Archive for November, 2006
November 30, 2006 at 12:35 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Bio Fuel
Automakers are rolling into the Los Angeles Auto Show with a lineup of 21 concept cars powered by alternative fuels.
General Motors, Ford and BMW will unveil vehicles that run on hydrogen. Other companies will show vehicles powered by E-85 ethanol, electric-gas hybrid engines, biodiesel, natural gas and low-sulfur diesel fuel.
But many of the alternative-fuel concept cars on display may not reach showrooms for years, but Nissan said it will roll out 
its Prius-killer a new Altima hybrid sedan and coupe as well as a souped-up version of the Sentra small car early next year.
The hybrid, powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine as well as an electric motor, initially will be sold in eight states mainly in the Northeast starting in January. The company said the full-sized car will get 41 miles per gallon of gasoline in the city and 36 on the highway.
The Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public on Friday and runs through Dec. 10.
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November 28, 2006 at 2:56 pm · Filed under Green Tech
About 660 million computers are in use worldwide, the majority runs Microsoft operating system. Generating the electricity needed to power those computers requires hundreds of power plants that produce billions of tons of CO2 emissions. Many of those machines sit idle for 12 to 16 hours per day, burning electricity, but not doing any work.
Microsoft has already announced that they will build aggressive, energy-saving technology into their next operating system, Vista. But that’s not enough. These days, most computers are networked and can accept software upgrades over the Internet. Also, most machines already possess software that allows them to run more efficiently—to “sleep” in a low-power mode when not in use—but few people enable this feature. Foreign Policy estimates that if power saving software were running on all Microsoft platforms 45 million tons of CO2 could be saved every year. All it would take is just a few lines of code. Read the rest of this entry »
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November 27, 2006 at 11:24 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Money and Finance
As the oil price continues to rise, many African oil-importing countries are beginning to look at ways of lessening their dependence on the fuel.Whilst continuing high oil prices are good news for the 13 African countries which are net oil exporters, for the 42 oil-importing countries, higher prices are creating serious challenges. Read the rest of this story at priceofoil.org
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November 27, 2006 at 10:54 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Money and Finance
Investment in renewable energy and low carbon technology has more than doubled in the past two years and is set to grow another 30% to $63.3b this year, according BlackRock Mlim. Merrill Lynch International Investment New Energy fund (MLIF) co-manager Poppy Allonby believes new energy technologies are becoming mainstream, in the wake of the global move toward alternative energy.
“Environmental pressure and voter concern, security of energy supply worries, rising traditional energy prices and falling alternative energy costs are pushing new technologies towards the top of governments’ agendas,“ Allonby says.
The sector is being driven by four long-term key forces, she adds. Globally, regulatory momentum is supporting the sector as governments put environmental policies into place.
“In the US, California has the solar incentive program and China has the renewable energy law which gives financial incentives and encourages investment,“ she says.
“The Stern report in the UK has addressed the economic impact of climate change, while France has increased the purchase tariff for solar electricity by 50%.“
Allonby says energy supply concerns, operational and technological advances, and the economic performance of the sector are also driving investor interest.
“Most countries do not have enough domestic resources and are forced to import energy resources,“ she says.
“Traditional energy prices for commodities such as oil and gas are high and, in our view, are likely to remain that way, Investmentweek.com said.
Take a look at the article about how the new energy sector creates jobs from today statesman.com: link
Read the rest of this entry »
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November 21, 2006 at 7:57 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Bio Fuel
The Intelligent Energy ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle) is a motorcycle like no other. The ENV (pronounced “en vee”) is the envy of some of the other H2 motorcycle, scooter and wannabe manufacturers for its power, range, quietness and sleek design, though it does face some stiff competition from a few other manufacturers.
The ENV H2 motorcycle uses CORE cell technology, which contains the hydrogen and battery components in one unit and is removable from the motorcycle. The Intelligent Energy ENV, with its 6kW, 48 volt motor and 1kw fuel cell, has a top speed of 50 mph and a range of 100 miles. The speed and range are expected to be increased by the time the ENV reaches its production version.
In order to reach peak acceleration, power is drawn from both the fuel cell and battery pack as needed. The ENV also uses disc brakes and a belt drive system for better control and traction. According to Intelligent Energy, the ENV is one of the first hydrogen motorcycles designed from the ground up rather than relying on previous technology. Read the rest of this entry »
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November 21, 2006 at 6:46 pm · Filed under Solar
Next monday Sun21 will set its solar panels for New York in the fist attempt to cross the Atlantic in a solar powered boat. The 46-ft. vessel has no sails or gas tank, only two electric motors that run on batteries charged by photovoltaic cells. By day, rooftop solar panels generate more power than the boat consumes. The extra energy is stored to keep things moving after sundown. How fast does it go? About 5 to 6 knots, same as most yachts. A Swiss crew of five will attempt the record-breaking five-month, 7,000-mile trip to spread the word about the wonders of renewable energy.
The adventures of the “sun21”-crew can be followed on www.youtube.com (as well as on www.transatlantic21.ch) where short film reports illustrate the journey. The “sun21” will put out to sea in Seville on the 27th November in order to beginits record journey.
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November 21, 2006 at 12:44 am · Filed under Green Tech, Bio Fuel
Broin a South Dakota company said Monday it has made breakthroughs in the production of ethanol that enables it to use corn stalks, leaves and other plant material in the production of the motor fuel. The new technology will be used at a Broin Companies plant in the northeast Iowa town of Emmetsburg, located 120 miles northwest of Des Moines. The ethanol plant will be expanded to use the entire corn plant instead of just the kernel. The plant's capacity of 50 million gallons of ethanol a year will be increased to 125 million gallons with an investment of about $200 million, said CEO Jeff Broin. He said it is the first commercial scale production facility in the United States to make ethanol from plant material other than the corn kernel. Most ethanol in the United States is made from the starch contained in a corn kernel. The starch is broken down into basic sugar components, which are fermented using yeast and a cooking process into grain alcohol. This is often refered to as the first generation ethanol process. The Sioux Falls, S.D., company will use technology it has developed with Denmark-based Novozymes and Delaware-based DuPont that breaks down the cellulose in corn stalks and other plant parts into basic sugars that can be fermented into ethanol - a much more complicated process called the second generation. Here in Denmar the first large scale first generation ethanol plant will be build from 2007-2009. The design allows for upgrade to second generation processesing.
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November 19, 2006 at 5:16 pm · Filed under Green Tech
Solar panels are now mandatory on all new and renovated buildings as a result of an ongoing effort to update the country's building code. Spain's building code has not changed since the 1970s and has done little to promote energy efficiency. The new law, which was implemented September 29th, requires homes to heat 30 to 70 percent of their hot water with solar power. "'We have to make up the time we have lost,' Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said.
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November 19, 2006 at 5:10 pm · Filed under Green Tech
The Human Power Generator is small, portable, and dependable - perfect for emergencies, power failures, remote locations, and off-grid applications. It can be pedaled or cranked by hand to charge 12 volt batteries and run small appliances. Incorporate it into your existing 12 volt system or simply plug your 120 volt appliance into the Portable Power Pack outlet and start pedaling.
The typical average continuous power that can be generated by pedaling the Human Power Generator is up to about 80 watts. The maximum power obtainable through hand cranking typically is about 50 watts. The pedals and optional hand-cranks are interchangeable.
The MkIII Human Power Generator has a durable powder coated steel frame, large rubber feet, and vibration isolated generator. Reengineered for more strength, easier adjustment, and smooth operation, the new MkIII Human Power Generator is the tool for energy education and self-reliant electrical production.
The Human Power Combo comes with the Mk III Human Power Generator (pictured at left) and a stand-alone Portable Power Pack which includes: storage battery, 300 watt inverter (with 800 watt peak power), LED battery voltage readout, connection cables, and a 120 volt outlet to turn your calories into useful power. All you need to do is plug into the Portable Power Pack outlet with your standard AC or DC lights or appliances. To keep your system charged, you just hook up the Human Power Generator to the Portable Power Pack, and pedal or crank by hand…it's the same way you would recharge an ordinary battery, except you provide all the power!
Though even the Tour de France winner (Lance) could not run an entire household’s electrical appliances with it, the Human Power Generator System can give you a boost when and where you need it most (charge your car or boat battery, recharge portable electric tool batteries, run emergency back-up lighting, run your PC at your remote cabin). You can maximize the use of your Human Power Generator System by retrofitting your cabin with compact fluorescent lighting and energy efficient appliances.
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November 18, 2006 at 11:41 am · Filed under Money and Finance, Bio Fuel
A strong majority of American consumers are more inclined to throw their economic clout behind a cleaner, greener renewable fuel when it comes to issues of energy independence, American jobs and the environment. A national U.S. survey released today found that 57 percent of respondents believe that it is important that adding ethanol to gasoline lessens U.S. dependence on oil from foreign countries. "These findings demonstrate that more and more Americans are becoming aware of the reasons why they should choose ethanol-enriched gasoline," says Reece Nanfito, senior director of marketing for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC). "A solution to our dependence on foreign oil rests right here at home through the hard work and ingenuity of the American workforce. "Ethanol's positive impacts upon the American economy and the environment struck a chord with survey participants. Sixty-one percent of respondents indicated that they believe the American economy benefits from ethanol production. Fifty-eight percent believe that ethanol-enriched gasoline is better for the environment than standard gasoline. Respondents indicated that the most important benefit of ethanol is that it is "better for the environment."
The full results of the study are available at http://www.drivingethanol.org/survey
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November 17, 2006 at 8:25 pm · Filed under Climate
An iceberg has been spotted from the New Zealand shore for the first time in living memory, and scientists are trying to determine where it and several other giant chunks drifting in the country's waters orginated from. Last year, icebergs were seen in New Zealand water for the first time in 56 years, but couldn't be seen from the shore. This year one was visible from Dunedin on South Island on Thursday. It has since moved away, driven by winds and ocean currents. The floating ice blocks have become a tourist attraction, as sightseers pay up to 500 New Zealand dollars (US$332; euro252) each to fly over the icebergs. Theories about where on the Antarctic coastline the icebergs originated have gripped the science community since they were first spotted. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Researc, says the iceberg could not spefically be linked to global warming.
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November 16, 2006 at 11:31 am · Filed under Off Grid, Green Tech, Bio Fuel
Danish fuel cell technology can replace traditional heating systems and produce electricity at the same time - cheaper and more efficient. By installing this fuel cell stove that runs on several types of fuel from ethanol, gasoline to biodiesel, instead of a traditional oil stove, the heating cost will be about the same but you´ll get enough electricity for a familyhouse for free. The new fuel cell heater is produced by Topsoe Fuel Cell and they will have a commercial version ready by 2009-2010. Read the rest of this entry »
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November 15, 2006 at 5:16 pm · Filed under The Politics, Climate
Breaking news: UN Climate Conference 2009 will be held i Copenhagen. Nothing much more to report about that.
Haven’t seen Al-I-used-to-be-the-next-president-of-USA-Gores movie yet? Here is a 44 min. interview/documentary about him made this summer:
Read the rest of this entry »
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November 14, 2006 at 6:32 pm · Filed under Green Tech
Reduced-lead bullets, environment friendly mines and recyclable explosives are among the developments being put forward by arms manufacturer British Aerospace (BAE) as part of a major investment in ecologically-sound weaponry. The company, one of the world's biggest arms-makers, says it has been making investments in creating products that reduce the collateral damage of warfare. "We're looking across a range of all the platforms and areas we produce, and trying to improve all the mechanisms," Deborah Allen, director of corporate responsibility for the company, told BBC World Service's Culture Shock programme. "Everything from looking at making a fighter jet more fuel-efficient and looking at the materials that munitions are made of and what their impact on the environment would be." The idea behind the lead-free bullets, for example, is that if they get lodged in the environment, they "do not cause any additional harm". Whats next? Solar powered electric chairs?
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November 14, 2006 at 12:40 am · Filed under The Politics, Climate
The German environment research organization has just released their Climate Performance Index 2006 at the UN Climate Conference in Nairobi. The list only includes the 56 industrialized countres that each emits more than one percent of the global CO2.
Iceland wins this time, but they are cheating by using geothermal heating systems. We got the entire report as pdf in the reseach section. Link.
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November 13, 2006 at 1:43 pm · Filed under Links of the week
This weeks MMGL:
Google Campus goes solar. Google will save more than $393,000 annually in energy costs. Link. Why do they care? A single high-powered rack of servers consumes enough energy in a single year to power a hybrid car across the United States 337 times. Link. But hybrid cars are so expensiv! -It depends: Cost of building hydrogen fuel cell cars will not exceed that of making conventional fuel powertrain vehicles once volumes reach 1 million units, says GM. Link
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November 12, 2006 at 3:20 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Video
There are some fuel-efficient, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles on the consumer market in both US and Europe, ranging from Toyota’s Prius to Ford’s Escape small sport utility vehicle. But choices have been limited for commercial vehicles. A Canadian company is working to change that by turning Ford commercial vans into hybrids. Last month, Azure signed an agreement with Ford to develop a hybrid system for E-350 and E-450 commercial vans. Ford will ship unfinished van chassis to Azure, which will add the electronics, motors and batteries needed for a hybrid vehicle. Steven Glaser, vice president of corporate affairs for Azure Dynamics in Toronto, said hybrid technology makes sense for commercial vehicles in urban environments. Shuttle buses and delivery trucks, for example, are constantly starting and stopping, and hybrids save the most fuel in such conditions. “The worse the drive cycle, the better it is for hybrid technology,” Glaser said.
How it works:
Much like Ford and Toyota hybrids, the commercial vans will use electric power at lower speeds and switch to gasoline engine power at higher speeds. When the vehicle brakes, the electric motor runs backwards, turning it into a generator that recharges the batteries.
Hybrid technology explained
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November 10, 2006 at 8:31 pm · Filed under Bio Fuel, The Politics
The European Union will probably miss a 2010 target to use more alternative fuels, the second time it will fall short in five years, said Hans van Steen, an EU official in charge of promoting renewable energy.The EU wants biofuels to account for an average of 5.75% of transport fuel by 2010, Van Steen told the F.O. Licht World Ethanol Conference in Amsterdam today.
The EU set a target of 2% for 2005, and member states averaged 1%, he said. Biofuels are made from corn, sugar or vegetable oils. “We can’t count on member states getting to where they want to be, based on their previous performance,” said Van Steen, from the renewable energy unit at the
European Commission’s Energy and
Transport Directorate General. The 25-nation EU wants to use less fuel derived from crude oil or natural gas to improve energy security and independence, limit greenhouse gas emissions and support farmers, Van Steen said. Half of all new cars sold in Europe run on diesel, of which there is a shortage, and more than half of greenhouse gas emissions come from transport. The 2% target was only achieved by Sweden and Germany, Van Steen said. He added in a separate interview that the two countries and France were the only ones likely to meet the 2010 objective.
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November 10, 2006 at 3:11 pm · Filed under Green Tech, Video
As much as 16 percent of India’s electricity needs could be supplied by wind power within the next 25 years, the country’s president told a gathering of renewable energy experts this week. India produces 6,053 megawatts of wind power, a tiny chunk of the estimated 130,000 megawatts of electricity it needs, but its installed wind power grew by 47 percent in the last fiscal year, the Indian Wind Energy Association says. “I find that in the moderate scenario 16 percent of (India’s) total energy requirement can be contributed by wind energy by 2030,” President Abdul Kalam said at the start of an annual conference being held this year in New Delhi. “The present potential of wind energy in India has been worked out to be 45,000 megawatts.”
The president also told the energy experts, officials and environmentalists from more than 35 countries at the gathering — organized by the World Wind Energy Association — that India was Asia’s biggest wind power market. “The Asian region alone accounted for 19 percent new installations in 2005, experiencing a growth of over 46 percent. India can justifiably be proud of the fact that the strongest Asian market in 2005 was India.” Source: Tehran Times
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November 10, 2006 at 2:45 pm · Filed under Green Tech, The Politics
Renewable energy and environment is back on the political agenda in Denmark. The coming election is warming up and it is clear that a main theme will be energy. While the opposition has suggested that Denmark in 2020 should be 50% supplied with renewable energy primeminister Anders Fogh believes that 20% should be targeted for. That discussion has been on very general terms and it has not been discussed how to reach the goals, what sectors should take the lead to reach the mark etc. Today I called professor Henrik Lund from Aalborg University, Department of Development and Planning, to ask him if the political promises are doable. He had another focus that turned out to more interesting:
“I think that the important thing here is that nearly all parties in parlament agrees that when we have used our own sources of oil and gas, the only solution is to become 100% supplied by renewable energy. When it is done and how we reach the 20 or 50% milestones is a matter of discussions and political field work, but when we all agree upon 100% renewable energy a strong message is send to the investors and companies that will lead this development. This is unique.”
The oilfields in the sea west of Denmark will run dry in the next 30 years meaning that Denmark before 2040 will be one of the first countries in the world based solely on renewable energy.
I can´t tell you more right now, this is a actually a part of a story I write for a magazine :-/
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November 10, 2006 at 11:24 am · Filed under Green Tech
For the first time in its 32-year history, the International Energy Agency (IEA), in its World Energy Outlook 2006 urges governments around the world to help speed the construction of new nuclear power plants.
The IEA report – the first to offer advocacy rather than analysis – comes after the Group of Eight last summer asked the agency to come up with guidance on how governments could bolster energy security and combat global warming. Source: Energy Blog
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November 9, 2006 at 2:26 pm · Filed under DIY Projects
Four years ago me and my girlfriend bougth this real cheap old farmhouse and in february we began to rebuild it. Now we have been working for nearly half a year and I would like to show you a part of the project: the Finish mass-oven. These ovens are great because they accumulate heat in the 3 tons of massive brick walls. They use the wood extremely effectively if used correct and there is an opening for baking bread, pizza or boiling water. We also needed a stairway to the newly build second floor, so the idea was to combine the oven with the stairway.
This is how we started. We removed ALL inner walls in the house and the machines dug 60 cm down. Some places the outer walls needed to be supported from below, since the house is build old-style directly on the ground.
Here the core of the oven is beeing build. Read the rest of this entry »
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