibet Gets Another 10 MW of Solar Power

Tibet Gets Another 10 MW of Solar Power: "
by Tate Dwinnell

Suntech Power (STP) has been donating solar power on a small scale to schools, community centers and even a base at the bottom of Mt Everest in Tibet for many years. Yesterday they announced a larger scale 10MW solar project in
Chek Kang village more than 13000 ft above seal level which will provide 20,000MWh of clean energy per year. The solar power will ease pressure on diminishing hydroelectric resources which become less dependable due to increasing droughts and development.

"With intense sunlight and cool temperatures, Tibet is extremely well-suited for the utilization of advanced photovoltaic technology," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Founder, Chairman and CEO. "We're proud to invest in preserving the region's fragile ecosystem by providing an economically-viable and sustainable solution for electricity generation. From the desert sands of Arizona to the peaks of the Himalayas, anyone can look up and harness nature's cleanest and most abundant energy resource."


Photo by Bernard Goldbach/flickr/Creative Commons


Reprinted with permission from Green Stocks Central"

Algae Plant Moves Toward Commercial Production

Algae Plant Moves Toward Commercial Production: "Four plants are in under development to produce algae oil for biofuels and other industries.

"

Smaller particles could make solar panels more efficient

Smaller particles could make solar panels more efficient: "New research could significantly improve the efficiency of solar cells. The size of light-absorbing particles -- quantum dots -- affects the particles' ability to transfer energy to electrons to generate electricity."

New Senate Bill Contains 25 Percent Renewable Energy Standard

New Senate Bill Contains 25 Percent Renewable Energy Standard: "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced legislation this week that includes a 25 percent renewable energy standard among other strong provisions for domestic alternative energy.


The Securing America's Future with Energy and Sustainable Technologies (SAFEST) Act would establish renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards, incentives for developing biofuels and biofuel infrastructure, and targets for the availability of advanced vehicle technologies. Specifically, the legislation would establish:

- New incentives for biofuels infrastructure and deployment

- An extension of tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel that the Senators say would reward efficient producers and be more cost-effective

- A renewable electricity standard of 25 percent renewable energy by 2025

- An energy-efficiency resource standard (1 percent per year)

- Targets for the availability of advanced vehicle technologies including hybrid, electric, and flex-fuel vehicles


'This legislation invests in jobs on the farm and in manufacturing in America. It is the path to our energy future by investing in a range of renewable energy from biofuels to wind and importantly will provide incentives for infrastructure for renewables,' said Johnson. 'This will prevent us going from importing oil to importing wind turbines and electric cars.'

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates that the national energy-efficiency resource standard in the bill would create energy bill savings of more than $150 billion by 2020 and save enough energy to power approximately one-third of all households in the United States. Recent studies indicate that the renewable electricity standard in the bill could create more than 250,000 new cleantech jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10 percent.

The SAFEST bill has been endorsed by the National Farmers Union, Growth Energy, National Association of Energy Service Companies, American Soybean Association, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and the National Biodiesel Board.

Reprinted with permission from Sustainable Business"

Polysilicon in China in Tight Supply

Polysilicon in China in Tight Supply: " China imported 5,521 tons of polysilicon in January, representing a year-on-year rise of 74.8 percent, according to the latest statistics released by the General Administration of Customs. The figure is 40 percent above the 2010 average monthly import, which was approximately 3,958 tons, providing evidence that the material is in tight supply across the country."

XL Hybrids Can Convert Your Gas-Guzzler Into a Hybrid Car

XL Hybrids Can Convert Your Gas-Guzzler Into a Hybrid Car: "


Many of us wish we could afford to buy a new hybrid or electric car, but until we get that promotion/new job/win the lottery, we’re stuck with our gas-guzzlers. Now a Massachusetts-based company called XL Hybrids has found a solution — they’ve developed an add-on kit that can transform any gas-guzzling car into a hybrid, reducing fuel consumption by up to 30 percent!






Read the rest of XL Hybrids Can Convert Your Gas-Guzzler Into a Hybrid Carhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: electric car, electric motor, gas guzzling car, hybrid car conversion, hybrid vehicles, ion battery, xl hybrids, xl hybrids operation

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Low-Cost Solar Heating by Sunnovations

Low-Cost Solar Heating by Sunnovations: "(Source: Jetson Green)
Sunnovations, a Virginia-based start-up, is seeing more and more interest in its unique solar thermal technology and just closed a Series A round of financing led by Two Seven Ventures. That technology is explained in the attached images, and it"

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Building Efficiency Software

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Building Efficiency Software: "


Did you know that residential and office buildings account for approximately 40 percent of energy usage in the U.S.? As a result, making your home and workplace as energy efficient as possible saves money, cuts emissions and makes the world a greener place. So it makes sense that as part of President Obama’s new Better Buildings Initiative, businesses and research institutions were encouraged to come up with new ways to make buildings greener and to conserve more energy. As a result, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is introducing new software that provides building owners with a full read-out of the property’s energy usage – and it’s totally free!






Read the rest of National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Building Efficiency Softwarehttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: 'energy efficiency', Better Buildings Initiative, energy conservation, energy modeling, free building efficiency upgrade, green buildings, green homes, NREL, nuclear energy, office efficiency, OpenStudio, renewable energy laboratory, WellHome Weatherization

"

Is your area solar-ready? Check out this gorgeous map

Is your area solar-ready? Check out this gorgeous map: "
by Jess Zimmerman.


The
places you would go to get some sun aren’t necessarily the places with
the most potential for solar energy. The Southwest is a giant hotspot;
Florida and Hawaii are only okay. Check out this map to find the solar
potential where you live.

Read more:

”Good Sun,” Xcel Energy

Related Links:


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Japan’s 200 mph trains sail through earthquake with flying colors





How to deck your bike out like a Victorian gentleman







"

Feed-in tariff cut shocks UK PV market

Feed-in tariff cut shocks UK PV market: "
British officials today announced the cutting of support for large-scale (greater than 50 kilowatts) solar photovoltaic (PV) installations supported by the government’s feed-in tariff (FIT). This news has been expected for some time, as the government announced the FIT review in February. However, it’s still a shock for the fledgling UK solar PV market.

The rapid review of the FIT has been focused on reducing tariffs for over 50-kilowatt solar PV and also increasing support for farm-scale anaerobic digestion installations. This is due to the government’s perception that large-scale solar poses a threat that was not expected.

“I want to make sure that we capture the benefits of fast falling costs in solar technology, to allow even more homes to benefit from feed-in tariffs, rather than see that money go in bumper profits to a small number of big investors,” said Climate Change Minister Greg Barker.

The previous tariff rates for solar PV were:

• 32.9p/kilowatt-hour for installations of 10 to 100 kilowatts
• 30.7p/kilowatt-hour for 100-kilowatt to 5-megawatt and stand-alone installations

Following today’s announcement, the proposed tariffs for solar PV are:

• 19p/kilowatt-hour for 50- to 150-kilowatt installations
• 15p/kilowatt-hour for installations of 150 to 250 kilowatts
• 8.5p/kilowatt-hour for 250-kilowatt to 5-megawatt and stand-alone installations

With such a marked differences between the before and after tariff rates, this will hurt many of the planned large-scale solar PV plants currently in planning stages. The government reasons that the changes are in line with amendments made to similar schemes in Europe, such as Germany, France and Spain. However, the scale of those markets is completely different, with the solar PV industries in those countries producing hundreds or thousands of megawatts each year, allowing installation costs to be much lower. Because of the immaturity of the UK market, the incentive rates must be higher to encourage rapid growth.

The announcement has been met with widespread condemnation from the solar PV industry.

Andrew Lee, head of international sales at Sharp Solar, said it is “extremely disappointing and effectively destroys the solar industry for installations above 50 kilowatts … this overzealous proposal will wipe out community projects like installations on schools, hospitals and churches, will halt business and industrial investment, and will limit solar to small-scale domestic projects. This is terrible news for the renewable energy sector — the steep rise in job creation will stop and morale within the industry will drop as a result of this remarkable U-turn.”

Such strong words indicate just how heavily these tariff cuts will weigh on the industry, forcing investors to look abroad and reducing the ability of the UK to meet ambitious renewable energy targets.

If approved by parliament, the revised tariffs would be introduced as soon as 1 August 2011, which could spur a rush in these next few months, but then effectively kill the UK large-scale solar industry before it has grown. Furthermore, if you look at other countries with the FIT in place, such as Germany, where 5- and 10-megawatt installations are relatively average, it is remarkable that the UK government even considers installations greater than 50 kilowatts in size to be “large.”

The fast-track review has also modified the tariff rates for anaerobic digestion (AD), as uptake for such systems was previously too slow, with just two installations so far. The adjusted rates are set to be:

• 14p/kilowatt-hour for AD installations with a total capacity of up to 250 kilowatts
• 13p/kilowatt-hour for AD installations with a total capacity of between 250 to 500 kilowatts

These compare with the previous tariff rates of 12.1p/kilowatt-hour for AD installation of up to 500 kilowatts. However, the government is also looking at restraining the growth of energy crops for AD purposes and focusing on using waste as the input. Officials are talking to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to implement controls in this regard.

While the previously described changes to the UK FIT are the first to be implemented, a further comprehensive review of the whole scheme is currently underway and set to be finished by the end of this year.

The results of this review has left the UK solar PV industry shell-shocked. It’s likely to prevent the uptake of solar PV on a large scale, which means the potential carbon savings from this technology has also been cut. While there have been more than 23,000 installations since the FIT was introduced 11 months ago, these have been mainly domestic. The total installed capacity from solar PV has been just 64 megawatts, a scale likely to have very little impact in the quest for a low-carbon future. Today’s announcement leaves Britain’s hopes for a significant contribution from solar PV severely dented.

Greenbang will be providing further analysis of the feed-in tariff and the effects of the fast-track review on the UK solar PV and AD markets during a webinar at 2 pm GMT on Wednesday, March 23. Registration for “Analysis of the feed-in tariff 2011″ is free and available online.



Related posts:

1. Webinar: What’s status of UK feed-in tariff?
2. Klaxons join campaign for UK solar feed-in tariff
3. Incentives fire up UK solar market

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